For once, Lord Kaza was the first to arrive in the conference room. He sat at the head of the table, his face serious as he wrote something intently.
Once everyone was seated, Rinjin finally looked up, his expression stern as he addressed the group.
"Since everyone's here, let's skip the small talk and get straight to business."
He shot a sharp glance at Maki standing behind him and continued, "Maki, go outside and watch the door."
Maki's breath caught. Clearly reluctant, he walked out anyway. He still hadn't received a reply from Lord Kazekage regarding this meeting, so it wasn't his place to act rashly.
As he closed the heavy conference room doors, Maki kept his ears perked, trying to listen in.
Inside, Rinjin watched Maki leave before turning back to sweep the room with a severe gaze and speaking in a low voice.
"Let's begin. I'll start with a few off-topic remarks. We've already had our two regular meetings this year, so let's keep things relaxed today—no need to be so tense. Today, I want to share a little idea that I've recently developed—it's still quite immature. I don't know if you've heard about newspapers—the kind Amegakure has started publishing. They print the day's fresh news on one or more sheets and sell them to villagers at extremely low prices. But I have my own thoughts about this kind of print medium. For example, if I were a merchant from an out-of-town caravan, I could pay a small fee to advertise my wares in the newspaper. Anyone who sees the paper and needs what I'm selling would naturally come to the address listed, saving both time and a lot of shop rental costs. Or perhaps the paper could print interesting daily intelligence, helping the village understand world affairs and pass the time."
Rinjin spoke in a dry, matter-of-fact way—no seductive sales tactics, no carefully crafted language. But he trusted that these carefully selected merchants wouldn't disappoint him. Newspapers might not be as profitable as other lucrative trades, but this thing controlled public opinion! Once circulation increased and the audience trusted it, whoever controlled the newspaper would have a complete grip on the narrative high ground. This was no joke. Why could Danzō cause so much trouble in Konoha? Wasn't it because Sarutobi Hiruzen gave him that bit of media power?
Rinjin understood this principle. And the Eighteen Seats—all business elites, cunning as monkeys—after a moment's careful thought, also grasped what newspapers really meant. Without Rinjin's introduction, their thinking, limited by the times, might never have conceived of newspapers. But once Rinjin opened their eyes, how could they not understand?! This was the perfect tool for smuggling in private agendas! If nothing else, it would give them a voice twice as loud as anyone else's!
Rinjin continued speaking. "Of course, this is just my small, immature idea. That's precisely why today's meeting won't discuss whether to implement this proposal. Here's what we'll do—I'll give everyone three days to go home and carefully consider my suggestion. Three days from now at 3 PM, we'll meet again. If everyone thinks it's suitable, we'll execute it. If anyone thinks it's inappropriate, we'll abandon the proposal."
Finishing, Rinjin's lips slowly curved into a smile, his index finger tapping lightly on the table. "Meeting adjourned~"
With that, he stood first and walked out of the conference room.
Outside, Maki followed Rinjin's steps with a grave expression. Though young and lacking sharp business or political instincts, any topic that Kaza gave three days to consider was clearly something that needed immediate reporting to Lord Fourth.
On the way back to the office, Rinjin paused and spoke slowly: "Work's done for today. I'm clocking out—go handle your own business."
With that, Rinjin turned toward the first-floor exit of the Municipal Ministry.
Maki nodded immediately, his serious gaze fixed on Rinjin's retreating figure, not moving for a long while. He might not be a merchant, but a jōnin's instincts were no joke. Kaza, this old fox—is he waiting for me to report to Lord Fourth?! Does he think he's got us figured out, or does he just not care about this so-called newspaper? Either way, I need to report everything I heard today to Lord Fourth immediately!
With this thought, Maki stopped hesitating and rushed toward the Kazekage Tower.
...
Kazekage Tower, Kazekage's Office.
Rasa listened to Maki's report, sitting seriously in his office chair. Right now he felt like a crab that had fallen into a trap and lost its claws— he could still walk sideways, but some things were beyond his power. Even so, he could still see hints in Kaza's actions. That old fox was giving him an opportunity! He was giving him a chance to get involved!
With this realization, Rasa took this so-called newspaper even more seriously. He was the new Kazekage, with no power or influence, his thinking still constrained by the unique limitations of this era—he'd never experienced the power of controlling public opinion. However, Rinjin's goal was to get him into the game! After all, he was an undercover agent, a spy—not some real Lord Kaza. From beginning to end, his purpose was to sideline this major village southwest of Amegakure, ensuring a stable rear. Most crucially, he didn't want to get directly involved himself or be tied down by the Kazekage position. So Fourth KazekageRasa was the most important piece in his plan.
Just as Rasa and Maki sat in silence, the office door was knocked. With Rasa's permission, an ANBU member approached Rasa and whispered: "Lord Fourth, Municipal Ministry Director Kaza requests an audience."
Rasa was slightly taken aback, his eyes slowly narrowing. What's this guy trying to do, coming here at this time? After a moment's thought, Rasa instructed: "Let him in."
Before long, Rinjin, led by the ANBU, strolled leisurely into this office he'd only visited once before. "Good evening, Lord Fourth."
Rasa nodded with a forced smile, gesturing toward the nearby sofa: "Uncle, please have a seat."
Rinjin smiled and shook his head, walking slowly to the desk. With a half-smile, he glanced at Maki beside him and spoke: "Lord Fourth, there's something I'd like to report to you."
"Go ahead."
"Here's the situation: several members of the Eighteen Seats seem to have made enough money recently and are starting to show some restless tendencies. I think it's time to bring in a new batch of ambitious, motivated people. What do you think, Lord Fourth?"
Rasa's pupils contracted slightly, his eyes immediately narrowing. Replace the Eighteen Seats? No! That's not the key point! His uncle held complete control over the Municipal Ministry—there was absolutely no need to report this kind of thing to him. Could it be... he's inviting me to get involved?!
With this thought, Rasa's heart immediately filled with joy. Whether from a power or economic perspective, entering the Eighteen Seats would definitely bring enormous benefits.
Rasa cleared his throat twice and said: "I already told you last time—if you think they should be replaced, then replace them. Just give me a heads up about who you're replacing, so I can find positions for these talented individuals who are stepping down."
Rinjin nodded with a smile and flattered: "As it should be. Lord Fourth's benevolence and magnanimity will surely lead our Sunagakure to become the number one village in the ninja world!"
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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