Mitsuki Kōmei didn't know someone was eyeing the money in his pocket; if he did, he would definitely be smiling very happily.
He was currently accompanying Tsunade and the others, strolling through the commercial district, enjoying the bustling atmosphere of human life, which he loved the most.
He watched the fashionable Common People coming and going on the streets and listened to the endless shouts of various vendors.
Mitsuki Kōmei didn't have to pay for food; if he paid, the Common People would get angry. Over time, he stopped offering money and instead had people secretly keep a record, making up the difference by collecting slightly less tax later.
Mitsuki Kōmei skillfully fed a skewer of snacks to Tsunade.
"Is Grandma Mito doing well?"
"Her health is very good. She often grumbles about why you don't go see her and constantly makes me write letters to you. It's so annoying."
Tsunade swallowed the snack in her mouth and complained softly.
Mitsuki Kōmei took out a handkerchief and gently wiped the oil from Tsunade's lips.
"That's good. I'll visit her when I have time. What's your current strength?"
He was waiting for the Second Shinobi World War to break out, as a certain event during the war might cause Tsunade to leave Konoha.
Without any hesitation, Tsunade replied instantly, "We can all be promoted to Jonin soon."
Mitsuki Kōmei raised his hand, rubbed Tsunade's head, and gave her a thumbs-up.
"My Tsunade is amazing! Of course, Brother Jiraiya and Orochimaru are also amazing."
"Hmph, your Brother Jiraiya often peeks at female Ninja bathing, and he never learns. He keeps clamoring about finishing his novel early to share with you."
Tsunade's eyes flashed with a vicious light, and her hands clenched, making a cracking sound. "Can you tell me what kind of novel you two are reading?"
Mitsuki Kōmei didn't expect Jiraiya to sell him out and glared at him fiercely.
"It's nothing, just a love story between male and female Ninja, where they are intimate, passionately communicate, and ascend to heaven together."
"Wouldn't you say so, Brother Jiraiya!" Mitsuki Kōmei stared unblinkingly at Jiraiya, his hand on Jiraiya's shoulder.
Jiraiya felt like he was being targeted by a Vicious Beast, shrank his head, and wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. "Yes, yes, yes, Big Brother Kōmei is right."
"See, there's nothing between us. Let's go to the pet shop; I'll get you a puppy."
Yukino Shinsuke, having made his preparations, arrived at Daimyo City with a nervous heart, walking step by step towards the Daimyo Manor.
The short journey of a few thousand meters, which as a Ninja he should have covered quickly, took him several hours without reaching his destination.
As he slowly made his way to the Daimyo Manor, he coincidentally met Mitsuki Kōmei and the others returning from their stroll.
"Lord Mitsuki , long time no see. Are you well?" Yukino Shinsuke stood at attention, bowed, and greeted him.
He wanted to leave a good impression on the Daimyo; perhaps he would get hit fewer times later. He felt that as soon as he stated the Mizukage's demands, he would surely get beaten.
"Oh, I've seen you before. You're that Yuki from Hidden Mist Village…"
Mitsuki Kōmei frowned, recalled for a moment, and then said with understanding,
"I remember now, Yukino Shinsuke. Why are you in Daimyo City today?"
Watching Yukino Shinsuke stammer and fail to utter a single word for a long time.
"Is it difficult to say? Come inside and speak."
Mitsuki Kōmei led Yukino Shinsuke to the Deliberation Hall and arranged for everyone to be seated.
"Don't be afraid, I don't eat people. What brings you to the Daimyo Manor?"
"The Mizukage orders you to tear up the agreement made with Konoha Village,"
Yukino Shinsuke stole a glance, and seeing no change in Mitsuki Kōmei's expression, he continued.
"The Mizukage informs you that Hidden Mist Village's budget will increase to one billion Ryo next year."
Mitsuki Kōmei remained expressionless. "Anything else? Say it all at once."
"He said you earn a lot of money, and Hidden Mist Village wants two billion Ryo." Mitsuki Kōmei was about to speak.
"Bang!" The carved conference table fell apart. "This is too much! Who does he think he is? Shamelessly making one, two, three demands! How shameless!"
Mitsuki Kōmei wasn't angered by the Mizukage; he was startled by Tsunade's sudden outburst.
"It's okay, don't be angry. Isn't it just about money? Here, I'll write you a note right away, and you can go find the Finance Minister."
Yukino Shinsuke found it incredible; not only did he not get beaten, but he also got the money. He happily took the note to claim the money.
Hmph, what kind of Daimyo is he? He's just afraid of Hidden Mist Village, afraid of the Mizukage! He doesn't even dare to refuse such excessive demands!
"How could you give it to him? That's money you earned through hard work! You don't need to be afraid of him; I'll think of a way."
Mitsuki Kōmei was holding Tsunade's hand, and he couldn't understand why Tsunade looked so heartbroken for him.
"Yes, Big Brother Kōmei, you gave too much. Hidden Mist Village will become stronger."
"Ow!" Mitsuki Kōmei let out a cry of pain.
Mitsuki Kōmei was suddenly slapped on the thigh by Tsunade, who had just thought of something. With her monstrous strength, even with his strong Physique, he winced in pain.
He grimaced in pain, and Tsunade hurriedly massaged his leg with her hand, saying as she rubbed.
"We'll spread the news. The other Ninja Villages don't want Hidden Mist Village to get the money, so they'll definitely find a way to stop it."
He grabbed Tsunade's small hand, interrupting her wild thoughts.
"Alright, I need the money myself. Kakuzu is already very reluctant. It will be harder for Yukino Shinsuke to get the money than for him to become Mizukage."
Mitsuki Kōmei wasn't worried at all. Kakuzu was definitely a qualified Finance Minister; for every Ryo spent from the national treasury, he would want to know where the money went. It would be no easier for the Mizukage to freeload two billion Ryo than to climb to heaven.
Yukino Shinsuke, holding the note personally written by Mitsuki Kōmei, found Kakuzu and demanded two billion Ryo. Kakuzu's expression instantly changed; he snatched the note.
"Hidden Mist Village's Mizukage wants two billion Ryo for expenses, and ten billion Ryo annually starting next year. You can give him the money."
Kakuzu stuffed the note back into Yukino Shinsuke's hand, pushed him out the door, and slammed the door shut.
Mitsuki Kōmei had already conveyed his intentions to Kakuzu. In the past, when he asked Kakuzu for money, he had to include words like 'must,' 'immediately,' and 'no refusal.'
The note written to Yukino Shinsuke didn't include these, nor did it bear the Daimyo Manor's official seal. Kakuzu understood instantly.
Mitsuki Kōmei was approached again by Yukino Shinsuke. "Lord Mitsuki , the Finance Minister refuses to give the money. What do you suggest?"
"He won't give the money? Coming to me is useless. Kakuzu earned the position of Finance Minister with grain, you know! I can't control him either. If you have a way, you can try."
Mitsuki Kōmei spread his hands and swayed back to sleep.
Having no other choice, Yukino Shinsuke returned to the finance department, violently broke open the door, and was thrown out, battered and bruised, less than fifteen minutes after entering.
Yukino Shinsuke returned to Hidden Mist Village, covered in dirt, and reported the situation truthfully to the Mizukage.
After hearing the report, the Mizukage was furious, gnashing his teeth. "Damn Kakuzu, damn Mitsuki Kōmei, damn Konoha Village!"
"What do we do now, Lord Mizukage? Kakuzu won't give us the money."
"You go talk to Kakuzu. As long as he leaves the Daimyo Manor, Hidden Mist Village will make him the head of a certain department."
The Mizukage acknowledged Kakuzu's strength and confidently extended an olive branch to him. A departmental head in Hidden Mist Village is better than the Daimyo Manor's Finance Minister, right? No one would refuse, he thought.
"It's me again?"
"If not you, should I go myself?"
Yukino Shinsuke reluctantly sought out Kakuzu again and offered terms to win him over.
After hearing them, Kakuzu felt no ripples in his heart, and even wanted to laugh. He threw Yukino Shinsuke out for the second time.
Mitsuki Kōmei felt no surprise at Kakuzu's actions. Looking at the three Chakra Pills in his palm, a wicked smile hung at the corner of his mouth.