Tobirama's fists clenched.
Enough is enough.
This was outright humiliation.
That inherently dangerous Uchiha brat!
Senju Tobirama gritted his teeth, desperately resisting the urge to punch Uchiha Makoto square in the face.
For the sake of Konoha's future, he forcibly suppressed the rage boiling in his chest and twisted his lips into a stiff, unnatural smile.
"This time," Tobirama began slowly,
"Konoha seeks formal cooperation with the Fire Daimyō."
"We hope the Land of Fire will provide Konoha with political recognition and economic support."
"In addition, regarding mission commissions within the Land of Fire—"
"Konoha wishes to establish a unified system to evaluate, categorize, and distribute missions."
Tobirama spoke at length, methodically laying out his proposal.
It was clear—this plan had been prepared long in advance.
And among all its components, there was one move so ruthless it could be called decisive to the point of extinction.
All missions within the Land of Fire would be standardized and routed through Konoha.
Given that ninja income in this era depended almost entirely on missions, this single measure would sever the lifeline of every independent ninja clan in the country.
Even if Konoha allowed non-member clans to take a share of missions, those clans would only receive:
High-risk missions
Low-reward contracts
Poorly evaluated assignments
While high-pay, low-risk missions would naturally be monopolized by Konoha's internal forces—with commission cuts taken on top of that.
Over time, independent clans would face only two choices:
Leave the Land of Fire
Or join Konoha
This was, in essence—
A monopoly.
Yet its advantages were undeniable.
Previously, ninja clans slaughtered one another for mission access.
Under a unified system, missions could be centrally managed and rationally distributed, greatly reducing internal bloodshed.
From the Hokage's perspective, this also meant absolute leverage over the clans' economic survival.
After all, control the missions, and you control the clans.
As for what counted as "fair distribution"—that was entirely subjective.
And the village leadership would always hold the final word.
"A brilliant strategy," Makoto admitted silently.
Once implemented, no ninja village other than Konoha could survive within the Land of Fire.
No wonder the Uchiha clan had refused to leave with Uchiha Madara.
Once Konoha controlled the mission pipeline, the old Warring States system was dead.
Even if the Uchiha left, they'd still have to accept missions through Konoha's platform—or flee to another Great Nation, where they'd be outsiders.
As Konoha's founding clan, their待遇 would never be the same elsewhere.
There was no point in leaving.
Makoto nodded thoughtfully.
"Your idea is sound, Senju Tobirama."
"If implemented successfully, it would stabilize the Land of Fire and end the endless cycle of clan warfare."
He deliberately left the drawbacks unsaid.
Hashirama beamed with joy.
He genuinely believed his brother had found a way to bring lasting peace—so children would no longer be sent to the battlefield.
"Hmph. At least you understand," Tobirama said, pride creeping into his voice.
This plan:
Expanded Konoha's influence
Forced clan integration
Strengthened centralized authority
Established internal peace
A single stroke, many victories.
"But," Makoto continued calmly,
"this plan is completely unrealistic under Konoha's current circumstances."
"You're facing mass mission cancellations—not just within the Land of Fire, but from neighboring countries as well."
"Given Konoha's reputation right now, why would the nobles cooperate?"
"Missions are voluntary agreements. If no one wants to commission Konoha, are you planning to force them?"
Makoto's words were cold water poured straight over Tobirama's head.
Rumors already painted Konoha as the mastermind behind the tulip disaster.
If not for Konoha's military strength, enraged nobles would have acted long ago.
"T-that kind of coercion…" Hashirama stammered, visibly deflating.
He was incapable of such behavior.
That was precisely why they had come—to ask the Daimyō to intervene and lend authority to Tobirama's proposal.
Tobirama fell silent.
Damn it.
I was just trying to recover losses.
How did this become Konoha's fault?!
"Actually," Makoto said lightly,
"I have a solution."
"A centralized mission platform can still be built—but it doesn't have to be run by Konoha."
"Let Akatsuki Village handle mission evaluation and distribution."
"The outcome would be the same. Konoha ninja could freely accept missions through our system."
"To ensure fairness, Konoha may send representatives to participate."
"A win-win arrangement."
Makoto smiled.
Since Konoha's reputation was already ruined, why not let Akatsuki take the stage?
Hashirama hesitated.
It sounded reasonable… yet felt wrong.
Instinctively, he looked to Tobirama.
"If I haven't spoken, don't interrupt," Tobirama had warned earlier.
Hashirama obediently stayed silent.
Tobirama's face darkened.
Damn you.
Inherently dangerous Uchiha brat.
You're trying to rip out Konoha's foundation and still dare ask for my opinion?
This was nothing less than transferring Konoha's core authority elsewhere.
He understood this principle well:
Power and legitimacy must never be delegated.
This—
He would never accept.
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