"Enough, Danzo-sama."
Hizashi Hyuga finally spoke once the situation was mostly under control.
At the same time, he found himself newly impressed by Soushu Hyuga!
Even with his Byakugan, he couldn't determine exactly how Soushu had managed to send Danzo flying after his Taijutsu attack was blocked!
Everyone knew that hand-to-hand combat between ninja was an ultimate contest of speed and strength, where life and death were separated by the blink of an eye!
Surely it wasn't because Danzo had suddenly become distracted or merciful?
"Hmph."
With no choice but to concede, Danzo reluctantly dissipated the Wind Release chakra gathered in his fingers and mouth.
But his cold, lifeless eyes continued to glare at Soushu, who looked seriously wounded, as if longing to kill him on the spot.
He was the Ninja World's dreaded shadow, a name once enough to make enemies flee in terror! If word got out that today he'd been bested by just a Tokubetsu Jonin, his lifelong reputation would be ruined!
Still, Danzo kept Konoha's interests close to heart. He hadn't forgotten the mission entrusted to him by his old friend Hiruzen Sarutobi!
"Your luck holds today. But I'll collect what's coming to me one day!"
Quickly assessing the situation, Danzo wiped blood from the corner of his mouth and turned toward the High-ranking Official and Hizashi Hyuga. Without reservation, he exposed his back to Soushu and the other Branch House Jonin whose gazes brimmed with killing intent.
This was his way of showing he had no intention of continuing the fight.
"This Hyuga clan Jonin, you should have your wounds seen to immediately."
Actually, it was the High-ranking Official himself—who had remained shielded behind Hizashi Hyuga—who spoke first.
As a noble court official and trusted aide to the Daimyo, naturally this man had never undergone rigorous ninja training or inefficient samurai drills. In essence, he was simply an ordinary man in a high position; however, one core skill of leadership was knowing people—especially identifying what kind of person could prove useful!
What was most precious in today's Ninja World? Talent—and talent alone!
And what kind of talent was most valuable? The kind that was both cheap and effective!
Who wouldn't fall for someone who combined affordability, effectiveness, and a certain elusiveness—the type of talent that vanishes the moment you try to measure it?
Besides, what harm was there in offering a few kind words to show goodwill? It cost nothing anyway.
"Thank you for your concern, honorable sir, but I have no serious injuries."
Of course, Soushu gave a polite and respectful response, well aware of how to behave in such a situation.
This also relieved Hizashi Hyuga somewhat, who had secretly worried that Soushu—who usually disregarded etiquette—might provoke trouble at such a critical moment, spoiling their favorable position.
"Ah, good to hear. Still, best to see to those wounds right away."
Although Soushu's reply wasn't particularly humble, it was respectful enough, quite different from the sour-faced Danzo. Compared to someone like Danzo who flipped the table when things went against him, the High-ranking Official found himself slightly more fond of this Hyuga ninja.
"Grateful for your kindness, then please excuse me."
Soushu bowed slightly again, then tore off his damaged uniform jacket slashed by the Wind Blade. From the sealing scroll inside the Scroll Pouch attached to his chest, he retrieved a packet of blood-clotting powder and sprinkled it onto his wounds.
A Hyuga ninja also took out medical bandages and helped him wrap his upper body.
Finally, Hyuga Soushu retrieved a set of casual clothes from another sealing scroll, changed into them, and then bowed deeply to the High-ranking Official to signal the completion of the treatment.
Throughout the entire process of stopping the bleeding, wrapping wounds, and changing clothes, the High-ranking Official remained silent, watching every move Hyuga Soushu made while completely ignoring the already-submissive Danzo.
"The Hyuga Clan truly deserves its reputation as a noble family in the Ninja World. Indeed, one outstanding talent after another emerges from your ranks."
The High-ranking Official accepted Hyuga Soushu's bow gracefully and praised Hizashi Hyuga with a look of approval, "Konoha can only maintain its status as the Ninja World's strongest hidden village with the support of powerful ninja clans!"
"Your praise is too great," replied Hizashi Hyuga.
After all, with Danzo still in the room, Hizashi Hyuga had no choice but to keep his response humble.
Of course, he only *pretended* to be modest—just enough to stay polite.
Danzo's expression darkened further.
"There will be no interference regarding the specific military fund allocations from the Prime Minister's office, nor will we interfere. Therefore, we hope for the Hyuga Clan's full cooperation and understanding."
Said the High-ranking Official with a smile, "Of course, considering Hokage's request to increase military funding for ending the war, at least twenty billion ryo directly used for reinforcing the Konoha Ninja Forces is a matter of principle—it must not be compromised lightly."
Hizashi Hyuga simply bowed again, but Danzo, who had been ignored throughout, began to sense something wrong.
Wait a second! Even if it really was a seventy-thirty split, shouldn't there still be thirty billion left? How come only twenty billion go back to the village?!
Could it possibly—
A terrible premonition suddenly filled Danzo's heart.
"If that's settled, then I feel at ease," said the High-ranking Official slowly rising to his feet, "As for the specifics of the distribution, I'll leave it to you, Lord Hizashi Hyuga, to explain—together with Elder Danzo."
He placed particular emphasis on the word 'explain.'
Upon hearing this, Hizashi Hyuga immediately caught on. He quickly bowed in farewell to send off the High-ranking Official.
"Now then," Danzo spoke coldly once the honored guest had departed, "Tell me exactly what's going on here!"
Now that the officials had left and only Konoha ninja remained inside the banquet hall, Danzo stood straighter, his tone growing much more sinister.
"It's nothing much—just a simple seventy-thirty split."
Hizashi Hyuga answered calmly.
Now he completely understood: apparently, Danzo truly didn't know anything!
"Just thirty percent?!"
Danzo could no longer hold back his anger, roaring furiously, "That's unreasonable! Completely unreasonable!"
"No!" Hizashi Hyuga's voice rose sharply, "Not thirty percent—you're getting only twenty percent!"
Now it was Hizashi Hyuga's turn to lose his patience.
Does the Hyuga Clan have it easy?!
All the major ninja clans have put tremendous effort into making this happen!
Besides, accomplishing everything within just three days—a short time frame with heavy demands—surely asking for one third isn't excessive?
After all, it cost us blood, sweat, and tears!
"What do you mean..." Danzo's heartbeat quickened.
His mind unwillingly confirmed the unthinkable idea he had dared not believe earlier!
This revelation hit Danzo like a thunderclap!
"The village requested an additional allocation of twenty billion ryo for military spending, so the Prime Minister's Office will approve thirty billion total. The extra ten billion will then be distributed among the various clans involved as compensation for their contributions." Hizashi Hyuga stated coldly.
The people present were all from the Hyuga Branch House, except for Danzo, so he had no hesitation in revealing the details.
"Ten billion!"
Danzo nearly staggered under the shock!
"So you're telling me," Danzo reeled unsteadily, trembling as he pressed on, "that nearly all the ninja clans have already..."
"Exactly!" Hizashi Hyuga nodded firmly. "Not only the Hyuga and Uchiha, but also Sarutobi, Ino–Shika–Cho, Inuzuka, Aburame, Utatane, and Mitotou."
He listed all the ninja clans participating in this coalition without pause, then added, "Every family has a share!"
Of course, there was an exception — the Shimura Clan, Danzo's own clan.
"I thought the title 'Shadow of the Ninja World' was ruthless enough,"
Danzo, completely devastated, could no longer maintain his composure.
A tear rolled shamelessly down his aged face as his frail body swayed and collapsed onto the ground. He wailed bitterly,
"But now I finally see!"
"It's you ninja clans who are truly the Shadow of Konoha!"
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