Hyuga Raiyo wanted to refute but dared not speak!
Because Haruto Saito had just put a heavy hat on him!
This was exactly why Haruto Saito waited until the Second Great Ninja War broke out to propose the plan. He was standing on the moral high ground—whoever opposed it would be seen as ill-intentioned! The interests of Konoha were above all!
In fact, Hyuga Raiyo could have argued back against Haruto Saito, but he had to consider the impression it would leave on the Hokage if he did!
The five high-ranking officials of Konoha remained silent. They had known about the tax reform long ago and had already discussed it in advance.
On this matter, the five high-ranking officials of Konoha would never oppose it. What they needed to consider was the feasibility of the plan—whether it would cause unnecessary trouble and if it would lead to widespread dissatisfaction among Konoha's ninjas. But even if it did, it wouldn't be their concern!
It was Haruto Saito who proposed it!
It was also Haruto Saito who would offend people!
Many turned their gaze toward Hyuga Raiyo. Some pitied him, while others even had a hint of schadenfreude—serves you right for speaking out! Trying to be the first to challenge him? Now you can't step down gracefully, can you?
Uchiha Tokugawa, the clan leader of the Uchiha, opened his mouth as if to say something but hesitated.
On this issue, his interests aligned with Hyuga Raiyo's. No matter what conflicts existed between the two clans, on this matter, they had to stand together. The Uchiha clan also had hundreds of ninjas. If a tax was imposed on ninjas, the Uchiha would have to contribute an additional twenty to thirty million Ryo each year!
Although this money was collected from individual Uchiha ninjas and not from the clan's treasury itself,
Protecting the interests of his clan members was still his responsibility as a clan leader!
But right now, Uchiha Tokugawa did not dare to speak at all.
Haruto Saito was like an enraged rooster, aggressive and full of fighting spirit. Hyuga Raiyo had already been berated into silence. If Uchiha Tokugawa spoke up now, even though Haruto Saito had always had a good relationship with the Uchiha, he probably wouldn't show him any mercy either!
Moreover, Uchiha Tokugawa had to consider that Haruto Saito's actions might very well be the Hokage's will!
The conference room remained silent for about ten seconds.
"If anyone has objections, feel free to raise them!" Sarutobi Hiruzen finally spoke.
No one said a word!
Haruto Saito stared at those who might speak, looking at each of them one by one. Whoever spoke up, he would shut them down. That was his task right now!
"Since there are no objections, I announce that the proposal is approved!" Sarutobi Hiruzen declared directly.
Just like that, it was passed—without even a formal vote!
Sarutobi Hiruzen did not want unnecessary complications. The high-level officials of Konoha had already fully agreed with the proposal!
"So, does anyone else have an issue?" Sarutobi Hiruzen asked again.
"I do!" Haruto Saito spoke again. "Hokage-sama, I have another proposal, regarding the governance of Konoha's special industries…" Haruto Saito took out another scroll and threw it to Sarutobi Hiruzen!
Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned slightly. He had not been informed of this proposal in advance!
Koharu Utatane also had no prior knowledge!
He opened the scroll and glanced at it. Since it wasn't too lengthy, Sarutobi Hiruzen simply said, "Explain it to us." He wanted Haruto Saito to present it to everyone.
"It's about the regulation of gambling houses and entertainment establishments. Let's start with gambling houses… Currently, Konoha merely turns a blind eye to them, without clear legislation. As long as they aren't set up on Flourishing Street, they are tolerated.
"I believe this approach is wrong. Gambling houses generate immense profits, yet we cannot collect sufficient taxes through proper channels. Therefore, I propose legalizing gambling and relocating all gambling establishments in Konoha to a designated area for more effective management. Additionally, entertainment establishments and red-light districts should be similarly regulated, relocated to a single district…"
"If these special industries are allowed to operate freely, their impact will be significant. By centralizing them and designating an operational zone, we can minimize negative influences. Moreover, under unified management, we can reduce tax evasion and impose high taxes on these special industries!"
After Haruto Saito finished speaking, his heart pounded!
This proposal was the most critical one—at least for him!
If it wasn't approved, it would be a huge problem!
"Does anyone have any objections?" Sarutobi Hiruzen casually asked.
No one spoke up!
For an issue like this, even if someone had objections, they wouldn't voice them. They would only get scolded by Haruto Saito. In comparison to war and the taxation of ninjas, this proposal was as insignificant as a grain of sand!
"Approved!" Sarutobi Hiruzen declared!
...
After the meeting ended, Haruto Saito hurried back to the Commerce Department building!
Yes, the Commerce Department building had already been constructed—very quickly, in fact. The first building took only seven days to complete. After all, this was a ninja world, and Haruto Saito had spent money hiring ninjas for the construction. He did not feel the slightest hesitation in spending because Konoha reimbursed him!
Currently, the Commerce Department had sixty-four official staff members, all appointed by Koharu Utatane. Structurally, Haruto Saito was the Minister, followed by Koharu Utatane as his advisory assistant. Beneath them were the three senior advisors—Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru!
To maintain absolute control over the Commerce Department, Haruto Saito did not appoint any other high-ranking officials!
Although Koharu Utatane was there to balance his power, so far, he had not had any conflicts with her!
Upon reaching the Minister's Office on the seventh floor of the Commerce Department, Haruto Saito gave the order to start publicizing the tax reform… It wouldn't take effect immediately but would officially be implemented on the first day of the thirty-third year of Konoha!
A buffer period was necessary!
Otherwise, the backlash would be immense!
******
Time passed quickly, and soon, it was late December of the thirty-second year of Konoha!
The year was coming to an end!
Haruto Saito had served as Minister of the Commerce Department for over two months! The department was already running smoothly, making an impact in business approvals, commercial district planning, and other areas. Changes were being made, and most importantly, the tax reform would take effect in seven days!
The Shinobi World War had broken out in full force! Konoha had already dispatched two major military units to the Land of Rain!
Recently, injured ninjas had been sent back to Konoha nearly every day. Along with them, some ninjas' corpses were also brought back.
The atmosphere of war enveloped all of Konoha!
And voices opposing the tax reform had vanished! No one dared to speak against it anymore. Konoha's ninjas were dying daily, and the interests of Konoha were above all!
That afternoon.
On the top floor of the Commerce Department building, at the training ground.
"So, regarding the Flying Thunder God Technique…" Haruto Saito was discussing the Flying Thunder God Technique with Minato Namikaze.
[Ding! The host has gained enlightenment from a deep discussion with Minato Namikaze and has received 1 'Flying Thunder God Technique Card Fragment.']
Haruto Saito ignored the notification and finished his explanation before saying, "Alright, Minato, I have work to do. You and Kaga can come find me tonight."
"Yes, Sensei!" Minato Namikaze obediently responded and left.
Once Minato was gone, leaving Haruto Saito alone in the training ground, he could no longer contain his excitement and leaped up!
"Synthesize! Synthesize! Flying Thunder God Technique Card!" Haruto Saito shouted in his mind!
He had finally collected one hundred Flying Thunder God Technique Card Fragments!
Synthesis successful!
Haruto Saito immediately retrieved a pale purple, semi-transparent card from his inventory!