Haruto Saito's impact on Hiruzen Sarutobi was beyond words!
He knew that Haruto had the ability to copy techniques, so he wasn't surprised that Haruto could master many jutsu in a short time. However, the Flying Thunder God Technique was clearly not something that could be copied—Haruto didn't even have someone to copy it from!
To learn the Flying Thunder God Technique in such a short time…
There was only one explanation!
Haruto's talent in space-time ninjutsu was simply too overwhelming!
"Excellent!" Hiruzen Sarutobi forced himself to remain calm, slowly sitting back in his chair. Looking at Haruto, he spoke again, "Truly excellent!"
"That's it? Just 'excellent'?"
"Hmm? What else were you expecting?"
Haruto was speechless. Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't offer any rewards at all! Shouldn't he at least offer some encouragement, perhaps even gold, treasures, beauties, or power to win him over?
Seeing Haruto's dissatisfaction, Hiruzen Sarutobi added, "If it's not necessary, try not to let others know that you've mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique. The fewer people who know, the better. Do you understand what I mean?"
Haruto nodded.
Of course, he understood!
This was a trump card! Revealing it only at a critical moment would allow him to turn the tide unexpectedly.
If news of this spread, everyone would know that Haruto could use the Flying Thunder God Technique, and he would become a target. Enemies with prior knowledge would be prepared. The technique wasn't invincible—sealing jutsu and barriers could restrict it.
Keeping it secret until the right moment was crucial!
There was another key reason.
Haruto was still growing. He was already too strong for his age, and if word got out that he had mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique, it would cause panic! The consequence? A rising number of assassination attempts against him!
There were already many people who wanted to eliminate Haruto, fearing he would become a major threat to Konoha in the future. If his mastery of the Flying Thunder God Technique were exposed, the situation would escalate even further!
Thus, Haruto and Hiruzen Sarutobi reached an agreement.
Until Haruto was forced to reveal his technique, Hiruzen would keep this secret. He wouldn't tell anyone!
******
January 1st, Year 33 of Konoha!
A new year had begun!
It was also the day Haruto's tax reform plan was set to take effect—taxing ninjas! The tax rate was actually very low, much lower than Konoha's commission cuts on third-party missions.
Yet, even this slight change caused Konoha's tax revenue to multiply several times!
Previously, only ordinary citizens were taxed. Compared to ninjas, civilians earned significantly less. Even the lowest-ranked genin made over a hundred times more than the poorest civilians!
One key point worth mentioning—
The current war Konoha was fighting in the ninja world was technically a third-party commission! The client was the Daimyo of the Land of Fire. Since Konoha's forces were deployed to prevent enemy invasions and protect the Land of Fire's territorial integrity, the land itself didn't belong to Konoha but to the Daimyo.
Thus, Konoha's military operations in the Land of Rain were funded by the Daimyo's government, which meant taxes could be collected from these funds!
Of course, not all missions were taxable.
For example, Konoha's current operations in the Land of Whirlpools and espionage missions in other nations were official village tasks. Since they weren't third-party commissions, Konoha had to pay for them without imposing taxes.
That afternoon—
Hiruzen Sarutobi, along with Konoha's high-ranking officials, personally arrived at the Ministry of Commerce's building. They weren't there for an inspection, a meeting, or even to offer support—they were there to pay their taxes!
There were two ways to pay taxes:
1. Direct deductions from enterprises or departments, which would then be transferred to Konoha's treasury.
2. Personal tax filings for individuals in special professions or with unique statuses. Most of Konoha's leadership fell into this category, so they had to personally visit the Ministry of Commerce to submit their payments.
Technically, Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't need to pay anything!
After all, the entire village belonged to him. His participation had no real meaning!
Yet, he still chose to come!
It was a statement!
A message to all of Konoha—if even the Hokage paid his taxes, who dared to object?
Currently, Hiruzen Sarutobi's authority in Konoha was at its peak. He was in his prime, with his strength, skills, and influence all at their zenith. His grip on Konoha was absolute!
By setting an example, he silenced all dissent.
This was the charisma of a true leader!
As Minister of Commerce, Haruto personally handled the tax filings for Konoha's leadership. The total amount wasn't much—it was just the first day, after all. How much could a single day's tax revenue be? Afterward, he personally escorted Hiruzen and the others out, waving goodbye at the entrance of the Ministry of Commerce.
A full performance from start to finish!
That afternoon, on the top floor of the Ministry of Commerce building—
"Hah! Hah!" Kaga swung a sharp katana repeatedly under Haruto's guidance.
Meanwhile, Minato Namikaze sat cross-legged in the training area, unstable chakra swirling in his hands as he trained in the Rasengan. Haruto had taught him! Since Haruto knew Minato would eventually master the Rasengan, he had temporarily halted his Flying Thunder God training, instructing him to focus on Rasengan first.
Haruto's reasoning was simple—
Minato needed a strong self-defense technique first. Haruto was already considering taking Minato and Kaga on a training journey in the future!
"That's enough for today! Training is over. Let's go eat!" Haruto clapped his hands.
The three of them left the Ministry of Commerce building together.
Heading toward the bustling streets!
The area around the Ministry building was mostly empty, with wide roads and no pedestrians.
Surrounding them were newly constructed high-rise buildings—mostly seven stories tall, with some reaching twelve stories. While major construction was complete across eight districts, finishing touches were still needed. Most buildings lacked interior decoration, and some didn't even have windows installed yet!
Currently, only two of the districts near the outskirts were occupied. Resettlement housing was located there.
The other six districts and all the commercial spaces remained unleased and unsold!
Haruto was still waiting.
The initial investment had been budgeted, but he was confident the returns would make everyone envious!
On the deserted street—
A short figure walked forward, flanked by two even shorter figures.
"Sensei, could you show me the Rasengan again?" Minato asked.
Haruto casually raised his hand, forming a spinning Rasengan.
Minato watched intently.
Suddenly, Haruto's expression darkened. He sensed something and stopped in his tracks!
Kaga and Minato halted as well!
"Run! Now!" Haruto ordered in a deep voice.
"Sensei, what's wrong?"
"Where to?"
Kaga and Minato were confused.
"Assassins! More than one! They're strong! Run back! NOW!!" Haruto roared.
Boom!
With a sonic boom, Haruto dashed forward, his blade flashing!
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Four figures burst from the ground ahead, their terrifying aura enveloping Haruto. Blades that could tear through space itself slashed toward him!
In that moment, Haruto cursed inwardly.
Because these four assassins—
Were all pseudo-Kage level!
Each had a notoriety score exceeding twenty thousand!
They were from the black market!
Finally, they had come!
Ever since Kirigakure placed a bounty on his head, Haruto had been expecting this.
The first assassination attempt had begun!