Yes, the Hokage!

"What do you plan to do now, Hiruzen?" Koharu Utatane also looked at him.

“Young people are bound to go astray, but as long as they are willing to turn back, the Will of Fire will naturally shine upon them again.” The Third Hokage took a smug puff of his pipe. Even someone as shrewd as him hadn’t expected that Feng Lan was holding this meeting not to bow down, but to make a sacrifice.

Danzo, whose power had been largely eroded, remained silent in a corner, a deep-seated resentment flashing in his eyes. The Third Hokage and the others' words clearly indicated that they intended to promote Feng Lan and his standing new army to replace his Root organization. It seemed that he had been completely abandoned...

[Since that's how it is, don't blame me for being ruthless!] His Sharingan, hidden beneath the bandages, spun rapidly. He suppressed his sneer and continued to cower there, playing the coward.

……

The meeting officially began, with familiar faces still sitting on either side of the long table. Shuimen sat in the main seat, and Fenglan was still sitting to his right, gulping down a cup of hot tea while his eyes darted around with ill intent, as if considering who to strike first.

The Konoha F4 took their seats in turn, with Fugaku still holding his notebook and taking notes. He had been on the front lines of gossip lately, watching Fenglan beat up Danzo every day, and he couldn't be happier.

The Third Hokage spoke first, his tone very gentle, after all, he had come with a hint of recruitment: "Minato, Fenglan, you've worked hard these past few days receiving the envoy. If there's anything we can help you with, please let us know."

"Yes, I heard there aren't enough people." Mitokado Homura said with a half-smile. "I heard that all the major clans have been quite lazy lately? Tsk tsk, that's really outrageous. Young people are so pampered. Back in our day, if the Hokage said one word, we would have risked our lives without hesitation."

“But then again,” Koharu Utatane picked up her teacup and took a sip, a hint of sarcasm in her eyes, “young people always want to shoulder everything themselves and are unwilling to ask for help, which is normal. But actually, we old guys are still very happy to help the younger generation… as long as you ask.”

Minato's face stiffened slightly as he opened his mouth, but Fenglan pressed his hand down.

He watched the three old men's self-righteous performance, a slight smile playing on his lips. He picked up a document from the table beside him and said, "You're all right. I do have some small matters that I need your help with, seniors."

"Hmm." The Third Hokage smiled confidently. "Tell me, in the entire Hidden Leaf Village, is there anything that we old guys can't help with?"

Feng Lan narrowed her eyes slightly and smiled even more brightly: "This is a document submitted by Ms. Kato Shizune, titled 'Regulations on the Prohibition of Smoking and Alcohol in Konoha Village'."

"puff!"

Xiaochun, who was turning over to her new room, immediately spat out a mouthful of hot tea.

"Ahahahaha!"

Mitokado Homura burst into laughter: "These young people nowadays, they really dare to think and do things. How does she plan to do this? Through Uchiha genjutsu?"

On this point, he and Feng Lan shared the same idea, while Minato said seriously, "No, it's achieved by significantly increasing tax rates and banning all advertising. Don't you all think it's quite noble that she, as a medical ninja, could think of such a thing?"

"Perhaps it's noble," Koharu scoffed, "but it's utterly stupid. No one with a normal mind would pass such a ridiculous proposal."

Minato turned his head and looked at her coldly: "I was just about to pass through."

"Yes, of course." Koharu Utatane was startled and quickly corrected herself, "Please don't misunderstand, Fourth Hokage. Of course you have to consider the proposals of all Konoha members, but no normal person would support it."

“We all support it.” Feng Lan also cast a righteous gaze, trying to increase the pressure.

“That’s what you two should do.” Seeing that his partner was a little stunned by the sudden barrage of attacks, Mitokado Homura also came to cover for him. “But the problem is, tobacco and alcohol are the main sources of tax revenue for the village.”

“I’m sorry, according to the data provided by Miss Jingyin…” Fenglan took out another document, which Jingyin had prepared overnight, “These are also the culprits behind the deaths of many villagers. After paying such a high price, what have we gained?”

"Military expenditures!" Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu shouted in unison, "Advisor Fenglan, you may not know, but more than half of Konoha's military expenditures actually come from tobacco and alcohol taxes. Implementing this regulation is tantamount to digging our own grave!"

A knowing glint flashed in Feng Lan's narrowed eyes. Mitomon Homura and Utatane Koharu had always appeared in the meetings as the Third Hokage's shadows, silently supporting his decisions and rarely speaking. It was only when Danzo was driven to a dead end that Utatane Koharu spoke a few words, but every word hit the nail on the head.

This is enough to prove that they are not incapable of speaking, but simply do not want to, hiding their talents and concealing themselves within the glorious Konoha of the Third Hokage and the dark roots of Danzo, quietly reaping benefits. Incidentally, this is also Fenglan's vision of his future.

Today, the fact that the two of them have revealed so much proves that Tsunade was right; their own interests have been harmed, which is why they are so anxious.

The third generation also spoke calmly: "In addition to that, they also provide a large number of job opportunities and various holiday sponsorships... It would be rather inflexible to suppress them like this."

“Yes, the tobacco and alcohol companies have made great contributions, silently supporting the Will of Fire.” Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu nodded vigorously.

"That's just to sell cigarettes and alcohol," Feng Lan said with a sneer. "If they were really supporting the village 'silently,' they should be sponsoring it anonymously."

“Uh…” The two were speechless for a moment. “I think if we could make the matter of anonymous donations public, we… no, they would probably be very happy to remain anonymous.”

Feng Lan, observing their expressions, felt that it was about time, so she interrupted the three of their preamble: "So... you're all going to vote against it?"

The three exchanged glances: "That's right, this plan is too impulsive, and the advisory group exists to quell such extreme ideas."

As they spoke, they turned to look at Danzo, who remained silent for a few seconds before coldly saying, "I also object."

Although he secretly wanted to watch the Third Generation and Fenglan fight like dogs, he couldn't afford to offend Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu any further, at least not before the plan was put into action...

"Four votes to one..." Koharu Utatane said in a victor's tone, "The Fourth Hokage is still..."

Before she could finish speaking, she saw Feng Lan take out another thick stack of papers and immediately sensed something was wrong: "What are you going to do?"

“Not implementing a ban on alcohol doesn’t mean we can’t do something else,” Feng Lan said with a smile. “For example, we can improve the supervision of the tobacco and alcohol industry, establish a special supervisory group, and ensure that tax revenue is used properly, instead of… well, being intercepted by certain people.”

"I think Ms. Shizune would be very willing to take on the role of group leader. What do you all think?"

Shuimen opportunely chimed in, "The oversight team is directly responsible to me, without going through the council of elders. This ensures effective oversight without disrupting the normal operation of the industry."

Seeing that the three remained silent with stiff expressions, Feng Lan pressed on: "Of course, if you all feel that this suggestion is also inappropriate, then let's continue discussing the prohibition order. Anyway, Miss Shizune is already preparing a public address. When the villagers find out that Konoha's tobacco and alcohol are monopolized by two families, and that the tax revenue is flowing into private pockets, tsk tsk..."

Upon hearing this, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu turned pale, realizing that their greatest weakness had been exposed to the enemy.

"Fourth Hokage!" Mitokado Homura finally couldn't hold back any longer. "I must warn you that there will be enormous obstacles ahead. I foresee all sorts of unforeseen problems!"

"For example?" Minato glanced at him.

Mitokado Homura then realized his slip of the tongue and could only try to make amends: "If I could foresee it, would it still be considered an unforeseeable problem?"

Saying such illogical things proves that they are really desperate. Feng Lan only wanted to make a threat, not actually lift the roof off, so he pressed Minato's shoulder at the right time and said with a smile, "You guys can't blame the Fourth Hokage. Right now, the Hokage's office is short of money. We can't even afford to pay the ninjas' salaries, can we? You guys are sticking to your financial control and won't budge, so I can only try to find a way to make up for it from other places."

“If you all could be more flexible…” he rubbed his fingers together, “Of course, Miss Shizune’s point of view is very good, but compared with the needs of the entire village’s ninjas, the latter is definitely more important, isn’t it?”

The third generation and the others exchanged a glance; their years of tacit understanding allowed them to communicate entirely through their eyes: "How many do you want?"

"Thirty percent," Feng Lan demanded outrageously.

"That's impossible!" Xiaochun from the next dormitory snorted coldly.

“Then I’ll continue digging into your families.” Feng Lan shrugged.

"Twenty percent," the third generation declared decisively. "But from now on, no one is allowed to touch tobacco or alcohol."

These two lucrative interests were his core assets for winning over and subduing Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu. Although the three of them had feelings for each other, without mutual benefits, how could they possibly support him unconditionally indefinitely?

"If it's 20%, I also have an additional condition." Feng Lan only needed 15% originally, but the reason she asked for so much was twofold: firstly, she wanted as much as possible, and secondly, she wanted to add an additional condition.

"What do you think."

“Shizune’s proposal will definitely be extremely angry if it fails, and in the worst-case scenario, she might leave Konoha again. And if she leaves, Tsunade might leave too.” Feng Lan said calmly, “I need you to give me a bargaining chip, a bargaining chip that can keep her in Konoha… I want Kato Shizune to become a member of the Elder Council’s advisory group!”

He stated his request, and the expressions of Konoha's F4, including Danzo, all changed. However, Feng Lan said nonchalantly, "It's just one spot. She only has Lady Tsunade behind her. Without the support of a clan, how can she really become a powerful family?"

"Besides, even if you're worried about the vote count in the meeting, it's four to two, right? Are you all sweating bullets just because the younger generation has one more vote?"

“Provocation won’t work.” After a moment of silence, the Third Hokage said calmly, “She can join the council of elders, but only with the right to participate and speak, not the right to vote. That’s enough for you to keep that child.”

However, Fenglan didn't need this vote in the first place. This was the same old trick of lifting the roof and opening the window. If you directly asked Shizune to join the elders, they definitely wouldn't agree. But if you bring up voting rights, then a Hokage advisor without voting rights would be acceptable.

Danzo looked at Hiruzen and the other two with a sneer. "You people despise me so much, but now that brat is riding on my neck and shitting on me."

Hiruzen, and Fenglan... you two just went and reached an agreement over there, did you think I was completely incapable of causing any trouble?

Seeing that everyone had finally reached an agreement, Minato Namikaze said, "From today onwards, Shizune Kato will officially become a member of the Konoha Elder Council's advisory group. Fenglan, you can make the arrangements."

Feng Lan smiled slightly: "Yes, Hokage."

Chapter 48 Minato's Growth

Feng Lan originally planned to take the blame from Shizune herself and then use rhetoric to recruit her, so as to protect Minato's image to the greatest extent possible, since her job as the Hokage's advisor was to take the blame.

However, Minato firmly disagreed, insisting that he should communicate with Shizune himself, while Fenglan only needed to watch from the sidelines, and if he failed, then he could speak.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Feng Lan frowned.

“I’m absolutely certain,” Minato said earnestly. “Fenglan, I won’t let you bear all the darkness alone. Fire and shadow shouldn’t be separated, but should be a whole. The Third Hokage and Danzo’s model was wrong… Partners like us, who trust each other and help each other, are the best interpretation of the Will of Fire.”

"Whatever you want." Feng Lan turned his head away. He had to admit that he was still somewhat moved. It was because of Shui Men's sincere trust and care that he, as a transmigrator, did not feel out of place in this world.

Since Minato insists, it wouldn't be bad to give him a chance to practice. Shizune is an honest person, so even if he fails, there won't be any serious consequences.

After all, he is the Fourth Hokage, and one day he will need these things.

Minato quickly composed himself and called Shizune to the Hokage's office. Instead of standing behind him as usual, Fenglan sat on the sofa.

The door opened, and not only Shizune entered, but also Tsunade. She was clearly worried that her eldest disciple would be tricked by her second disciple. However, after seeing Minato and Fenglan's positions, she raised an eyebrow slightly, said nothing, and sat down next to Fenglan on her own.

"Lord Minato..."

Shizune took a deep breath, looking somewhat nervous: "What was the result?"

"It's a pity." Minato shook his head. "Fenglan and I have tried our best, and the final vote ratio is four to one."

Feng Lan could clearly hear Tsunade give a sarcastic snort, but he was very pleased. After being influenced by her for so long, Minato was starting to selectively tell the "truth".

Did he and Minato try? They definitely tried, although their efforts didn't result in the passage of Prohibition, they did lose in the vote.

These are the truths, yet they retain some of the truth... and it is essential for those in higher positions to be able to say such things.

"Is that so?" Shizune sighed in disappointment and bowed slightly. "Although I had a premonition beforehand, I still can't help but feel very disappointed after actually hearing it... Lord Minato, please forgive me for resigning from my position as chief physician at Konoha Hospital..."

She raised her head and said frankly, "To be honest, the reason I stayed in Konoha was because Advisor Fenglan promised to help implement Prohibition. Now that it has failed, I have no reason to stay here."

Her parents had already sacrificed themselves in the Second Shinobi World War. Konoha's bullies never hesitated to use bullying tactics against orphans. After her last support, her uncle Kato Dan, was killed in action, Tsunade raised her as both a father and a mother.

Therefore, Kato Shizune herself didn't have a strong sense of belonging to Konoha: "I will continue to stay in Konoha, serve by Tsunade's side, and then leave with Tsunade..."

Minato, perhaps not expecting Shizune to be so resolute, was momentarily at a loss. He instinctively wanted to turn back to find Fuuran, but he quickly regained his composure, took a deep breath, stood up, and said earnestly, "Miss Shizune, Fuuran and I have truly done our best regarding the implementation of the Prohibition order..."

“I know, so I’m not blaming you two, but I’ve already…”

"Miss Shizune, what do you think is the biggest obstacle to implementing Prohibition?" Minato did not back down, but instead showed a determined look.

"Hmm, this..." Shizune clearly didn't quite understand the higher-ups.

Tsunade took a deep breath and said, "It's those old guys in the Elders' Council, right? Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu have direct interests, and the teacher gets their support through these interests. No matter how hard others try, they can't beat those three votes."

“That’s right, Fenglan and I alone can’t possibly defeat them,” Minato said frankly. “That’s why we need to unite more people. Miss Shizune, if you want to continue implementing Prohibition… then join us!”

He extended his palm and said sincerely, "Feng Lan and I have secured a position as a Hokage advisor for you in the Elders' Council. Although you only have the right to participate and speak, but not the right to vote, this is at least a start!"

"Fire, the Hokage's advisor?!"

Shizune was immediately taken aback. Although she didn't know much about Konoha's higher-ups, she knew the weight of the word "advisor." It was something that even the heads of major families coveted. A person who could sit in that position could say without hesitation that they were the true controller of Konoha.

How could such a position fall into the hands of someone like me who has nothing but the status of being Lady Tsunade's disciple?

She seemed a little timid, but Minato didn't give up. His outstretched hand remained there: "Become a Hokage advisor, and you'll know what Fenglan and I are facing. You'll know who the biggest obstacle to Prohibition is. You can fight alongside us and realize your ideals through your own efforts!"

"We... need your help!"

Compared to Fenglan's calm analysis of the pros and cons, and his starting point of "how much benefit can I give you", Minato's recruitment words seemed a bit too passionate and empty in the eyes of people like Fugaku Shikaku, but it must be said... he was very sincere.