Yes, the Hokage

At this moment, the disadvantage of Minato's faction was immediately exposed. If he were still under the control of the Third Hokage, the accommodation and hospitality of these envoys would be a matter of just a word from the Third Hokage. But now that Feng Lan has caused so much trouble, Minato is clearly showing signs of losing control. The Third Hokage and others are not only keeping a low profile and not causing any more trouble, but they are also not prepared to provide any help and are just waiting to watch the show.

Minato suddenly felt that he was short-handed. Even though he was the Hokage, everyone he asked for orders would make excuses. In particular, the Anbu, which was nominally directly under the Hokage, could not be mobilized even half a person!

Now he finally understood why Feng Lan wanted to form a "private army." At this critical moment, only the Uchiha and the newly surrendered Aburame clan responded to the call. Needless to say, the Uchiha clan was included. Feng Lan directly piled up all the resources of the Root organization in the guard's warehouse, and even let them make copies of Orochimaru's scrolls. What else was there to say? At this time, they would definitely contribute as much as they could.

As for the Aburame clan, Shiki Aburame had also thought things through. Now that the Aburame clan had completely broken ties with Danzo, it could be said that they were irreconcilable enemies. The only way out was to cling to this powerful figure.

Therefore, he decisively offered a plan, saying that the abilities of the Aburame clan could be used to distribute parasitic insects to various areas of the village to achieve a monitoring effect. Moreover, the elite Aburame clan members could even control ordinary insects to monitor the residences of the various envoys.

This move truly solved the urgent problem of insufficient manpower, allowing Fenglan to breathe a sigh of relief, and also making Minato praise the loyalty of the Aburame clan.

As for other families like the Ino-Shika-Cho clan, they are still choosing to waver and wait and see. They have their reasons—we've already sent manpower to the regular army if you need it, and we can just send people from the reserve army if needed.

The loyalty of this group cannot be guaranteed, so Feng Lan does not plan to use any of the people in the reserve army. After all, it is too easy to cause trouble at this time, and if any link goes wrong, it will affect the whole situation.

He would rather let Aburame and Uchiha be more tired than take this risk.

However, mobilizing ninjas on such a large scale would require an astronomical sum of money. Currently, the Elders Council holds the reins of finances, and the small amount of Hokage's office budget that Feng Lan managed to poach is far from sufficient. He has no choice but to pay out of his own pocket, since he is mobilizing his "private army."

Currently, Feng Lan has half of the organization's funds, and the land around his school is selling well, so he can afford to pay in the short term. However, this is definitely not a long-term solution. He must leverage some more financial power from the Elders' Council. He doesn't need too much; 15% will be enough.

But it's obvious that the Elders' Council wouldn't give up the meat in their mouths. Right now, the Third Generation and others are on high alert, partly because they're afraid Feng Lan will find something to hold against them, and partly because they're ready to see Minato make a fool of himself.

Feng Lan had to admit that the cards held by both sides were not equal at all. Although he seemed to be winning all the time, he felt powerless as soon as the third generation slightly grabbed his neck.

However, Watergate's speech is the most important thing right now, so he has to pay for everything out of his own pocket for the time being.

After busily arranging all the various matters, Feng Lan could finally breathe a sigh of relief. But before he could even take a sip of water, Jing Yin came knocking on his door: "Mr. Feng Lan, do you still stand by what you promised me?"

“Um, I…” Feng Lan originally wanted to decline, but after seeing Jing Yin’s serious gaze, she could only sigh, “Of course.”

Kato Shizune was not his subordinate. When Tsunade was first asked to come back to treat Obito, it was Feng Lan who used all his tricks and persuasive words to get Shizune to agree to stay and help. Later, during the Orochimaru capture incident, he owed her a huge favor.

At the time, Shizune was firmly against letting Kakashi and Rin take risks. It was only after Fenglan used his persuasive skills and promised to do something for her that Shizune reluctantly agreed and actually came up with a life-saving plan. At that time, Fenglan promised that he would immediately fulfill his promise as soon as he defeated Orochimaru. However, a series of events have dragged on until now, and if he didn't agree now, things would really get out of hand.

"That's good." Shizune said seriously, "I have written a report on the progress of the project and submitted it yesterday. I think the Fourth Hokage should have already seen it."

Feng Lan immediately realized something was wrong. Yesterday, Shui Men and he had been busy rehearsing their speeches and strengthening the village's defenses. They had only glanced at various documents and reports, dealt with them casually, and then tossed them aside. Even he hadn't noticed that a report had been submitted by Shizune yesterday.

But now that the person had come to his door, he could only offer an awkward yet polite smile: "Of course, please follow me."

……

Half a minute later, Minato sat in his Hokage chair, looking at Shizune opposite him with a slightly guilty expression, while Fenglan stood behind him with his usual squinting smile.

It's worth mentioning that Tsunade was also sitting on the sofa in the office. Feng Lan had bought a lot of good wine to show her respect, which is how she managed to get this great figure to provide advice for Minato's speech.

"You should have already seen my report, Fourth Hokage." Shizune's expression was very focused. She was the kind of character who was gentle on the outside but strong on the inside. Although she looked gentle, she was actually very gentle. But once she made up her mind about something, she would never give up.

“Oh, of course,” Minato quickly replied.

"What are your thoughts?"

"Um... okay... I was thinking, could you summarize it in your own words?" Minato, who wasn't good at lying, was already sweating a little.

Shizune frowned: "Fourth Hokage, the report I submitted contained my own words, and I personally feel that the words were concise enough."

“That’s right.” Feng Lan quickly smoothed things over, “Minato and I ultimately couldn’t fully understand what you were saying from the perspective of a medical ninja, so let’s make the summary clearer and just highlight the key points.”

“That’s right, that’s important.” Minato nodded in agreement.

“Alright.” Shizune leaned forward slightly, exuding an astonishing aura. “As a medical ninja, I propose that the Hokage take action and set an example by enforcing the prohibition on alcohol!”

"puff--!"

Tsunade, who had just been leisurely sipping her wine, suddenly spat it out.

"Cough, cough! Shizune, you..." She looked at her little apprentice, whom she had raised with the eyes of someone looking at a traitor, "How could you come up with something so inhumane!"

"Lady Tsunade!" But Shizune didn't back down. "It's precisely because your behavior when you're drunk is so inhuman that I had the idea to implement a prohibition law! Last time you smashed up a wall of a tavern in Tanabata, the time before that you destroyed half of a hot spring inn, and the time before that you..."

Poor Tsunade, a powerful Kage-level shinobi, was scolded by Shizune until she curled up into a ball, pitifully clutching the wine bottle in her arms: "You, you can't take my wine away."

"Lady Tsunade! I can forgive you for the money you lose gambling! But I'm the one who pays for all the losses you incur because of your drunkenness!"

Judging from Shizune's agitated expression, it's not hard to imagine how much pressure she has endured over the years because of Tsunade's alcoholism. Moreover, she was raised by Tsunade since childhood, and anyone who knows the pain of having an alcoholic father or mother understands. It's no wonder she is so radical in promoting the prohibition of alcohol.

Childhood trauma can sometimes take a lifetime to heal. (Although this might not be the most appropriate word here.)

After scolding Tsunade, Shizune turned back to Minato: "Fourth Hokage, I suggest completely banning advertisements for tobacco and alcohol, vigorously promoting the prohibition law, and increasing taxes on alcohol until a bottle of alcohol costs the same as a pack of ninja tools..."

"Miss Shizune, isn't this... a bit too radical?"

Even Minato was dumbfounded. You see, ninjas usually do dangerous jobs, and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that their heads are tied to their belts. Naturally, they need something to relax their nerves, and cigarettes and alcohol are obviously the cheapest relaxation items.

There may not be that many ninjas who like smoking, but everyone likes to have a few drinks now and then, even Minato himself is no exception.

Upon hearing the report, Feng Lan shook his head. In the world before his transmigration, Lao Mei had implemented a harsh prohibition, which resulted in the emergence of a black market. Gangs directly filled the corresponding gaps in the ecosystem and made a fortune, almost controlling most of the Lao Mei market.

“Miss Shizune, your report is indeed very…imaginative.” He began, trying to smooth things over. “Excessive drinking is indeed bad for physical and mental health. There is no doubt that we can eventually complete this great task, but we must wait until the time is right and everything is ready.”

Simply put, it's a stalling tactic. If this alcohol ban were actually implemented, the ninjas would definitely riot.

“Every year, a large number of people die from alcoholism in Konoha and even the Land of Fire.” Shizune was not easily fooled. “And the village’s leaders are only focused on the huge tax revenue from tobacco and alcohol. Forgive me for speaking frankly… but is this really unrelated to the Mitokado clan’s control over the entire Land of Fire’s liquor industry?”

"Wait, what did you say?" Feng Lan's eyes suddenly lit up. "The Mitomon clan controls the sake brewing industry? Who told you that? Can you be sure?"

His sudden excitement startled Shizune. Before she could even speak, Tsunade blurted out drunkenly, "Hiccup, this is what the little girl heard me say. I'm an old drunkard, of course... hiccup, I know who brewed the wine."

"So that's how it is..." Feng Lan suddenly felt that things had taken a turn for the better. The information that Tsunade gave should be reliable. "Then who's behind the tobacco industry?"

"The dorm-turning clan, huh?" Tsunade took another big gulp of sake. "Do you think those two old guys are so devoted to the teacher? The two fattest pieces of meat in the Land of Fire are in their mouths."

"So that's how it is... So that's how it is!" Feng Lan's eyes grew brighter and brighter. He almost instantly came up with a plan to cut flesh from the old guys in the Elders' Council.

He strode up behind Minato: "Miss Shizune, your suggestion is very worthy of discussion... I even think it would be better to add tobacco as well. With a ban on smoking and drinking, everyone can have a bright future!"

"You mean... the Fourth Hokage will support me?" Shizune asked, puzzled.

“Of course.” Fenglan patted Shuimen on the shoulder.

“That’s right, I also think Miss Shizune’s theory makes a lot of sense.” Minato hadn’t quite grasped what was happening yet, but his trust in Fenglan and their years of tacit understanding made him nod immediately after Fenglan patted him on the shoulder. “Since it makes sense, it’s worth a try. I’ll even take a good look at your report…”

Feng Lan tightened his grip on Shui Men's shoulder, and he quickly changed his words, saying, "...Watch it again."

"Will you support me?" Shizune's eyes shone brightly.

“Of course,” Feng Lan said with a smile. “But you have to understand our position. This support isn’t public. The Hokage has to remain neutral and be convinced by the results, right?”

"Hmm...that's true." Shizune nodded thoughtfully.

"But privately, we absolutely support you and hope you can push forward the progress of the law. Go and prepare more detailed information, as Minato and I will need it for our meeting tomorrow."

Feng Lan dismissed Jing Yin with a single, meaningless remark, and the latter stood up excitedly: "Thank you both, Fourth Hokage, Feng Lan-sama, I will do my best!"

Oh, what an innocent child.

Tsunade, who was chugging down the liquor from the bottle, rolled her eyes. What Feng Lan meant was that he would provide all support except for actual help... which was equivalent to doing nothing at all.

"Fenglan, do you really think the prohibition order can be implemented?" Shuimen looked at him with doubt.

[It will probably require the Infinite Tsukuyomi.]

Feng Lan thought to herself, but said aloud, "Of course not, it's just that I remembered a very interesting theory."

"What theory?" Tsunade also looked over, slightly drunk.

"If you want to open a window in a room full of people, everyone will disagree. But if you want to tear down the roof, everyone will think that opening a window is perfectly reasonable."

"Uh..." Minato was clearly not in a hurry to react.

Tsunade, however, had already guessed Feng Lan's plan. She narrowed her eyes and said, "Kid, I don't care what trouble you cause in the end, don't let Shizune get hurt, otherwise..."

She clenched her fists and made a threatening "crackling" sound.

"Of course not," Feng Lan said with a smile. "Don't worry, Miss Jingyin will not only be unharmed, but will also be promoted soon."

Chapter 47 The New Advisor

The next morning, the members of the Elders' Council received a meeting invitation from Watergate.

"Hmph, those two brats can't sit still anymore." Koharu Takumi smiled smugly, "Things haven't even reached the most difficult point yet."

“Feng Lan is a smart man. He won’t wait until he’s in dire straits to ask us for help,” the Third Generation said calmly. “That would only leave him without any bargaining power. Now is the perfect time. They have indeed encountered trouble, and they have also achieved some results.”

“Hmm, now is indeed a good opportunity to back down.” Mitokado Homura pondered for a moment. “He will yield without appearing incompetent… He is indeed a very outstanding young man, no wonder you were tempted by Hiruzen.”

"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.

"Hahahaha—!"

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—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 quietly reaping benefits within the glorious Konoha of the Third Hokage and the dark roots of Danzo. 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.”