Uchiha Ren spoke for a full twenty minutes without even realizing it.
"So, for the development of Konoha, we must be willing to make sacrifices ourselves."
As his final sentence landed, everyone in the room straightened slightly.
All that earlier talk—
Just buildup.
Now—
The real matter.
"Each clan has sacrificed many of their members for Konoha. Compensation for their families must be paid immediately. That cannot be delayed."
Ren paused briefly.
"However, for the sake of Konoha's future… the remaining debts owed by the village…"
"I believe… can be postponed."
The atmosphere froze.
Expressions shifted instantly.
Postponed?
He wanted to continue delaying repayment?
This wasn't just a proposal—
This was a direct challenge to every clan's interests.
"Rest assured."
Ren raised a hand calmly.
"Konoha will repay every single ryo."
"But not all at once."
"I propose… installment payments."
"Thirty percent will be paid immediately."
"The remaining seventy percent will be repaid over five to ten years."
"The exact duration can be adjusted."
"Interest will be paid according to standard loan rates."
"What do you think?"
Inside—
Every clan leader was cursing.
What do we think?
Of course it's terrible!
They had endured hardship for so long.
Now the money had finally arrived—
And it was still being delayed?
Were they supposed to just accept it?
"I, as the head of the Uchiha clan, approve this proposal."
Ren raised his hand first.
Symbolically.
Then—
His gaze swept across the room.
Plenty of dissatisfied looks.
But that didn't matter.
Strength—
Was his backing.
No one would dare stand up openly against him.
"Hyuga Clan Head."
Ren turned, smiling.
"Your stance?"
Hyuga Takuma stiffened.
This was a trap.
A clear one.
But refusing—
Was even worse.
As an ally—
He had to step forward.
All eyes turned to him.
Waiting.
Hoping.
Say it.
"Disagree."
Just say it.
But the Hyuga—
Were not the kind to take the lead in defiance.
"…I agree."
The words came out heavy.
Like they drained all his strength.
"Good!"
"Truly commendable!"
Ren immediately applauded.
"Everyone, a round of applause for the Hyuga Clan Head!"
The others followed.
Reluctantly.
If the Hokage was clapping—
Who dared not to?
One down.
Ren's gaze shifted.
"Senju Clan Head."
"The Senju and Uchiha founded Konoha together."
"You understand its difficulties better than anyone."
"Now is the time to embody the Will of Fire."
"I believe that as the pillar of your clan, you—"
He continued.
Layer upon layer of praise.
Stacking expectations.
Leaving no room to retreat.
"…So, your opinion?"
Senju Toma felt numb.
Every path had been blocked.
Refusal—
Was no longer an option.
The Senju prided themselves as Konoha's backbone.
The inheritors of the Will of Fire.
If they rejected this—
Their position would collapse.
"…I agree."
The words were forced out.
Inside, he was unwilling.
He needed money.
Desperately.
The Hashirama cell experiments alone would consume enormous resources.
But—
Politics came first.
Another one down.shi
Ren's mood lifted slightly.
The three major clans had already taken a stance.
The rest—
Would follow.
"Nara Clan Head."
"The Ino-Shika-Cho alliance speaks as one."
"What is your decision?"
Ren looked at Nara Shikaku .
Testing him.
This was someone he intended to use in the future.
Shikaku had already seen the situation clearly.
The tide—
Was with Ren.
Opposing it—
Was suicide.
"For the sake of Konoha…"
"Our three clans agree."
No hesitation.
Immediate.
"Excellent."
Ren nodded, satisfied.
He liked decisive people.
"Now—everyone else."
He leaned back slightly.
"Who agrees?"
"Who opposes?"
Silence.
Heavy.
"If anyone disagrees, speak freely."
"I understand the difficulties each clan faces."
Ren added this deliberately.
To make it seem fair.
Inside—
Everyone was furious.
The blade was already at their throats—
And he was still smiling, asking if they were satisfied.
Was this even human?
But—
They had no choice.
"…Agree."
"…Agree."
"…Agree."
Voices rose one after another.
Reluctant.
Powerless.
Yet unanimous.
Ren's smile widened slightly.
"Good."
"This proposal passes unanimously."
"As expected of Konoha's pillars."
"You all truly embody the Will of Fire."
"This is all—for Konoha."
His official tone flowed naturally now.
Smooth.
Practiced.
He was adapting quickly.
"Meeting adjourned."
"Applause."
Ren stood first.
Clapping.
Everyone else followed.
Standing.
Clapping.
Some even had tears in their eyes.
Not from emotion—
But from pain.
Their wallets—
Were bleeding.
—
After the meeting, everyone dispersed.
Ren returned home in a good mood.
Lunch was already prepared.
Feng and Ling waited for him.
He ate heartily.
Three full bowls.
After finishing—
He leaned back slightly.
Satisfied.
Today had been a good day.
Which meant—
It was time.
The ten draw chances—
Still unused.
Why not now?
Ren locked himself in his room.
As usual—
He began with a prayer.
"Buddha… Guanyin… Jade Emperor… Jesus…"
"Please…"
"…give me gold."
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