357. Harmony and Joy

"Shinobi World United News, May 3rd, Year 53 of Konoha: The railway connecting the Capital, Konoha, and Amegakure has been fully completed! The successful construction of this project marks a significant milestone in the history of the Land of Fire, symbolizing the development and progress of our nation's industrial technology. It will play a tremendous role in promoting trade activities across the ninja world..."

"At the invitation of the Hokage, the Daimyo of the Land of Fire, accompanied by a group of nobles from the capital, boarded the train and officially arrived in Konoha for a visit."

On the newspaper, a photo of the Daimyo and the nobles boarding the train was particularly eye-catching.

In the picture, the Daimyo wore a sincere smile, seemingly genuinely delighted by the progress and development of the Land of Fire!

It must be said that Shikaku's efficiency was truly remarkable.

After Danzo entrusted him with this task, he immediately began making arrangements.

Taking advantage of the opening of the tripartite railway connecting the Capital, Konoha, and Amegakure, Shikaku invited the Daimyo to board the train as an official guest, allowing him to experience this new mode of transportation firsthand.

And, of course, the Daimyo could also take the opportunity to visit Konoha.

As for Konoha, a grand welcoming ceremony was naturally prepared for the Daimyo.

Not only did Konoha officials come to greet him, but the Hokage himself personally arrived at the train station to await the Daimyo's arrival.

The station was surrounded by a large crowd of curious onlookers, all eager to catch a glimpse of the legendary, lofty Daimyo.

Amidst the rhythmic clattering of wheels and the sharp whistle, the massive black steam-powered iron dragon slowly rolled into Konoha.

Under the protection of numerous ninja, the Daimyo and his entourage of nobles stepped off the train.

Reporters on the scene frantically snapped photos, striving to capture this historic moment.

Seeing the sea of people before him and the young Hokage walking briskly toward him, the Daimyo couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

"Lord Daimyo, on behalf of all the people of Konoha, I welcome you!"

Minato's face lit up with a radiant, sun-like smile as he extended his hand, his youthful features brimming with sincerity.

Looking at the young Hokage and then thinking of his own disappointing sons, the Daimyo sighed again.


Of course, despite the bitterness in his heart, he had to maintain a harmonious demeanor and extend his hand in return.


After all, the moment he boarded the train, he understood his mission: to play his part in this grand, harmonious performance orchestrated by Danzo.

If he dared to show even a hint of discord, he knew that a terrifying hell awaited him.

He had no doubt that Danzo would make good on that threat...

Thus, the image of the Daimyo and Minato walking hand in hand, radiating harmony and joy, was quickly captured by the cameras.

It would undoubtedly grace the front page of the next issue of the *Shinobi World United News*, thoroughly dispelling any rumors of discord between the Land of Fire's ruler and its military leader.

Amidst this atmosphere of harmony, Minato led the Daimyo and his entourage of nobles onto a ceremonial vehicle.

Yes, after successfully developing the steam engine, Tono Tokuo and his son Tono Hoshi, with the help of Shimura Kabuto, had managed to create the "car" that Danzo had spoken of!

The Daimyo and the nobles gently touched the massive steel machine beneath them, then looked at the neat and uniform tall buildings and wide, clean streets.

Only then did they truly realize the vast gap between the capital and Konoha.

It was as if they were two entirely different worlds... This immense disparity filled them with despair and extinguished any lingering hope of resisting Konoha.

——————

Konoha Hospital.

Jiraiya, his body wrapped in bandages, was also watching the grand parade.

When he saw the Daimyo forcing a smile, he couldn't help but sigh deeply.

Although he usually appeared carefree, he was no fool when it came to politics.

He could guess Danzo's motives for inviting the Daimyo to Konoha—it was essentially a visit in name but a threat in reality.

Otherwise, why would the Daimyo's children also be brought to Konoha?

But even if he understood Danzo's intentions, what could he do?

At this thought, Jiraiya shook his head.


Recalling the terrifying slash Danzo had delivered, he still felt a lingering fear.

In his current state, he was no match for Danzo.

Even with the two Great Toad Sages, it might not be enough.

Perhaps only the Great Toad Sage of Mount Myōboku could stand a chance...

Moreover, he was now Danzo's "subordinate."

As a man hailed as a "sage," Jiraiya held his vows in high regard.

Since he had promised to follow Danzo's orders, he wouldn't go back on his word.

As for the future of the ninja world, he could only leave it to fate. He just hoped that old man Danzo wouldn't go too far!

As Jiraiya pondered this, a series of heavy tapping sounds suddenly echoed through the room.

He turned sharply to see a figure leaning on a cane standing at the doorway of his hospital room.

"Danzo..." Jiraiya muttered, his lips curling in displeasure. If there was one person he least wanted to see right now, it was definitely Danzo.

The conflict between his ideals and his vow had left him in a deeply awkward state.

He didn't want to become Danzo's lackey, but he couldn't abandon his oath either.

Danzo, however, seemed oblivious to Jiraiya's discomfort.

"Since your injuries are no longer serious, come with me," he said.

"Go? Where?" Jiraiya immediately grew wary.

Was this old man planning to drag him into some shady business on the very first day?


If it was a trip to the women's bathhouse for "research," he might consider it, but anything else was out of the question.

Danzo glanced at Jiraiya and said calmly, "You're coming with me to a high-level meeting."

"A high-level meeting?" Jiraiya's expression turned even more confused.

He wasn't part of Konoha's leadership, so why would he attend a high-level meeting?

Perhaps sensing Jiraiya's confusion, Danzo finally explained, "I plan to appoint you as the head of Konoha's newly established Propaganda Department."

"Huh? What's the Propaganda Department?" Jiraiya scratched his head, completely baffled.

Konoha had never had such a department before.

"The Propaganda Department is responsible for Konoha's external publicity work, such as publishing various *Will of Fire* publications, novels, and films," Danzo patiently explained.

At this, Jiraiya's eyes suddenly lit up as if he had remembered something. "Does that mean I can officially publish my novels?"

Danzo, of course, knew exactly what Jiraiya was thinking.

The man was undoubtedly hoping to bring his *Make-Out Paradise* series into the mainstream.

But the Propaganda Department represented Konoha's image, and Danzo couldn't allow Jiraiya to run wild with his... interests.

So Danzo immediately warned, "Publishing *The Tale of the Gutsy Ninja* is fine, but *Make-Out Paradise* is absolutely out of the question!"