Naruto: The Hidden Protector

96: Don’t worry about financial constraints

96: Don’t worry about financial constraints

The auction continued as many treasures appeared one after another. The bidding war was intense as each item seemed highly coveted by each clan. Numerous treasures like S-rank jutsus, forbidden techniques, and ancient weapons and artifacts appeared one after another.

Each one of these items, any of which would typically cause a massive stir, was now being presented in this auction. Izanami was certain that, after today, the Red Fox auction house would be renowned throughout the Land of Fire.

“Well then, ladies and gentlemen, we have now come to our last but certainly not least special item. For this, I invite Lady Izanami to do the honors,” the auctioneer announced as she walked over to Izanami, who made her way to the center of the stage.

“Well, thank you, Nono, for giving me the stage,” Izanami said as she acknowledged Nono. Yes, this beautiful auctioneer was none other than Non? Yakushi, the orphanage caretaker.

When Izanami first met her, this was the business opportunity she had in mind. Nono possessed excellent speaking skills, which, whether due to her training as a spy or her natural charisma, made people listen intently to her words.

Of course, it wasn’t mind control, but more like a very persuasive salesperson’s gift. With talent like that, Izanami couldn’t let it go to waste.

‘I should have her come here more often,’ Izanami thought, smiling at Nono with satisfaction. She was thoroughly impressed by Nono’s abilities and resolved to get her away from that fool Danzo.

How could she let her skilled auctioneer end up dead because of Danzo’s trust issues?

“Well then, my dear guests, as you may all know, this private auction is exclusive to Konoha. And that is because of this final item.

Without further suspense, let me introduce our last offering.” Izanami snapped her fingers, and a projection screen lit up behind her, displaying a few bold words.

**[Konoha Police Department Chief’s Rights]**

“Yes, everyone, our last item pertains to the rights of the Chief of the Konoha Police Department. As everyone knows, the Police Department has a certain level of autonomy from the Hokage’s office due to the nature of their work.

Because of this, the department enjoys specific privileges, one of which allows the Chief to appoint any clan member they approve to join the force, regardless of that member's formal qualifications,” Izanami explained, smiling as she sensed the tension in the air.

Although they were clan leaders and high-ranking members of Konoha, many were still unprepared for such a revelation. The invitations hadn’t mentioned the exact items up for auction.

Initially, Izanami considered mentioning it but ultimately decided against it, wary of leaking information to any spies. Besides, if they’d known beforehand, some might have chickened out for fear of being labeled traitors by Tsunade.

She could already see some people eyeing the exits.

‘Honestly, your Hokage is upstairs drinking happily, but you all are already thinking of running away. How spineless can you be?’ Izanami thought, unaware of how absurd she sounded.

These clan heads had endured the Third Hokage’s leadership long enough to be wary. They were used to a Hokage who would come after their families for even minor dissent.

“And, of course, this auction has our beloved Hokage’s permission. After all, this authority is crucial for Konoha,” Izanami added, easing most of the crowd's concerns.

‘The Uchiha clan practically monopolized the police department with this authority,’ she thought. This was one reason why Uchiha members, regardless of talent, had secure jobs in the department.

“Well, then, ladies and gentlemen, let me outline a few details before the bidding begins. Since this is a special item, we’ll be doing things a bit differently.

First of all, while the rights allow the winner to appoint members of their clans to the department, appointments will only be possible if there are existing vacancies. We don't want the police department to go bankrupt from unpaid wages. But don’t be discouraged; right now, there are about 150 vacancies.

Secondly, because the cost for full rights is substantial, we’ve decided to divide the rights into three parts. This way, all clans will have a fair shot without being hampered by financial constraints,” Izanami said with a chuckle at her own joke. Unfortunately, no one joined her, still processing her words.

“Anyway, let’s start the bidding for the first part. Our opening bid starts at 90 million ryo,” Izanami announced, trying to shake off her embarrassment.

“100 million,” Hiashi called out immediately. Unlike the others, he understood the significance of these rights. Not only would they expand his clan’s influence, but it would also give their prodigies a safer path for growth.

“120 million,” Shikaku joined in, raising his voice. His clan had been aiming for the police department for a while. It offered a stable job without the need to travel far for missions.

“150 million,” said the Sarutobi elder. Since the Third Hokage’s resignation, their clan’s influence had been in decline, making a police department role an appealing option.

“200 million,” shouted an elder from a minor clan. Seeing the big players in action, he realized this was an opportunity he couldn’t ignore.

The bidding became increasingly heated, with clans putting everything on the line. Ultimately, the Hyuga clan emerged victorious, having purchased fewer items than others. As Konoha's second wealthiest clan, they had funds to spare.

“Now, let’s start the bidding for the second portion of the rights,” Izanami announced, pulling everyone’s focus back to her.

“Oh, and before I forget, this time, you may form groups to bid. However, keep in mind that we have no role in the division of shares. That’s entirely up to the clans involved,” Izanami added, making everyone pause momentarily. Then, as though a switch had been flipped, many attendees began forming alliances.

You must know that in the previous bid, small clans didn’t participate as they didn’t have enough funds. Although teaming up may make them divide the loot it wasn’t a big deal for them as their clans also don’t have that many ninjas to begin with.

So for the next few minutes, numerous alliances were made between various clans. Surprisingly even major clans decided to make alliances. The most eye-catching one was the Ino–Shika–Ch? which included the Yamanaka, Nara, and Akamichi clans, and the alliance between Aburame and Inuzuka clans.

But Izanami expected this as these clans always had good relations with each other. What surprised her the most was that Sarutobi and Shimura clans didn’t form any alliances. Although Hiruzen and Danzo had a fallout that shouldn’t explain this as even during the Sengoku era these two clans had a very good relationship.

She refused to believe that two people could completely destroy the connection these clans had for hundreds of years.

‘ something is wrong ‘ Izanami thought as she narrowed her eyes. She could practically smell a scheme. It seems she should pay some attention to what Danzo and Hiruzen were doing these days.

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