Chapter 337
In the final minutes of the meeting, Hiruzen Sarutobi announced several personnel decisions, which included the rewards for Haruto Saito. He emphasized multiple times that appointing Haruto as the Minister of Commerce was also part of the rewards.
This was a strategic move to silence critics who might attempt to impeach Haruto based on his young age. Unless they could propose an equivalent reward, which was impossible, their objections would be meaningless. Only Hiruzen had the authority to appoint a minister-level official.
In the last minute of the meeting, Haruto pulled out a large stack of money and handed it to Koharu Utatane.
It was a fine!
During his bargaining session with Hiruzen in the prison, they settled on a fine amounting to a total of 200 million Ryo.
Haruto accepted it!
He paid!
Not because he had surrendered, but because this was one of the conditions for his appointment as Minister of Commerce. Moreover, the power vested in the Ministry of Commerce was beyond anyone's imagination. They had no idea how Haruto planned to use his newfound authority.
If he didn't earn back 200 million within a few months, he'd cut off his own head and use it as a football!
...
Under the night sky, the lights of Konoha Village sparkled!