Chapter 5

"Greetings to His Royal Highness, the King," echoed through the grand hall as every courtier bowed their head in reverence. Naruto's bow, however, stood out among the rest, a graceful display of perfection that seemed almost innate. It was as if he had been taught the art of bowing from the moment he could walk.

Ever since Sasuke's arrival, his eyes had been searching for a particular blond figure. The dobe, as he called him, seemed to occupy his thoughts inexplicably, much to his own confusion and frustration.

Such distractions were unwelcome for someone like Sasuke.

"Rise," Sasuke commanded, motioning his hand upward as he settled onto his throne.

 Internally, he frowned, reluctant to deal with the bickering and complaints of the courtiers. However, duty called, and he had no choice but to address their concerns.

Observing Sasuke's foul mood, an official nearby discreetly motioned for a servant to bring wine. The official approached, whispering,

 "Your Majesty, about the taxes for this year," as he poured the wine into a glass and handed it to Sasuke.

Sasuke nodded slightly, twirling the glass in his hand. It was time to test the dobe, he thought, his face betraying no emotion

"Obito why is the king sitting behind the curtain"

Obito, unperturbed by the audacity of speaking so openly in front of the king, leaned in and replied, "Only those who are close to the king can see him, especially during this critical period of succession. It is a precautionary measure to ensure his safety. Once he ascends to the throne, the curtain will be removed. However, do not mistake our inability to see him for his inability to observe us. "

Curiously, the courtiers appeared unbothered by Obito's conversation, as though such exchanges were a regular occurrence. No one intervened or reprimanded them, which struck Naruto, strange

Turning his attention back to the matter at hand, Sasuke's dark eyes scanned the assembly until they settled on Naruto.

"What are your thoughts on the taxes for this year?" As the discussions commenced, a minister stepped forward, his voice filled with conviction.

"Your Majesty, I propose a reduction of taxes by 50% to alleviate the burden on our citizens," he declared, his eyes daring anyone to oppose him

.However, another minister, known for his sharp tongue and cunning intellect, stepped forward with a smirk. "Reducing taxes by 50% would cripple our economy and leave us vulnerable to external threats. We must prioritize stability and security," he countered, his voice dripping with confidence.

The courtiers, divided between those who supported tax reduction and those who favored stability, engaged in a verbal battle of wits and arguments. Accusations flew, voices rose, and alliances were formed as they passionately defended their positions.

Sasuke, observing the chaos unfolding before him, leaned forward, his voice cutting through the commotion. "Enough!" he commanded, his eyes narrowing. The courtiers fell silent, their attention now solely focused on their king.

"Present me with concrete evidence and well-reasoned arguments," Sasuke continued, his tone demanding and authoritative.

 "Convince me that your proposed tax reduction or stability measures will benefit the kingdom in the long run."The courtiers, now challenged to prove their worth, fervently presented their cases, each trying to outshine the other.

 They cited historical precedents, economic theories, and even personal anecdotes to support their claims.

Naruto, sensing an opportunity to make his mark, stepped forward, his voice filled with determination. "Your Majesty, I propose a tiered tax system that would alleviate the burden on the lower-income citizens while still maintaining stability for the kingdom," he proclaimed, his eyes meeting Sasuke's gaze unwaveringly.

A murmur of interest rippled through the courtiers, captivated by Naruto's bold proposition. The atmosphere grew even more charged as the courtiers engaged in intense discussions, analyzing the feasibility and potential benefits of Naruto's suggested tax system.

Sasuke, intrigued by Naruto's proposal, leaned back in his throne, a hint of admiration in his eyes. He had not expected such a compelling argument from the blond courtier. The fight in the court had transformed into a battle of innovative ideas, each courtier desperately vying for the king's attention and approval.

In the end, after hours of heated debates and persuasive arguments, Sasuke rose from his throne, his voice resonating with authority.

"After careful consideration, I decree... a tiered tax system shall be implemented, as suggested by Naruto," he declared, his decision met with a mix of applause and discontent.

The grand hall erupted in a whirlwind of emotions as courtiers celebrated their victories or lamented their defeats. The fight in the court had not only tested their intellect and diplomacy but had also shaped the future of the kingdom.

"Interesting, he is way different from what i thought he was" Sasuke murmed a smirk slowly curling on his face

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