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"Recently, there indeed is a task, but it requires quite a long time, at least twenty days to start. I don't know if you have the time."
The manager of the underground exchange in Chikuzen County continued, "We've cooperated a few times, and I know you're strong, so I'm telling you about this profitable task. Recently, you're the only one who meets the requirements. What do you think, want to consider it?"
"It's a bodyguard task, and the client is not short of money. If you can defeat three of their bodyguards, it's six million for twenty days; defeat five, and it's twelve million."
After thinking for a moment, Yōichi shook his head and said, "Twelve million is considered a lot? Isn't that less than a Jōnin from the five great ninja villages is worth? Do you have any better tasks?"
"That's all, and the price isn't calculated like that. A Jōnin's corpse is very valuable. A bounty for a Jōnin without requesting the body is around five million."
The manager of the underground exchange shook his head, explaining the scarcity of personnel recently and that the client didn't want any mediocrity. His two recommended bounty hunters were rejected, leaving no choice but to persuade Yōichi.
"Fine, I'll take it. Tell me who the client is and how to contact them."
After some thought, Yōichi accepted. He didn't inquire about other bounties, assuming the man would offer him cheap C or B rank missions if he refused this one.
Earning little money for troublesome tasks wasn't appealing.
"Take this, go to the capital of the River Country, one block street, and look for a person named Inoue Sansui. He will take you to meet the client."
After finishing, the manager smiled and added, "If you do well on this task, you might not need to worry about money in the future. If the client is happy, they might hire you long-term."
"Hmph!"
Yōichi took the commission letter and left with Kakashi.
Once they were far from the underground exchange, Kakashi couldn't help asking, "Captain, a twelve million bounty sounds tough. That's at least twelve S-rank missions."
"It's different, Kakashi. You can't compare the village's missions to the tasks from the underground exchange. And one million is the lower limit for S-rank missions, not all S-rank missions are one million."
Yōichi explained, if every S-rank mission was one million, then thirty-five million could hire thirty-five Jōnin teams. Not to mention other villages, even the Temple of Fire couldn't survive without a single cockroach if the mission wasn't clean.
"Twelve million indicates the client anticipates ninja assassins, likely even a Jōnin. Thus, they might have hired not just us but at least five teams, and the employer also has their own guards."
Kakashi nodded, then quickly realized that still implied a difficult task.
Before Kakashi could inquire further, Yōichi continued, "Based on the pay, handling a Jōnin is enough. If there's more, I suggest we immediately retreat. It's not worth risking our lives for money."
"Of course, if you want to train, that's fine. But when I give the retreat order, you must obey!"
Kakashi nodded, "I understand, Captain."
After some time, they arrived at the River Country's capital and found the contact as instructed by the underground exchange. Then, they were led to the River Country's Daimyo's residence.
Kakashi whispered, "It really is the Daimyo's residence. But Captain, isn't it odd? Even for a small country's Daimyo, who would dare assassinate him? Why does the River Country's Daimyo hire so many guards?"
"The Daimyo isn't a fool. If he's hiring so many, he must feel threatened. As for where the threat comes from, only he knows!"
Upon entering the Daimyo's residence, they were led to a spacious garden where a dignified person in a high hat, looking like the Daimyo's steward, approached them, followed by a group of samurai.
"You two are the ones who accepted the commission, right? You've been informed of the rules. I need to see your strength first."
After the official of the River Country's Daimyo's residence inquired, he gestured to the samurai behind him. After five stepped forward, the official asked, "Do you want to challenge three or five?"
"Five, just me."
Yōichi stepped forward and flexed his wrists. If it was just samurai, they were much easier to deal with than ninja.
Samurai attack methods are too simplistic, believing that by honing themselves, they can reach the pinnacle. Thus, their approach to combat is one-dimensional, limited to swordsmanship.
In contrast, ninja are different. Chakra was meant to connect people's spirits, but ninjutsu was born from the necessity to kill!
---
"Captain, I've confirmed that there are a total of one hundred and twenty guards inside the River Country's Daimyo's residence, including five elite samurai from the Iron Country. The rest also include several dozen samurai who can use chakra. However, it seems there have been quite a few more people in the Daimyo's residence these past few days, some dressed like they're from the Wind Country."
Yamanaka Ryōsuke reported the intelligence he had gathered. Having the ability to explore others' minds and invade their spirits, gathering intelligence within the Daimyo's residence was easy.
"Can we confirm if they're from Sunagakure?"
"We can't. They're wearing bandanas, and although they don't have ninja uniforms, their presence in the River Country's Daimyo's residence at this time suggests Sunagakure's involvement."
Hearing Ryōsuke's words, he closed his eyes to think.
The others didn't dare interrupt. Several team members had teamed up with Sakumo before and greatly respected his leadership.
"Find out where those from the Wind Country are staying and deal with them first. Ryōsuke, clarify the details about the new arrivals at the Daimyo's residence but don't reveal your ninjutsu."
Sakumo spoke, then looked around at everyone, "This time, under no circumstances can we expose our information, or the mission fails outright."
Even if they successfully kill the River Country's Daimyo, exposing their identities would still mean failure.
If the entire ninja world knew that Leaf ninja killed the River Country's Daimyo, the impact on the Leaf would be unpredictable. Even if the enemy suspects, they must not leave evidence.
"Yes, Captain!"
Everyone responded in unison. Except for Ryōsuke, who received orders, the rest stayed at the base.
The more people deployed, the higher the risk of exposure.
Meanwhile, inside the River Country's Daimyo's residence, Yōichi and Kakashi passed the test. Due to Yōichi's overwhelming strength, he earned an additional two million reward, to be given after the mission's completion.
Moreover, his guard duty was deepened; initially tasked with patrolling the front mansion, his exceptional abilities led to his assignment at the Daimyo's castle keep.
(End of Chapter)
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"Lord Daimyo, I've noticed an increase in the guards at the Daimyo's residence in the past few days. It seems you've taken our advice to heart."
The Sand Village's Sasori addressed the River Country Daimyo, feeling confident that this time he could sway the Daimyo to their side. This would increase the Sand Village's resource share and stockpile war weapons.
"Lord Daimyo, although you have familial ties with the Fire Country Daimyo, the stable annual production of several hundred million ryō from the Unkai Iron Mine is enough to tempt anyone. Moreover, you've rejected the Fire Country Daimyo's offer, leaving cooperation with our Sand Village as your only option."
The Sand Village had taken the initiative to persuade the River Country Daimyo alongside representatives from the Wind Country Daimyo's estate.
If they succeeded in convincing the River Country Daimyo, not only would they gain a larger share of the Unkai Iron Mine, but they could also push their defensive lines to the doorstep of the Fire Country, directly confronting Kikyo Castle. Eventually, they aimed to assimilate all of the River Country's metal resources.
This was the strategy discussed by the Sand Village's high command.
Even without the individual who had secretly informed them, the Sand Village's leadership had planned to slander Konoha, claiming they intended to harm the River Country Daimyo.
However, that was no longer necessary. To their surprise, Konoha actually had such intentions. The Sand Village was initially skeptical of this information, but after thorough verification and activating a spy hidden within Konoha, they confirmed the news was largely accurate.
This bolstered the Sand Village's confidence in persuading the River Country Daimyo, who seemed somewhat inclined to believe them.
After a moment of silence, the River Country Daimyo finally spoke, "Let's discuss this matter later. The Fire Country has also sent an envoy, and their emissary will visit in half a month. There will also be messengers from the Rain Village. Wouldn't it be better to discuss this with all four parties present?"
The River Country's neighbors included only three other nations. Excluding any of them in trade discussions was difficult, though the Rain Village typically didn't claim a large share, it was mainly to give Hanzo face.
Otherwise, completely isolating the Rain Village might drive Hanzo mad.
"Lord Daimyo, the envoy from Konoha is just a decoy. If they truly come, it's likely they'll come to assassinate you."
Sasori solemnly advised, "If Lord Daimyo wishes, the Sand Village is willing to provide three Jōnin teams to ensure your safety."
"The current guard strength at the Daimyo's residence is sufficient, your concern is appreciated," the River Country Daimyo replied, closing his fan. "However, regarding the Unkai Iron Mine, it would be best if all four parties discussed it together. The River Country is too weak to give a definitive response to your request, unless... the Sand Village is willing to support the creation of our own ninja village!"
"That's impossible!" Sasori blurted out, his expression changing abruptly. Realizing his tone, and seeing the Daimyo's displeased look, he quickly added, "This is not within my power to decide. I will convey Lord Daimyo's wishes to the Kazekage!"
Even if conveyed, agreement was unlikely. The Sand Village had been troubled by the rise of the Rain Village and the idea of the River Country establishing its own ninja village was out of the question.
Another ninja village would mean fewer missions for the Sand Village and complicating their access to the River Country. This was a consensus reached between the Sand and the Leaf, to absolutely prevent the River Country from founding its own ninja village.
Hearing this, the River Country Daimyo responded indifferently, "In that case, we'll wait for the envoys from the Fire Country and the Rain Village to arrive before discussing the Unkai Iron Mine."
"Then, I shall visit another day," Sasori conceded, realizing persuasion was futile for now.
After the Sand Village delegation left the castle, Sasori glanced at Yōichi and Kakashi guarding the entrance.
Once outside, Sasori asked his subordinates, "Have you identified how many guards the River Country Daimyo has hired?"
A ninja from the Sand Village responded, "We've confirmed an addition of six individuals, seemingly hired from the underground exchange. It's unclear if there have been further additions."
"If these six dare to venture outside, notify me immediately."
Sasori intended no courtesy towards the River Country Daimyo. Small nations should remain aware of their place, not presuming a few hired rogues could stand against a great nation.
Shortly after the Sand Village group departed, one of the Daimyo's residence guards suddenly collapsed. Another guard rushed to assist, asking, "Hey, what happened to you?"
"Me? I don't know, why did I suddenly faint?"
The guard regained consciousness, puzzled as if he had just been asleep with no memory of the event.
Elsewhere, Ryōsuke suddenly opened his eyes, relieved, "Since there are no sensory ninjas, this will be easier."
He then performed hand seals and launched a sensory jutsu, quickly locating the Sand Village group.
---
Two days later, Sasori had no opportunity to act. He knew the new guards were unlikely to leave, understanding even rogue ninjas maintained basic mission discipline.
Still, he didn't plan to give up. If he couldn't target the River Country Daimyo's new guards, he'd attack the original samurai guards, proud assets of the Daimyo and rumored to be capable of killing a Jōnin.
He intended to teach the River Country Daimyo why the Sand Village was one of the Five Great Ninja Villages.
"Sir."
Someone suddenly entered, appearing panicked and quickly approaching him.
"Don't panic. What's the matter, and who are you?"
Before Sasori could finish, he sensed something amiss, swiftly grabbing a kunai and attempting to retreat.
But the person disguised as a Sand ninja seemed to anticipate this. As Sasori reached for his kunai, a flash of white light appeared.
Whoosh!
An invisible wind blade sliced through, causing Sasori intense pain. Before he could scream, he saw his arm fall to the ground.
"Ah"
"Silence!"
A white-glowing short blade pressed against Sasori's throat, its reflection in the light revealing the attacker's identity.
White hair and a nearly invisible white short blade.
"You, you're the White Fang of Konoha!?"
Sakumo pressed the blade slightly into Sasori's neck, then interrogated, "How many from the Sand Village are here? What reinforcements are expected?"
"Do you think I would tell you?"
Boom!
Before Sasori could finish, Sakumo knocked him out with the hilt of his blade, intending to take him back for Ryōsuke to extract information directly from his mind.
Sakumo knew trusting any information from a Sand Village ninja would be foolish.
(End of Chapter)
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