Chapitre 50: CH - 50 Mubuki’s Conspiracy?
"We have thoroughly investigated the matter, Mubuki-san. It has come to our attention that you were previously arrested for selling intelligence to Konoha," Kitsuchi stated firmly, maintaining an unwavering gaze.
"Furthermore, upon your release, suspicions grew due to your close relationship with Konoha shinobi. Consequently, you were arrested again on grounds that lacked substantial evidence," he continued, implying their knowledge of Mubuki's covert dealings.
Although their investigation had uncovered Mubuki's involvement in clandestine activities with Konoha shinobi, their intelligence remained incomplete. Moreover, the reasons behind the Grass Village leader's arrest seemed weak, merely alluding to a perceived lack of focus on official duties.
From Kitsuchi's perspective, it appeared that the Grass Village leader lacked concrete evidence, leading Akihiko to apprehend Mubuki under flimsy pretenses. After all, a village leader would not needlessly trouble the village advisor without valid justification.
"This time, the Grass Village leader is well aware of your close ties with Konoha. However, he has discreetly assigned you the task of receiving our Iwagakure shinobi. This is another way of testing your loyalty, Advisor Mubuki. Am I mistaken?" Kitsuchi asserted confidently.
Mubuki's mouth twitched slightly in response to Kitsuchi's words. Although he recognized that Kitsuchi was overthinking the situation, he couldn't help but appreciate the logical and persuasive nature of Kitsuchi's argument. However, before he could respond...
"There is no need to conceal it from me! The Grass Village leader has demonstrated remarkable strength in bringing order to the Land of Grass. There is no denying his power. However, his vision for the village involves significant changes that go against popular opinion, such as establishing a ninja academy and prioritizing commoners while neglecting the duties of shinobi," Kitsuchi sighed and continued, "As an elder of the Grass Village, you desire change but lack the necessary influence. Currently, he holds the leadership of the Land of Grass. However, Iwagakure can offer you assistance!"
To be frank, the Iwa shinobi would have preferred to form an alliance with the Grass Village leader if possible. After all, he enjoyed a favorable reputation within the Land of Grass and did not exhibit the typical traits associated with Grass shinobi. Traditional Grass shinobi were notorious for their unreliability, often betraying their allies when faced with adversity. Unfortunately, recent attempts to meet the Grass Village leader had proven futile, as he seemed to be deliberately avoiding them.
Hence, they had to settle for the next best option. Their current mission was to secure passage or form an alliance with anyone who could aid them in Kusagakure.
Kitsuchi looked at the bewildered Mubuki before him and spoke earnestly, "So, there is no need to conceal it from the Iwa shinobi. We are already aware!"
As Kitsuchi finished speaking, Mubuki blinked and fell into silence. His thoughts remained a mystery as he appeared to come to a decision. Letting out a sigh, he grabbed his cup, took a large sip, and wiped the tea from the corner of his mouth.
Staring intently at the Iwa shinobi, Mubuki confessed, "I didn't expect to hide so well and still be discovered by you." With a resounding thud, he slammed the cup on the table and continued, "That's right! I'll be honest! I simply dislike that young man. However, I cannot deny his immense power."
Momentarily taken aback by Mubuki's sudden change in demeanor, Kitsuchi soon wore a smile and responded promptly, "We, the Iwa shinobi, can offer our assistance!"
"No, there is no need! Involvement of shinobi from another village will only lead to more chaos. Let it be," Mubuki waved his hand dismissively at Kitsuchi, maintaining his earlier expression.
"Iwagakure..." Kitsuchi tried to interject, but Mubuki carried on speaking.
"Although I have personal grievances with that individual, I am still a shinobi of the Grass Village. If it is discovered that shinobi from another village intervened, it will only tarnish our clan's reputation and distance me further from my position," Mubuki cast a meaningful glance at Kitsuchi. "Iwagakure should refrain from intervening!"
"Then we..." Kitsuchi attempted to suggest an alternative means of providing support, but before he could finish his sentence...
Mubuki interrupted earnestly, "However, I do require the assistance of Iwagakure!"
Kitsuchi became puzzled by his words and looked at him questioningly.
"Well, talking about it gives me a headache!" Mubuki's expression suddenly shifted, and he slumped down with a dejected demeanor. "Do you recall the harvester I showed you a few days ago?"
"Are you referring to that machine?" Kitsuchi inquired, seeking confirmation from Mubuki, recalling the mention of a harvester being used by ordinary people in the fields.
"That's right! It's a new industry in the Land of Grass, but unfortunately, it doesn't seem to be well-received among the shinobi!" Mubuki sighed before Kitsuchi could respond, saying, "That individual has created something that brings significant profits to the Land of Grass. It is beloved by both the shinobi and the ordinary people of our land. As for me..." He shook his head. "After all this time, I haven't made any substantial contributions to the Land of Grass."
"There's something I'm unsure if I should mention," Kitsuchi hesitated, wanting to share his opinion.
"Go ahead," Mubuki nodded, signaling him to continue.
"Ninjas should focus on their duties as ninjas and not be burdened with these matters," Kitsuchi expressed, observing Mubuki's nod.
"I understand! But the Land of Grass is currently facing poverty. We have nothing. Ninjas who cannot generate income are not deemed qualified to lead the Grass Village. That's why I need your assistance!" Mubuki sighed, his tone filled with lament.
Kitsuchi fell into silence at Mubuki's response, inwardly acknowledging, 'Indeed, the Land of Grass has undergone significant changes.'
However, Kitsuchi furrowed his brow and fixed his gaze on Mubuki. "May I inquire how the Hidden Stone Village can provide assistance, Advisor Mubuki?"
"Would you be willing to purchase a few harvesters?" Mubuki inquired, observing Kitsuchi's expression closely.
Kitsuchi's mouth twitched as he couldn't help but wonder, 'Why would a ninja even buy such a machine? What use could it have for a ninja?'
"Your Hidden Stone Village isn't like Konoha, right? Just talking about benefits without actually following through!" Mubuki eyed Kitsuchi with suspicion, who fell silent in response. "You wouldn't even consider buying a few machines."
"I..." Kitsuchi hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath and reminded himself, 'It's for the mission!'
With a serious expression, he asked, "... How much do they cost? And how many would you like us to purchase?"
"They're not expensive! Three million each! As one of the Five Great Shinobi Villages, the Hidden Stone Village should purchase at least ten!" Mubuki declared confidently.
Kitsuchi stared at Mubuki in disbelief, silently chastising him, 'That's not expensive? It's incredibly costly! Ten machines would amount to thirty million! Do you even realize the value of an S-rank mission?'
Raising an eyebrow, Kitsuchi hesitated for a moment, about to say something when Mubuki looked at him suspiciously and added, "You're not planning to refuse, are you? It would make it difficult for me to assist you in that case!"
"I'm not refusing, but..." Kitsuchi pondered for a moment, then adopted a serious expression as he looked at Mubuki. "If we provide assistance, what will the Grass Village offer in return?"
"We'll establish an alliance and ensure passage! That is our guarantee!" Mubuki replied earnestly. However, he quickly added, "But please understand that the Land of Grass will not involve themselves in any conflicts or wars."
Listening to Mubuki's promise, Kitsuchi thought to himself, 'Even better! The Grass shinobi have a history of unreliability. It's best for them to stay out of wars. We can't afford any more betrayals.'
Although he couldn't voice those thoughts, Kitsuchi nodded solemnly. "I will report your request to the Tsuchikage immediately."
"Please arrange for the payment! We will deliver the requested goods!" Mubuki exclaimed, a renewed sense of optimism on his face.
"But the Hidden Stone Village doesn't require any goods," Kitsuchi reminded him, looking at Mubuki.
"Oh, right! Don't worry, We guarantee safe passage!" Mubuki nodded in agreement, maintaining his cheerful demeanor.
Finally, it seemed they had reached an important decision. The two individuals exchanged a knowing glance and smiled, silently acknowledging their understanding.
After a while, Kitsuchi stood up and said, "I should take my leave. I apologize for any inconvenience caused."
"No need to apologize! It's a substantial order worth thirty million. Please visit us again in the future!" Mubuki smiled warmly and accompanied the esteemed guest from the Hidden Stone Village to the door. Watching Kitsuchi's figure fade into the distance, he sighed, shook his head, and muttered to himself, "So this is what the leader meant... Scientific ninjutsu is the primary productive force?"
Indeed, He had gained firsthand experience of it. Earning thirty million in such a short period of time was truly remarkable.
…
Meanwhile, on the other side, inside the research institute, Akihiko observed Elder Yoshinori as he bustled about, deep in thought. Akihiko stroked his chin, contemplating the progress they had made. "Are we ready to begin mass production now?"
"Well," Elder Yoshinori furrowed his brow, considering the question. "Certain equipment can be mass-produced, but the production of chakra condensers and micro-scrolls requires individuals with exceptional chakra control. If we train specialized ninjas, we should be able to achieve large-scale production soon. However..." His voice trailed off as he voiced his concern. "The Land of Grass lacks sufficient manpower for such endeavors."
Before Elder Yoshinori could continue, Akihiko waved his hand dismissively. "I'll take care of the manpower issue. There's no need to worry about that." Then, a thought seemed to cross his mind. "By the way, how is the research on the patent sealing jutsu that I requested?"
"Oh, that?" Elder Yoshinori nodded. "We have succeeded in developing it. It wasn't too challenging! The Uzumaki clan already possesses a similar ninjutsu, so we made some modifications. However..." Elder Yoshinori hesitated momentarily before adding, "Do you believe this will truly bring us profit?"
Just as he finished speaking, a figure rushed into the room, his face filled with excitement. "Leader!"
Recognizing Mubuki as the person who had arrived, Akihiko seemed to have anticipated the news. He smiled faintly and turned to Elder Yoshinori. "Of course! It appears that our friend here has already secured an order!"
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