On the Konoha front lines in the Land of Hot Water, inside a tent at the main camp, Hibari, Hitenn, Kagami, and Sakumo were gathered.
However, the four of them weren't doing anything serious; they were playing poker, specifically a game called 'Fight the Landlord'.
That's right, Hibari had brought this classic card game into this world, mainly because he was getting a little bored on the front lines.
In his previous conversation with his granfather, Tobirama, Hibari had said that he didn't need to compete with anyone for merits. As it turned out, Tobirama seemed to have really taken those words to heart. Hibari had been there for three days and hadn't been given a single task. He was on standby at the main camp all day long, so bored that he created this game and got his friends together to play.
"I say, Commander, if this keeps up, our trip to the front lines is really just a vacation. Can't you think of something?" Sakumo said with a bit of anticipation as he played a card.
"Think of what? You guys know the situation. We're not the only ones who are idle; most people are. The war is ending. Kumogakure has completely withdrawn their strategy and isn't showing their faces. This morning, some envoys even came. It seems we won't get to have the last taste of this hot soup..." Hibari said, playing a card as well.
"That's a good thing. We still have a secret mission. If there really is an alliance meeting, maybe it will be our turn to show off our power..." Kagami said with a smile.
Just then, Hitenn, being his rigid self, sitting on the side, spoke up, "Can you three please focus? I'm waiting for my turn..."
"Hahahaha, it's not over yet, is it? The loser hasn't been decided yet. It'll be your turn soon, don't worry." Kagami said, laughing loudly.
Hibari, on the other hand, raised an eyebrow and asked, "Hitenn, do you also think this game is fun?"
Hitenn nodded, then said, "That's right, this card game not only requires strategy, but it also emphasizes cooperation. It also takes into account the wisdom needed when fighting against overwhelming odds. In my opinion, it's a very meaningful card game that can train one's thinking and logical abilities, and cultivate the mental fortitude for both teamwork and solo combat."
Then Hitenn babbled on for a long time, praising the 'Fight the Landlord' card game that Hibari had created to the heavens, as if it were the only one of its kind, leaving Hibari a little dazed.
But soon, Hibari recovered and said with a smile, "It's a good thing this game is highly regarded by you, my rigid friend. By the way, Sakumo, Kagami, what do you two think?"
Sakumo scratched his head, then smiled and said, "Commander, as for any deeper meaning, I don't feel too much, but it's really fun..."
"Exactly, it's truly addicting, hahahaha." Kagami also agreed.
Hibari rubbed his chin, then said, "That's good. I have a rough idea. When we get back, I'll have the Mitsumine Group start preparing to produce card decks... to turn it into an industry!"
Hearing Hibari's words, the other three all looked stunned. Then Hitenn said, "Deputy Commander, it seems to me that even ordinary people can make these cards with a little time. If we produce them, will people really buy them?"
Hibari smiled and said, "First, this game can be played anytime, anywhere, but people won't always make and carry cards with them. So as long as the price is right, we can definitely make a lot of sales with small profits. Secondly, it's fine if ordinary people make them to play with; we'll just consider it bringing some fun to everyone. But a card game that involves winning and losing will inevitably have a gambling nature. Therefore, the real potential customers are actually people in gambling houses. For fairness and formality, they will always need to buy qualified, official products, right?"
After hearing Hibari's words, Hitenn thought about it, then nodded and said, "As expected, in these areas, you, Deputy Commander, have extraordinary talent!"
"Hahaha, and that's not all. We can also do high-end custom sets, to sell to those nobles, daimyō, and wealthy people. For example, cards made of pure gold, jade, or pure silver, adorned with jadeite, gems, and so on. In short, the more high-end, the better; the more flashy, the better. Those guys aren't short on money. We can increase the profits by ten or even a hundred times and brand it as a 'luxury' concept. Won't the money just come pouring in?" Hibari said with a triumphant look, raising an eyebrow.
The others all had a look of 'we give up' after hearing Hibari's 'chilling' words. Then Kagami said, "You're truly a guy who devours people without spitting out the bones..."
"I'm already a conscientious seller, alright?" Hibari said, rolling his eyes at Kagami.
Then Hibari paused, and said with a bit of conceit, "The main thing is that I don't have time to worry about these business matters. Otherwise, with money, I could even beat those bastard guys from Kumogakure in this war..."
Just as Hibari and the others were bragging and playing cards, Torifu suddenly lifted the tent flap and walked in. After seeing Hibari, he said, "As expected, you're all here playing cards again. Hibari, the Hokage has something for you."
Hibari was stunned for a moment, then said, "Is it urgent? If not, I'll go after this hand..."
"You dare to delay the Hokage's matters? Go on, I just started my rotation. I'll play for you..." Torifu said, smiling at Hibari.
But before he could smile for too long, Hitenn had already taken the cards from Hibari's hand and said, "According to the order, I should be next. Deputy Commander, the Hokage must have something important to discuss. You should go first!"
"You guys really are..." Hibari said with an exasperated laugh, looking at the two of them. Then, without saying anything more, he stood up and said, "It's probably related to that matter of ours. I'm heading there now."
However, the others didn't seem to have the mind to care about him, as they were focused on playing cards. Hibari shook his head helplessly and left.
Not long after, he entered the tent where Tobirama was. The moment he entered, he saw Tobirama pouring himself some tea. Hibari then said with a chuckle, "Hokage-sama, what do you need me for?"
Tobirama glanced at Hibari, then said, "You should know by now about the envoys from Kumogakure who came this morning, right?"
Hibari smiled, then said, "Of course I do. Not just me, everyone knows. I even heard people discussing it on the way here."
"Is that so? Then what is everyone's attitude and thoughts?" Tobirama asked softly.
Hibari was silent for a moment, then said, "It's okay, I guess. Your methods are still quite impressive, Hokage-sama. I feel like your shadow is still behind this, manipulating public opinion..."
Tobirama took a small sip of tea, then looked at Hibari and said, "Properly guiding ideology is also a responsibility that the Hokage must bear, Hibari."
"Alright, alright, I know the Hokage position isn't easy to hold, so I'm not interested in it. Ojiisan, why did you call me here? What do you want to say?" Hibari said with a chuckle.
Tobirama had no intention of continuing to lecture Hibari. Instead, he said, "The envoy from Kumogakure came this morning and brought a proposal for peace talks. You know my thoughts, so we have already confirmed our mutual intentions. Soon, a peace talk ceremony will be held, and at the ceremony, the Second Raikage and I will discuss an alliance. If all goes well, an alliance ceremony will be held right there at the peace talks..."
Hibari's expression became a little serious upon hearing this somewhat convoluted talk, but he didn't say anything, continuing to listen to his Hokage uncle's arrangements.
"Originally, I really hadn't noticed these things, but you already warned me before. So now I also feel that there is a great possibility of a major incident occurring during these alliance and peace talks..." Tobirama said in a deep voice.
Only then did Hibari speak up, "So what kind of mission are you planning to give me, Hokage-sama? To lead the Anbu to protect you? To ensure the peace talks go smoothly?"
After hearing Hibari's question, Tobirama gently shook his head, then said, "No... quite the opposite. Peace talks and an alliance can always be reopened at another time and another place. Therefore, there's no need to necessarily ensure that they go smoothly. On the contrary, this turmoil in Kumogakure will only present this one opportunity!"
Hearing Tobirama's words, a chill went straight up Hibari's spine because he had already understood what his Hokage grandfather meant.
He wanted to see if Kinkaku and Ginkaku were truly going to cause some trouble, and if there was a chance to severely exploit Kumogakure again during the peace talks and alliance ceremony...
According to Hibari's original thoughts, he had assumed that after telling Tobirama about this, Tobirama would secretly become vigilant and ask Hibari and the others to protect him to ensure the peace talks went smoothly. But he had never expected that Tobirama would be so 'ruthless.' He was about to form an alliance with Kumogakure yet he still didn't forget to exploit them at the last minute. Could this be said to be worthy of the Hokage?
Tobirama looked at Hibari's surprised expression, took another sip of tea, then asked calmly, "Why are you making such a surprised face?"
"Nothing, I just feel I need to get to know my Ojiisan again. You're so dark, truly dark. Could it be that anyone who becomes Hokage is influenced into becoming like this? It's terrifying..." Hibari said with a laugh, teasingly.
"Hmph, although it's an alliance, it's just a stopgap measure. How could two warring sides suddenly become true allies? Therefore, as long as the necessary balance isn't broken, the greater Kumogakure's losses are, the better it is for us. Our Konohagakure doesn't need a powerful ally, but an ally that depends on us. You should understand this, Hibari..." Tobirama snorted and said.
"You're the Hokage, so what you say goes. In that case, how should I proceed with the arrangements?" Hibari raised an eyebrow and said with a smile.
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