After a debauched banquet, the delegation rested in the city for the day.
At night, seeing Yohei and Saori still looking unsettled, Taiichi shook his head. "Still thinking about today?"
Yohei mumbled incoherently, clearly embarrassed. Saori looked indignant; as a girl, her perspective on the events was different.
"Noda said one thing right: this is the adult world, part of the 'flower world' out there."
Yohei and Saori looked at Taiichi, waiting for him to continue.
"We are ninja, not officials or nobles. What is the foundation of a ninja? It's the power we wield!"
Taiichi swung his arm. Roaring flames erupted, enveloping his entire right arm as if transforming it into pure fire.
His Fire Nature Transformation and Chakra Control had improved again.
Yohei and Saori stared at the flaming arm, stunned.
Taiichi nodded in satisfaction. "With enough power, everything you saw today is easy to obtain."
"Lord Jiraiya is a pervert who gathers 'material' everywhere, but his strength upholds the Sannin name."
Sorry, Jiraiya-sensei, for exposing your dirty laundry.
"Tsunade-sensei is also a Sannin, known as the strongest medical ninja. Look at which man dares to be presumptuous in front of her." Taiichi looked at Saori, using his teacher as an example.
Yohei and Saori's eyes sparkled. The Sannin were legendary, and Taiichi's connection to two of them was inspiring.
This reaffirmed their resolve to become stronger.
The next morning, the delegation dragged their feet, enjoying a lavish breakfast and the City Lord's hospitality. They didn't leave until the sun was high.
On the evening of the seventh day, near the capital, Noda finally made his move. While walking by the river, he whispered to Taiichi, "The Daimyo appreciates your talent, Taiichi-kun. Would you consider developing your career in the capital?"
Taiichi feigned surprise, glancing nervously at Yohei and Saori in the distance. He scratched his head and rubbed his hands together, looking flustered.
"This... Ninja transfers require the Hokage's approval. If the Hokage agrees, I have no problem with it."
He stuttered intentionally, keeping his meaning vague, leading Noda to believe his earlier groundwork had succeeded.
"Haha, no rush. You can think about it. Of course, the Daimyo will communicate with the Hokage."
Noda didn't push too hard. He was just laying the foundation. The real recruitment would happen in the capital. He changed the subject, chatting about his travels, which Taiichi listened to with interest.
On the evening of the ninth day, the magnificent walls of the Fire Capital appeared. Noda smiled victoriously. He felt Taiichi's inclination towards the capital growing. His mission was a success.
Taiichi looked at the approaching gates, his eyes serious. The real test starts now.
Entering the capital again, the prosperity still amazed them.
"Taiichi, we have half the mission time left. Can we explore the city after this?" Yohei whispered, eyeing the shops eagerly.
"What are you whispering about?" Saori noticed his sneaking.
"Just saying we should stay and play for a while. What do you think, Saori?" Taiichi answered honestly.
"Is that so?" Saori looked suspicious. "Why is Yohei acting so mysterious then?"
Taiichi was puzzled too. Yohei had been acting weird since entering the city. Did he get recruited too?
But that was impossible. Taiichi and his clones had monitored everyone. Yohei and Saori hadn't met anyone alone. Whatever. Everyone has secrets.
They arrived at the Daimyo's mansion. Noda went in to report. Taiichi and the others waited in the guest room.
Soon, a servant informed them to wait at the guest house; the mission scroll would be confirmed tomorrow.
As expected, Taiichi thought. He led his team to the guest house.
Once settled in their courtyard, Taiichi said, "Let's split up. Explore wherever you want in this huge city!"
"Yay!" Yohei jumped in excitement.
Saori smiled shyly.
"Let's go. Be careful," Taiichi reminded them.
---
Daimyo's Mansion.
Noda knelt, reporting his success.
"—Hiruzen Sarutobi agreed to the requests, but due to border friction, the personnel deployment will be delayed."
"Fine. As long as they send people. Good work," the Daimyo praised from behind his fan. "How about Taiichi Matsushita?"
"I used power and beauty as bait. He refused on the surface, but I saw the desire in his eyes. Especially when mentioning his orphan status, he showed resentment. He is unwilling to remain lowly."
Noda presented a brocade bag. "This was a gift from the City Lord. I didn't take a penny, only wishing to serve my Lord in recruiting talent."
The Daimyo signaled a servant to take the bag. He weighed it in his hand—the clinking of jewels was distinct.
Without looking, he tossed it back to Noda. "Since it was gifted to you, keep it! Also, report to the Finance Minister tomorrow. It's time for a promotion."
Noda was overjoyed, bowing his head to the floor. "Thank you, my Lord! I will serve you until death!"
Using someone else's money to buy loyalty—the Daimyo's methods were shrewd.
"Bring that little ninja to me. Tell him I have matters to discuss," the Daimyo ordered a servant.
After Noda left, the Daimyo paced to the window, tapping his fan against his palm.
"Jonin-level strength at eight years old, completed several A-rank missions... Such a pawn must be mine."
---
Taiichi wandered the capital for over an hour. The bustle and scale far exceeded Konoha.
I wonder when Konoha will reach this scale, he mused.
He glanced at a man pretending to buy clothes nearby. The eighth tail.
Since leaving the guest house, he had been followed. They switched tails frequently, thinking they were unnoticed. Taiichi let them be, waiting for their move.
Finally, a servant approached, led by the tail. "Ninja-sama, the Daimyo invites you!"
Taiichi feigned surprise, then understanding. "Please lead the way."
Back at the mansion, he was led to a private parlor. The Daimyo was already seated.
Taiichi paused, then rushed forward, looking flattered. "Lord Daimyo, I apologize for keeping you waiting."
"Taiichi Matsushita, how does the capital's night view compare to Konoha's?" The Daimyo asked casually.
"Far more prosperous..." Taiichi gushed with envy, praising everything about the capital.
The Daimyo watched the boy ramble like a country bumpkin, a fleeting smile in his eyes.
"So, Taiichi Matsushita, are you willing to come to the capital and work for me?" The Daimyo cut to the chase.
Silence fell. The chirping of insects outside seemed loud.
Taiichi fell silent. The Daimyo waited patiently.
This was the critical moment. Blind flattery would earn contempt; appropriate strength would increase his value. Every word could determine his life or death.
Taiichi's expression turned solemn. "Lord Daimyo!"
The Daimyo's expression turned serious too.
"Does the capital have advanced Ninjutsu for me to learn?"
"No." The Daimyo frowned slightly.
"Does the capital have powerful Jonin to guide my training?"
"No." The Daimyo looked annoyed.
"Does the capital have enough peers for me to spar with?"
"Still no!" The Daimyo's face darkened.
"Then, Lord Daimyo, a ninja speaks with strength. If I serve you now but cannot grow, what is my value?" Taiichi pointed out the key issue.
"Oh?" The Daimyo's interest piqued. "What is your idea?"
"You recruit me for my power. But the capital lacks the resources to nurture me. Why not let me continue growing in Konoha?" Taiichi analyzed calmly, as if he had already defected.
"Interesting. Go on."
"Furthermore, if I am in Konoha, I can respond immediately to your orders. When I have enough power, that will be the day I come to serve at your side," Taiichi said sincerely.
"Hahaha! Good! Good! Taiichi Matsushita, you speak well!" The Daimyo laughed, making no secret of his appreciation. "You are right. I don't lack combat power like yours right now. Staying in Konoha will indeed be more helpful."
He pondered for a moment. "As you say. Stay in Konoha, improve your strength, and gather intelligence for me."
Taiichi's eyes lit up slightly, bowing to hide his expression. "What intelligence do you require?"
"See which geniuses are worth recruiting. And report any special events."
"Yes, Lord Daimyo!" Taiichi accepted the mission decisively. Then he looked at the Daimyo expectantly.
The Daimyo was confused. "What? Is there a problem?"
"Lord Daimyo... did you forget my benefits? Even normal missions have payment. This is spy work," Taiichi said shyly, as if ashamed.
"Ah! Right, right! I forgot the most important thing!" The Daimyo feigned realization. "Taiichi, what do you want?"
Taiichi rubbed his hands together. "Lord Daimyo, you must have some Ninjutsu records, right? Can I have some? And whatever else you see fit."
The Daimyo was surprised by the simple request but attributed it to Taiichi's age and desire for strength.
"Go to the mansion's library. You may choose 10 books. Additionally, I will give you 30 million ryo. In the future, I will pay based on the value of the intel provided. How is that?"
"Thank you for your generosity, Lord Daimyo!" Taiichi bowed.
Watching Taiichi leave, the Daimyo's expression turned heavy. "What do you think?"
A hidden door opened, and the Finance Minister stepped out.
"My Lord, I don't think he has truly submitted."
"Oh? Why do you say that?"
"He never knelt to you."
"Ah, right. I almost missed that." The Daimyo laughed, tapping his forehead with his fan. Then his face darkened. "But it doesn't matter. As long as he accepts the 'gifts' and sends intel, the rest is out of his hands!"
"Wise, my Lord!" The Minister flattered. "With a nail in Konoha, our recruitment plans will have clearer targets."
Laughter echoed in the dim room.
Meanwhile, Taiichi was led to the library.