Touhuan and Kakashi escorted Gato to his hidden treasury. Having learned from his "business trips" in Tanabata, Touhuan was prepared this time, pulling out dozens of empty sealing scrolls. While Gato was a mere civilian, his wealth—built on the blood and sweat of an entire nation—far exceeded that of any minor nobleman.
True to his word, Touhuan only took 70% of the treasury. It totaled a staggering 6 billion ryo.
With a practiced hand, Touhuan divided the sum at a 4:3 ratio, tossing a sealing scroll to Kakashi. "Here's your share."
Kakashi caught the scroll, his hands nearly giving way. Inside was nearly 3 billion ryo. He stared at it in disbelief. The Hatake clan, in its entire history, probably hadn't earned this much.
To even unseal and move this much physical cash, a ninja would have to refine their chakra multiple times just to keep up with the storage requirements.
Kakashi finally understood why Touhuan called the money he took from the village elders "small change."
After Touhuan placed a Cursed Seal on Gato to ensure his loyalty, the two left the manor.
Even as they walked toward their hotel, Kakashi couldn't stop staring at his teammate as if he were seeing a ghost.
"Ahem, why are you staring at me like that?" Touhuan asked, feeling the weight of the gaze. "Remember, this money isn't just for you. Keep 10% for your personal use, 30% for your mid-level officers, and 60% for the rank-and-file ninjas under you. Follow the procedure I taught you."
"Like the police dog base you built with the Inuzuka? Or the secret research you funded for the Aburame?" Kakashi asked, the realization hitting him.
"Exactly. You're finally starting to understand politics," Touhuan smiled.
However, as the initial shock faded, a cold fear settled in Kakashi's stomach. If the world ever found out what they had done tonight—robbing a major tycoon and shaking down a national economy—they would be public enemies. Touhuan hadn't just broken the rules; he had set the rulebook on fire.
"Hey, Touhuan," Kakashi called out, his voice trembling slightly as he touched the scroll in his pocket.
"Hmm?"
"Do you... do you even know what you're doing?" Kakashi asked with difficulty.
"Yeah, I know," Touhuan replied casually. "What, are you scared? If you are, give the scroll back. I can pretend you were never here tonight."
"Before today, I thought you just wanted to be Hokage. But after tonight..." Kakashi took a deep breath. "Touhuan, what is it that you actually want?"
Touhuan's smile faded. His expression became as calm and still as a deep lake. Under the cold moonlight, his presence felt massive, suffocating.
"You really want to know? Let me warn you, Kakashi. Once you know, there is no turning back."
Kakashi looked at him. He thought of how Touhuan had cleared his father's name, how he had protected Minato's son, and how he had crushed every conspiracy against them.
"I'm already your ally," Kakashi said firmly. "There's no turning back now. Tell me."
Touhuan looked up at the moon, his eyes shifting into the complex patterns of the Mangekyō Sharingan.
"What do I want to do? I want to cure this sick world."
Kakashi's pupils shrank.
"Everyone in the village talks about peace," Touhuan continued, his voice low and cold. "They think 'mutual understanding' will end wars.
But Kakashi, war is just a continuation of politics. While we bleed on the battlefield, the Nobles and Daimyos are sitting at a card table, waiting for their chips to run out before starting a new game. Our lives, our friendships—to them, we are just numbers."
"I've never understood it.
Why do people we can crush with a flick of our fingers get to decide the fate of ninjas? Because of 'tradition'? Because of 'rules'?" Touhuan turned to Kakashi, his gaze piercing. "Ninjas are treated as tools because we allow it. This world is broken. For the sake of children who shouldn't be sent to war, for the sake of heroes who shouldn't be shunned—even if my hands must be stained with blood, I will bear that sin alone."
The silence that followed was heavy. Kakashi was stunned, his entire worldview shattered and rebuilt in minutes. Finally, he spoke, his voice solemn.
"If that's the path," Kakashi said, "then I'm willing to walk it with you."
Touhuan didn't say a word. He simply extended his hand. Kakashi didn't hesitate and gripped it firmly.
Loving the book so far! Check out 30+ advanced chapters on Patreon
[email protected]/Horizons685
(End of Chapter)