Chapter 26: A Lecture about the Economy

"I understand. I'll follow your instructions, Byakuya. I'll announce this reward and punishment system at the meeting tomorrow."

Yahiko replied, his voice firm.

Byakuya offered a curt nod, acknowledging Yahiko's agreement. Then, he added, as if a forgotten detail surfaced in his mind.

"Oh, by the way. I won't be attending tomorrow's organizational meeting. I'm eager to see how you handle it."

Yahiko's brow furrowed in confusion.

"Why? After all, you're the one who proposed the reward and punishment system."

Byakuya's reluctance to attend the meeting baffled Yahiko. In his perspective, it was a golden opportunity for Byakuya to assert his leadership and potentially soften his harsh reputation among the organization's members.

Byakuya began, his gaze steady,

"Yahiko, every organization needs someone to handle the unpleasant tasks. If you're not interested, it falls to me. On the other hand, you are far better suited to promoting mutual understanding at the meeting. Arguing with you there would be unproductive at that time. So my absence would be better for us not going into arguing at the meeting."

Yahiko paused, momentarily speechless. A wry smile tugged at his lips as he conceded defeat in his attempt to persuade Byakuya.

Despite being comrades within the same organization, capable of engaging in serious discussions for the betterment of Akatsuki, their fundamental beliefs diverged sharply when it came to conflict resolution.

Yahiko championed peace through mutual understanding, viewing force as a last resort. He tirelessly pursued peaceful solutions whenever possible.

Byakuya, however, appeared to hold a stronger conviction in the power of force, seemingly dismissing the notion of mutual understanding. When faced with adversaries, Yahiko would seek to subdue them, while Byakuya's approach was swift and final – elimination.

This fundamental difference was the greatest point of contention between them.

The thought sparked a memory within Yahiko, one that had simmered in his mind for quite some time. After Nagato's refusal of the leadership position and Byakuya's subsequent display of the strength befitting a leader, Yahiko had entertained the notion of entrusting the leadership to Byakuya.

However, Byakuya's current stance caused him to hesitate once again. There was no guarantee that Byakuya, as leader, wouldn't steer Akatsuki down a perilous path.

Byakuya undoubtedly noticed Yahiko's internal struggle reflected in his conflicted expression. He opted for silence, simply offering a brief farewell before departing from the office.

Byakuya possessed a keen intuition, and he likely had a good grasp of Yahiko's contemplation regarding the leadership position.

Byakuya understood the urgency of addressing the leadership issue. While Yahiko's temperament and leadership style made him the ideal candidate for Akatsuki's current state, Byakuya craved a different role.

He yearned for a position of influence, a powerful advisor who could steer the organization's direction without getting bogged down in the minutiae of daily management.

Yahiko's benevolent leadership had undeniably been the glue that held the Akatsuki together. It was this very cohesion that Byakuya, with his focus on raw power, might inadvertently dismantle if thrust into the leadership role.

As Byakuya strode through the Akatsuki base, a subtle shift in the atmosphere was palpable. The ninjas he passed no longer treated him with mere respect; there was a newfound reverence in their gazes. His display of strength against Nagato had undeniably elevated his standing within the organization. It was a curious side effect – wherever he went, he commanded attention. This newfound respect, however, wasn't his primary motivation.

Before making his way to the training grounds to hone his own formidable skills, Byakuya remembered his promise to Nagato. He remembered the blue-haired girl was up to something. Nagato had confided his anxieties about Konan's recent behavior.

Upon discovering the lucrative market for detonating tags, Konan had become a virtual recluse, relentlessly churning out tags within the confines of her room. Her only forays out were clandestine trips to the black market to sell her wares.

While Konan's dedication to the Akatsuki's coffers was commendable, Nagato worried about the toll it was taking on her physical and mental well-being. Could her body withstand the relentless production of these potentially volatile tools?

Reaching Konan's door, Byakuya found it locked and windows sealed, starkly contrasting the usual open atmosphere.

A sign reading "No Entry: Authorized Personnel Only" hung forebodingly. It was clear Konan had retreated not just from Nagato's concerns but from any outside interaction. No wonder Nagato was so distressed.

A gentle knock on the door elicited a weary voice from within. "Who is it?"

"It's me! Your friendly, deadly neighborhood 12 years old murderer, Byakuya."

Byakuya replied with a chuckle.

Moments later, the door creaked open, revealing Konan. Dressed in comfortable clothes, she rubbed at the dark circles etched beneath her eyes.

"Byakuya? I was expecting Nagato or Yahiko. Did you develop a new paper escape technique this time?"

She inquired, a hint of hope momentarily replacing the weariness in her voice.

Byakuya hesitated for a moment, his gaze bypassing her to take in the room's contents.

The sight that greeted him sent a jolt of apprehension through him. The room was overflowing with detonating talismans, stacked precariously like a papery monument reaching towards the ceiling. Thousands of them lay scattered carelessly across the floor.

The sheer volume of these explosive devices was staggering. Even with his mastery of the paper escape technique, a single accidental spark could trigger a devastating chain reaction. Konan's unwavering dedication had taken a surprisingly dangerous turn.

After taking in the staggering volume of detonating talismans, Byakuya turned his gaze to Konan.

"Nagato-senpai sent me. He's worried about you overworking yourself with these talismans. He wants you to prioritize rest."

Konan offered a tired nod.

"That sounds like Nagato alright."

A weary sigh escaped her lips.

"I understand his concern, but our organization's finances have always been tight. Without the income from detonating talismans, maintaining Akatsuki's operations would become a struggle. I just want to contribute more financially. Byakuya, honestly, do you think resting is truly necessary right now?"

Byakuya considered her question before shaking his head. He then launched into an explanation of basic market principles.

"Your well-being is paramount, Konan-senpai. While I won't pressure you excessively, it's important to understand that as the supply of detonating talismans increases, their market value inevitably declines. All this tireless effort might not translate to a significant financial gain."

Konan remained silent for a few seconds. Nagato's pleas for rest would have likely fallen on deaf ears, but she couldn't ignore the recent shift in the market. The black market merchants had started requesting discounts with increasing frequency. This realization fueled her relentless production, a desperate attempt to compensate for the dropping prices through sheer volume.

"Is there a solution to this predicament?"

Breaking the contemplative silence, Konan finally posed the question.

"Yup! There is. We can proactively instigate a war. This would inflate demand, allowing us to raise prices and ultimately generate more income in selling our precious detonating talismans."

The idea held a certain appeal, yet a wave of unease surfaced over Konan. Selling detonating talismans already pushed the boundaries of their moral code.

Initiating a war blatantly contradicted Yahiko's core philosophy of peace. Additionally, the very notion of such violence stirred an internal conflict within her.

Byakuya, discerning her disapproval from her expression, pressed on.

"Another option exists. We could reduce production. Retain a stockpile for our own use, alleviating the strain on your body."

"Reduce production?"

Konan echoed, a flicker of understanding crossing her features.

It seemed listening to Byakuya's financial advice was sufficient for now, without delving further into the complexities of his other suggestion.

Taking note of her receptiveness, Byakuya seized the opportunity to delve into economic principles. Though bewilderment clouded Konan's face, she persevered, offering occasional nods to acknowledge her confusion.

Finally, as Byakuya took his leave, she watched him depart with a hint of admiration in her eyes.

Exiting the room, Byakuya stroked his chin, a satisfied smirk playing on his lips.

While persuading Konan to cut back on detonating talisman production by explaining supply and demand felt like a necessary evil, it ultimately achieved his goal of fulfilling his promise to Nagato.

For now, the Akatsuki organization seems to be on a path of stability and progress. Yahiko continued to manage internal affairs, Konan oversaw the finances, and Byakuya, alongside Nagato, bolstered their military strength. Everything seemed to be falling into place.