183 CH - 178 It was a Hallucination, Right?

The Sand Ninjas blinked in confusion. Could it be that the Grass Ninjas were intentionally sent to serve them?

As they pondered this possibility, a collective internal sigh echoed among them. Surprisingly, the Grass Ninjas seemed quite decent. Despite potential scams being a concern, the Grass Ninjas hadn't deceived them during the war. The quality and affordability of the ninja vests and inner armors, coupled with discount coupons, made them accessible even to the financially challenged ninjas in their village. And now, the Grass Ninjas were gearing up for potential business collaborations.

Reflecting on the words spoken by the Grass Ninja since the previous night, which had lingered in their minds, they couldn't help but entertain the idea that if Konoha's elder could earn 100 million, they could too.

Examining the brochure with clear pricing for the listed items, they envisioned potential profits once these products hit their village. The possibility of becoming elite agents and earning even more added to their contemplation.

Internally marveling and sighing, they collectively whispered, "The Grass Ninjas... are good people!"

However, Chiyo didn't believe this nonsense. The Grass Ninjas were nothing more than a group of scammers, likely intending to deceive their Sand Village. Her mouth twitched slightly as suspicion lingered; perhaps the Grass Village had already unraveled the secret behind their visit and strategically placed Pakura to sow discord within their village. A plan to thrust the Sand Village into internal strife. However, a glaring question surfaced – weren't the Grass Ninjas concerned about the potential retaliation from the Sand Village?

Considering the ongoing peace after the Third Great Ninja War, initiating a war at this juncture, even with the significant losses the Sand Village suffered, would be a formidable force to reckon with. If they mobilized all their ninjas, it wouldn't be something a small ninja village like the Grass Village could easily withstand. So, what deceptive machinations were at play in the minds of these scammers?

At that moment, "Ding dong, ding dong~" The doorbell chimed once more, casting a momentary hush over the room. The Sand Ninjas turned to Chiyo, seeking guidance, while she silently assessed the situation.

"Um, Chiyo-sama...," one of the Sand Ninjas hesitated, "It seems the visitor hasn't left yet. Should we address this?"

Chuckling dismissively, Chiyo replied, "Hmph, what trouble could they possibly cause with me here? Ignore them. They seem keen on selling something, but they ought to know I've got nothing to offer."

However, as the doorbell sounded again, one of the Sand Ninjas suggested cautiously, "Perhaps we should check who it is?"

Chiyo waved away the idea, stating, "No need to bother. Focus on our task at hand!"

"Actually, we should move on as well. We need to discuss the opening of the Land of Rain's passage with the Grass Ninja Village," another Sand Ninja reminded her.

Chiyo blinked, realizing she had nearly forgotten. This unexpected encounter had disrupted her plans, and any further delay would only fuel suspicions among these people. It was time to act swiftly before arousing more curiosity.

Inwardly cursing the Grass Village as "these scammers," Chiyo lifted her head with an expressionless face, her eyes revealing a hint of internal conflict. However, after a deep breath, she composed herself and fixed her gaze on the Sand Ninjas before her, her eyes now displaying a serious determination.

With unwavering resolve, she addressed them, "Remember, regardless of what unfolds, do not act impulsively or seek answers. Everything... will be in accordance with the orders of the Kazekage."

A glint of cold authority flashed in her eyes as she continued, "Otherwise, do not blame me for not being polite!"

As a seasoned veteran of the Sand Village, having weathered three Great Ninja Wars, Chiyo's commanding presence immediately asserted itself.

A collective shiver ran down the spines of the Sand Ninjas. Holding their breath involuntarily, they nodded quickly in acknowledgment, responding in unison, "Yes!"

Yet, a lingering question lingered in their minds: What could have transpired to make Chiyo-sama so cautious? Despite the uncertainty, they dared not question her authority. Satisfied with their compliance, Chiyo nodded, a sense of fulfillment in her demeanor.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Chiyo turned around slowly and opened the door. Anticipation filled the room as the Sand Ninjas wondered about the mysterious presence outside.

However, as the door creaked open, a stern and complaining voice filled the air, "What are you all doing? Still not up? You can't earn money if you're lazy like this. What time is it now, Are You Still dreaming about making money? Stop Dreaming and make it happen in real life!"

Blinking in surprise, the Sand Ninjas looked at the stern-faced Mubuki standing before them, then glanced at Chiyo. It was just Mubuki. Why was Chiyo-sama being so cautious?

Even Chiyo herself fell into a momentary silence, her expression neutral as she stared at Mubuki. Leaning out to look outside, she found no trace of the mysterious figure that had been there a moment ago. Did she imagine it? Was it a trick of failing eyesight, or perhaps a momentary hallucination?

"Time is almost up. What are you all doing? Haven't you said there was something important you want to discuss with the Leader and Lord Hanzo? They're waiting for you now!" Mubuki declared, wrapping up his motivational speech with a touch of urgency. "Let's go!"

Chiyo, collecting herself, nodded in agreement. "Understood. Please wait a moment, we'll depart shortly." Closing the door, she paused, then opened it again after a moment of hesitation.

Mubuki looked at her with confusion. "What's the matter?"

"Nothing," Chiyo replied, a sense of relief washing over her. Closing the door once more, she turned to the Sand Ninjas behind her, who mirrored her confusion.

Clearing her throat, she spoke with gravity, "Get ready. We're leaving now. Don't forget our mission!"

"Yes!" The Sand Ninjas affirmed, readying themselves for the upcoming meeting.

…

Before long, the Sand Ninjas and Chiyo, led by Mubuki, were prepared and guided towards a grand hall.

Despite her earlier doubts about a mysterious figure, Chiyo felt relieved as Pakura did not appear unexpectedly. The sense of unease that had lingered within her was momentarily assuaged.

Upon entering the hall, however, they were once again greeted by banners adorned with familiar stories and phrases, causing Chiyo to involuntarily twitch her mouth. It seemed that the Grass Village was genuinely intent on engaging in business with them. However, Chiyo smirked, thinking, 'It's impossible to extort money from us, not in this lifetime. Even though... one hundred million is not a small amount!'

Determined to protect the financial interests of the Sand Village, Chiyo walked forward with a stoic expression.

As they reached a room, the Grass Ninja guards halted the Sand Ninjas behind Chiyo, explaining, "Sorry, only Advisor Chiyo can enter. The meeting room has limited space and can't accommodate so many people."

Chiyo furrowed her brow slightly in Mubuki's direction, but observing the encircling Grass Ninjas, she sighed inwardly. "Fine, you all wait outside. I'll go in alone."

"But, Chiyo-sama..." The Sand Ninjas hesitated, reluctant to stay behind.

"That's enough, no need for further discussion," Chiyo commanded, waving her hand. As she approached the door, a thought struck her.

She turned back to address the Sand Ninjas with seriousness. "Remember, no matter what anyone says, do not believe it."

However, Before they could respond, Mubuki interjected, assuring, "Advisor Chiyo, don't worry. I'll oversee them, ensuring they aren't misled. The Grass Ninja Village is adept at identifying and preventing scams. Our mantra is 'Do not believe Rumors, do not spread rumors.'"

Though Chiyo twitched her mouth, thinking, 'It's you that I am most wary of,' she chose not to voice her doubts. She opened the door, entered the room, and closed it behind her, leaving the Sand Ninjas outside.

As she entered, a cheerful and strangely familiar voice greeted her, "Welcome, esteemed guests!" Chiyo raised an eyebrow at the unexpected warmth in the greeting.

Surveying the figure before her, she couldn't help but be puzzled. This was the same person who had mocked the Sand Village just the night before. How did he transform overnight? The leader of the Rain Village looked almost unrecognizable, dressed in a polished black uniform with a tie, and his hair meticulously styled. The only familiar feature was the gas mask covering his face.

Chiyo couldn't resist twitching her mouth, uncertain about what transpired in the last night. She hesitated before questioning, "Leader Hanzo, what is this...?" Pausing for a moment, she added, "What are you doing?"

Before she could receive an answer, Hanzo interjected sternly, "Don't call me Leader Hanzo!" Adjusting his collar, he looked at Chiyo with seriousness and declared, "I am currently in charge of the Land of Rain Healthy Drinking Water Transportation Company!"

Chiyo was left speechless, her mind struggling to process the absurdity of the situation. She maintained silence, grappling with the bizarre turn of events. What on earth was happening?

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