214 CH - 209 Consultation fees!

Nara Shikaku sighed and addressed the matter straightforwardly, "I've come to inquire about the First Ninja World Tournament. Despite the Grass Village's proposal, our Third Hokage is inclined to support it. However, it's crucial to note that the Grass Village, in this instance, has acted against ninja ethics by kidnapping our Jinchuriki..."

"Nonsense! It's merely a family visit. Such visits foster bonds; they don't constitute kidnapping. You're tarnishing the longstanding friendship between Konoha and the Uzumaki clan," Mubuki retorted, underlining the distinction.

A family visit? Shikaku couldn't help but feel a twitch in his mouth at Mubuki's audacious words. 'No, discussing this now isn't the priority.'

Maintaining a serious expression, Shikaku continued, "Given the Grass Village's repeated disregard for ninja ethics, Konoha harbors skepticism about the fairness of this tournament."

"Don't worry, we guarantee absolute fairness and transparency. Our leader can even personally vouch for it," Mubuki reassured Shikaku.

'Do you even believe the nonsense you're spouting?' Shikaku Nara thought, his mouth twitching at the righteous demeanor of the Grass Village consultant. Without dwelling on it, he quickly pressed on, "First, there's a registration fee of one hundred million..."

Mubuki shook his head while confidently patting his chest, "Don't Worry. Our Grass Village never imposes arbitrary fees. As you well know, Grass Village products are esteemed for their quality and fair prices in the ninja world, earning the trust of everyone. This fee will go into venue construction and security maintenance. Moreover, Rest assured, we have meticulously calculated everything to avoid overcharging."

Shikaku was taken aback by the audacity. Why should Konoha foot the bill for venue construction? The shamelessness of it all left him astonished.

With a raised eyebrow and a stern gaze, Shikaku pressed on, "This war is between the Grass Village and Konoha. Since Konoha hasn't been defeated, it's utterly implausible for us to foot this bill. If you refuse..."

Before he could finish his sentence, the Grass Village consultant in front of him ignored him and turned to the Grass Ninja behind him, "You! Quickly send someone back to inform the leader. Konoha refuses to participate in the tournament. Let the leader know and prepare to attack the Stone Village!"

Shikaku Nara was shocked by Mubuki's disregard for his words as he spewed nonsensical orders. The scene unfolding before him felt eerily familiar. Snapping back to reality, he intervened hastily, "Hold on! Konoha hasn't refused yet!"

"Is that so? Don't startle me like that," Mubuki replied with a hint of annoyance, relieved at Shikaku Nara's clarification. "If the villages engage in combat once more and tarnish our longstanding friendship, remember, as the head of the Nara clan, you'll bear the brunt of the blame."

He had never encountered such brazen audacity. Shikaku Nara gritted his teeth but persevered, "Nevertheless, about this one hundred million registration fee..."

However, Mubuki once again erupted, "Quickly, Send Someone!"

"Stop!" Shikaku Nara fought the urge to throttle the man. 'Could you dismiss the Grass Ninja lurking around? I'll demonstrate who's in charge here.'

Gathering his composure, he pressed on, "Let's set that aside for now. I'll confer with the Hokage. However, regarding this Ninja World Tournament, Konoha has certain stipulations."

"Please proceed," Mubuki adopted a grave demeanor as if the prior outburst hadn't occurred, nodding earnestly, "Rest assured, the Grass Village guarantees impartiality and rectitude."

Who would buy into such assurances? Regardless, Shikaku Nara maintained a courteous smile and nodded. For now, he needed to gather intelligence on the Grass Village's intentions. The subsequent decisions rested with the village.

Continuing, he stated, "In order to guarantee impartiality, Konoha... our Hokage suggests that both village leaders and the Rain Village's leader be prohibited from participating in the tournament."

He couldn't deny that the presence of the legendary ninja and the Grass Village's leader added a layer of unease for Konoha. Without the Hokage, they harbored reservations about the capability of anyone else to stand against these formidable leaders.

However, Before he could complete his sentence, Mubuki's outburst interrupted him once more. "Hurry, someone!"

"Stop!" Shikaku Nara, sporting another set of exasperated facial lines, halted Mubuki's impending call to 'inform' and let out a resigned sigh. "We can discuss this request later."

Realistically, expecting the Grass Village to concede to this demand was futile. The Grass Village and Rain Village leaders were formidable forces in the ninja world. It was implausible for them to step aside merely at Konoha's behest.

This was no ordinary tournament; it was a crucial battle. Surrendering such a significant advantage wasn't feasible for any village involved.

Observing Mubuki's behavior, Shikaku Nara persisted with a serious tone, "The Uzumaki clan and Konoha have shared a deep alliance since ancient times, dating back to the Warring States period. Despite recent issues, Konoha doesn't wish to harm this longstanding friendship. Therefore, we urge your village to prohibit the participation of the Uzumaki clan in the tournament, preserving the goodwill between our two villages."

However, Mubuki, unfazed, continued his call for assistance, creating a comical scene of negotiation.

Shikaku Nara: "Konoha insists that only ninjas who have resided in the village for thirty years and members of recognized ninja clans can participate."

Mubuki: "Hurry, someone!"

Shikaku Nara: "Konoha prefers the tournament to take place within its borders."

Mubuki: "Hurry, someone!"

Shikaku Nara: "Konoha…"

Mubuki: "Hurry, someone!"

Nara Shikaku gazed incredulously at Mubuki, who persistently called out to the Grass Ninja with each statement. Was this even a consultation? What was the purpose of constantly shouting to Grass Ninja to inform the Grass leader of 'nonsense'?

And as Shikaku fell into silence, Mubuki's countenance once again transformed into a benevolent smile. "Is there anything else you'd like to inquire about?"

"...No, that's all," Shikaku uttered, his mouth twitching with a mix of frustration and resignation. He shook his head, realizing it was futile to engage in meaningful dialogue with someone so eccentric.

Mubuki nodded graciously, maintaining his amiable smile. "Thank you for your inquiry. Would you be interested in learning more about our Talent Recruitment Plan?"

Nara Shikaku shook his head with a wry smile as he regarded Mubuki with a composed demeanor. "Aren't you concerned that Konoha will decline?"

"Quickly, someone! Konoha refused!" Mubuki attempted to shout once more.

"Stop! I apologize for my earlier remarks," Shikaku interjected, halting Mubuki's outburst.

"Why would you, as the clan head, make such statements? What if it strains the friendship between our villages?" Mubuki accused Shikaku with a brazen disregard for his own behavior.

"...Then I shall take my leave. I will relay the Grass Village's proposal to Konoha," Shikaku stated, declining further conversation.

Mubuki hurriedly attempted to detain him. "But aren't we continuing our conversation? About our talent..."

"No, thank you. Farewell." With that, Nara Shikaku wasted no time in exiting the premises, unwilling to prolong the fruitless exchange any further.

It wasn't until he had distanced himself from the purported consultation booth that he halted, and turned around, casting a contemplative gaze back at the desk. An inward sigh escaped him as he acknowledged the Grass Village's astuteness in manipulating Konoha.

But acquiescing to the Grass Village's demands would drastically diminish Konoha's odds of prevailing, prompting the inclination to persist in the conflict. However, If they were to persist in the conflict, the only viable strategy for triumph would involve catching the Grass Village off guard.

Nara Shikaku shook his head and addressed the Konoha ninjas accompanying him, "Let's head back..."

His sentence remained unfinished as a sudden realization flashed across his mind. His attention shifted towards another Grass Village consultation desk nearby.

The accompanying Konoha ninja couldn't conceal their confusion as Shikaku halted once again. "What's the matter, Shikaku-sama?"

"Just a moment," Nara Shikaku furrowed his brows slightly, pausing in contemplation.

Silently, he motioned for the Konoha ninja to follow as he strode towards the other side. His mind was preoccupied with the perplexity of the situation—why were the desks split apart, and at such a distance?

Though the Konoha ninja were bewildered by Shikaku's actions, they obediently trailed behind him. Soon, they reached another consultation desk and beheld a man with closed eyes and a stern countenance.

It was Kakuzu, the Grass Village Minister of Finance—a figure shrouded in mystery and formidable reputation.

Upon encountering Kakuzu's silent demeanor akin to Mubuki's, Nara Shikaku's brow furrowed slightly as he initiated the conversation, "Greetings, I represent Konoha..."

But Kakuzu merely glanced at him briefly and uttered a nonchalant "Mm~"

The tranquility of Kakuzu's response hinted at the Grass Village's unwavering stance. Shikaku sighed internally, recognizing the unlikelihood of the Grass Village accommodating Konoha's requests. Nevertheless, he pressed on, "Regarding the upcoming tournament, our Hokage has a few stipulations in mind."

He addressed Kakuzu with a tone devoid of expectation, "Our Hokage hopes that both he and the leaders of the Grass and Rain villages should prohibit from..."

However, Before he could conclude his statement, Kakuzu interjected, "Fifty million."

Nara Shikaku was taken aback by Kakuzu's sudden interruption, his expression betraying his surprise as he absorbed the unexpected demand. After a moment of processing, he contemplated, "What if Konoha wishes to restrict the participation of Uzumaki clan members?"

"The Uzumaki clan?" Kakuzu furrowed his brows slightly, looking at Shikaku with a hint of dissatisfaction in his tone, "The Uzumaki clan is also a member of the Grass Village, much like the Uchiha clan of Konoha. The Uzumaki clan shares both honor and disgrace with the Grass Village, and its members are considered esteemed ninjas of the Grass Village..."

Shikaku listened in silence as Kakuzu emphasized the bond between the Grass Village and the Uzumaki clan. Although he had hoped to prohibit the Uzumaki clan from participating, he now realized the impracticality of such a request. With a resigned inward sigh, he conceded the point, recognizing that preventing their involvement was unlikely.

He nodded with a tinge of regret and replied, "I understand. I will convey the Grass Village's conditions to the Hokage. Since that's not feasible..."

But before he could finish his sentence, Kakuzu, who was attempting to negotiate by highlighting the connection between the Uzumaki clan and Konoha, abruptly interjected, "Add money!"

Shikaku was taken aback by the unexpected turn of events. He was left speechless, grappling with the realization that the Grass Village was willing to bargain even on matters as delicate as clan participation.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

.

.

.

You can read 15+ chapters ahead of everyone on my Patreon

p@treon.com/Kaiszer

(replace ' @ ' with ' a ' for the link)