Teizawa looked at Samui.
Those blue eyes were locked onto him, unblinking.
There was shame in them. Anger.
A stubbornness driven into a corner.
But more than anything… a kind of resolve that came from throwing everything away.
Inwardly, he gave the Raikage of Kumogakure a silent thumbs-up.
To push a woman like Samui to this point…
It meant Kumogakure's desire for the Four-Tails far exceeded his expectations.
His expression did not change in the slightest.
"On the condition that I'm satisfied."
His tone was as calm as if he were discussing an ordinary business deal.
"And you'll have to pay seventy billion."
Samui's face flushed red.
"You…"
Her voice trembled, her entire body faintly shaking.
She wanted to turn and leave. To slam the door behind her.
To draw the short blade she always carried and teach this bastard what respect meant…
But she didn't move.
Because she knew that if she walked out that door…
The Four-Tails might be forever out of Kumogakure's reach.
Teizawa watched her, his gaze steady.
He could see it clearly.
Kumogakure was determined to have the Four-Tails.
Not the kind of "we'll try if we get the chance" desire.
But the kind that said "we must have it, no matter the cost."
Why?
To spite Iwagakure?
Or did that brute Raikage have some bigger plan?
It didn't matter.
What mattered was… she came back.
"Samui."
He spoke slowly, unhurried.
"Think it through. Once you leave this room, you won't get another chance."
Samui's body stiffened slightly.
The room fell silent, so quiet the crackle of the candle flame could be heard.
Her breathing grew heavier, her chest rising and falling.
That striking curve stood out even more under the moonlight.
A long time passed…
Maybe only seconds, but it felt like a century.
"I…"
She spoke, her voice hoarse.
"I need time."
Teizawa nodded.
"The auction is tomorrow. Before that…"
He paused, a faint trace of amusement flickering in his eyes.
"You're welcome anytime."
Samui said nothing more.
She turned and walked out.
This time, her steps lacked the composure she had when she entered.
Each one felt like stepping on knife blades.
The door closed softly.
Teizawa lifted his teacup and took a slow sip.
Interesting.
Kumogakure was more interesting than he had imagined.
Seventy billion… and Samui.
No matter how you looked at it, this deal wasn't a loss.
…
By the time Samui returned to the inn, it was already deep into the night.
Karui sat cross-legged on the bed, wiping down her ninja tools.
The moment she saw Samui push the door open, she immediately set everything aside and looked over.
"Samui, how'd it go? What did the Kazekage say?"
Omoi leaned against the window.
A lollipop rested in his hand, untouched.
He studied Samui's face thoughtfully.
He was far more perceptive than Karui.
He saw it immediately.
Something was off.
Samui didn't look simply angry or tired.
It was something… more complicated.
"Samui, your expression tells me…"
he said slowly,
"something happened."
Samui glanced at him but didn't deny it.
She walked to the table, poured herself a cup of water, and drank it in one go.
The water was cold, sliding from her throat down to her stomach.
But it couldn't extinguish the fire inside her.
"He's willing to agree to our request."
Her voice was calm, like she was giving a mission report.
"But the Kazekage has conditions."
Karui leaned forward eagerly.
"What conditions?"
"Seventy billion."
Omoi nodded, his expression unchanged.
"If that's all, we can accept it. The Raikage authorized exactly that amount."
He paused, his gaze sharpening.
"But your expression says otherwise. There's more, isn't there?"
Samui fell silent.
Karui stamped her foot anxiously.
"Come on, Samui, just say it! What else is there? You're killing me here!"
Samui took a deep breath.
"He wants me."
Karui blinked, confused.
"What do you mean? Wants you? Like defect to Sunagakure?"
Samui almost laughed at her cluelessness.
But there was little humor in it.
Only bitterness and self-mockery.
"Idiot."
She clenched her teeth.
"That man… wants to sleep with me."
The room went silent for a moment.
Karui's mouth fell open into an O.
Omoi nearly dropped the lollipop in his hand.
"…Huh?"
Karui's voice cracked.
Her gaze drifted downward uncontrollably, landing on Samui's chest before quickly darting away.
Then a look of sudden realization appeared on her face.
"Samui… is it because yours are too big? Did you end up attracting the Kazekage?"
"You—"
Samui's face flushed instantly.
She grabbed the cup from the table, ready to throw it.
"Say one more word and I'll kill you!"
Omoi twitched, quickly stepping in to stop her.
"Calm down, calm down… don't stoop to her level."
He paused, then asked more seriously,
"So… what are you going to do?"
Samui set the cup down and stayed silent for a long time.
Karui, unusually, didn't interrupt.
Omoi waited quietly.
Only the faint chirping of insects outside filled the room.
"What's there to hesitate about?"
Karui suddenly spoke, her tone far more serious than usual.
Samui looked up at her.
Karui met her gaze and said in a low voice,
"Don't forget the Raikage's orders. If it means getting the Four-Tails, what does something like this matter?"
She paused, lowering her voice further.
"Samui… don't forget. You're a shinobi."
Samui's eyelashes trembled slightly.
"If you don't want to…"
Karui puffed out her chest—though there wasn't much there to puff.
"I'll go instead. That Kazekage isn't bad-looking anyway. I wouldn't lose out."
"…."
Samui stared at her expressionlessly.
Omoi sighed, exasperation clear in his voice.
"Idiot. He wouldn't even look at someone as flat as you."
"What did you say—"
Karui's face turned red instantly.
She rolled up her sleeves, ready to fight.
"Say that again! Who are you calling flat?!"
"Enough."
Samui slammed her hand on the table.
The two instantly froze.
She rubbed her temples, clearly annoyed.
"Shut up."
Karui and Omoi immediately closed their mouths, not daring to make a sound.
Silence returned to the room.
Samui leaned back in her chair.
She looked out the window at the moonlight.
After a long while…
"I know what I need to do."
Her voice was soft, almost like she was speaking to herself.
Karui and Omoi exchanged a glance but said nothing.
"Karui is right."
Samui stood up.
She walked to the window, her back to them.
"In the end, I'm a shinobi."
Moonlight draped over her, casting a silver glow.
That straight, upright figure…
looked a little lonely now.
"A shinobi's duty is to complete the mission."
Her tone was calm, as if stating a simple, unquestionable truth.
Karui opened her mouth, wanting to say something.
But no words came out.
Omoi remained silent.
At some point, the lollipop in his hand had been crushed.
Samui turned around to face them.
The usual distance in her cold beauty was gone.
All that remained was a quiet, unwavering resolve.
"This matter…"
She paused.
"Don't tell anyone."
Karui nodded firmly.
Omoi hesitated for a moment, then quietly agreed.
Samui said nothing more.
She turned and walked into her room.
The door closed softly behind her.
Karui and Omoi looked at each other, neither speaking.
Inside the room, Samui leaned against the door and closed her eyes.
Her heart was beating fast.
Not from fear.
Not from anger.
But because…
she knew.
From tomorrow onward… some things would never go back to the way they were.
(End of Chapter)
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