Uchiha Ren's expression darkened.
He had already lowered his demand three times—
And still, the Daimyō refused to give even the slightest response.
Did he really think that just because he held the money—
Ren wouldn't dare act?
Daimyō's face twitched slightly.
He could clearly sense Ren's growing displeasure.
No matter how dissatisfied he felt inside—
He had no choice but to yield a little.
After all—
Ren's fists were stronger.
"These damned shinobi…"
He cursed inwardly.
But outwardly, his expression shifted instantly, returning to that carefree, indulgent demeanor.
"Since the Hokage has spoken…"
"I'll take a step back as well."
"This time—three hundred and twenty billion."
Ren's face changed just as quickly.
A perfect smile spread across his lips.
"Hahaha! Splendid!"
"As expected of the wise Daimyō of the Land of Fire!"
"Under your leadership, the nation will surely surpass all that came before—"
Compliments poured out effortlessly.
One after another.
As if they cost nothing.
After all—
When the client starts paying—
What were a few flattering words?
If necessary—
Ren could even perform a full comedy routine just to praise him.
A model contractor, truly.
—
This trip—
Had exceeded his expectations.
An extra ten billion ryo squeezed from these decaying elites—
Enough to significantly accelerate the Uchiha's recovery.
And—
Ten precious draw chances.
As for the twins…
…Well.
That could be set aside for now.
"Too kind, too kind."
The Daimyō stared at Ren, eyes widening slightly.
This Uchiha…
Was not like the others.
Proud.
Cold.
Arrogant.
Those traits still fit.
But there was something more now.
Call it adaptability.
Or—
Shamelessness.
The Senju brothers had never spoken like this.
Not once.
But Ren?
He did it without hesitation.
Without even blinking.
Even the most scheming ministers wouldn't go this far.
And now—
Even the Hokage had learned such methods.
"…Dangerous."
The Daimyō's gaze shifted subtly.
There was something unsettling about this man.
"Lord Hokage flatters me."
The Daimyō smiled.
"Actually… I have a small request."
Ren raised an eyebrow slightly.
"The monks of the Fire Temple—especially Master Xuankong—have long wished to experience Konoha's ninjutsu."
"Unfortunately, the opportunity never arose."
"Would you be willing to offer some guidance?"
Ren's eyes narrowed slightly.
The Fire Temple.
Another armed force under the Daimyō.
Konoha wasn't his only blade—
Just the largest.
The temple…
Was wealthy.
Extremely so.
Offerings from the common people.
Donations from nobles.
Talismans.
Blessings.
In this strange world filled with supernatural phenomena—
Such things likely worked.
Over time—
The accumulated wealth rivaled even Konoha's.
"…So."
"This is a test."
Ren understood immediately.
Relying on a single military force was risky.
If another could be cultivated—
Why not?
It would cost more, yes.
But that burden—
Could always be shifted onto the people.
Ren smiled faintly.
"Of course."
"I've heard that the monks of the Fire Temple possess a unique power known as 'Sage Talent.'"
"I'd like to see it for myself."
No hesitation.
No concern.
"Excellent!"
The Daimyō laughed.
"Then it's settled!"
He returned to his seat, pulling the girls back into his arms, focusing once more on food and drink.
The frustration of losing ten billion—
Converted directly into appetite.
One meal—
Ten billion ryo.
An expensive dinner indeed.
—
Ren didn't hold back either.
He ate freely now.
Earlier, he had been too focused on drinking and negotiating.
Now—
He enjoyed the feast properly.
—
After the banquet ended—
The plump attendant escorted Ren back to his room.
And of course—
Didn't forget to bring Feng and Ling along.
From the moment Ren accepted—
They were already his.
—
That night—
Was… unforgettable.
—
The next morning—
Ren woke up groggy.
His body felt heavy.
Exhausted.
Feng and Ling had already risen.
They moved naturally—
Helping him dress.
Wash.
Prepare.
Their parents had long since died.
Their beauty—and their status as twins—
Had earned them a place in the palace.
Raised.
Trained.
Prepared.
For moments like this.
To be given away.
To powerful figures.
And now—
They belonged to him.
They had no resistance.
Hunger had long ago taught them acceptance.
—
Ren stood still as they worked.
Everything—
Handled with care.
Even breakfast—
Served to him directly.
"…This kind of life…"
He exhaled softly.
"…really does erode a person."
All those years—
Fighting on the battlefield.
Risking his life.
Grinding for strength.
And now—
This.
Perhaps…
He had finally made it.
Ren looked at them.
Then spoke calmly.
"You'll stay with me from now on."
No evasion.
No avoidance.
What was done—
Was done.
And he would take responsibility.
Two more mouths to feed?
Nothing he couldn't handle.
The girls nodded.
Relieved.
They had feared—
Being used.
Then discarded.
If that happened—
Their future would be bleak.
But now—
They had security.
—
Ren stepped outside.
The plump attendant was already waiting.
"Let's go."
"Take me to the Daimyō."
—
Soon—
They arrived at a training ground.
The Daimyō was already there.
Laughing.
Conversing.
With a half-naked monk.
From a distance—
The man resembled a certain legendary monk.
Bald.
Covered in markings.
Powerful.
"Lord Hokage!"
The Daimyō turned, smiling.
"Did you rest well?"
Ren glanced at him.
That smile…
Felt slightly off.
"Quite well."
"The bed was large and soft."
"Better than the one at home."
"Hahaha!"
"If you like, I can have one delivered to Konoha."
A few more empty pleasantries followed.
Then—
The Daimyō gestured.
"This is Master Xuankong of the Fire Temple."
Ren stepped forward.
"Greetings."
The real test—
Was about to begin.
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