Naruto: The Fifth Hokage [26]

Chapter 26: Another Talk Late at Night

Chapter 26: Kakashi's Advice

"This is all legal business. We don't make much profit—our monthly revenue is only around 70 to 80 million," Taro quickly put on a flattering smile as he replied to Makoto.

In response, a kunai instantly struck the floor between Taro's legs.

"Including income from lending, it's about 400 million ryo per month… when business is good." Taro, who had been planning to bluff his way out, instantly became obedient. He answered without hesitation, fearing the next kunai might land in his head.

"You run quite the operation, Mr. Yamamoto." Makoto pulled out a new kunai and lightly lifted Taro's triple chin with the tip.

"The Uchiha clan has some surplus funds lately and would like to invest in your business. What do you think?"

"It would be my greatest honor to have the Uchiha clan invest!" Taro replied, still smiling stiffly. "May I ask how much you're looking to invest?"

"How much?" Makoto chuckled and drove the kunai into the ground near Taro's feet. "This is the Uchiha's sincerity. Is it enough?"

"Yes! Yes, it's more than enough!" Taro nodded frantically.

"Don't look so miserable. Compared to the Shimura clan, our Uchiha are much stronger. As guards, we're definitely worth the money." Makoto smiled and helped Taro to his feet.

"Yes… I understand. But, sir, what about the Daimyo?"

"Mr. Yamamoto," Makoto said with a friendly smile, "in light of the threat posed by rebel ninja Shimura Danzo and his attempted military coup, you chose to side with justice, remembered the Daimyo's kindness, and allied with the Uchiha to dismantle his conspiracy. How does that sound?"

"Yes, yes! That's exactly right! I always suspected the Shimura clan had treasonous intentions!" Taro quickly echoed.

"Then please sign and leave your fingerprint here." Makoto pulled a document from his sealing scroll and laid it before him.

Taro glanced at the paper. It was filled with records of the Shimura clan's crimes, implicating even the Mitokado and Utatane clans.

"S-Sir, must I sign this?" Taro swallowed nervously. He knew that if he did, he'd be completely severing ties with those three powerful clans—regardless of whether the contents were true or not.

"What do you think?" Makoto raised his eyebrows, his smile unwavering.

"...Alright, I'll sign." With trembling hands, Taro signed his name and pressed his fingerprint onto the document.

Makoto nodded in satisfaction and sheathed his kunai.

Later, with the city lord personally leading the way, the two arrived at the mansion's warehouse. Just as promised, Makoto took exactly 70% of the wealth stored inside.

Still, even that 70% amounted to over 2 billion ryo in cash—filling all five of Makoto's sealing scrolls to capacity.

We really ought to hit these rich tycoons more often, Makoto couldn't help thinking to himself as he left.

(A/N: I think the archery here represented politics of the village and whether Kakashi want to take part in it.)

—

When Makoto returned to the hotel, the night's celebration had already ended. He slipped back into his room through the window—only to find someone already sitting on the sofa.

Kakashi sat alone, flipping through a familiar orange book. When he heard movement, he glanced up. "You're back."

Makoto smiled. "When did you realize the one with you was a shadow clone?"

"When we left the restaurant," Kakashi answered calmly, lifting his forehead protector slightly to reveal his Sharingan. "Don't forget—I can't shut this thing off."

"Alright then, what now, Kakashi-senpai? Planning to report it in the mission log?" Makoto asked, amused.

"You know I won't do that," Kakashi replied seriously.

Makoto laughed. "Of course. I knew you wouldn't. So if you're still here this late, I assume you came for something else."

Kakashi let out a long breath, then spoke solemnly, "After last time, I've been thinking of trying my hand at archery too. But I don't know where to start. Do you have any advice?"

Makoto felt a rare sense of relief. Kakashi had finally started to understand.

"Archery demands a straight posture and a calm mind. Without those, your aim will always be off," Makoto explained. "For beginners, it's a long road of patience and training."

Kakashi listened in silence.

"But before you even begin training," Makoto added, shaking his head, "you should look after your teacher's son. That kid isn't doing well in the village."

After the Fourth Hokage's death, his former guards had all fallen silent. Why? Because they had no leader. Kakashi was the one most suited to lead them—but what had he done? Drowning in grief, he'd even neglected the Hokage's only son.

How could anyone follow a man like that?

"Naruto…" Kakashi murmured, finally snapping out of it. "I understand. Once this mission is over, I'll apply to leave the Anbu."

Makoto nodded with a smile.

"Thanks, Makoto. I won't take up any more of your time." Kakashi thanked him sincerely and quietly left.

After a quick bath, Makoto also drifted off to sleep.

—

The next morning, everyone gathered at the city gate. Once the disgruntled trio had arrived, they set out again.

Thanks to last night's bonding, the group's atmosphere had completely changed. Everyone was chatting and laughing along the way—even the previously aloof Hyuga brothers had dropped their guard. Only the Utatane and Mitokado clansmen remained isolated.

After enduring it silently for so long, the trio finally snapped.

That evening, when Makoto invited everyone to another dinner, the Jonin from the Utatane clan said coldly, "It seems some people have forgotten we're here on a mission. Feasting and drinking all the way—do you think this is some kind of field trip?"

The group instantly turned to stare at the two men at the rear with strange expressions.

"When we return, I'll report all your actions to Lord Third." The other one added smugly.

"Technically, you don't have the authority to write a mission report," Kakashi said coldly before Makoto could speak. "Makoto and I are the ones in charge of this mission."

"Kakashi, you—" They didn't expect him to take sides so clearly.

"If you're so dissatisfied, you're welcome to go back on your own," Murase chimed in, his tone filled with disdain. "What, just because you're not eating, we're all supposed to starve with you?"