You can read 20 chapters ahead of everyone on patreon.Link:https://www.p@treon.com/Hkj822
Discord: https://discord.gg/HSHVxvdY
====
Mifune was far from pleased. The fact that Inoiki had taken control of his guard's body and entered his mansion so brazenly did not sit well with him. It was an insult to his authority, a blatant show of power. But what was done was done. There was little he could do about it now, and escalating the situation would serve no purpose. So, suppressing his irritation, he exhaled quietly and spoke.
"Come inside," he said, his voice measured. "We'll talk inside my mansion."
Inoiki nodded without hesitation. Mifune turned and led the way, his second-in-command falling into step beside him. The young shinobi followed, his movements fluid, unhurried. There was an ease to the way he carried himself, as if walking into the home of one of the most powerful men in the Land of Iron was no more than a casual visit.
They entered a simple yet dignified hall, a space Mifune often used to receive guests. The room was sparsely decorated, a testament to the samurai's disciplined way of life. A few wooden pillars, a long table, and tatami flooring—it was a place meant for conversation, not comfort.
Mifune took his seat at the head of the table, his posture straight, his expression unreadable. His second-in-command stood behind him, positioned at his right, his presence a silent but firm reminder of protocol.
Mifune studied Inoiki for a moment before speaking. "You traveled all the way from Konoha. I assume you have something of great importance to discuss."
Inoiki smiled. It was a small, knowing expression, one that didn't quite reach his eyes.
"Of course," he said smoothly. "I wouldn't have come all this way otherwise." He leaned forward slightly, cutting straight to the point. "I want materials for Chakra weapons. And I need one of your finest blacksmiths to craft a weapon for me—one of my choosing."
The request hung in the air like an unsheathed blade.
Mifune's expression darkened. His fingers curled slightly against the armrest of his chair.
"Do you even realize what you're asking?" His voice was low, controlled, but the edge in it was unmistakable. "Chakra weapons are of immense strategic value to us. We cannot—will not—sell them to you."
His anger flared the moment Inoiki had made his demand, a surge of indignation at the sheer audacity of it. But almost as quickly as it came, he forced it down. He was no fool. The man sitting across from him was not known for his kindness, nor for making idle requests. Mifune clenched his jaw, steadying himself. He had to tread carefully.
Mifune exhaled, his expression still firm but his tone measured.
"If it's truly you making this request, then I can at least consider it," he said. "I'll speak with the Daimyo and follow his instructions. At the very least, I can personally guarantee you five kunai. But no more than that."
Inoiki's lips curled into a small, almost amused smile.
"If I wanted such a small amount," he said smoothly, "I would have gone through official channels. With my family's influence, I could have acquired five kunai without even leaving Konoha." He leaned back slightly, his tone casual but unwavering. "Let's be clear—five kunai would weigh about two kilograms. You're willing to part with that much, yet I need one hundred and forty kilograms of material."
Mifune's expression hardened instantly.
"Impossible."
His second-in-command stiffened at the outrageous request, stepping forward.
"He's right," he said, his voice sharp. "That amount of Chakra-forged material is enough to equip a hundred samurai with their own Chakra swords. And you think we'd just hand it over to an outsider? What could possibly make you believe we'd agree to that?"
The tension in the room thickened, but if Inoiki was bothered, he didn't show it. He remained calm, composed, as if he had anticipated this reaction.
"I know my request is significant," he admitted, his voice patient but unwavering. "But I want that material—at any cost. And I am willing to pay for it. I don't expect it for free, nor am I here to demand charity. Raise the price if you must, name your terms… but I will have it."
His words hung in the air like a challenge, the weight of them pressing against the silence.
Mifune rose to his feet, his voice sharp with fury.
"This is IMPOSSIBLE!" he thundered. "We will never give you that much material—not even if you kill us all where we stand!"
Across from him, Inoiki stood as well, his expression darkening. His usual calm demeanor remained, but there was an undeniable edge to his voice.
"I WILL have those materials," he said, his tone as firm as steel. "No matter the cost. And I will not leave the Land of Iron until I get what I came for."
The moment his words fell, a shift swept through the air. A radiant sky-blue aura ignited around him, flickering like an ethereal flame.
Then, the pressure came.
A crushing force exploded outward, rolling through the mansion like a tidal wave. Mifune felt the invisible weight press down on him, his muscles straining against it. His second-in-command nearly buckled, his knees trembling under the sheer intensity. He only barely managed to stay upright, planting his sword into the floor and gripping it with white-knuckled determination.
Outside the hall, the effects were even more devastating. Guards collapsed where they stood, gasping for air as the oppressive force bore down on them. Even the seasoned samurai training in the courtyard faltered, their movements slowing as their breath grew ragged.
And then, the impossible happened.
...
(A/N: If you like the story please vote power stones.)