117. Involving Cloud Shinobi
The Fourth Raikage suppressed the urge to punch Yagami. Among the Five Great Shinobi Nations, excluding Konoha's geographical advantage, Kumogakure stood out as a model of development.
To have Kumogakure's efforts questioned as if the Raikage hadn't worked tirelessly to manage his village was a bitter pill to swallow.
If not for the ongoing war draining their finances, they wouldn't be struggling to gather the resources needed for the transaction. It wasn't as though Kumogakure's management was to blame.
"Don't look at me like that. I understand the price is high, but let's be honest—transactions are rarely fair, are they? If you didn't urgently need these supplies, I wouldn't have set such a price," Yagami said coolly, his expression unwavering despite the Raikage's darkened face.
Raikage exhaled deeply, accepting the grim reality of their situation.
"Fine! Well done, Uchiha! But we can't manage that quantity of special beef. Can we make up the difference with other resources?"
Faced with Mingfeng's blunt honesty, Raikage gave up trying to argue further.
He understood that their current unequal positions dictated the terms—Kumogakure needed Uchiha's supplies, and no alternative channels could match their quantity or speed.
"Other resources? That's not impossible. But..." Yagami deliberately let his sentence trail off, making the veins on Raikage's forehead bulge.
"Uchiha Yagami! Don't push your luck!"
"Raikage-sama, please don't misunderstand.
I'm not trying to raise the price. However, the Uchiha Group operates under a business cooperation model.
If you choose to partner with us, I can offer a discount on the supplies." Mingfeng smiled slyly, watching Raikage's frustration mount.
His thoughts were pragmatic—cloud beef would eventually run out, and even if they sourced breeding cattle, it would be difficult to replicate Kumogakure's high-quality livestock in the Land of Fire.
Converting the Land of Lightning into a livestock hub for the Uchiha Group, using sea routes to bypass the rough terrain, would benefit both parties.
"Business cooperation? How can I be sure this isn't some elaborate scheme from Konoha? We're here to discuss supplies, nothing more," Raikage retorted sharply.
"Raikage-sama, allow me to clarify the relationship between the Uchiha Group and Konoha," Yagami interrupted, his tone suddenly shifting to one of firm seriousness.
"First, the Uchiha Group has no affiliation with Konoha.
Konoha cannot issue directives to us, and we do not act on their behalf in any capacity. Second, while the Uchiha clan is nominally a part of Konoha, there is no substantial dependency between the two. We will never jeopardize our own interests for Konoha's sake."
Raikage furrowed his brows, sensing the sincerity in Yagami's voice. The shift from his earlier calm tone to this formal declaration felt weighty.
"I believe you've had dealings with Konoha before, haven't you? Did they not refuse to participate in the war while also denying you the option to purchase supplies? And yet, what has the Uchiha Group done? Did we heed Konoha's restrictions on selling supplies? No.
The business cooperation I'm proposing is purely economic. It doesn't involve any political confrontation or ninja village dynamics. It's solely for mutual economic benefit."
Yagami's disdain for Konoha simmered under his calm demeanour.
This was the consequence of not completely severing ties with Konoha—any dealings with other villages were tainted by Konoha's influence, often creating unnecessary complications.
The Fourth Raikage frowned, mulling over Yagami's words. The strained relationship between the Uchiha clan and Konoha was well-known among the major shinobi villages. With Konoha and the Fire Nation choosing neutrality in the current war, Uchiha's actions seemed to confirm their independence from Konoha's influence further.
"Alright, I'll trust you this time. What's your plan for cooperation?"
"It's simple," Yagami began, his tone steady and businesslike.
"Your Kumogakure and the Land of Lightning will become the primary customers of the Uchiha Group.
We will establish a maritime trade route to export your country's specialities and high-quality meat to the entire shinobi world.
For this service, we'll charge only transportation and sales fees. The profit from the goods themselves will go directly to you.
As our primary cooperative customer, material transactions between our parties will be conducted with a 20% discount."
Raikage stayed silent, but Samui and Mabui, standing nearby, exchanged knowing glances. The economic benefits of opening such a maritime trade route were immediately apparent—not just for Kumogakure but for the Land of Lightning as a whole.
"Raikage-sama, the Uchiha already have similar agreements with Kirigakure," Mabui whispered discreetly into the Raikage's ear. "Judging by Kirigakure's current progress, both the village and the Land of Water have seen significant economic development."
The Fourth Raikage listened thoughtfully before voicing his concerns.
"Uchiha Yagami, your plan sounds appealing, but can you guarantee the security of this maritime route? Without safe transportation, such cooperation is meaningless. And what about the sale of these goods—how can you ensure they'll be profitable?"
Yagami chuckled lightly, already prepared for such questions.
"Lord Raikage, sales are the least of your worries. Between the Land of Fire and the Land of Water alone, Uchiha can establish a solid market.
Our Uchiha Hotels, for example, already see high demand, and the Daimyō of the Land of Water has expressed his confidence in our products.
Regarding security, maritime shipping is a joint venture between the Uchiha Group and Kirigakure.
If Kumogakure and the Land of Lightning join as partners, we can make a joint announcement ensuring protection across the trade routes. I doubt anyone would dare challenge the combined presence of Uchiha, Kirigakure, and Kumogakure."
Yagami's tone turned serious as he added, "However, I must emphasize—shipping is strictly a commercial endeavour. It must remain free of political interference. Should any party exceed the boundaries of commercial behaviour, the consequences will be severe."
The Fourth Raikage twitched slightly, clearly still wary but unwilling to pass up the opportunity.
"Fine. Let's proceed with your plan. Just let us know what steps we need to take."
"It's straightforward," Mingfeng replied smoothly.
"You and your Daimyō should jointly announce this partnership to the shinobi world. The Uchiha Group will then handle all subsequent arrangements.
Additionally, we will need to establish a Uchiha office in Kumogakure to oversee operations and manage future business dealings.
Finally, we'll need your village to assign a few key personnel to maintain long-term communication with us. That's all for now."
Yagami understood how opportunistic Kumogakure could be. However, a public announcement of cooperation with Uchiha would make any betrayal a risky move.
Of course, Yagami thought slyly, if the Fourth Raikage and his Daimyō are shameless enough to cross us after all this, we Uchiha will be ready for them.
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