Chapter 17: Different Choices
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The Raikage had long been aware of Rinjin's plan. This wasn't because his advisory council was more competent than those of other villages, but rather because of his niece, Yawayi, who knew Rinjin extremely well.
One could say that the person who understands you the most isn't necessarily your friend or lover—it's often your enemy. In a way, Yawayi had spent a significant amount of time treating Rinjin as her hypothetical adversary. This led to her profound understanding of him.
After pondering for a moment, the Raikage dismissed Rinjin's mention of war. In his view, Konoha would have to be out of its mind to want to start a conflict with him. Sure, the Kumogakure shinobi had clashed with Konoha's in the dense forests of the Land of Fire, but those Konoha folks wouldn't stand a chance in the rugged terrain of the Land of Lightning!
"If you want my cooperation to make money, first return the Two-Tails!" A rough voice boomed.
Hearing this, Danzo Shimura was momentarily stunned. Then, without showing any emotion, he cast a sidelong glance at Rinjin. As a high-ranking member of Konoha, there were things he was privy to. However, the fact that Rinjin had taken the Two-Tails—this was news to him.
For a moment, his mind began to churn with schemes.
The Two-Tails, plus the Nine-Tails… That would make Konoha an Eleven-Tail village!
No way we're giving it back!
Rinjin, naturally, had no intention of returning the cat. He shook his head firmly.
Are you kidding me? After all the effort I put into taming this cat, you think I'd give it back?
Even if I dared to return it, would you dare to take it?
My cat needs its weekly outings, for crying out loud!
With that thought, Rinjin decisively held up five fingers.
"This much, as a dowry for Kumogakure!"
Seeing this, the outwardly rough yet inwardly cunning Raikage immediately flew into a rage. He slammed the sofa with a resounding thud and roared, "Fifty million ryō? Absolutely not! At least one hundred million ryō!"
The Raikage knew full well that there was nothing he could do about this kid taking the Two-Tails. Earlier, he had already tested the waters with Lariat Lightning Blade. If the kid hadn't gone easy on him, it would've been a disgraceful day.
Still, he wasn't about to let the ransom money slide—not even a single coin!
Meanwhile, Danzo's eyes lit up with greed as he quickly calculated in his mind.
According to Rinjin's plan, the total profit would be around 2.4 billion ryō.
If Kumogakure only took 100 million, and that old fool Hiruzen Sarutobi wanted 800 million, and Rinjin himself took another 800 million…
That would leave 700 million.
If I keep quiet when I return to Konoha, could I get a little hush money for myself?
Damn, there's money to be made here!
"Deal!"
With that thought, Danzo couldn't hold back any longer and hurriedly interjected.
As his voice fell, Rinjin and the Raikage both gave him a strange look, silently ridiculing him in their hearts.
Who said you get to make the decision here?
This old fossil really thinks he's important!
The two exchanged a glance and tacitly ignored Danzo's words.
Rinjin then spoke up.
"Raikage-sama, your vision is too narrow!
You might think Matatabi is only worth 100 million, but to me, she's priceless!
I'll offer 500 million! That's the most I can spare right now!"
His voice was firm and resolute.
The cat spirit inside Rinjin's body blushed and covered her face shyly, muttering:
"You… you think this will make me happy?
Hmph~"
The Raikage was momentarily dumbfounded by Rinjin's reverse bargaining. After a brief pause, his stiff face managed to squeeze out a rare smile. He stood up and threw an arm around Rinjin's shoulders.
"Ahem… Don't call me Raikage-sama. Call me Uncle!
Matatabi is my niece, after all. You must take good care of her!"
On the side, both Danzo and Yawayi's faces darkened instantly.
Rinjin, however, was already accustomed to the Raikage's antics.
This is what being a bandit truly means!
With that thought, Rinjin enthusiastically wrapped his arm around the Raikage's shoulders, much to Danzo's astonishment.
"Big bro—cough, cough—Uncle, I'll add another 300 million if you hold a meeting in the village about launching a surprise attack on Konoha.
Of course, you don't actually need to attack. Just go through the motions.
Tomorrow, I'll have a clone stir up some trouble on the border between our two nations. If you're worried, you can pull your troops back.
But with you keeping watch in Kumogakure, I doubt any real trouble will arise!"
See? That's what you call diplomacy!
This kid… I like him! Why isn't he one of Kumogakure's own?
After some thought, the Raikage smiled and nodded.
"Don't worry. The plan will go off without a hitch. Do you want me to send some men to make it more convincing?"
"No, no! Just sit back and wait for the money!" Rinjin hurriedly declined.
I just want to make money, not actually start a war between great nations!
Making money should be peaceful!
Watching the camaraderie between Rinjin and the Third Raikage, Danzo's heart sank completely.
Was my entire purpose here just to take the blame?
This is humiliating!
After finalizing the details, Rinjin left Kumogakure with Danzo in tow.
Back in the Raikage's office, the Raikage's smile faded as he watched Rinjin disappear from sight. He let out a long sigh.
"What about the clans within the village?"
Hearing this, Yawayi furrowed her delicate brows and responded calmly, her tone laced with a chilling edge.
"Uncle, our family has stockpiled quite a bit of iron ore. Since that's the case, we'll feign ignorance and provoke a war.
Later, we'll use the excuse of the Eight-Tails rampaging to call off the conflict.
Finally, we'll provide economic aid to the affected clans under the banner of both the village and our family.
We'll pin the blame on that Danzo Shimura guy, redirecting the hatred toward Konoha.
This way, we'll dissolve the resentment, weaken the other clans, and highlight our family's loyalty and righteousness, making the village more united.
Most importantly, this will lay the groundwork for my cousin to become the Fourth Raikage. Let's see who dares to oppose him then!"
Her gentle voice carried a deadly undertone.
The Raikage frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then nodded heavily.
Meanwhile, back in Konoha, Hiruzen Sarutobi was also holding a meeting. His audience, however, consisted of the heads of the village's major clans.
Unlike the Raikage, Hiruzen Sarutobi chose to reveal the full story to the clans. Of course, he didn't mention Rinjin's name.
Since there was already someone to take the fall, there was no need to expose Rinjin.
After all, with Rinjin's methods, there would undoubtedly be more "business opportunities" like this in the future. Cutting off the source would be unwise.
This much was clear to Hiruzen Sarutobi without needing much thought.
As for why he chose to disclose the details to the village clans, it was a matter of necessity.
Konoha and Kumogakure were fundamentally different—or rather, could never be the same.
The Third Raikage's family was one of the most prominent in Kumogakure, already standing above the rest.
Moreover, the Third Raikage had risen to power not through appointment but through sheer strength.
Simple and straightforward.
Konoha, on the other hand, operated differently. It emphasized the Will of Fire and the passing of the torch.
The Third Hokage was a disciple of the First and Second Hokage. The Fourth was the Third's grand-disciple. The Fifth was both the Third's disciple and the First's granddaughter. The Sixth was the Fourth's disciple. The Seventh was the Third's grand-disciple, the Fourth's son, and the Sixth's comrade.
Thus, the Hokage faction inevitably stood in opposition to the village's major clans.
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