Chapter 8: A Favor for a Favor
Chapter 8: A Favor for a Favor
Bruised, battered, and sore in places I didn't even know could hurt, I dragged myself out of Chiyo's training hall, wondering if I'd ever feel normal again. My muscles screamed in protest, and my legs wobbled with every step.
Chiyo, of course, looked perfectly fine. If anything, she seemed amused by my suffering.
"You survived," she said dryly. "That's enough for today."
I shot her a glare but didn't argue. I had learned the hard way that arguing with Chiyo was like arguing with gravity—it only ended in pain.
I shuffled away, my mind still replaying the fight. Despite the beating, I had made progress. I had thought on my feet, adapted, and even landed a hit.
But it wasn't enough.
I needed more than just barely keeping up. I needed an edge.
And for that, I needed information.
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Step 1: Identify the Right Target
I didn't go home immediately. Instead, I made my way toward the village market, blending into the crowd as best as I could. Information was power, and if I wanted to get ahead, I needed to start gathering connections.
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[Ranking Criteria: "Who in the village is most useful for acquiring information?"]
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1. A local merchant (91.5%) – Knows everything about supply chains, hidden deals, and underground trade.
2. A retired shinobi (87.2%) – Old soldiers always have the best war stories (and secrets).
3. A tavern owner (83.9%) – People talk more when they drink.
4. A low-level bureaucrat (79.8%) – Knows what goes on behind the scenes in the village.
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The answer was obvious. Merchants always know more than they let on. They deal with people from all over, handle shipments, hear whispers of what's happening in and around the village.
So I found one of the biggest merchants in Sunagakure—an old man named Tetsuo.
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Step 2: Setting the Bait
Tetsuo was exactly what I expected—a shrewd old bastard with a face like dried leather and eyes that missed nothing. His stall was overflowing with spices, textiles, and various goods, a prime spot for both legitimate business and shady dealings.
I approached, feigning casual interest in a few knives on display.
Tetsuo didn't even look up from his work. "You don't have the money for that, kid."
I smirked. "Maybe not. But I've got something better."
He finally glanced at me, one bushy eyebrow raised. "Oh? And what's that?"
I leaned in slightly, lowering my voice. "Information."
That got his attention.
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Step 3: Negotiating the Deal
Tetsuo studied me for a long moment before chuckling. "A kid like you, offering me information? That's rich."
I shrugged, keeping my expression neutral. "You wouldn't be interested in who's been snooping around your supply routes, then?"
His eyes sharpened immediately.
Hook, line, and sinker.
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[Ranking Criteria: "What's the safest way to get Tetsuo to talk without making myself a target?"]
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1. Trade minor but useful intel first (94.1%) – Gain trust without giving away leverage.
2. Bluff and hope he buys it (78.6%) – Risky, but could work.
3. Offer to run errands for him (85.3%) – Establish a working relationship.
4. Ask directly (65.4%) – Too forward; might make him suspicious.
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I went with Option 1—small but valuable information first.
"There's been an unusual amount of movement near the southern gate," I said. "A few unfamiliar faces hanging around longer than they should."
Tetsuo's fingers drummed against the wooden counter. "Go on."
"They're not shinobi," I continued. "Not locals either. Could be new traders… or people looking for weaknesses in supply runs."
Tetsuo's face remained unreadable, but I saw the way his posture shifted ever so slightly. He knew exactly what I was talking about.
After a long pause, he grunted. "Alright, kid. You've got my attention. What do you want in return?"
Bingo.
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Step 4: Get What I Want
I smiled. "I need a list of names—people in the village who can get things done. The kind of people who don't ask too many questions."
Tetsuo gave a dry chuckle. "Planning something, are we?"
"Just covering my bases."
He considered me, then sighed. "Fine. But remember this—favors come with a price."
I nodded. "I wouldn't expect anything less."
A few minutes later, he slipped me a small piece of parchment. I glanced at it quickly—half a dozen names, each one carrying a reputation.
This was exactly what I needed.
With this, I wasn't just some brat trying to survive anymore.
I was building my network.
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Step 5: The Realization
As I left the market, the weight of the note in my pocket felt heavier than it should.
I had just stepped into a world of deals, favors, and consequences.
Chiyo's training was about strength and skill, but this? This was about power—the kind that didn't rely on brute force.
And the more I thought about it, the more I realized—
I liked this game.
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End of Chapter 8.