Chapter 9: The Art of Getting Away With It
Chapter 9: The Art of Getting Away With It
Tetsuo's list sat in my pocket, feeling heavier than it should. Six names—each belonging to someone in Sunagakure who could "get things done." The kind of people who didn't ask questions.
This was my first real step into the underbelly of the village, and I wasn't about to waste it.
But first, I had to make sure no one knew what I was up to.
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Step 1: Covering My Tracks
The last thing I needed was someone tracing my moves back to me.
I couldn't just go straight to the people on the list—that would be stupid. Instead, I needed a buffer.
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[Ranking Criteria: "What's the safest way to approach these contacts without drawing suspicion?"]
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1. Use an intermediary (91.3%) – Find someone disposable to make introductions.
2. Approach in public settings (88.6%) – Make it look casual.
3. Spread out interactions over time (86.2%) – Avoid patterns.
4. Fake another reason to talk to them (83.5%) – Give myself an alibi.
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I decided to use an intermediary.
And I knew just the person—Kota, a street rat who made a living running errands for shinobi too lazy to do them themselves.
The best thing about Kota? No loyalty, no memory. He only cared about ryo.
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Step 2: Making the Move
I found him behind a ramen stand, stuffing his face like he hadn't eaten in days.
"Kota."
He flinched, then relaxed when he saw it was me. "Ethan, my man! What's up?"
I slid into the seat next to him, keeping my voice casual. "Got a job for you."
His chewing slowed. "The kind that pays?"
"Obviously."
His eyes gleamed. "I'm listening."
I pulled out a small pouch, letting him hear the satisfying clink of coins before slipping it across the table. "I need introductions to a few people. No details, just tell them I'm looking."
He snatched up the pouch, barely glancing at it before grinning. "Easy money. Who am I talking to?"
I handed him a copy of the list—not the original. "Take your time. No rush."
Kota stuffed the parchment into his sleeve, already losing interest in me. "Got it. Anything else?"
I shook my head. "That's all for now."
He went back to inhaling his ramen like our conversation never happened.
Perfect.
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Step 3: Creating a Distraction
Just in case anyone was watching, I needed a reason for being here that had nothing to do with hiring questionable contacts.
So I found the nearest training ground and picked a fight.
Nothing serious—just a few rounds of sparring with some academy kids looking to prove themselves. Enough to get some bruises and an alibi if anyone asked what I'd been doing today.
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[Ranking Criteria: "What's the best way to make this cover believable?"]
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1. Lose on purpose (92.7%) – Make it look like I was really struggling.
2. Win a few, lose a few (88.9%) – Keep it balanced, natural.
3. Get injured just enough (85.4%) – Sell the story.
4. Make a scene (80.3%) – Too risky; could attract the wrong attention.
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I went with Option 2—win some, lose some.
After an hour of fighting, I had enough dirt, sweat, and minor bruises to make it believable.
By the time I got home, no one would suspect a thing.
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Step 4: Checking the Results
Two days later, Kota delivered.
"All six names are open for business," he said, leaning against a wall in an alleyway. "Most don't give a crap about who you are, but one of them—Daichi—said he'd hear you out."
I nodded. "Good. What's his deal?"
Kota scratched his nose. "Former shinobi, kicked out for 'conduct unbecoming.' Basically, he's a piece of shit who does dirty jobs for money."
"So why is he interested in me?"
Kota grinned. "I told him you had potential."
I raised an eyebrow. "You sold me as a recruit?"
He shrugged. "Hey, it worked, didn't it?"
I sighed. Of course it worked.
This was the dangerous part. Daichi wasn't some merchant or errand boy. He was the real deal—someone who could get me into serious trouble if I wasn't careful.
Which meant I had to be very, very careful.
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Step 5: The Meeting
That night, I met Daichi at a small, abandoned building near the outskirts of the village.
He was taller than I expected, with a lean build and a permanent smirk that made me uneasy. His hair was a mess, and his clothes were worn but functional.
"So you're the kid," he said, looking me over. "Kota says you're smart."
"I am."
He laughed. "Cocky, too. I like that."
I didn't relax. Men like Daichi didn't hand out compliments unless they wanted something.
"What do you want, kid?" he asked.
I met his gaze. "Connections. Information. A way to move without being noticed."
He chuckled. "You've got guts. I'll give you that."
Then his expression darkened. "But guts don't mean shit if you can't back it up."
He moved fast—faster than I could react. In an instant, his kunai was at my throat.
I froze.
"Here's the deal," he said, his voice suddenly cold. "You want in? You prove you're useful."
I swallowed, my mind racing. This was the test.
I had two choices:
1. Fight back. Risky, but could earn his respect.
2. Talk my way out. Show him I was smarter than the average thug.
I chose Option 2.
I smirked, ignoring the kunai. "If you kill me, you get nothing."
Daichi's eyes narrowed.
"You want proof I'm useful?" I continued. "I've already planted rumors that I'm meeting with a 'contact' tonight. If I don't walk out of here, people will start asking questions."
It was a lie, but he didn't know that.
For a long moment, Daichi didn't move.
Then he laughed and pulled back the kunai. "Not bad, kid."
Relief flooded me, but I didn't let it show.
"You've got one chance," he said. "I'll give you a job. Complete it, and we'll talk."
I nodded. "Deal."
He grinned. "Good. Let's see what you're really made of."
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Step 6: The Realization
As I walked away, I felt it settling in—
I had just crossed a line.
This wasn't just survival anymore.
This was the start of something dangerous.
And I wasn't sure if I'd ever be able to turn back.
But one thing was certain.
I was finally playing the game for real.
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End of Chapter 9.