"That's more like it. Wouldn't it be better if we were all honest with each other?"
Shikaku had no time to complain about who had lied first. He was more concerned about the safety of the base's personnel.
"How many casualties are there at the base?"
There was no immediate reply from the other end of the phone. Instead, another scream rang out.
"I don't like the way you're talking to me."
Hoshino Maki sounded as casual as ever, but Shikaku knew that if he chose his next words poorly, the village might lose an outstanding ninja.
He lowered his gaze. "Sorry. May I ask how many casualties there are at the base?"
"Mm, probably not too bad. But you know it's hard to answer that. There are a lot of factors, like the medical care available, their physical condition, and... my mood."
Hoshino Maki narrowed his eyes.
He was actually a kindhearted young man who loved peace. He usually couldn't even keep a secret. Did they think he enjoyed doing something so despicable?
No. They couldn't even begin to imagine how much he enjoyed it.
"Hoshino Maki, I know you're negotiating with the Cloud Ninja. Konoha will pay double to ransom them."
Hearing the False Hokage's voice on the other end of the phone, Hoshino Maki felt a pang in his heart.
It came from two things. First, envy and resentment at seeing a wealthy man flaunt his riches. Second, if Konoha could offer double without batting an eye, then, as the number two village, had he been far too generous with the price he'd quoted them?
A capitalist mindset immediately seized the high ground of reason. If you didn't make enough, you were losing money!
Damn it. Next time he captured Cloud Ninja, he'd make them pick cotton