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After resolving the issue with Nonō, Taiichi felt a Taiseki lifted from his heart, as if his soul had been purified. Even his training during this period became exceptionally efficient.

In the final days before the holiday ended, Taiichi improved his Taijutsu, meditation, and swordsmanship by one level each. More importantly, through long-term training, his basic physical fitness was also enhanced.

[Skills: Advanced Taijutsu Lv3 (231/4000), Advanced Meditation Lv2 (654/3000), Advanced Swordsmanship Lv3 (425/4000)]

[Constitution +1, Strength +1, Agility +1, Spirit +1]

Name: Taichi Matsushita Occupation: Genin Lv8 (641/1400)

Talent: Diligence Makes Up for Mediocrity, Academic Overachiever, Potent. Age: 8 years old. Physique: 22 (1/3).

Strength: 22

Agility: 21

Spirit: 25

Chakra: 18000 (19500)

Although each attribute only increased by one point, and the skill only increased by one level, Taiichi was certain that while it was unrealistic for him to fight three opponents at once compared to his previous self, he could definitely take on two opponents at once.

The only downside is that, due to this attribute boost, my Constitution increased from 21 (1/2) to 22.

(1/3) It can be seen that it will only become more and more difficult to improve Attribute Points in the future, and Attribute Points will become more and more precious.

Taiichi indeed seized this rare opportunity, cultivating with every second at his disposal. He even used his Shadow Clone with great effort to accelerate his cultivation.

However, this state only lasted for a few days before gradually disappearing, which made Taiichi sigh with regret. If he could have persisted for a few more days, his Fire Nature Transformation would have been able to advance further and reach the level of Lv9.

"Taiichi, why are you sighing?" Yohei asked curiously from the side.

This was the second day of their mission, which was to escort Utatane Koharu to the Daimyo's Mansion to discuss additional military expenses.

On the first day of the mission, Taiichi's frenzied training really frightened everyone.

Even while walking, Taiichi never forgets to condense a Fireball that floats beside him, practicing Chakra Control and Nature Transformation.

Not to mention that during rest periods, he would create several Shadow Clones to train like crazy.

If it weren't for the fact that his main body always maintained enough Chakra, Utatane Koharu, the Advisor elder, might have already lost her temper.

"The opportunity for rapid improvement in cultivation is gone; how can you not feel regret?"

Yohei looked puzzled, clearly not understanding Taiichi's meaning.

Seeing Yohei's bewildered expression, Taiichi explained his situation to him, which amazed Yohei. Even Captain Yamaguchi and Saori, who were resting nearby, were astonished.

As expected of Advisor elder, his knowledge was indeed extensive. Upon hearing Utatane Koharu immediately provided an explanation, telling everyone that this was a special state of cultivation, a special effect that could only be achieved in a short period of time after a profound enlightenment.

"What a lucky little guy, you actually managed to run into something like this." Utatane Koharu's words carried a hint of envy that was barely perceptible. She had heard that Hiruzen Sarutobi Danzo. Taichi Matsushita must have been that incident that spurred Taiichi on.

"Alright, now that everything is back to normal, the guards behind us need to be more attentive and not be half-hearted like they were yesterday." Captain Yamaguchi interjected at the opportune moment, subtly covering up Taiichi's dereliction of duty yesterday.

Taiichi wasn't ungrateful, and he sincerely apologized for what happened yesterday, making the atmosphere quite harmonious for a moment.

And so, the group arrived in the Daimyo's Mansion before Sun Barrier.

Having lived in the Hokage world for so many years, Taiichi still finds the national system of this world quite peculiar. The Daimyo holds the highest power in the country doesn't have much substantial military support. The strongest ninja village in the entire country is a semi-independent organization.

This is also the "One Country, One Village" system established by the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama.

For so long, Taiichi couldn't understand the logic behind this: a ninja with the strongest fighting power in the world doesn't wield the greatest power in the world.

The village's most important funding for development still relies on allocations from the Daimyo's Mansion's government; the village's daily income actually comes from a percentage of the mission fees earned by ninjas after completing their commissions.

This is so outrageous. No one knows when this abnormal social relationship started to form, and no one seems to realize the problems with this form of state.

No, some people did realize that the "Twelve Guardian Ninja" that the future Daimyo of the Land of Fire formed was precisely to regain control of the country's military power, but the final result was quite unsatisfactory.

The Hokage, representing the highest military force, never sought to unify the government and military, and this "one country, two Hokage" political structure operated peacefully for over forty years.

Thinking of this, Taiichi couldn't help but shake his head. These things were still too far removed from his current self. To consider these matters, he needed to have a certain degree of influence.

Stepping into this bustling Kyoto City, Taiichi were truly amazed by what they saw.

The afterglow of the setting sun bathed the city in a golden-red halo, making the entire city appear as if it were being shrouded in Kakkou, echoing the name of the Land of Fire.

Lanterns on both sides of the street lit up one after another, creating a beautiful contrast with the sunset on the horizon. Taiichi passed through the tall city gate and were greeted by the bustling sounds of people and the rich aroma of cooking.

This city's prosperity surpasses even that of Konoha. After all, it's supported by the entire Land of Fire.

"Masasuke go submit our visiting cards. The three of you can just wander around the city today," Utatane Koharu instructed Taiichi other two.

The three were delighted to hear this, but still looked at Captain Yamaguchi.

"Go on, remember to return to the Post House early, and don't cause trouble."

Yes.

Watching the three figures depart, Captain Yamaguchi gave Utatane Koharu an apologetic smile, "I'm sorry you had to see that."

"No, they are three very good children, but you should be careful with that Uchiha."

Upon hearing this, Masasuke Yamaguchi frowned. Were all the village's higher-ups so wary of the Uchiha? This was not a good sign!

As the Sun Barrier gradually set, the lights of Kyoto City shone even brighter. Taiichi and his two companions walked side by side down the bustling streets, surrounded by the sounds of vendors hawking their wares and the enticing aromas of food.

"Wow, this is much more lively than Konoha's festival!" Yohei looked around excitedly, his eyes drawn to the various street food stalls. "Look, that tempura, want to try some?"

Saori covered her mouth and chuckled, "All you ever think about is food! Konoha has every kind of snack here!" She pointed to a shop with colorful ribbons hanging nearby, "I've heard that Kyoto's silk is the best in the Land of Fire. I'd like to go take a look."

Taiichi, with his hands behind his head, lazily followed the two. "Whatever, it's still early."

After speaking, he caught sight of several Samurai with swords at the street corner. His eyes narrowed slightly because he could clearly sense the fluctuations of Chakra emanating from those Samurai. Judging from their attire, they seemed to be from the Daimyo's Mansion's residence.

It seems the Daimyo wants to control his own military force. I wonder if there are any organizations like the "Twelve Guardian Ninja" now.

The three of them weaved through the crowded streets. Yohei and Saori each headed towards their own destination, while Taiichi stayed at a distance to wait for the other two, glancing at the Samurai out of the corner of his eye from time to time, keeping an eye on their movements.

"Taiichi, this is for you." Yohei's voice came, and a tempura was handed to Taiichi.

"Kyoto is so lively! I wonder when Konoha will be as bustling as Kyoto."

Taiichi looked at Yohei, never expecting him to have such ambitions. "That day will come."

Saori returned just then, seemingly having bought nothing.

The three strolled around for a while longer when they heard music.

"It's a geisha performance!" Yohei mumbled. "Want to go take a look?"

Saori looked at the sky with disdain and said, "We should go back now. The Captain will worry if it gets any later."

Taiichi nodded, taking one last look at the bustling city. "Let's go, there's still time."

Back at the Post House, the dormitory Advisor and Captain Yamaguchi were already waiting inside.

"So, what do you think of the night view in Kyoto?" the dormitory Advisor asked the three new students.

Yohei and his two companions cheerfully recounted their experiences along the way to Utatane Koharu and Masasuke Yamaguchi, their faces beaming with excitement, and they frequently pulled Taiichi and Saori to corroborate their stories.

Utatane Koharu, nodded repeatedly. "Yes, a slightly foolish Uchiha is a good Uchiha."

Masasuke Yamaguchi looked utterly helpless. "Silly boy, he's been sold out and he's still helping them count the money!"

"We've already made arrangements with the Daimyo's Mansion. The Daming Prefecture official will meet with us Daimyo tomorrow morning. You'll all come with me then," said Utatane Koharu. "Be careful; tomorrow might not be peaceful. When the time is right, act decisively and don't hold back."

After saying that, he left his seat and returned to his room.

Taiichi and the other two looked at each other, not understanding what she meant, and then looked at Captain Yamaguchi.

"It's hard to say right now." Masasuke Yamaguchi was also uncertain about the situation. "Someone might provoke us tomorrow. You can teach them a lesson if you see an opportunity, as long as no one gets killed."

"Alright, everyone go back and get some rest!"

The next morning, after packing their belongings, the group arrived at the Daimyo's Mansion as agreed, only to be told that Daimyo was still having lunch and they would have to wait a moment.

Left with no other choice, everyone followed the eunuch to the rest room to wait.

But an hour passed, and by then everyone realized that this was clearly Daimyo's way of warning them. No wonder Utatane Koharu dorms that they should strike when the time was right; it turns out she was right after all.

Taiichi glanced at the Advisor sitting in front of him, who was currently resting with his eyes closed, showing no sign of anxiety. Taiichi couldn't help but re-evaluate this Advisor from Konoha; indeed, no matter who it was, everyone had their own purpose in being there.

Another hour passed before a palace attendant finally arrived and led everyone to the Council Hall.

Council Hall.

Only Utatane Koharu, who was in the first seat on the left, could sit behind the Advisor, while Captain Yamaguchi and Taiichi could only stand behind him.

At this moment, the dormitory Advisor was arguing with a Minister of Finance from the Land of Fire, and the two sides could not reach an agreement on the amount of this extra funding.

The Advisor for the transfer of the imperial bedchamber asked for 1 billion taels of silver, while the Minister of Finance was only willing to offer 200 million taels. The two sides argued fiercely, but in the end, neither was willing to budge between 600 million taels and 400 million taels.

Taiichi knew that Konoha's bottom line was 400 million ryo, but who would complain about having too much money?

Utatane Koharu's performance once again refreshed Taiichi's understanding. Despite her many suggestions in Konoha, her behavior in Daimyo Daimyo's Mansion showed that she was far more competent as a diplomat than Advisor. Truly, appearances can be deceiving.

At this moment, the Daimyo who had been sitting at the top, covering his mouth and nose with a small fan, had finally had enough of the show and spoke up.

"Elder Koharu, it seems neither of you can convince the other. How about this?" After a moment's thought, the Daimyo continued, "Recently, a very powerful Samurai has come to join me. Could you help me verify his worth?"

"Of course we can't let the Masasuke Jonin, participate, otherwise people will think Konoha is bullying us!"

"Daimyo lord, what if we win?" Utatane Koharu asked.

"Then let's set the budget at 600 million taels," the Daimyo said without hesitation. "But if you lose, the budget will only be 400 million taels."

"Okay, it's a deal!"

"That's right!" the Daimyo, then waved to the attendant beside him.

Before long, a Samurai with a sword at his waist arrived at the Council Hall, led by a servant. The Samurai had an arrogant look on his face, and a scar cut diagonally across his brow bone, making his already unfriendly face even more ferocious.

Taiichi closer look and realized that this was one of the Samurai he had seen while shopping yesterday. He had paid special attention to this person because of the scar on his face, and he never expected to see him again in this kind of situation today.

"Elder Koharu, this is the Samurai who previously sought refuge with me— Nagano Masaru. Don't underestimate him just because he's Samurai. Don't blame me if he loses," the Daimyo said with considerable pride.

This was clearly a trap. The Daimyo had known about Konoha's team beforehand. Apart from one Jonin, the rest were Genin had recently graduated. The strongest among them was probably that Uchiha ninja.

Therefore, the Daimyo was full of confidence this time. Not only could he save money, but he also saved face for Konoha and laid the foundation for consolidating power in the future.

"Daimyo lord, these are just three brats who haven't even grown their hair yet? You can easily take care of them with a wave of your hand!" An arrogant voice rang out, and the Samurai named Nagano Masaru made a death wish right off the bat.

"Don't be rude!" the Daimyo rebuked, but made no other move. Clearly, the Samurai's arrogant words were at the Daimyo's behest.

At this moment, Utatane Koharu, turned around and looked at the Yamaguchi Squad: "So, who's going?"

Immediately, everyone's attention turned to Taiichi. It made sense; since the strongest Captain couldn't play, Taiichi was the Taiichi left to ensure victory.

Taiichi himself showed no fear, calmly stepping forward under everyone's gaze, "I'll go."

As I walked past Utatane Koharu, I heard her fierce instructions. "As long as she doesn't die, hit her as hard as you can."

Taiichi paused briefly, nodded slightly in confirmation, and then continued walking towards the center of the field.

Led by the waiters, the group arrived outside the Council Hall. By then, all the unnecessary items had been cleared away, making room for the competition.

Nagano Masaru looked at the kid standing opposite him, who was clearly the youngest of the three, and felt a wave of humiliation wash over him.

He pointed at Yohei, who was watching the show from the sidelines, and said, "Why didn't they send that Uchiha Clan brat up there? Instead, they sent this bean sprout to his death! Are all Uchiha cowards who are afraid of dying?"

Yohei never expected that he would be implicated just by watching the show. After hearing what the Samurai said, he was even more furious. He rolled up his sleeves and was about to go on stage to fight him. How dare this person humiliate the Uchiha? He was simply asking for death.

Before he could rush out, Captain Yamaguchi grabbed him and said, "Let's see Taiichi lesson. Didn't you see Taiichi's face right now?"

Indeed, Taiichi was also filled with rage. How could this Samurai have such a foul mouth? Bean sprout, your whole family are bean sprouts, I'm just young.

"Alright, Nagano-kun, it's not your business who Konoha sends to the match. Just give it your all and finish this match." The Daimyo on the sidelines spoke up, his voice turning somewhat somber. "Make sure you give it your all, and whatever you do, don't lose!"

At this moment, the Daimyo was also feeling uneasy. Konoha hadn't sent that Uchiha ninja to fight, but instead sent a younger ninja, which was clearly unexpected.

This uncertainty indicated that their intelligence was flawed; the youngest ninja was actually the strongest among them, which made him deeply suspicious of the outcome of the competition.