Spy vs. Spy

After a banquet filled with decadent music, the delegation rested in the city for the day.

That night, seeing that Yohei and Saori were still somewhat lost in thought, Taiichi shook his head. "What's wrong? Still thinking about what happened during the day!"

Yohei hesitated, looking rather embarrassed. Saori, however, was somewhat indignant; as a girl, her feelings about the situation were clearly different from the boys'.

"Noda So was right when he said that this is the adult world, and also a part of this colorful world."

Yohei and Saori looked at Taiichi with confusion, anticipating his response.

"We are ninjas, not those officials or nobles. The essence of a ninja is the power we wield!" Taiichi said, suddenly swinging his arm. A raging flame erupted from his entire right arm, enveloping it and making it seem as if the entire arm was made of fire.

Clearly, during this period, his Fire Nature Transformation and Chakra Control have improved significantly.

Yohei and Saori stared blankly at Taiichi's right arm, which was engulfed in flames, both stunned by Taiichi's move.

Taiichi looked at the two stunned people and nodded in satisfaction. "With enough power, everything you saw today will be easily obtained."

"Lord Jiraiya known for his womanizing ways, traveling everywhere to gather inspiration, but he is incredibly powerful and has never tarnished the reputation of the Sannin."

O

I felt apologetic in my heart, thinking, "Jiraiya- sensei, I've exposed all your shameful secrets."

"Sannin- Teacher Tsunade, known as the most powerful Medical Ninja. Look at which man dares to be disrespectful in front of her." Taiichi looked at Saori, using his teacher as an example to encourage her.

Yohei and Saori were both starry-eyed. The reputation of the Sannin was known to everyone in Konoha this generation of ninjas. Moreover, Jiraiya and Tsunade were particularly close to them, and both had deep relationships with their teammate Taiichi.

This greatly inspired the two and strengthened their resolve to continuously improve.

After a peaceful night's rest, the delegation leisurely enjoyed breakfast the following morning. During the meal, they were showered with enthusiastic arrangements, whether intentional or not. The lavish food, exciting service, and luxurious decorations all showcased the extravagance of the upper-class nobility to Taiichi and his companions.

The City Lord warmly invited them to stay, and the delegation lingered, not leaving the city until the sun was high in the sky, continuing their journey home.

On the evening of the seventh day, as they were about to arrive in the Daimyo's Mansion, Noda So could no longer contain himself. While strolling along the riverbank, he lowered his voice and said to Taiichi, "The Daimyo lord greatly admires your talent, Taiichi. Would you consider developing your career in the Daimyo's Mansion in the future?"

Taiichi feigned surprise, glancing frequently at Yohei and the other person in the distance, as if afraid they would discover him. He scratched his head and rubbed his hands together, looking bewildered.

"This—the movement of ninjas requires the Hokage-sama's approval. If the Hokage-sama agrees, then of course I have no problem with it."

He deliberately spoke haltingly and vaguely, leading Noda So to mistakenly believe that his prior preparations had been effective.

"Haha, there's no rush. You can think about it some more. Of course, the Daimyo will also communicate with the Hokage."

Noda So knew he couldn't push too hard; he was just laying the groundwork. The real winning over would happen once the people arrived at the daimyo's Daimyo's Mansion. So he changed the subject and started chatting with Taiichi about his past experiences, which Taiichi.

On the evening of the ninth day, when the magnificent walls of Kyoto City finally came into view, Noda So wore a confident smile. After two days of continuous overtures, he could sense Taiichi's closeness to the Daimyo's Mansion's prefecture, and his mission was now perfectly accomplished.

As Taiichi gazed at the approaching city gate, a hint of solemnity flashed in his eyes. The real test had only just begun.

Escorting the delegation through the gates of Kyoto City, Taiichi and his companions were still astonished by the Kyoto City's splendor, even though they had witnessed it once before.

The spacious central streets, the constant flow of people, the hawkers calling out their wares, and the rows of shops on both sides all highlight the unique character of Kyoto City.

"Taiichi, there's still half the mission time limit left. Can we have some fun in the city after this mission is over?" Yohei quietly approached Taiichi and asked mysteriously, his eyes glancing at the bustling shops on both sides of the street from time to time, as if he was full of longing for it.

Little did he know that Saori had already Saori his furtive behavior. "What are you two whispering about?"

"We're saying we'll stay and play for a while after the mission is over, Saori, what do you think?" Taiichi answered honestly.

"Really!" Saori looked suspicious. "Why is Yohei being so secretive? It's not like it's anything shameful."

Taiichi was also puzzled. Yohei had become much more active since entering the Kyoto City. Could it be that he had also been won over?

But that shouldn't be the case. Along the way, he and his Shadow Clone had been monitoring everyone, and neither Yohei nor Saori had met with anyone from the delegation alone. He couldn't figure it out, so he stopped thinking about it. After all, everyone has their own secrets, and as friends, there was no need to pry too much.

The delegation finally arrived at the Daimyo's Mansion. Taiichi Squad had successfully escorted Noda So to this place, and the mission should now be considered complete. All that remained was for the Daimyo's Mansion to stamp and confirm the mission document.

However, reality often contradicts expectations. Neither Daimyo nor Taiichi had achieved their true purpose for this trip, so how could they leave so easily?

As expected, after Noda So entered the Daimyo's Mansion to report, Taiichi and the others waited in the Reception Hall. However, not long after, a servant came to inform Taiichi that they should wait at the Post House first, as the mission letter could not be confirmed until tomorrow.

Taiichi thought to himself: Just as I thought. He didn't wait any longer, got up and led Yohei and Saori toward the Post House.

Upon arriving at the Post House, the three were seated in a small courtyard with several rooms. After everyone had chosen their accommodations, Taiichi chuckled at the two who were still eager to explore. "Then let's all go our own way," he said. "This whole Kyoto City is huge, so let's wander around wherever we want!"

"Yay!" Yohei jumped up excitedly, only to feel embarrassed after landing.

Saori, on the other hand, was much more shy. Although she was happy, she only felt a little excited.

"Let's go." The three of them left the Post House together. Taiichi gave a final reminder: "Although this is Kyoto City, we still need to be careful."

"Hmm!"*2

At this moment, inside the Daimyo's Mansion, Noda So knelt respectfully on the ground, reporting the results of his trip to the Daimyo.

"---- Hiruzen Sarutobi agreed to all of the Daimyo's Mansion's requests, but considering the recent escalation of border tensions between various countries, the personnel arrangements may have to be delayed a little longer," Noda So concluded.

"Alright, as long as they send someone, a few days' delay won't matter. You've done a great job." The Daimyo, his face hidden behind a paper fan, didn't hold back his praise. "What about that Taichi Matsushita?"

"My lord, I used power and beauty as bait. Although the child outwardly refused, the longing in his eyes couldn't hide it from me. Especially when talking about his orphanhood, there was always a hint of resentment in his eyes; he was clearly unwilling to accept it."

As he spoke, Noda So took out a brocade pouch from his bosom and respectfully held it above his head with both hands. "This was a gift from the City Lord. I have not taken a single penny. I only wish to be loyal to you, my lord, in recruiting talented individuals."

The Daimyo looked at Noda So kneeling on the ground and gestured to a servant to take the brocade pouch. "Good! Lord Noda is indeed loyal. You have completed this mission very well."

As she spoke, she took the brocade pouch from the waiter's hand, placed it in her palm, and a clattering sound of jewels rang out.

Daimyo glancing at them, the daimyo tossed them back in front of Noda So: "Since these were gifts from someone, you can keep them! Also, report to the Finance Minister tomorrow; it's time for a promotion."

Upon hearing this, Noda So was overjoyed. He quickly picked up the brocade pouch in front of him and bowed his head to the ground again, saying, "Thank you for your generous gift, sir. I will certainly do my utmost to serve you."

The brocade pouch, once given and once received, became a reward. The Daimyo, without spending a single penny, had his subordinates moved to tears of gratitude—that was the skill.

Seeing the excited Noda So below, the Daimyo slammed his paper fan shut and pointed to a waiter beside him. "Go find that little ninja and tell Daimyo I have something to discuss with him!"

After Noda So left, the Daimyo got up and walked to the window, gazing at the bright moon in the sky, thinking about the information he had received earlier, his right hand tapping his left palm with the paper fan from time to time.

"At the age of eight, he possessed strength approaching that of Jonin and had completed several A-rank Mission —such a pawn is fit to be used by me."

By this time, Taiichi had been strolling Kyoto City for almost an hour. The vast Kyoto City was indeed more bustling than Konoha. As the economic and political center of the Land of Fire, it was much more lively than Konoha.

Neither the population nor the level of the surrounding shops can compare to Konoha. No wonder so many people, after experiencing the prosperity of big cities, are unwilling to return to their hometowns.

Taiichi wondered when Konoha would grow to the size of Kyoto City.

Taiichi calmly looked away. This was already the eighth one.

Since leaving the Post House, Taiichi noticed that there were people watching him. They changed the watchers every now and then, thinking they were doing it flawlessly. In reality, Taiichi just didn't want to expose them, and he was also waiting to see what they would do next.

Sure enough, after strolling around for a while longer, a man dressed as a servant of the Daimyo's Mansion, led by the watcher, approached Taiichi: "Ninja-sama, the Daimyo requests your presence!"

Taiichi looked at the waiter before him, feigning surprise followed by realization, and said, "Then—please lead the way."

Upon returning to the Daimyo's Mansion, Taiichi was led to a private reception Reception Hall. Upon entering, Taiichi found the Daimyo already seated at the head of the table, waiting for him.

Taiichi was slightly taken aback, then looked flattered and quickly stepped forward to bow, saying, "Daimyo- sama, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."

"Taichi Matsushita, how does Kyoto's night view compare to Konoha's?" The Daimyo wasn't in a hurry and asked Taiichi about his impressions of Kyoto.

"Far more prosperous than Konoha— " Taiichi said Taiichi envy, praising everything about Kyoto: the dazzling array of goods, the delicious food, and the colorful activities. It was as if every breath of air in Kyoto was sweet.

Daimyo watched Taiichi ramble on and on, his expression revealing the yearning of a naive young man for the big city, a fleeting smile crossed his eyes.

"Then, Taichi Matsushita, would you be willing to come to the Daimyo's Mansion and work for me?" The Daimyo interrupted Taiichi, stating his request directly.

The scene fell silent for a moment, with the occasional chirping of insects outside sounding particularly jarring at this moment.

Taiichi, who had been talking non-stop, suddenly fell silent. The Daimyo also waited quietly for Taiichi's answer without urging him.

The crucial moment has arrived. All the previous pretense was for the sake of gaining your Daimyo now. Blind flattery will only invite contempt; only appropriate assertiveness will make you appear more valuable. Every word you utter next could determine your life or death; you must be extremely cautious.

Taiichi of longing to one of utmost solemnity. "Daimyo -sama!"

Seeing the change in Taiichi's expression, Daimyo also unconsciously became serious.

"Does the Daimyo's Mansion offer various advanced Ninjutsu for me to learn?"

"No!" Daimyo's expression darkened slightly.

"Does the Daimyo's Mansion have any powerful Jonin to teach me training?"

"No, not at all!" Daimyo said, slightly annoyed.

"Does the Daming Daimyo's Mansion have enough companions to spar with?"

"Still nothing!" Daimyo's face had turned ashen.

"Daimyo lord, ninjas are judged by their strength. If I serve you now but do not receive training and improvement, what is my value?" Taiichi raised the crux of the matter.

"Oh!" At this moment, the Daimyo interested, sensing another meaning in Taiichi's words. "What are your thoughts? Tell me!"

"Daimyo recruited me simply to gain my power, but now the Daimyo's Mansion can't provide the resources to nurture me. So why not let me continue to grow in Konoha?" Taiichi analyzed calmly, as if he had already figured out how to pledge allegiance to the Daimyo.

"Interesting, continue," Daimyo said with Daimyo interest.

"Besides, with me in Konoha, I can respond immediately to any orders the Daimyo may give. And when I have enough power, that will be the day I come to serve the Daimyo," Taiichi said sincerely.

"Haha, good, good, Taichi Matsushita, you're absolutely right." The Daimyo laughed heartily, his eyes filled with undisguised admiration for Taiichi. "That's right, I don't lack combat power with you right now, and having you stay in Konoha would indeed provide me with greater assistance."

The Daimyo lowered his head and pondered for a moment, then decisively looked up. "Just as you said, you will remain in Konoha to improve your strength, and at the same time help me gather some intelligence."

Taiichi's eyes brightened slightly, and he quickly lowered his head in agreement, trying to conceal the slight fluctuation in his expression. "I wonder what kind of information the Daimyo needs, so I can focus on collecting it."

"Take a look at which geniuses Konoha has, and who else is worth recruiting. If there's anything you consider special, feel free to pass it on to me," the Daimyo stated his request.

"Yes, Daimyo!" Taiichi readily accepted the task, then looked at the Daimyo expectantly.

The Daimyo seemed a little flustered by Taiichi's gaze. "What, is there another problem?"

"Daimyo lord, have you forgotten what my benefits are? Even for normal missions, there's a mission reward. I'm practically a spy." Taiichi said somewhat embarrassedly, as if he had said something shameful.

"Ah, right, we were having such a pleasant chat that I completely forgot about something so important." Daimyo feigned sudden realization. "Taiichi, tell me, what do you want?"

Taiichi was delighted to hear this, and looking at the Daimyo, he rubbed his hands together incessantly. "Daimyo- sama, you must have some Ninjutsu data, could you give me some? You can give me whatever else you like."

The Daimyo was surprised to hear that Taiichi's request was so simple, but he was relieved to think that Taiichi young age.

"Go to the library of my Daimyo's Mansion. It contains all the books that Daimyo's Mansion has collected over the years. You can go in and choose any 10 books." The Daimyo said generously, "In addition, I will give you another 30 million taels. In the future, as long as you provide useful information, I will pay you according to the value of the information. How about it?"

"Thank you for your generosity, Lord Daimyo Ming." Taiichi bowed in gratitude.

Watching Taiichi disappear from sight, the Daimyo withdrew his gaze, and his heavy voice echoed in the small reception Reception Hall: "What do you think? Any ideas?"

At that moment, the wall next to them suddenly opened, and Taiichi's old acquaintance, the Minister of Finance, walked out.

"My lord, I don't believe this boy has truly submitted."

"Oh, why do you say that?" The Daimyo asked curiously, not understanding where the Minister of Finance had come to such a conclusion.

He never knelt or bowed to the adults from beginning to end.

"Ah, right, I almost overlooked that." Daimyo laughed, tapping his forehead with his paper fan. Then his expression darkened. "But it doesn't matter. As long as he accepts the gift and then passes on information to us, we won't have a choice in what to do next!"

"Your Excellency is wise!" the Minister of Finance immediately flattered. "With such a mole in Konoha, our subsequent plans to win over Konoha will be much clearer."

Under the dim light, two figures often mingled, and bursts of smug laughter occasionally drifted from the small reception Reception Hall.

Meanwhile, Taiichi, led by a servant, arrived at the library belonging to the Daimyo's Mansion.