The Daimyo was slightly taken aback. Looking at Ueno Kei, whose expression had not changed in the slightest and who had worn a faint smile from the very beginning, he found himself genuinely intrigued by this young Konoha ninja.
Because in the boy before him, he saw traces of the Sannin and the White Fang of Konoha from years past. No—perhaps it was an even more dangerous feeling.
"Kei-kun, you have rather exceeded this old man's expectations. Hmm, Kei-kun, you are quite interesting." After pondering for a moment, the Daimyo spoke lightly, making no effort to conceal his appreciation for Ueno Kei. Of course, what he truly thought in his heart was known only to the Daimyo himself and the old man.
"Lord Daimyo, I have always believed myself to be someone who surprises others."
"Hmm. By the way, you truly worked hard on this mission. I heard that you even encountered the Fourth Raikage?"
"Well, I suppose my luck was rather poor. Fortunately, the mission was completed successfully..."
"Is that so? By the way, there is also..."
Ueno Kei and the Daimyo spoke as though they had no serious business at all. With nothing better to do, they simply chatted idly, discussing whatever came to mind—from matters concerning the Land of Fire and Konoha to the Daimyo's experiences in his youth.
Like two utterly idle men, they talked through the entire afternoon.
As dusk gradually descended, Ueno Kei lifted his teacup. After finishing his fourth cup of plain tea that day, the faint smile at the corner of his lips finally faded.
"Lord Daimyo, today's conversation has benefited Kei greatly. I have troubled you much today. On another day, Kei will certainly visit again!" In the end, Ueno Kei had not obtained what he wanted from the Daimyo, nor