"The reward I'm offering you is the chance to take what you want. Located on the fringes, it serves as a trading hub connecting the Land of Water and the Land of Fire. In truth, the royal family usually profits the most here. I trust that this money and grain will be enough for you to do what you want!"
Byakuren glanced at Mingye. Even though he knew Mingye was trying to gain something for nothing, he had no choice but to walk into the trap. The chaotic situation in the Land of Water meant Byakuren could not obtain enough money and provisions from its military and political leaders. Plundering outsiders had become his only means of rapidly establishing Hidden Mist. And Mingye had seized precisely this weakness, leaving Byakuren with no room to choose. Before Konoha had risen to prominence, while the nations had yet to fully recognize the military concept of organized ninja forces, Byakuren could only turn to banditry and plunder without his country's support.
"I must also thank you for your written pass. It allowed me to travel without obstruction!"
Mingye nodded without even looking at Byakuren. With a wave of his hand, the Konoha ninja received their orders and moved in orderly formation, vanishing into the depths of the forest. After waiting a while, Mingye spoke to Byakuren again.
"We both got what we wanted. No need for thanks! I hope you gentlemen won't withhold any of the Uzumaki Clan's secret techniques, lest misunderstandings arise later. You will ambush the Uzumaki Clan, and afterward, we will take over their ancestral grounds. Meanwhile, we will assassinate all the upper echelon of the Land of Whirlpools and ensure that all resources in its capital are protected from outsiders. Then you can claim their treasury!"
"Of course!"
Mingye