Request

"I'm truly sorry!" Tanaka Keishi, kneeling on the ground, raised his head before fiercely slamming it down again.

"A traitor emerged among the Tanaka Clan's upper ranks and exposed Master Samu's identity. Over the past year, Lord Yoshikado has used Master Samu's sculptures to win over many people in the Land of Fire, but in doing so, he also offended the Sato Clan, one of the Land of Fire's great noble families."

Samu Kokaze narrowed his eyes and smiled as he looked at Tanaka Keishi, whose forehead was bleeding as he knelt on the floor. "So, Uncle Keishi, you mean the Sato Clan was behind this incident?"

Tanaka Keishi raised his bloodied forehead and said seriously, "Master Samu may not believe it, but that is exactly what happened. The Konoha ninja questioned everyone who came with us last night. They can confirm it."

Samu Kokaze neither confirmed nor denied it. He merely smiled. "Uncle Keishi, you should get up first. There are people coming and going in the hospital. You kneeling here makes it look like I did something to you."

Tanaka Keishi's heart chilled. Seeing the cold glint flash through Samu Kokaze's eyes despite his smiling face, he did not dare remain on the ground and hurriedly stood.

"Uncle Keishi, you came to Konoha for something this time, didn't you? You arrived five days earlier than usual."

Samu Kokaze casually asked as he watched Tanaka Keishi rise.

Ever since Samu Kokaze and Tanaka Yoshikado had reached an agreement a year ago, the Tanaka Clan had sent someone to Konoha every month to collect the orders placed during the previous month.

That had been the case for the entire year. Yet this month, not only had they arrived early, but yesterday's incident had also occurred. How could he not be suspicious?

At those words, Tanaka Keishi straightened his wrinkled collar and nodded. "Coming to Konoha early this time was Lord Yoshikado's decision. In another month, it will be the Daimyo's Wife's birthday. When Lord Yoshikado met the Daimyo last time, he promised to present the Daimyo's Wife with a life-sized sculpture carved from white jade for her birthday."

"So Brother Yoshikado sent you to find me." Before Tanaka Keishi could continue, Samu Kokaze gave a bitter smile. "But you can see my condition now. I was seriously injured because of what happened yesterday as well. I really can't do this."

Thud...

Samu Kokaze frowned as he watched Tanaka Keishi, whom he had just refused, kneel again.

"Please, Master Samu, help the Tanaka Clan once for the sake of your friendship with Lord Yoshikado."

"It's just a sculpture. Is there really any need to go this far? Besides, even if I cannot carve it, there are other master sculptors. The time may be tight, but it is not impossible to finish."

Tanaka Keishi gave a bitter laugh from where he knelt. "Ever since the Tanaka Clan rose to prominence, the Sato Clan has regarded us as a thorn in its side and suppressed us at every turn. If the Daimyo had not supported us from time to time, the Tanaka Clan would have collapsed long ago."

"The other master sculptors have all been warned by the Sato Clan. None of them dares carve anything for the Tanaka Clan."

"And if we fail to deliver the sculpture we promised this time, then even if the Daimyo does not wish to see the Tanaka Clan fall, he cannot disregard his own reputation and continue helping us. When the Sato Clan launches its full assault, the Tanaka Clan alone will never be able to withstand it. So... please, Master Samu."

As he spoke, he viciously slammed his forehead into the floor again, producing a dull thud.

"I see." A thoughtful look flickered through Samu Kokaze's eyes. Looking at Tanaka Keishi kneeling before him, he said in a low voice, "Uncle Keishi, go back first and let me think it over. I will give you an answer within three days at the latest."

"Master Samu!" Tanaka Keishi abruptly raised his head, wanting to say something. But when he saw the unyielding look in Samu Kokaze's eyes, his expression darkened. He rose and nodded. "I'm truly sorry for disturbing your rest, Master Samu. I'll stay in Konoha for the next two days and wait for your reply."

Watching Tanaka Keishi head out the door, Samu Kokaze picked up an apple from the table and took a bite. Silver light flickered in his eyes from time to time. "The Tanaka Clan! The Sato Clan! The Daimyo! Heh... interesting!"

Konoha streets.

The biting cold wind surged wildly through the streets.

A chubby boy struggled down the street with an enormous food container strapped to his back. Beads of sweat the size of beans kept forming on his forehead and dripping to the ground.

"Naruto! Are you sure Feng can really eat this much?"

Choji raised a hand to wipe the sweat from his face. He glanced doubtfully at Naruto beside him and spoke between heavy breaths.

"Of course it's true!" Naruto shouted when he saw Choji's skeptical look.

"Don't worry, Choji! You haven't seen how much Feng eats. Once you see it for yourself, you won't doubt it anymore."

Ino thought of what she had seen last time and swallowed.

"Alright!"

A flash of joy appeared in Choji's eyes when he saw Konoha Hospital ahead. Though he had nearly run out of strength, a sudden burst of energy filled his body, and he strode toward Konoha Hospital.

Bang...

"Feng! We came to visit you!"

The ward door was violently pushed open, and Naruto's ever-energetic voice rang through the room.

Samu Kokaze, who had been eating fruit, gave a bitter smile at the door being pushed open again. But when he saw the enormous food container on Choji's back, his eyes lit up.

"Choji! Did you bring me food? That's great! I was practically starving to death!"

He swallowed. His extraordinary sense of smell caught the faint fragrance drifting through the air, and saliva continuously filled his mouth.

Bang...

Choji, drenched in sweat, entered and set the food container from his back on the floor with a heavy bang. Even Samu Kokaze, lying in bed, could feel the vibration.

"Whew..." Choji let out a long breath. "That exhausted me."

After catching his breath, Choji abruptly opened the food container. A rich aroma filled the room, and Samu Kokaze's stomach growled hungrily. His eyes nearly glowed green as he greedily stared at the massive food container in the room.

Ino could not help laughing when she saw Samu Kokaze's expression. She picked up a bowl and chopsticks, then handed him some sliced food.

Samu Kokaze did not stand on ceremony. After taking it from Ino, he began devouring the food like mad.

After a while, Choji looked at the completely empty food container, then at Samu Kokaze's stomach, which showed no sign of swelling. He swallowed, his chubby face utterly blank.

"See? I told you Feng could eat a lot!" Naruto ran over and whispered to Choji.

"Yeah!"

Choji nodded with his dazed chubby face. Even now, he had not recovered from the shock.

"Ah! Ah! I'm half full. I finally feel alive again!" Samu Kokaze patted his completely flat stomach. Feeling warmth spread throughout his body, he let out a satisfied hum.

"Half full..."

At those words, the corners of everyone's mouths twitched. They had no idea what to say.

"Thank you so much, Choji." Samu Kokaze rubbed his stomach and thanked Choji, whose clothes were soaked through with sweat.

"It's fine! I'll bring you more tomorrow." Choji said stiffly.

"That would really be troublesome for you!" Samu Kokaze's expression brightened at those words, and he immediately agreed.