The atmosphere grew even stranger when the team assembled.
Harada Yuichi read the mission details, opened his mouth, then hesitated. In the end, he only scratched his head and muttered, "Cheng... you really know how to make things work."
Uchiha Makoto looked perfectly unashamed, even a little smug about how neatly his plan had come together.
"What do you think? Pretty good mission, right? Moderate difficulty, generous pay, and we can... uh, get firsthand experience of northeastern Land of Rivers customs and local specialties. It'll really help broaden our horizons as ninja!"
He made it sound so high-minded, as though he truly had the team's growth at heart.
Kakashi fixed Cheng with a cold stare from his dead-fish eyes.
"Experience the local customs? More like experience exploiting loopholes in mission regulations. Cheng, do you realize this is abusing public resources for private gain?"
"Come on, that's not fair."
Cheng waved a hand, looking utterly innocent.
"Our restaurant really does need supplies. Those mushrooms and special spices only grow in that mountain region. They're crucial to improving the flavor of our dishes!"
"And requesting our team specifically shows trust and recognition of our abilities. Why let outsiders reap the benefits? I'd be worried about handing this mission to anyone else."
"You..." Kakashi was momentarily left speechless by that twisted logic.
"All right, all right. We've already accepted the mission, so let's get ready."
Uchiha Makoto quickly changed the subject and began making arrangements.
"This time, besides the restaurant's two experienced buyers, we'll also be escorting our 'special consultants'-Nako, Shun, and Entetsu."
He paused, then explained, "I've already used my connections with the clan council to have the three of them temporarily 'seconded' out of the regular Ninja Academy and Genin rosters. They're now attached to the Konoha Military Police Force's logistics