Xia Yan's words could easily be taken to mean that he was raising the price on the spot.
Yet Uchiha Shin really had no way to argue back. Or rather, he had already anticipated the problems he might face.
It was somewhat absurd, being threatened and asked for an exorbitant price by a thirteen- or fourteen-year-old child, but after his previous lesson, Uchiha Shin knew that the brat before him could not be judged by ordinary standards.
Uchiha Shin began seriously considering just what this brat named Xia Yan wanted.
He had offered an Anbu position so readily. Clearly, he had already consulted the people behind him. In other words, this had the Hokage's approval!
That outcome already delighted Uchiha Shin, because establishing this connection meant that he now had a channel of communication with Konoha.
Even if that channel would not accomplish much at first, Uchiha Shin understood that a man of little standing carried little weight.
But as time passed, he believed this channel would surely serve its intended purpose!
Thus, he did not take issue with Xia Yan's approach. Everything came at a price, and Uchiha Shin understood that very well.
"What would you like, Squad Leader Xia Yan?" Suppressing his joy, Uchiha Shin lowered his voice considerably. "As long as it is within my power, I will find a way to satisfy you."
"Let's set that aside for now." To Uchiha Shin's surprise, Xia Yan gently shook his head.
Then he raised a cup of tea and took a light sip, looking as though he had truly come to savor the tea.
But Uchiha Shin would never think that. He remained seated obediently.
After Xia Yan finished his tea, he signaled with his eyes to Shisui, who stood nearby, and Shisui immediately refilled his cup.
Such