Iwagakure, Tsuchikage Tower, Banquet Hall
"Buying iron ore from our village? Is that really the purpose of your visit, Leader Yahiko?"
Kitsuchi put on an expression of exaggerated surprise.
"Yes, Amegakure is in dire need of rebuilding. We urgently require the support of a major ninja village like Iwagakure. I hope Lord Kitsuchi will lend us a helping hand, for the sake of our past friendship."
Kitsuchi took a sip from his cup, calculating his next move. With a warm smile, he asked, "How much are we talking about?"
"Approximately 3.6 million tons," Yahiko replied. This was the output from the Sada and Sumu mines before they ceased operations—though the figure was already discounted since the mines were still under development.
"And the quality?" Kitsuchi inquired.
"Rest assured, Lord Kitsuchi, the quality of our iron ore is decent—at least second-grade."
"Hmm."
Kitsuchi responded with a noncommittal grunt, then dropped the topic entirely. Instead, he simply invited Yahiko to drink and eat with him.
This attitude left Yahiko increasingly anxious. Could he agree or decline outright? At least give me an answer! Yet for three days straight, Kitsuchi only entertained him with food and drink, avoiding any mention of the iron ore deal.
Frustrated, Yahiko requested an audience with the Fourth Tsuchikage, Shii, hoping to bypass Kitsuchi. However, when he finally met Shii, the Tsuchikage merely stared blankly and muttered, "This matter is entirely up to Lord Kitsuchi." Then, without another word, he left in haste.
At that moment, Yahiko realized the truth: Kitsuchi had become the de facto ruler of Iwagakure, and there was no going around him.
To make matters worse, news from the Land of Crafts came through an intermediary. The nation had nearly met its iron ore procurement quota for the year. Despite Mujima's persistent pleading, they reluctantly agreed to purchase only 200,000 tons of ore—and at a heavily discounted price. For Amegakure's overall production, this was a mere drop in the bucket. It was now up to Yahiko to turn things around.
Clenching his teeth, Yahiko resolved to take a loss. If necessary, he would let Iwagakure slash the price mercilessly. But when he offered a price far below the market rate at the next banquet, Kitsuchi poured cold water on his hopes.
"Leader Yahiko, our Iwagakure has no shortage of iron ore."
Yahiko's face darkened. If you didn't want it, why didn't you say so earlier? You've wasted four days of my time!
"But," Kitsuchi continued, "I deeply value the friendship between Amegakure and the Akatsuki organization..."
Hmm? Is there still a chance? Could he be trying to negotiate an even lower price?
"Lord Kitsuchi, this price already leaves me with almost no profit. Any lower, and I'd be operating at a loss."
Kitsuchi smiled faintly. "Leader Yahiko, you've misunderstood me. I know the price you're offering is barely profitable. I'm not trying to drive it down further."
"Then what do you mean, Lord Kitsuchi?"
Pouring Yahiko another glass of sake, Kitsuchi spoke slowly. "Actually, there's something I need your help with. If you can accomplish this task, I'll buy all of Amegakure's iron ore at the current market price. Not only that, Iwagakure will also provide Amegakure with a 500 million ryo interest-free loan."
Yahiko's eyes lit up. This was the first bit of good news he'd heard in days.
"Please, tell me! If it's within my power, I'll see it done!"
Kitsuchi said nothing, simply pulling out a document and handing it to Yahiko.
Yahiko grabbed it eagerly.
"The Sand Village Collapse Plan."
The title alone sent a chill down Yahiko's spine.
As he read through the document, cold sweat began to bead on his forehead.
Iwagakure was planning a rebellion.
Not just any rebellion, but one that involved colluding with internal dissidents within Sunagakure to stage a coordinated uprising.
The steps, routes, and strategies were meticulously detailed, indicating that this plan had been in the works for quite some time.
Kitsuchi wanted the Akatsuki to replace Iwagakure's ninja in carrying out the "external operations."
When Yahiko finished reading, Kitsuchi swiftly took the document back.
"Well? Interested?"
Kitsuchi asked.
"Executing this plan will result in significant casualties," Yahiko replied.
"It won't, it won't. Your role is merely to stage a diversionary attack, primarily to tie down their forces. Whether the plan succeeds or not depends on Sunagakure's internal traitors. The casualties will be minimal."
Kitsuchi smiled.
"Lord Kitsuchi, let's not joke around. War isn't like hosting a banquet. Even a diversionary attack will cost lives," Yahiko said coldly.
"Fair point, Leader Yahiko. How about this: I'll be blunt. For every injured member of your group, I'll pay 2 million ryo in compensation. For every death, I'll pay 10 million ryo. How does that sound? Not a bad deal, right?"
Yahiko fell silent. The offer was indeed generous. The Rain Daimyo allocated only 10 million ryo annually to the Akatsuki as their "military budget." Still, he hesitated. In his heart, Amegakure was a normal village, and the Akatsuki was not a terrorist organization.
But the dire situation in the village...
Sensing Yahiko's hesitation, Kitsuchi tried to reassure him.
"Leader Yahiko, it's only natural for a ninja to take on missions and earn rewards. This is just a larger-scale mission—nothing to burden your conscience with. Heh."
Seeing that Yahiko remained unresponsive, Kitsuchi pressed on.
"Besides, Sunagakure isn't exactly a saintly village. After their victory in the Sand-Stone War, they extorted a hefty sum in war reparations from us. And hasn't the Hourglass Group been bleeding your Amegakure dry as well? By that logic, Sunagakure should be our common enemy. You get to settle a score and make money—what's not to love?"
Yahiko looked up, staring directly at Kitsuchi.
He wasn't wrong. Yahiko harbored a deep resentment toward Sunagakure. But he also saw through Kitsuchi's scheme: this was nothing more than a transaction for blood. The Akatsuki would fight and die, while Iwagakure bore no responsibility and avoided any risk of retaliation from Sunagakure. Kitsuchi's plan was as cunning as it was calculating.
"Lord Kitsuchi, while I am the leader of the Akatsuki, this is a large-scale operation involving thousands of people. I can't make this decision alone. I'll need to consult with the other members."
"Fair enough. Your consideration is reasonable. Besides, the rebel factions in Sunagakure also need time to prepare. But I'll need a timeline from you so I can coordinate the overall strategy."
After a moment of thought, Yahiko replied, "Two weeks. I'll give you an answer in two weeks."
"Very well. I'll wait for two weeks. Now that we've discussed business, let's drink to it."
Kitsuchi raised his cup.
"No, I must return to the village immediately."
Kitsuchi nodded. "Very well. But keep this matter confidential. Sunagakure's Yamashita Tetsu is no pushover."
"Don't worry. I understand the rules."
Without another word, Yahiko left the banquet hall.
Kitsuchi made no move to stop him, pouring himself another cup of sake.
"Do you think he'll agree?"
Black Zetsu emerged from the shadows.
"He has no choice. If he doesn't, his village will go bankrupt."
Kitsuchi downed his sake in one gulp.
"That settles my part. Now it's up to Sunagakure."
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