Tap. Tap. Tap.
Kin's fingers drummed impatiently on the table.
Finally, he couldn't hold back any longer and pointed at the man sitting beside him—the White Fang.
"Why is he here!?"
Wasn't this supposed to be his invitation?
Why drag along this irrelevant person?
Didn't they know Uchiha Kin had no love for the White Fang?
The White Fang calmly sipped his tea, not even sparing Kin a glance—the epitome of indifference.
Mifune set his cup down hesitantly.
"He said he was your teammate."
Kin choked on his words.
Could he deny it?
With a sigh, Kin stared at the ceiling.
Would the White Fang report him for desertion? Probably. That's exactly the kind of thing he'd do.
After a long pause, Kin refocused on Mifune.
"So, what's your goal?"
He had humiliated the Land of Iron. Wasn't this hospitality a bit too generous?
If this were Sarutobi Hiruzen, the moment you slapped his face, he'd already be plotting how to screw you over.
As for why Kin kept bringing up Hiruzen…
Well, badmouthing the Hokage was practically a daily pastime for the Uchiha clan.
No wonder they were always targeted.
Mifune, now dressed in casual attire, hesitated before speaking.
"Have you two ever considered serving the Daimyo of the Land of Iron?"
"No. Never. Goodbye."
Kin delivered his triple rejection in one breath and stood up to leave.
Serve a daimyo like a dog? Dream on.
Now, if they were offering him the title of Daimyo of Iron, he might consider it.
He'd only come to see what Mifune wanted.
Since it was something impossible, there was no point staying.
"Wait." Mifune quickly called out.
"Then get to the point. Say what you want in one go."
Kin sat back down. The White Fang, however, hadn't moved an inch—as if he'd expected this all along.
After another pause, Mifune finally revealed his true intention.
"Would you be willing to trade your swordsmanship?"
The techniques Kin wielded were unlike anything Mifune had ever seen—both in chakra application and the artistry of the blade.
This was the kind of swordsmanship the Land of Iron deserved.
Hence, the request. But such secret techniques were rarely shared outside their villages.
Still, he had to try.
The samurai of Iron were too vulnerable against shinobi.
In battle, they couldn't even touch ninjas before being picked off by jutsu.
"Name your price. Whatever it is, I'll do my best to meet it."
Mifune leaned forward, palms flat on the table, his gaze earnest.
Kin studied him for a long moment before shifting his attention to the White Fang.
"Your technique, your decision."
The White Fang didn't even look up, focused solely on his tea and sweets.
Kin hesitated.
He could sell his swordsmanship. Trade it away.
The village didn't strictly forbid sharing self-developed techniques.
At worst, he'd get a verbal warning and scorn from the other Konoha ninjas.
But he wasn't Jiraiya—Hiruzen wouldn't turn a blind eye for him.
And he was an Uchiha.
Still, he didn't care much for the village's opinions.
Years of being called "useless" had left him unfazed.
So, no problem.
"Fifty million ryo. For one sword technique." Kin stated flatly.
He wasn't lacking in jutsu now, but money was another matter.
Researching ninja tools, secret medicines, future projects—all required funds.
"Fifty million…"
Mifune's expression tightened at the number.
It wasn't cheap, but the Land of Iron could afford it.
Though perpetually frozen, the country was rich in mineral resources.
But it was still a significant sum.
"Deal."
In the end, Mifune agreed.
"I want Fire Country banknotes."
"Understood."
With that, Mifune left to prepare the payment.
The tearoom fell silent, leaving only Kin and the White Fang.
"I didn't think you'd actually sell it."
The White Fang's tone was unreadable, his eyes shadowed.
"Just business. My expenses aren't small."
Kin sighed.
Orochimaru had village funding. Kin? Not a single ryo from Konoha. He had to fend for himself.
The White Fang said nothing.
After all this time, he still couldn't sense any attachment from Kin—not to the village, not even to this world.
It was as if he didn't belong here at all.
Silence stretched between them.
Kin's gaze grew distant.
This money wasn't just for research.
With these funds…
Once the war ended, he could pursue other plans.
Konoha had never welcomed him anyway.
Had it?
Mifune soon returned with the payment.
"One hundred million ryo. Fire Country notes."
He placed the stack on the table.
Kin immediately picked it up and began counting.
Each note was worth 100,000 ryo—one thousand in total.
"Perfect."
Kin flicked a note, the crisp sound of paper ringing in the air.
The sound of money.
Rolling up his sleeve, he revealed a summoning seal on his arm and slapped it onto the table.
"Summoning Jutsu!"
Poof!
Two scrolls materialized. Kin tossed them to Mifune.
"See if you're satisfied."
Mifune unfurled the scrolls and scanned the contents.
"Sword Art: Troubled Wind."
"Sword Art: Lion's Song."
"This…"
These techniques were akin to ninjutsu—but not the one he'd wanted.
Still, they were impressive.
A swordsman's eye could recognize their power and potential.
The first addressed their lack of ranged attacks; the second was a devastating iaido technique.
"Satisfied?"
Kin asked.
"Very."
Mifune nodded. These two techniques could elevate Iron's strength significantly. A hundred million was a fair price.
"Then our deal is concluded."
Kin had developed those moves long ago—just never had a chance to use them.
After all, breathing styles needed matching sword techniques to feel complete.
With the money summoned away, Kin gave a satisfied nod.
Despite Mifune's repeated attempts to persuade them to stay, Kin and the White Fang chose to leave.
As they walked, their eyes flicked toward hidden spots along the road.
A group of men, convinced of their stealth, were already exposed to the duo's scrutiny.
"They're here for you."
The White Fang shrugged, signaling he wouldn't interfere.
Kin cursed under his breath as he strode ahead.
"Some 'great general'—can't even control his own men."
If Mifune had sent them, they would've struck earlier—inside his home, where it'd be easiest.
Even now, they hesitated to attack openly.
Clearly, they didn't want Mifune to know.
"You just finished a deal. Don't make it ugly."
"Yeah, yeah."
...
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(End of Chapter)