The clan elders had put a stop to everything, however, because Shiki Uzumaki was merely an ordinary child.
He lacked notable potential and wasn't worth the effort from the Hyuga Clan.
Yet according to intelligence received by the Hyuga, higher-ups in the Hokage's office now seemed intent on nurturing this boy.
Then it would be appropriate for the Hyuga Clan to step forward and suppress him slightly.
Otherwise, once he entered Konoha's civil administration, it could lead to actions unfavorable to the Hyuga Clan.
Hyuga Haku Mū himself hadn't anticipated that this opportunity would fall into his hands.
The reason why he, as a Chunin mission assigner, had allowed Shiki Uzumaki to accept this mission was simply to first establish a connection before later curbing him.
The goal was singular: Before the Hyuga Clan grants you what you desire, I can always make you pay dearly for it.
"Yes, there is indeed such a rule," said the Chunin. "But if Shiki Uzumaki completes the mission, he can cover the cost with money."
The Chunin actively defended Shiki Uzumaki because, in a major ninja village like Konoha, A-ranked jutsu weren't strictly regulated unless classified as forbidden techniques.
In fact, when Grass Ninja Village came to learn from them, Konoha would even proactively teach them some A-ranked jutsu.
"That's true," another person responded, "but Shiki Uzumaki probably doesn't have that much money, right? The fee paid to the village for an A-ranked jutsu is about one hundred thousand ryo (a unit of currency)."
"This—" Ka Natsuko widened her eyes in shock; she hadn't expected the amount to be so massive.
Actually, Shiki Uzumaki knew that while it sounded high, it was standard.
Because otherwise, a Class B mission usually offered rewards between five thousand to fifteen thousand ryo.
Yet this mission provided extremely generous compensation, since the value of an A-ranked jutsu generally exceeded five hundred thousand ryo.
Therefore, asking him to pay a five thousand ryo tax seemed reasonable—at least on the surface. But things were far from over.
Chapter 228 – Five Thousand Ryo? Then Let's Go With That
Immediately afterward, Shiki Uzumaki turned his calm gaze toward Hyuga Haku Mū.
A faint smile still lingered on his face, revealing no emotion beneath the Byakugan under the leaf insignia.
It appeared as nothing more than something an upright, conscientious individual would do.
Still, Shiki Uzumaki clearly sensed the satisfaction hidden within the other's tone.
Then Hyuga Haku Mū opened his mouth:
"Shiki Uzumaki, you're short on cash, aren't you? That's fine. If you're willing to apologize for your previous disrespect toward the Hyuga Clan, I can lend you these five thousand ryo."
Hyuga Haku Mū seemed already capable of visualizing how Shiki Uzumaki would look when apologizing.
Surely someone who had just become a Chunin—and was still practically a Genin—couldn't have saved that much money.
Moreover, working at the Mission Hall, he personally knew that throughout the past two or three months since Shiki graduated,
the total money he'd earned amounted to barely several thousand ryo. And for a ninja known for being generous, even that five thousand ryo probably wouldn't last very long.
"What's on your mind?" Hyuga Haku Mū smirked confidently, resting both hands on the table as he leaned forward, staring at Shiki Uzumaki.
"Or are you willing to give up this jutsu? If you complete this mission, you could still earn over one hundred thousand ryo. Although an A-Rank Fire Release jutsu isn't particularly significant for Konoha, as something not previously in our village's collection, it should make a decent addition. So what will it be? Do you want to hand it over?"
Ka Natsuko looked from one to the other, clearly wanting to help Shiki Uzumaki.
But she simply didn't have that kind of money. It had already been hard enough leaving the village with help this time.
Carrying large sums would only be inconvenient, so the Village Headman decided instead to let her bring this technique that Harada had delivered to the village.
Harada once explained that the original master of this technique was no longer among the living. He wanted to entrust the technique to the village to develop its power.
Yet until now, no one in the village besides Harada himself had successfully learned this A-Rank fire-style jutsu.
Finally, this technique had begun to show its true value.
Just as she worried about Shiki Uzumaki, the child suddenly smirked, his expression full of contempt.
He showed no restraint at all, sneering openly at the chunin before him—a man in his twenties with pupil-less eyes.
How could that be?
Aren't they from the same village?
Or do they have some past history?
Ka Natsuko still hadn't figured out the situation, but Shiki Uzumaki already spoke.
"Apologize to the Hyuga clan."
"That's right."
Even though he sensed the deep disdain from the annoying red-headed brat standing before him,
For Hyuga Haku Mū, he had no choice but to continue responding.
Because he knew one thing clearly: anyone who managed to enter Konoha's administrative department inevitably held substantial influence.
Even someone from the lowest rank.
He was merely part of the Hyuga Branch House; if he could suppress Shiki Uzumaki,
His status within the family might slightly rise.
Although the clan leader wouldn't personally concern themselves with such minor matters, the elder council would meticulously handle every level of affairs.
Though born into the Branch House, fated to serve and remain subordinate to the Main House,
There were still differences even among those subordinates, just like the distinction between military officers and commoners within a country.
"Hmph..."
At these words, Hyuga Haku Mū couldn't help but reveal a pleased expression. Originally he assumed that after seeing the defiant look on Shiki Uzumaki's face earlier, there was no way the boy would so easily agree to his demand.
Yet unexpectedly, Shiki Uzumaki actually backed down.
However—
This gesture wasn't nearly humble enough.
Saying just "sorry"—with such a careless tone? What kind of apology was that?
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