Chapter 211

Orochimaru glanced at the pot where the beef was stewing, its aroma filling the air, before pulling out a letter and placing it on the table.

"Who's it from?" Shinki asked curiously.

With a slight smirk, Orochimaru tapped the table with his long fingers. "The Daimyo. The letter states that the messenger with the reward has already headed to Konoha. But after I negotiated, the Daimyo's messenger will come to the camp in person."

Shinki raised an eyebrow. Blatantly asking for benefits, huh?

This wasn't something the Third Hokage would dare to do, and though Tsunade might manage it, even she wouldn't feel comfortable asking relatives for favors—it was simply too awkward.

Orochimaru, however, had no such qualms. His reasoning was straightforward.

You hate the Sand Village, right? Under my leadership, we've driven their forces back into the Wind Country, giving you a chance to vent your frustrations. So, as the Daimyo, shouldn't you show your gratitude?

Though most people viewed the Daimyo as aloof and unapproachable, the Fire Country's Daimyo was relatively mild-mannered—perhaps the gentlest of the Five Great Nations' rulers.

Surprisingly, he wasn't angered by Orochimaru's directness. In fact, he seemed pleased by the request.

"I'm curious," Shinki said, unable to hide his amusement. "What exactly did you ask for?"

Orochimaru's interests were notoriously unpredictable, and Shinki couldn't help but wonder what strange benefit he might have demanded. It was unlikely to be anything other than money, given Orochimaru's disdain for titles or honors.

"Money," Orochimaru replied casually.

"Pfft—" Shinki choked on his own saliva. "Money? Are you serious?"

Though the Daimyo was practically drowning in wealth, it was still shocking to hear that Orochimaru, of all people, had asked for money. "You're not exactly broke."

Noticing Shinki's disbelief, Orochimaru shrugged. "After allocating funds for your last reward and funneling resources into my experiments, I've depleted my reserves. I'm not interested in other types of rewards, so money it is."

Shinki chuckled, shaking his head. "Fair enough."

Orochimaru's experiments were indeed infamous for their exorbitant costs. It wasn't unreasonable that his funds had dried up.

"And what about my reward?"

Orochimaru gave a sly smile, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "I wouldn't know. The Daimyo didn't specify."

"Really?" Shinki squinted at him, unconvinced. Orochimaru was too cunning to have not pried into such details.

Still, when Shinki opened the letter, it seemed true. The specifics weren't outlined.

What could the Daimyo even offer me besides money?

Shinki admitted to himself that he wasn't above being a little materialistic. Building puppets and a puppet army, even with improved techniques, required substantial financial support.

A few hundred million ryo would be ideal. Tens of millions would suffice if I can't get more. Words of praise? Forget it.

The tug-of-war between the Daimyo and Konoha was no secret. While the village worked to drain the Daimyo's wallet, the Daimyo tried to entice talent from Konoha's ranks.

"I'm not interested in anything from the Daimyo aside from money," Orochimaru said with a dismissive wave. "He can't buy me."

Shinki nodded in agreement. The idea of the Daimyo gaining more influence in military affairs was a chilling thought for any shinobi.

"As the Daimyo, he should stick to his role—enjoying life, indulging in luxuries, and staying out of military matters."

"Tsk. Honestly, I envy the simplicity of the Daimyo's life," Shinki mused with a wistful sigh.

Orochimaru frowned in confusion. "Simple? You call that interesting?"

"It's not for you to understand," Shinki replied, smirking.

The conversation shifted when Pakura entered. Though she had resigned herself to her fate, her question carried a hint of bitterness.

"What's my role here?"

Shinki thought for a moment before replying, "For now, focus on recovery. Train, strengthen yourself, and then…be my secretary."

Pakura blinked, stunned.

Secretary? Really?

Her indignation only grew when, two days later, a delivery arrived with several sets of secretary attire.

Pakura was forced to exchange her plain, functional ninja clothes—garments Shinki found appalling—for a fitted suit and high heels.

To her dismay, Shinki was unapologetically vocal about his preferences. "To be honest, your ninja outfit was awful. This is much better."

Pakura's reluctant transformation coincided with the arrival of the Daimyo's envoys in Konoha.

The Third Hokage, having just returned to the village, greeted them personally. However, his smile faltered when the rewards were unveiled.

Three individuals had been singled out: Hatake Sakumo, Shinki, and Orochimaru.

Orochimaru's reward was straightforward—30 million ryo, a sum substantial enough to draw the envy of the Third Hokage.

But the rewards for Hatake Sakumo and Shinki?

They were enough to make the Third Hokage's blood pressure spike.

>>>>>

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