Chapter 297: Request
"Try channeling your chakra into that kunai," Shisui said with a smirk.
"Whoa, it's so smooth, there's little to no resistance at all, like…"
"Yeah, these kunai are made of an alloy of chakra metal and black iron, one of the toughest combinations. Just a single one would cost at least 150,000 to 200,000 Ryo. Even if they made it themselves, just the material cost for all nine kunai would reach around a million Ryo, so this reward is not small by any means," Shisui explained.
"Well, now I don't feel so bad about getting this," Kaida said, placing the kunai in his storage seal.
Just as Jiraiya was about to chime in, a Konoha Jonin responsible for the Daimyo's protection appeared near Jiraiya, delivered a message, and then disappeared. The only reason a shinobi from another village could use these jutsu, even movement jutsu, was due to the Daimyo's orders. Otherwise, using any jutsu in an enemy village could be very dangerous. After receiving the message, Jiraiya turned to the group.
"It's great that you liked your gift, but there's a chance you may get another one as well. Lord Daimyo is calling us," Jiraiya said.
"All of us?"
"Yes."
The four of them looked toward the VIP area where the Daimyos were seated during the matches. Noticing this, Jiraiya added, "He's not here; we have to go to his lodgings."
"Then let's go," Shisui said, and everyone began moving.
…
"Hohoho, Jiraiya, welcome, welcome! Have a seat," the Daimyo said, obviously in a good mood.
"Thank you, Lord Daimyo," Jiraiya replied, taking his seat, while Shisui and Team Konoha stood before the Daimyo.
"You guys did great in the exam, even better than what I expected from Konoha. I am very happy with your performance," the Daimyo said with a kind smile on his face.
"We're glad that we were able to meet your expectations, Lord Daimyo," Itachi, the team leader and the only one trained in royal etiquette, responded while the others bowed their heads.
"Hoho, so well-mannered. Good! Since you all did so well, I want to give you some gifts—not to your village, so don't say that. Just tell me what you truly desire," the Daimyo said, having been through this situation multiple times. Every time, the ninja would simply ask him to support their village, and he was bored of hearing that.
"I am already going to support Konoha, so I want you to ask for something you genuinely want," the Daimyo said, eager to hear something different.
Itachi and Kabuto were silent. Though Kabuto was tempted to ask the Daimyo to support his orphanage, he knew it might leave a bad impression of Konoha, so he refrained. Besides, he didn't have much else to ask for. As for Itachi, he was practically a prince, lacking nothing. Jiraiya understood this about both of them, but he noticed a look of hesitation on Kaida's face.
'I just hope that boy doesn't say anything foolish about the poverty in the Fire Country. The Daimyo would definitely be offended if he were shown the reality of his rule,' Jiraiya thought, having witnessed the journey and how emotional the three Genin… now Chunin… had been along the way. Fortunately, his fears were unfounded.
"Sir, while we were in Lightning Valley, I made a pet, and I would like to bring it back to Konoha. Is that possible?" Kaida asked, at which both Kabuto and Itachi turned to Kaida with glares that asked, 'Are you serious?'
Kaida ignored their reactions masterfully.
"Which pet? A dog?" the Daimyo asked, a bit intrigued by the request.
"No, sir, it's a cute bear," Kaida replied with a smile.
"Oh, you found a bear cub, huh?"
"No, sir, the bear isn't a cub. It's an adult bear, around two and a half meters tall, and it can use chakra too," Kaida added.
"…"
"…"
"…"
A silence enveloped the room as Itachi and Kabuto gave Kaida deadpan looks.
"You said you made a pet in Lightning Valley," the Daimyo said.
"Yes, Lord Daimyo."
"And it's an adult bear?"
"Yes, Lord Daimyo."
"One that can even use chakra?"
"Yes, Lord Daimyo."
"And you want to bring it back to Konoha?"
"Yes, Lord Daimyo."
"Hahahahaha! Amusing, truly amusing. Since I promised you a reward, consider it done. That bear will be allowed to follow you back to Konoha. Or would you prefer it captured and delivered to your village?" the Daimyo asked, genuinely amused by the unusual request.
Finally, Jiraiya and Shisui sighed in relief. No matter how unusual the request, it wouldn't harm Konoha, which had been their main concern.
Afterward, everyone but Jiraiya was told to leave.
…
"Quite an interesting disciple you have there, Jiraiya," the Daimyo remarked.
"He sure is… unique, Lord Daimyo," Jiraiya replied.
"Well, aside from that, I assume there's something you want to say to me?" the Daimyo asked.
"Yes, Lord Daimyo. As you know, all three of them are young talents from Konoha, and since we've brought them here, others may try something. That's why I would like to request we leave as soon as it's convenient for you," Jiraiya said.
"Normally, I would have to stay here a while longer for some meetings, but since I got an extra week here in Kumogakure, I have nothing pressing left. I don't mind following your request. Make all the arrangements—we will leave tomorrow. I'll also need some time to fulfill my promise," the Daimyo said, to which Jiraiya nodded and took his leave, knowing the workload was substantial.
…
"Why didn't you mention this bear pet of yours to me?" Shisui asked as they walked away from the Daimyo's room.
"Because I thought I wouldn't see him again anyway. It's not like we could smuggle a three-meter bear right under Kumogakure's nose. I'm just glad the Daimyo could arrange it," Kaida replied.
"Well, we could have arranged that if you'd asked. It's not like that bear has a contract with someone from Kumogakure. By paying a fee, we could have easily taken it."
"How much?"
"Depends on what Kumogakure would demand, but knowing them, it would be around 1-5 million Ryo."
"Then will Lord Daimyo pay that much for us?" Kaida asked.
"He doesn't have to. That fee is for permission to take the bear, but the Daimyo doesn't need it. Just a promise to send some missions to Kumogakure in the future is enough," Shisui explained.
"Well, it's all good if we can get him for free," Kaida said, shrugging.
"What's so good about that bear anyway?" Shisui asked.
"He's very intelligent, almost strong enough to match a Chunin in a direct confrontation, and he's cute. He's the perfect pet to guard our house when we're out," Kaida said.
"Well, when you put it that way, it really does sound like a good idea," Shisui agreed.