Chapter 15: I'm Not Interested in Money

Chapter 15: I'm Not Interested in Money

In the battlefield, military orders are absolute; once given, all ninjas must carry them out without question.

Byakuya dared not delay. He dispelled his transformation jutsu and rushed toward the assembly point.

The route was littered with corpses, sprawled in disarray—some were Iwa ninjas, others were civilians caught in the crossfire.

Byakuya's face remained expressionless, but deep within, his thirst for power grew even stronger.

He understood clearly that without enough strength, one day, he too would end up like the corpses on the ground, dying during some mission.

This was the fate of a ninja.

When Byakuya arrived, he saw Shimura Taka using an interrogation jutsu to extract information.

The other clansmen were relaxed, chatting and laughing.

"Hey, kid Byakuya, this is yours."

Uchiha Inari tossed a ninja tool pouch toward him.

Byakuya caught it and habitually weighed it in his hands—it felt heavy.

Opening it, he found seven scrolls inside. Each scroll had bold characters written on it indicating its purpose.

The first three were labeled: Money, Money, Money. The other four contained ninja tools.

Byakuya examined the first three scrolls, growing increasingly fond of them, his breathing noticeably heavier.

No, money is a worldly possession. A true ninja should stay true to their heart and not be swayed by such material things.

Taking a deep breath, Byakuya couldn't resist stroking the first three scrolls, asking, "Inari-senpai, how much money is in these three scrolls?"

"Not much, 180,000 ryō."

Byakuya's breathing grew heavier again.

180,000 ryō!

The reward for a dangerous B-rank mission would typically max out at around 200,000 ryō, and even then, it would be split among the team based on contribution.

To save up 180,000 ryō, how many dangerous missions would one have to complete?

"Is all this really mine?" Byakuya asked in disbelief.

"Of course, it's yours. You did well earlier, so this is your reward," Inari joked. "But if you don't want it, you can always give it to me."

Byakuya chuckled awkwardly, clutching the scrolls tightly. "When we return to the village, I'll make sure to treat you and Tetsuo-senpai to a great meal."

"With this much money, just one meal won't cut it. At the very least, you'll have to visit a pleasure house—"

"Ahem." Tetsuo coughed lightly and reminded, "Inari, he's still underage."

Inari threw an arm around Tetsuo's shoulder and grinned. "No problem. With a transformation jutsu, he can tag along and broaden his horizons. Didn't we do the same back in the day?"

"Stop spouting nonsense. I only went to drag you back—I didn't do anything."

Inari cackled mischievously, stretching out his words. "Oh, I know—you didn't do anything~~"

Pleasure house...

Byakuya stared at the two seniors with a strange expression, feeling their dignified image crumble before his eyes.

"Senpai, what is a pleasure house?"

The four-year-old Itachi, with his insatiable curiosity, perked up and asked.

Inari was about to answer when a cold chill ran down his spine. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Captain Fugaku watching him indifferently.

Awkwardly, Inari made a zipping motion over his lips.

Tetsuo quickly changed the subject. "Byakuya, Itachi, this was your first day on the battlefield. How do you feel?"

"Not much," Byakuya replied calmly.

"Senpai," Itachi said, "I don't understand why we have wars. Why do we kill people we don't even know?"

Tetsuo laughed heartily. "Why ask why? We're ninjas."

"Is that really the reason?" Itachi asked.

"Of course," Tetsuo affirmed.

Listening to their conversation, Byakuya couldn't help but wonder: Is that really the reason?

He didn't have an answer yet. Maybe one day, as his experience grew, he'd find it.

Not far away, Shimura Taka finished his interrogation. "Captain Fugaku, I've obtained the information."

The group's attention shifted, and Byakuya set aside his thoughts to listen.

Fugaku asked, "Any updates on the Iwa ninjas' latest movements?"

"No changes from what we already know. However, the Iwa leaders are now aware of our reinforcements."

Inari dismissed the concern. "We've already taken Black Raven Rock. They were bound to find out sooner or later."

Still, this news wasn't ideal. The later the enemy learned of their moves, the easier their assault would have been.

After some thought, Fugaku decided, "Before they can react, we need to pick up the pace and clear out the nearby outposts."

"Captain Fugaku, I have a question," Byakuya said.

"Is it about your training?"

Byakuya shook his head. "It's about the remaining two outposts. Do they stockpile supplies like Black Raven Rock?"

Aside from Shimura Taka, no one could answer this question.

"I'm not sure. Taka, explain," Fugaku instructed.

"This region's only strategic point is Black Raven Rock," Taka explained. "The other two outposts don't hold significant resources."

"Then why must we attack these outposts?" Byakuya asked.

The group was puzzled, unsure what he meant.

Seeing their confusion, Byakuya elaborated. "Unlike Black Raven Rock, these outposts don't stockpile resources. Even if we destroy their defenses, the Iwa ninjas can rebuild them quickly with Earth Release techniques.

"Our actions might even force the Iwa ninjas to consolidate their defenses, hindering Minato-senpai's efforts."

Fugaku quickly grasped Byakuya's point.

Recognizing his reasoning, and with a desire to cultivate Byakuya's talents, Fugaku said, "If you have a better idea, speak up. If it works, I'll make sure you're credited."

Byakuya succinctly proposed, "Why don't we disrupt the Iwa ninjas' supply routes instead?"

This suggestion didn't shock everyone but made them rethink their strategies.

These seasoned fighters had been confined to the idea of attacking outposts due to their recent success. Byakuya, however, had already broken free from this mindset.

His intelligence and earlier performance only enhanced their regard for his potential.

Most importantly, Fugaku's intention to nurture Byakuya was clear—a signal more valuable than any merit.

"Well done, kid. After this mission, I'll take you somewhere fun to celebrate," Inari teased with a grin.

Others also expressed goodwill, except Shimura Taka, who seemed bitter.

To him, the Uchiha clan was dangerous. Their growing strength reminded him of their ancestor, Uchiha Madara, who unleashed the Nine-Tails on the village for selfish desires.

For the village's safety, suppressing and isolating the Uchiha clan was, in his mind, the only correct course of action.

---

[Please give power stone and comment]