Chapter 102 – Testing the Waters
With Nonō's matter finally resolved, the heavy stone that had been weighing on Taichi's heart was completely lifted. It was as if his spirit had been cleansed—so much so that even his cultivation over this period became unusually efficient.
In the final days before his leave ended, Taichi's taijutsu, meditation, and Kenjutsus all advanced by one level. More importantly, through long-term training, his fundamental physical attributes had also improved.
Skills:
Advanced Taijutsu Lv3 (231/4000)
Advanced Meditation Lv2 (654/3000)
Advanced Kenjutsu Lv3 (425/4000)
Attributes:
Constitution +1, Strength +1, Agility +1, Spirit +1
Name: Matsushita Taichi
Rank: Genin Lv8 (641/1400)
Age: 8
Talents: Diligence Makes Up for Lack of Talent, Scholar, Enhanced Growth
Stats:
Constitution: 22 (1/3)
Strength: 22
Agility: 21
Spirit: 25
Chakra: 18,000 (19,500)
Although each attribute had only increased by one point, and each skill by a single level, Taichi was certain of one thing: if his current self fought his former self, one-versus-three might still be unrealistic—but one-versus-two would be a guaranteed win.
The only regret was that his Constitution had gone from 21 (1/2) to 22 (1/3).
This clearly showed that future attribute gains would become increasingly difficult—and increasingly valuable.
Taichi had seized this rare opportunity with everything he had. He trained relentlessly, making liberal use of shadow clones to accelerate progress.
Unfortunately, this heightened state only lasted a few days before gradually fading away.
That left Taichi sighing in regret.
If he could have sustained it just a little longer, his Fire Release nature transformation would surely have reached Lv9.
"Taichi, why are you sighing?"
Yōhei asked curiously from the side.
This was the second day of their mission—escorting Koharu Utatane to the daimyo's capital to negotiate additional military funding.
On the first day alone, Taichi's near-maniacal training had thoroughly shocked everyone.
Even while walking, he maintained a floating fireball beside him, practicing chakra control and elemental transformation. During breaks, he split into multiple shadow clones and trained relentlessly.
Had Taichi's main body not consistently maintained sufficient chakra, Koharu—one of Konoha's elder advisors—might have lost her temper outright.
"A rare opportunity for explosive growth disappeared. How could I not sigh?" Taichi replied.
Yōhei looked completely baffled.
Seeing his confusion, Taichi explained his situation in detail. Yōhei listened in astonishment, clicking his tongue in disbelief. Even Captain Yamaguchi and Saori, resting nearby, were visibly surprised.
Koharu, true to her status as an elder advisor, immediately recognized what was happening.
She explained that this was a special state of cultivation, one that usually appeared only after a moment of profound realization—a short-lived but powerful burst of growth.
"You're a lucky little fellow," Koharu said, with a trace of envy in her voice.
"Very few people ever experience something like this."
She had already heard that Sarutobi had used Taichi's incident to strip Danzō of some authority. Clearly, that upheaval had triggered Taichi's breakthrough.
"All right," Captain Yamaguchi interjected at the right moment,
"now that things are back to normal, we need to focus on the escort mission. We can't afford to be distracted like yesterday."
With that, he subtly covered for Taichi's lapse the previous day.
Taichi understood the gesture and solemnly apologized. The atmosphere quickly eased.
Before sunset, the group arrived at the Daimyo's Capital.
Even after living in this world for years, Taichi still found its political system baffling.
The daimyo—holder of supreme national authority—possessed almost no direct military power. Meanwhile, the ninja village, which controlled the nation's strongest force, existed as a semi-independent entity.
This was the system established by the First Hokage: one country, one village.
The more Taichi thought about it, the stranger it seemed.
The group with overwhelming military power held no supreme authority.
Village funding depended on daimyo allocations.
Daily income relied on commissions from mercenary-style missions.
It was absurd.
This distorted structure had persisted for decades, unquestioned by most.
Not entirely, though—the future formation of the Guardian Ninja Twelve by the Fire Daimyo was proof that someone had noticed the flaw. Unfortunately, that experiment would end in failure.
As for the Hokage themselves, none had ever attempted to unite military and political power. Thus, this "dual-ruler" system had endured peacefully for over forty years.
Taichi shook his head.
These matters were far beyond his reach for now. Without influence, such thoughts were meaningless.
Entering the bustling capital city, the group was immediately struck by its grandeur.
The setting sun bathed the city in gold and crimson, as if it were ablaze—perfectly befitting the Land of Fire's name.
Lanterns lit up along the streets, echoing the glow of the evening clouds. Passing through the towering gates, Taichi was greeted by roaring crowds and thick, vibrant life.
The city's prosperity rivaled—if not surpassed—Konoha's.
Which made sense.
After all, this city was supported by the wealth of the entire Land of Fire.
"I'll submit our credentials with Captain Yamaguchi," Koharu said.
"You three may explore the city tonight."
The trio's faces lit up instantly—but they still glanced toward their captain.
"Go," Yamaguchi said calmly.
"Just return to the inn early. And don't cause trouble."
"Yes, sir!" ×3
Watching them leave, Yamaguchi smiled apologetically at Koharu.
"Please excuse them."
"No," Koharu replied.
"They're good children. Just… keep an eye on that Uchiha."
Yamaguchi frowned slightly.
Even the upper echelons are this wary of the Uchiha clan…
That was not a good sign.
---
Night fell, and the capital grew even brighter.
Taichi, Yōhei, and Saori walked side by side through lively streets filled with vendors and the scent of food.
"This is way livelier than Konoha's festivals!" Yōhei exclaimed excitedly.
"Look—tempura! Want to try some?"
Saori laughed softly.
"You only think about food. Konoha has all of this."
She pointed to a shop draped in colorful silk.
"Kyoto silk is the finest in the Land of Fire. I want to take a look."
Taichi lounged along with his hands behind his head.
"Go ahead. We've got time."
As he spoke, his gaze flicked toward several sword-bearing samurai on the street corner.
Chakra…
They had it—and judging by their attire, they were likely daimyo retainers.
So the daimyo is trying to cultivate his own military force…
Taichi wondered if an organization like the Guardian Ninja Twelve already existed.
As Yōhei and Saori split off, Taichi lingered nearby, casually watching the samurai from the corner of his eye.
"Taichi, this is for you."
Yōhei returned, handing him a piece of tempura.
"Kyoto's really something. I wonder when Konoha will be like this."
Taichi smiled faintly.
"That day will come."
Saori soon returned as well, apparently empty-handed.
They wandered a bit longer—until music drifted through the air.
"It's a geisha performance!" Yōhei said around a mouthful of food.
"Want to go take a look?"
Saori looked at him with undisguised disdain and glanced at the sky.
"It's time to head back. If we stay out any later, the captain will start worrying."
Taichi nodded as well, taking one last look at the bustling, brilliant city.
"Let's go. We'll have more time later."
---
When they returned to the inn, Advisor Koharu Utatane and Captain Yamaguchi were already waiting inside.
"So?" Koharu asked, looking at the three newcomers.
"How was Kyoto's night scenery?"
Yōhei immediately launched into an animated recounting of everything they had seen along the way, speaking with great enthusiasm. He frequently dragged Taichi and Saori into the story to back him up.
Koharu listened while nodding repeatedly.
Mmh. A slightly foolish Uchiha is a good Uchiha.
Captain Yamaguchi, on the other hand, wore a helpless expression.
Idiot kid. You've been sold out and you're still helping count the money.
"We've already coordinated with the Daimyō's estate," Koharu said calmly.
"The Daimyō will receive us early tomorrow morning. All of you will accompany me."
She paused, then added meaningfully,
"Tomorrow may not be peaceful. When it's time to act, act. Don't hold back."
With that, she stood up and returned to her room.
The three exchanged puzzled looks and turned to Captain Yamaguchi.
"At this point, it's hard to say," Yamaguchi replied honestly.
"Someone may try to provoke us tomorrow. If that happens, teach them a lesson as needed—just don't kill anyone."
"Alright. Go rest early."
---
Early the next morning, after preparing their gear, the group arrived at the Daimyō's estate as scheduled—only to be told that the Daimyō was still dining and that they would need to wait.
With no choice, they were escorted to a waiting room.
One hour passed.
Then another.
By this point, everyone understood what was happening.
This was a deliberate show of dominance—an attempt to put Konoha in its place.
No wonder Advisor Koharu said we shouldn't hesitate to strike, Taichi thought.
He glanced at Koharu, seated at the front. She was resting with her eyes closed, calm and unhurried.
Taichi found himself reassessing her.
No one reached a position like hers without reason.
Finally, after two full hours, an attendant arrived and led them into the council hall.
---
Inside the Council Hall
Koharu sat alone at the left-hand seat.
Captain Yamaguchi and the three genin stood behind her.
She was currently engaged in a heated debate with the Fire Country's Minister of Finance over additional military funding.
Koharu demanded one billion ryō.
The minister was only willing to approve two hundred million.
They argued fiercely, faces red, voices sharp, ultimately deadlocked between six hundred million and four hundred million ryō.
Taichi knew that Konoha's true bottom line was four hundred million—but who ever complained about more money?
Once again, Koharu surprised him.
Despite the questionable advice she often gave in Konoha, her performance here was impeccable. If she were a diplomat rather than an advisor, she'd be far more convincing.
People truly can't be judged by appearances.
At that moment, the plump Daimyō—who had been watching silently from above, hiding his mouth behind a small fan—finally spoke.
"Elder Koharu," he said slowly,
"since neither side can persuade the other, how about this?"
He continued leisurely,
"A particularly powerful samurai has recently pledged his service to me. Why don't you test his abilities?"
"Of course," he added with a chuckle,
"We won't have your jōnin step in. That would look like bullying."
"And if we win?" Koharu asked calmly.
"Then the funding will be set at six hundred million ryō," the Daimyō replied without hesitation.
"But if you lose, it'll be four hundred million."
"Agreed," Koharu said instantly.
"Excellent," the Daimyō confirmed, waving to an attendant.
Moments later, a sword-bearing samurai was led into the hall.
He wore an arrogant expression. A long scar slashed diagonally across his brow, giving his already harsh face an even more vicious look.
Taichi recognized him immediately.
He's one of the samurai from yesterday… the one with the scar.
"So, Elder Koharu," the Daimyō said smugly,
"this is the warrior who has sworn allegiance to me—Nagano Masaru. Don't underestimate him just because he's a samurai. If you lose, don't say I didn't warn you."
It was an obvious trap.
The Daimyō had clearly done his homework. Aside from the lone jōnin, Konoha's escort consisted entirely of newly graduated genin. Among them, the most dangerous was likely the Uchiha.
He was confident—confident he could save money and embarrass Konoha.
Nagano Masaru snorted loudly.
"Is this it?" he sneered.
"These three brats who haven't even grown their hair yet? I could wipe them out with a wave of my hand!"
"Watch your manners," the Daimyō scolded him half-heartedly—clearly for show.
Koharu turned and looked at Yamaguchi's team.
"Well? Who's going?"
Everyone's eyes immediately landed on Taichi.
The jōnin couldn't participate, and if victory was the goal, there was only one choice.
Taichi stepped forward calmly.
"I'll go."
As he passed Koharu, she whispered coldly into his ear:
"As long as he doesn't die—hit him as hard as you like."
Taichi paused for half a beat, nodded, and continued forward.
---
Outside the hall, the area had been cleared to form a makeshift arena.
Nagano Masaru stared at the boy standing opposite him—the youngest of the three—and felt deeply insulted.
He pointed at Yōhei, who was watching from the sidelines.
"Why didn't you send that Uchiha brat? Instead you send this little bean sprout to die? Are all Uchiha cowards?"
Yōhei exploded in rage and tried to charge forward.
"How dare you—!"
Captain Yamaguchi grabbed him firmly.
"Watch Taichi," he said quietly.
"Look at his expression."
Indeed, Taichi's anger was already boiling.
Bean sprout?
Your whole family are bean sprouts. I'm just young.
At that moment, the Daimyō spoke again, his tone darkening.
"That's enough, Nagano. Who Konoha sends is not for you to question. Just give it your all—and do not lose."
In truth, the Daimyō himself was uneasy.
Konoha had not sent the Uchiha.
Instead, they had chosen the youngest one.
That meant only one thing.
This child was likely the strongest of them all.
And suddenly, the outcome of this match felt far less certain.
---