Chapter 107: Spy vs. Spy
The banquet—soaked in decadent music and indulgence—finally came to an end. The envoy group would be resting in the city for the night.
That evening, seeing that Yōhei and Saori still seemed distracted, Taichi couldn't help but shake his head.
"What—still thinking about what happened during the day?"
Yōhei scratched his head awkwardly, clearly embarrassed. Saori, on the other hand, looked openly irritated. As a girl, her experience at the banquet had been very different from Yōhei's.
"Noda Sō wasn't wrong about one thing," Taichi said calmly. "That's the adult world—and it's part of this glittering, corrupt society."
Yōhei and Saori looked at him in confusion, waiting for him to continue.
"We're ninja," Taichi went on. "Not officials. Not nobles. And what is the foundation of a ninja?"
He suddenly swung his arm.
Flames erupted instantly, roaring up his entire right arm. Fire wrapped around it completely, making it look as though the limb itself had been forged from flame.
It was obvious—his fire-nature transformation and chakra control had advanced significantly during this time.
Yōhei and Saori stared blankly at Taichi's blazing arm, utterly stunned.
Taichi nodded in satisfaction at their reactions.
"As long as you possess enough power, everything you saw today—status, indulgence, respect—can be obtained with ease."
"Lord Jiraiya lives freely, wandering and indulging himself wherever he goes," Taichi added with a straight face,
"yet no one dares look down on him. Why? Because his strength upholds the name of the Sannin."
Sorry about that, Jiraiya-sensei, Taichi thought inwardly. Your embarrassing stories just became motivational material.
"And Lady Tsunade," Taichi continued, turning to Saori, "also one of the Sannin, the strongest medical ninja alive. Tell me—what man would dare act disrespectfully in front of her?"
Yōhei and Saori's eyes sparkled.
The legend of the Three Sannin was deeply ingrained in Konoha's younger generation. And Jiraiya and Tsunade weren't distant myths to them—they were directly connected to Taichi.
That realization lit a fire in both of them.
Their resolve to grow stronger hardened visibly.
---
The night passed without incident.
The next morning, the envoy group took their time over breakfast. As before, there were subtle—and not-so-subtle—attempts to impress the three ninja: exquisite food, attentive service, lavish décor. Everything screamed the excess of the ruling class.
The city lord insisted they stay longer. The envoy pretended to hesitate.
In the end, they didn't depart until nearly noon, resuming their slow journey toward the capital.
---
By the evening of the seventh day, with the Daimyō's residence almost in sight, Noda Sō finally made his move.
While strolling beside the river, he lowered his voice and spoke to Taichi.
"The Daimyō holds your talents in high regard, Taichi. Have you ever considered developing your future at the Daimyō's residence?"
Taichi put on a startled expression, repeatedly glancing toward Yōhei and Saori in the distance, as if afraid of being overheard. He scratched his head, then rubbed his hands together, looking flustered and uncertain.
"Well… ninja assignments require the Hokage's approval. If the Hokage were to agree, then… I wouldn't have any objections."
He deliberately stumbled over his words, keeping his meaning vague—just enough to make Noda Sō believe his groundwork had paid off.
"Hahaha, no need to rush," Noda Sō laughed. "You can take your time to consider it. Of course, the Daimyō will also speak with the Hokage."
He knew better than to push too hard. This was merely laying the foundation—the true recruitment would come once they were inside the Daimyō's residence.
Changing the subject, he began chatting about past experiences, drawing Taichi in with practiced ease.
---
On the evening of the ninth day, the towering walls of Kyoto finally appeared on the horizon.
A confident smile spread across Noda Sō's face.
After days of goodwill and subtle temptation, he could clearly feel Taichi growing closer to the Daimyō's side. To him, the mission had been a flawless success.
Taichi, however, stared at the approaching gates with a grave expression.
The real test… starts now.
---
Escorting the envoy through Kyoto's gates, Taichi and the others found themselves awed once more—even after having seen it before.
Broad central avenues. Endless streams of people. Vendors shouting from the roadside. Shops packed tightly together on both sides.
Everything about Kyoto screamed prosperity.
"Taichi," Yōhei whispered, sneaking up beside him, eyes darting excitedly toward the bustling streets,
"we've still got half the mission time left. After this is over, can we stay and explore the city properly?"
Before Taichi could respond, Saori's suspicious voice cut in.
"What are you two whispering about?"
"Talking about staying in Kyoto for a while after the mission," Taichi answered honestly. "What do you think?"
"Oh?" Saori narrowed her eyes. "Then why is Yōhei acting so sneaky? It's not like it's anything shameful."
Taichi was puzzled as well.
Yōhei had been unusually lively ever since entering Kyoto.
Don't tell me he's been tempted too…?
But that didn't make sense.
Throughout the journey, Taichi and his shadow clone had kept everyone under surveillance. Yōhei and Saori had never been alone with the envoy.
Unable to find an answer, Taichi let it go. Everyone had their own secrets—friends didn't need to pry into everything.
---
At last, the group arrived at the Daimyō's residence.
Taichi's squad successfully escorted Noda Sō to his destination. By all rights, the mission was now complete. All that remained was for the Daimyō's residence to stamp the mission scroll in confirmation.
For now, at least—
Everything appeared to have gone smoothly.
Reality, however, rarely unfolds the way one expects. Whether it was the Daimyō or Taichi, neither had yet achieved their true objective on this journey—so how could things possibly end so simply?
Sure enough, after Noda Sō entered the Daimyō's residence to report back, Taichi and the others waited in the reception hall. It wasn't long before a servant arrived with a message: they were to return to the guest lodge for now—the mission scroll would not be confirmed until the next day.
As expected, Taichi thought inwardly.
Without hesitation, he rose and led Yōhei and Saori back to the lodge.
They were assigned a small courtyard with several rooms. After each of them chose their accommodations, Taichi looked at his two teammates, who were clearly itching to move, and laughed.
"Alright then—let's split up for now. Kyoto's huge. Go wherever you want and have a look around."
"Yes!" Yōhei shouted, jumping into the air before realizing how childish it looked.
Saori was much more reserved, though the excitement in her eyes was unmistakable.
As they left the lodge together, Taichi added one final reminder, "Even though this is Kyoto, don't let your guard down."
"Got it!" ×2
---
Inside the Daimyō's residence, Noda Sō was kneeling respectfully on the floor, reporting the results of the mission.
"—Sarutobi Hiruzen has agreed to the Daimyō's requests," he concluded, "though due to increased border tensions, the deployment of personnel may be slightly delayed."
"That's fine," the Daimyō replied, a paper fan covering his face. "As long as they send people eventually, a few days' delay doesn't matter. You've done well."
He lowered the fan slightly. "What about that boy—Matsushita Taichi?"
"My lord," Noda Sō said carefully, "I tempted him with power and pleasure. Though he refused on the surface, the longing in his eyes was impossible to hide. Especially when his orphan status was mentioned—there was unmistakable resentment there."
As he spoke, Noda Sō withdrew a silk pouch from his robes and raised it above his head with both hands.
"This was gifted by the city lord. I took not a single coin. Everything I do is for Your Lordship's cause."
The Daimyō gestured for a servant to take the pouch.
"Excellent. Noda, your loyalty is unquestionable."
He took the pouch from the servant and weighed it in his hand. A soft clatter of jewels echoed inside.
Without even looking, he tossed it back in front of Noda Sō.
"Since it was given to you, keep it. Also—report to the Minister of Finance tomorrow. It's time your position was elevated."
Noda Sō's face lit up with joy. He hurriedly picked up the pouch and bowed low.
"Thank you for your generosity. I shall serve to my dying breath!"
With a single gesture, the pouch had transformed from a bribe into a reward. Without spending a single coin of his own, the Daimyō had secured absolute loyalty—this was power.
Watching Noda Sō withdraw, the Daimyō snapped his fan shut and pointed at a servant.
"Go. Bring that young ninja here. Tell him the Daimyō wishes to speak with him."
Once Noda Sō had left, the Daimyō walked to the window and gazed at the moonlit sky, tapping his fan thoughtfully against his palm.
"Eight years old… strength nearing that of a jōnin… multiple A-rank missions completed. A piece like that should serve me."
---
Meanwhile, Taichi had been wandering Kyoto for over an hour.
The city's grandeur was unmistakably different from Konoha's. As the political and economic heart of the Land of Fire, Kyoto was louder, denser, and more dazzling.
The population, the quality of the shops—everything surpassed Konoha. No wonder so many people, once exposed to the splendor of a great city, never wished to return home.
When will Konoha reach this level? Taichi wondered.
Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a man pretending to browse clothes not far behind him.
The eighth one.
Since leaving the lodge, Taichi had detected constant surveillance. The watchers rotated frequently, believing themselves flawless. Taichi simply chose not to expose them—he was waiting for what came next.
Sure enough, not long after, a servant dressed in Daimyō-residence attire approached under the escort of one of the watchers.
"Ninja-sama, the Daimyō requests your presence."
Taichi feigned surprise, then realization.
"Very well—please lead the way."
---
Back at the Daimyō's residence, Taichi was taken to a small private reception room. The moment he entered, he saw the Daimyō already seated at the head.
Taichi froze for a heartbeat, then hurried forward in flustered respect.
"My lord, forgive me for keeping you waiting."
"Tell me, Matsushita Taichi," the Daimyō asked casually, "how does Kyoto's night scenery compare to Konoha's?"
"It's far more prosperous," Taichi replied, eyes shining with admiration. He lavished praise upon the city—its goods, its food, its endless entertainment—speaking as though even the air itself was sweet.
Watching him, the Daimyō smiled faintly. To him, Taichi looked exactly like a wide-eyed country boy dazzled by the capital.
Then the Daimyō cut straight to the point.
"Matsushita Taichi—are you willing to come to the Daimyō's residence and serve me?"
Silence fell.
Even the chirping insects outside sounded sharp and intrusive.
Taichi fell quiet, his earlier enthusiasm vanishing. The Daimyō did not rush him.
This was the moment everything hinged upon.
Blind obedience would invite contempt; only measured firmness could raise one's worth. Every word now could decide life or death.
Taichi straightened, his expression solemn.
"My lord."
The Daimyō's gaze sharpened.
"Does the Daimyō's residence possess advanced ninja techniques for me to study?"
"No."
"Does it have powerful jōnin to instruct me?"
"No."
"Does it offer companions with whom I can spar and grow stronger?"
"No."
The Daimyō's expression darkened.
"Then, my lord," Taichi said calmly, "ninja speak through strength. If I serve you now but cannot grow, what value do I truly have?"
The Daimyō paused—then smiled.
"Oh? Interesting. Go on."
"You wish to recruit me for my power," Taichi continued unhurriedly. "But since the Daimyō's residence cannot nurture that power, why not allow me to continue growing in Konoha?"
"Indeed?" the Daimyō prompted.
"With me in Konoha, I can respond immediately to your needs. And when I become truly strong—that is when I will come to serve at your side."
"Well said!" the Daimyō laughed heartily, admiration plain in his eyes. "You're right. I don't lack warriors now—but you remaining in Konoha benefits me far more."
After a moment's thought, he decided.
"Very well. You will stay in Konoha. Grow stronger. And gather information for me."
Taichi's eyes gleamed. He bowed deeply to hide the flicker of emotion.
"What kind of information does my lord require?"
"Talents within Konoha. Those worth recruiting. And anything else you deem unusual."
"Yes, my lord."
Taichi looked up expectantly.
The Daimyō blinked. "Is something the matter?"
"Well…" Taichi said sheepishly, rubbing his hands together. "Even normal missions have payment. This is practically espionage."
The Daimyō laughed. "Ah—of course. I nearly forgot."
"What would you like?"
"If possible," Taichi said eagerly, "some ninjutsu materials. Anything else is at your discretion."
Surprised by the modest request, the Daimyō nodded.
"You may access the Daimyō's library. Choose any ten volumes. Additionally, I'll grant you thirty million ryō. Future payments will depend on the value of your intelligence."
"Thank you for your generosity," Taichi said, bowing deeply.
---
After Taichi departed, the Daimyō spoke quietly into the room.
"Well? Thoughts?"
A hidden panel slid open. The Minister of Finance stepped out.
"My lord, I do not believe the boy has truly submitted."
"Oh?" the Daimyō asked mildly.
"He never once knelt."
The Daimyō laughed, tapping his forehead with his fan.
"True. Still—once he's accepted our gifts and begun feeding us information, his fate is no longer his own."
"Your wisdom is unparalleled," the minister said smoothly. "With a nail like this in Konoha, future recruitment will be far easier."
Under the dim lantern light, their shadows overlapped as soft, satisfied laughter echoed through the small chamber.
Meanwhile, guided by a servant, Taichi arrived at the Daimyō's private archive.
The real harvest was about to begin.