Naruto: I Traveled with a Max Level Account-Chapter 131 - 530: The Price Is Acceptable, But Resources Are Truly a Challenge

Chapter 131 - 530: The Price Is Acceptable, But Resources Are Truly a Challenge

"Alright."

Pakura immediately left to notify the representatives from the villages Takuya mentioned, while Minato swiftly departed Konoha to intercept the envoy.

Takuya had initially planned to remain reactive, especially concerning the looming war. However, after his conversation with Minato and Pakura, he realized there was no need to stay passive—he could turn the tables and take the initiative.

This included pulling Nagato out of the vortex of manipulation he was caught in.

Of course, for his plans to work, he needed the cooperation of Konan, Yahiko, and most importantly, Nagato.

As for the representatives from the major shinobi villages, Takuya hoped they would wrap things up quickly and leave, which would make his next steps easier to execute.

To his surprise, they responded far quicker than expected.

Representatives from the five major villages—along with Takigakure's envoy, who was mainly there to deliver benefits—once again gathered in the Hokage's office meeting room.

Tsunade, informed of the gathering, didn't intervene. Since she had delegated the matter entirely to Takuya, she wasn't about to interfere now. Besides, the terms Takuya set were bold and demanding enough to make her hesitate.

Meanwhile, on the road to the Land of Rain, the daimyo's entourage was moving at a sluggish pace. The presence of the daimyo, along with many non-combatants, significantly slowed their progress.

Minato quickly intercepted the group.

"Who's there?!"

At the first sign of movement, the Akatsuki trio—assigned to protect the daimyo—immediately went on high alert.

"Assassin!!!"

Nagato's warning rang out, and the daimyo's guards unsheathed their weapons, scanning the surroundings with the vigilance of cornered animals.

Minato, who had yet to reveal himself, was briefly at a loss. He had planned to announce himself, but Nagato had already sensed him first.

No wonder they call it the Sage's Eyes.

Such perception was beyond the capabilities of ordinary shinobi.

"Apologies, everyone. I mean no harm."

To avoid further misunderstandings, Minato stepped out of the forest.

Seeing the familiar figure of Namikaze Minato, the so-called "Yellow Flash" of Konoha, Nagato and the others visibly relaxed. Even the daimyo, hiding nervously inside his carriage, lowered his guard.

After offering an apology to the daimyo, Minato approached the Akatsuki trio.

"Takuya asked me to stop you. He has something important to discuss with you."

"Teacher wants to see us?"

Konan's face lit up with joy, unable to hide her excitement.

She had been reluctant to leave in the first place, and now that Takuya was seeking them out, the chance to see him again filled her with happiness.

"If Teacher wants to meet us, of course we'd be willing. But we still have a mission..."

Yahiko, laughing heartily, quickly found himself in a dilemma.

Their current task was to ensure the daimyo's safe return to the Land of Rain.

"Please wait. I'm sure Takuya will arrange for a solution," Minato assured them.

Understanding the situation, Minato left behind a kunai marker before disappearing in a yellow flash, heading back to Konoha to inform Takuya.

At the same time, Takuya had already arrived at the Hokage's office.

"Are there any skilled jōnin available right now?"

"What's going on?"

Tsunade, caught off guard, frowned.

Wasn't Takuya supposed to be in the meeting room? Why was he here, asking about available jōnin?

Takuya quickly explained his encounter with Konan, Yahiko, and Nagato and why he needed someone to escort the daimyo.

"I need to speak with those three about something important. I'll explain everything to you tonight. For now, can you assign someone to escort the Rain Daimyo back safely?"

Sensing the gravity of the situation, Tsunade didn't ask further questions and said, "Alright. I'll send Marusama Kosuke; he's available and doesn't have any current assignments."

"Perfect."

Though officially a genin, Marusama Kosuke's strength far exceeded that of a typical jōnin. His presence would ensure the mission's success.

"You handle the arrangements. I'll head to the meeting room."

With that, Takuya left for the meeting.

Tsunade had the ANBU summon Maruboshi Kosuke. Coincidentally, Minato arrived at the Hokage's office at the same time. After briefing Kosuke on his mission, Minato accompanied him to the daimyo's group and brought Konan, Yahiko, and Nagato back to Konoha.

Though Konoha had temporarily taken away the daimyo's bodyguards, they had assigned an elite jōnin for his protection. The daimyo had no complaints—in fact, he seemed quite pleased.

This was largely thanks to Minato's intentional exaggeration, introducing Kosuke as one of Konoha's elite jōnin. If the daimyo had known Kosuke was technically a genin, his reaction might have been less enthusiastic.

"Well, everyone, have you decided on the terms I proposed?"

Takuya wasted no time upon entering the meeting room, cutting straight to the point. He had more pressing matters to deal with and couldn't afford to linger.

"Lord Takuya, could the terms be slightly adjusted?"

The Takigakure representative stepped forward, practically on the verge of tears.

"Takigakure is just a small village. Even with the daimyo's support, our finances are stretched thin. A 100 milion ryō is too much for us to handle."

Were they coerced into saying this?

Or can Takigakure genuinely not afford it?

Takuya glanced at the others. Chiyo, Yagura, A, and Kitsuchi all appeared calm and indifferent, showing no signs of involvement.

"I've already made it clear—there's no bargaining. If your village doesn't think the intel on perfect Jinchūriki is worth the price, I won't force you."

Take it or leave it.

Once he opened the door to negotiation, the other villages would seize the opportunity to push the price down further.

Takuya would rather lose a buyer than engage in a price war.

"Who's to say the intel from Konoha is even reliable? What if we pay this exorbitant price and find it can't be applied to our Jinchūriki? Wouldn't that money be wasted?"

Frustrated by Takuya's firm stance, A began to complain, with Kitsuchi nodding in agreement.

Chiyo and Yagura, however, remained silent. They understood the price was already a discounted rate. Pushing further might irritate Takuya, and they weren't willing to risk losing the discount.

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Clearly, Iwagakure and Kumogakure had coordinated behind the scenes, possibly even roping in Takigakure.

But Takuya wasn't biting.

"I'll say it again: the price is non-negotiable. If it feels too steep, we can end this here. Alternatively, if you're willing to sign a non-aggression treaty with Konoha, I'll cut the price in half immediately."

Kitsuchi: "....."

A: "....."

Sign a treaty? What a joke! We're preparing to attack Konoha, and you want us to sign a non-aggression pact? That would ruin our reputation!

"As for whether the intel is valuable, that's for you to decide. Jinchūriki, like any shinobi, vary in potential. If you choose a subpar host and it doesn't work out, that's not my fault."

"The same resources can make one person a kage-level powerhouse while leaving another stuck as a genin or chūnin. We're all adults here—don't act like children."

"....."

We're just haggling—do you have to call us childish?

"But we really can't provide that many resources."

Chiyo, attempting to mediate, finally spoke up.

Iwagakure and Kumogakure had the means to pay, but for Suna and Kiri—struggling with scarce resources—it was an entirely different story.

Even Takigakure, small as it was, had more financial stability than they did.

"Resources are indeed a challenge," Yagura admitted, embarrassed but truthful.

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DO NOT FORGET POWER STONE AND CHATTING