In the world of Naruto, aside from people like Tsunade, the "big spender," Orochimaru, the research-obsessed madman, or Konan, the walking pile of explosive tags, most powerful ninjas really weren't lacking in money.
Even if you weren't strapped for cash, there were materials so rare that they were nearly impossible to procure. Without the right connections, even money couldn't buy them.
"I've heard that even the Hokage is troubled over the issue of chakra metal."
"Huh?"
Kakashi was stunned. The fact that even the Hokage had difficulty acquiring it, yet his teacher could take out a considerable amount at once, was almost unbelievable.
Sakumo Hatake sternly warned his son:
"That's why you mustn't tell anyone about this. Your teacher will handle the matter of crafting your weapon. If anyone asks, just attribute everything to him. Do you understand?"
If the news about Takuya possessing such a large supply of chakra metal were to spread, the consequences would be significant.
Kakashi straightened his posture and earnestly replied, "Yes, Father. I understand."
The Third Hokage's troubles with acquiring chakra metal had nothing to do with them. Sakumo's sole focus was ensuring that Kakashi had a good weapon. As for where Takuya got so much chakra metal, that wasn't their concern.
There were things you shouldn't ask, and curiosities you shouldn't explore. Some secrets were best left alone.
After seeing off Sakumo and Kakashi, Takuya rubbed his temples.
"Pakura, we still have some extra chakra metal. Do you need a weapon crafted?"
"No need," Pakura shook her head. "Scorch Release is more than enough for me. Given the heat and intensity of its flames, even chakra metal wouldn't last long. A high-quality weapon would just be wasted on me. Standard ones are sufficient and easy to replace."
"Fair enough," Takuya said, not pressing further.
The day Tsunade's inauguration as the Fourth Hokage drew nearer, invited guests began to arrive.
Interestingly, the first arrivals weren't representatives from the other Great Ninja Villages but delegates from smaller nations.
Since Konoha planned to make the event grand, they invited not only the other major villages—Suna, Iwa, Kumo, and Kiri—but also smaller countries and villages. If they were going to do this, they were going to do it right.
Reception duties were not Takuya's responsibility; the Elder Council handled that. Each visiting group was assigned ninja overseers. Takuya was tasked with monitoring Kumogakure, while Minato Namikaze was responsible for Iwagakure.
As for Suna and Kiri, their monitoring was less strict. Smaller villages were left to the ANBU to oversee.
Takuya hadn't expected that before Kumogakure's delegation even arrived, his task would already begin.
"Hanzō?"
The invitations extended to every nation and village, so naturally, the Land of Rain and Amegakure were included.
What Konoha hadn't anticipated was that Hanzō himself would show up.
Although Amegakure was a small village, Hanzō's reputation as the "Demi-God" of the ninja world was no joke. While some of it was self-proclaimed, his accomplishments were significant enough to warrant Konoha's respect.
Given that Takuya had previously left Hanzō with no room to maneuver, Tsunade assigned him the task of handling Amegakure's delegation.
Since Kumogakure's group hadn't arrived yet, adding Amegakure to Takuya's workload seemed manageable.
Tsunade had great confidence in his abilities.
The weather, however, was less cooperative. Perhaps Hanzō's arrival had brought the Land of Rain's mood along with him, as the already overcast skies broke into a cold, freezing rain.
"Damn this weather," many Konoha residents grumbled.
Freezing rain was worse than snow—cold, wet, and slippery. The low temperatures caused thick layers of ice to form on the roadsides, making walking treacherous.
While ninja could navigate icy terrain with ease, ordinary villagers weren't so lucky. Minor injuries like bruises were common, but some unlucky individuals even fractured limbs. As a result, the Konoha Hospital became busier than ever.
Standing at the gates of Konoha, Hanzō felt a mix of emotions as he approached. It had been years since he'd left the borders of the Land of Rain. He had almost forgotten what it felt like.
His relationship with Konoha's leadership was also strained—nearly killing Danzo had ensured that.
Hanzō hadn't wanted to come to this ceremony, but the Land of Rain's daimyo had been persistent, repeatedly pleading with him and even promising increased funding. Eventually, Hanzō relented.
It wasn't about lack of pride. The daimyo's offer was simply too tempting.
The Land of Rain's delegation wasn't small. In addition to Amegakure shinobi, there were attendants, bodyguards, and other personnel from the daimyo's estate, numbering several dozen.
Takuya stood at the gates, umbrella in hand, waiting.
When the group from Amegakure arrived, he immediately spotted Hanzō in his raincoat, along with three familiar figures following the daimyo's entourage: Nagato, Konan, and Yahiko.
You've got to be kidding me.
Seeing the three leaders of the Akatsuki, dressed in their signature black cloaks with red clouds, excitedly looking his way, Takuya was at a loss for words.
Not only had Hanzō come, but the Akatsuki trio had also tagged along. Nagato, Konan, Yahiko—not a single one missing.
It seemed the Akatsuki was doing quite well for itself, now openly associating with the daimyo's estate.
Although the Land of Rain's daimyo wasn't wealthy, a daimyo was still a daimyo. With his backing, the Akatsuki had gained much-needed resources and legitimacy.
Apparently, Takuya's previous guidance had worked.
Instead of recklessly clashing with Amegakure and antagonizing Hanzō as they had in the original timeline, the Akatsuki had chosen to align themselves with the daimyo. This allowed them to develop under his banner, avoiding unnecessary conflict.
In the original timeline, Jiraiya had protected the trio for years, instilling them with idealistic dreams. Once they grew stronger, their naive approach to establishing the Akatsuki led to constant clashes with Amegakure and Hanzō, making their path incredibly difficult.
But in this timeline, without Jiraiya's direct influence or protection, the trio had learned the harshness of reality on their own. They had chosen a more pragmatic path, focusing on survival and development.
By cooperating with the daimyo, the Akatsuki provided him with protection while gaining the resources and legitimacy they needed to grow.
This arrangement also meant fewer direct conflicts with Amegakure. Although Hanzō and his village weren't particularly fond of the Akatsuki, they refrained from targeting the group outright, unwilling to risk offending the daimyo.
It was a strange but functional relationship.
"Konoha has arranged accommodations," Takuya informed the group. "However, due to your large numbers, you'll need to move in batches. I hope you'll understand."
"No problem, no problem," the daimyo responded cheerfully. He and his entourage quickly followed Konoha's arrangements without complaint, knowing their status was far below Konoha's.
Hanzō and the Amegakure shinobi, meanwhile, followed Takuya.
Konoha had deliberately separated the daimyo's entourage from the ninja, making it easier to manage and monitor them.
"I thought someone else would be assigned to greet me," Hanzō said, walking behind Takuya. He was clearly observing him, his masked face silently questioning why Takuya wore such an odd accessory.
Takuya turned back, flashing a polite smile.
"Since there are many guests, and I had some free time, I was assigned to welcome you and the Amegakure delegation. I hope you'll understand."
Could I say I don't understand?
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DO NOT FORGET POWER STONE AND CHATTING