The Lion Opens Its Mouth? No! This Is a Friendly Price!
Looking at Kakashi's unimpressed expression, Tazuna knew that if he didn't pay more, the team would really abandon him.
"Ahem… Ninja-sama, how much more do I need to pay?"
Tazuna awkwardly reached into his pocket, his face showing distress.
"Well, adding another—"
"Three hundred thousand ryo!!"
Before Kakashi could finish saying thirty thousand, Naruto cut in with a bold demand. His sudden outburst made Kakashi nearly choke on air.
"WHAT?! Three hundred thousand?!"
Not only was Kakashi dumbfounded, but even Tazuna was shaken by Naruto's outrageous demand.
"H-how would I have that much money?!"
Tazuna wanted to protest, but seeing Naruto's smug grin and unwavering stance, he swallowed his complaints.
"Well, since you've admitted your mistake, I'll be generous and give you a discount—how about 150,000 ryo? Fair enough?"
"That… Lord Ninja, could we go a bit lower?"
Hearing Naruto's lowered price, Tazuna's miserly instincts kicked in, but unfortunately for him, Naruto saw right through it. Smirking, Naruto crossed his arms and scoffed:
"One price. 150,000 ryo. Take it or leave it—we don't mind either way."
Seeing Naruto's firm stance, Tazuna realized he couldn't push his luck. With a defeated sigh, he gritted his teeth and pulled out 150,000 ryo, handing it over.
"It's 150,000! Please, ninjas, continue protecting me!"
Naruto took the money and casually handed it to Kakashi. As he stared at the unexpected sum, Kakashi was left speechless.
"Wow… He actually had 150,000 ryo…"
At first, Kakashi assumed Naruto was just trying to force their way out of the mission. But as things unfolded, he realized Naruto's true intent—teaching Tazuna a lesson about honesty.
Originally, Kakashi thought things would settle once Tazuna admitted his deception.
Unexpectedly, Naruto took it further—demanding extra payment. And what was even more ridiculous?
Tazuna actually had that much money all along.
Kaito's daring maneuver nearly threw Kakashi's back out.
Cough—"Since you sincerely admit your mistake, we will continue to escort you."
Despite his reluctance to part with more money, Tazuna dared not offend Kakashi at this moment and quickly bowed in gratitude.
"Thank you! Thank you, ninja-sama!"
With that matter settled, Team 7 resumed their journey. However, Naruto remained uncharacteristically quiet, his mood slightly dampened.
At the rear of the group, Kaito and Kakashi walked a short distance behind, allowing them a private conversation.
"So, Brother Kaka, feeling good?" Kaito smirked, glancing sideways at Kakashi.
The unexpected nickname caught Kakashi off guard for a moment before he realized Kaito was referring to him. He cast a quick glance at the others ahead, ensuring they weren't paying attention, then casually gave a thumbs-up.
"Yeah, that was something. I've escorted plenty of clients before, but this is the first time I've seen someone like him."
"At first, I thought this was going to be another painfully dull mission, but I didn't expect that old man to be put in his place like that. Not bad."
Kakashi was in high spirits. It wasn't often he got to handle a client in such a manner, and it was strangely satisfying.
"When dealing with these kinds of clients, you have to be firm. If you're too lenient, they just walk all over you," Kaito said with a knowing grin.
"You've got a point," Kakashi admitted, nodding. "Looking back, I've always been patient with clients, but maybe that wasn't the best approach."
Seeing Kakashi coming around to his way of thinking, Kaito smirked mischievously.
"So, sensei… you're not planning to pocket that extra money for yourself, are you?"
Kakashi blinked, momentarily thrown off. Then realization dawned. He swallowed and eyed Kaito warily.
"You're not seriously suggesting—"
"Sensei, what's with that look? This isn't mission pay—it's extra compensation. Completely separate from the official reward!" Kaito huffed, rolling his eyes.
Kakashi sighed, rubbing the back of his head. Somehow, he had the sinking feeling he'd just been played.