Outside Ansei Hall, within a dense forest, a lone figure waited quietly.
Shortly after, Tatsuya, disguised, slowly walked into the woods.
Hearing the footsteps, the figure spun around sharply to face Tatsuya.
"It's you!" Tatsuya's eyes flashed with surprise as he recognized the man. "Instead of running as far away as possible, you actually dare to request a meeting with me?"
The man was none other than Suien, the Takigakure Jonin who had participated in the previous attack on Ansei Hall.
"Suien, Jonin of Takigakure, greets you, my lord," Suien said, bowing respectfully but without excessive humility. "I sought this meeting because I have a proposition—a deal I wish to discuss."
"Go on," Tatsuya said, intrigued.
Suien began, "I wonder, my lord, what you intend to do with my village's Seven-Tails Jinchuriki?"
A glint appeared in Tatsuya's eyes. "How does that relate to this deal you mentioned?"
"It relates directly!" Suien pressed on. "If you haven't yet decided how to handle the Jinchuriki, then I boldly ask you to hand him over to me. In exchange, I can guide you safely into Takigakure." Suien spoke with unwavering confidence.
"You want me to give you the Seven-Tails Jinchuriki... in exchange for you acting as a guide into Takigakure?" Tatsuya looked slightly stunned for a moment, then chuckled, looking at the confident Suien. "Did you misspeak, or did I mishear? Do you honestly think I would agree to such terms?"
Tailed Beasts were incredibly valuable. Offering mere guidance in exchange for a Jinchuriki? Had this man lost his mind?
While Tatsuya had indeed been considering a trip to Takigakure soon, these terms were simply outrageous.
"That's because you likely don't understand how difficult it is to infiltrate Takigakure, my lord," Suien explained. "Without an insider familiar with the hidden entrances, outsiders simply cannot find the village. Moreover, once inside Takigakure, I believe you'll find things far more interesting to you. Exchanging the useless Jinchuriki for something more valuable means you don't lose out!"
"Useless Jinchuriki?" Tatsuya laughed dismissively. "Do you have any idea how many factions would scramble to offer me treasures if I simply let it be known I was willing to sell the Seven-Tails?"
"You won't do that, my lord," Suien stated, smiling confidently.
"And why not?" Tatsuya raised an eyebrow.
"Because Uchiha Madara, who once dominated the world, could easily control the Nine-Tails. The fact that you captured the Seven-Tails but haven't brought it under control raises suspicion. Announcing a sale would only amplify those doubts," Suien reasoned.
"You seem quite well-informed," Tatsuya murmured, his eyes narrowing, a dangerous glint within them.
Suien felt a chill and quickly added, "If you resort to force, my lord, you will gain nothing from Takigakure!"
"Oh?" Tatsuya's face hardened slightly. "You mentioned something useful to me within the village. What exactly is it?"
Feeling the increasingly dangerous aura emanating from Tatsuya, Suien dropped the pretense and answered quickly, "The Hero Water. It can instantly multiply a ninja's chakra tenfold."
"Hero Water..." Tatsuya's eyes showed a flicker of realization.
Hearing those words, Tatsuya finally placed Suien. This man was likely the future master of Shibuki, the eventual leader of Takigakure. No wonder his face had seemed vaguely familiar. However, in Tatsuya's memory, Suien had coveted the Hero Water for himself. Why the sudden interest in the Jinchuriki? There had to be something else going on.
Tatsuya kept his thoughts hidden, replying calmly, "Alright. If Takigakure truly possesses such a miraculous substance, I can hand the Seven-Tails Jinchuriki over to you."
Suien frowned. "My lord, perhaps you misunderstand. You must give me the Jinchuriki first, and then I will lead you into Takigakure. Given your strength, I would have no recourse if you were to go back on your word afterwards."
Tatsuya shrugged. "If you're that worried, why approach me for a deal at all? You may leave."
Hand over the Jinchuriki first? Tatsuya would never agree to such a condition. The shinobi world had too many tricks up its sleeve; no one should be underestimated.
Without further argument, Tatsuya turned to leave.
Seeing Tatsuya walk away without the slightest hesitation, Suien's expression darkened behind him. Tatsuya's reaction was unexpected. He hadn't shown the intense interest in the Hero Water that Suien had anticipated.
Just as Tatsuya was about to exit the forest, Suien called out again, "My lord! I can agree to your terms. But please, uphold your end of the bargain afterwards!"
Tatsuya stopped but kept his back to Suien. "You needn't worry about that. The fact that I've listened to you this long without simply taking what I want should be proof enough of my sincerity."
Hearing this, Suien's eyes flickered. "Will Lord Uchiha Madara be accompanying us?"
"Heh," Tatsuya shook his head. "Just escorting you lot doesn't require his presence."
After a brief silence from behind him, Suien's voice came again. "In three days, my lord, we will depart together."
"Fine."
With that single word, Tatsuya vanished from the spot.
"You're leaving for a while?" Pakura asked, looking at Tatsuya with surprise back at Yoshida Jin's residence.
"Mm. Heading to Takigakure," Tatsuya confirmed with a nod.
Pakura frowned, her expression growing serious. "News of 'Uchiha Madara' just started spreading. Many powers will surely send people to investigate Ansei Hall. And you choose to leave now? Aren't you afraid they'll see through the facade and try to seize the formulas and the doctors?"
"Relax, they won't," Tatsuya waved dismissively. "Uchiha Madara was a powerhouse who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the God of Shinobi, Senju Hashirama. His name alone is enough to deter any would-be opportunists. True or false, no one will act rashly without concrete proof. As long as Jizo remains unseen after I leave, no one will dare make a move against Ansei Hall."
"It seems you had this planned all along!" Pakura shot Tatsuya an exasperated look. She saw right through him. He was definitely trying to be a hands-off boss again.
"Not really! It was a spur-of-the-moment decision. The capable should do more work, right?" Tatsuya replied with a slight smile. He trusted Pakura completely. She lacked personal ambition and could be relied upon.
Pakura thought for a moment, then said, "Before you go, check on Guren. That battle deeply affected her. She's been training relentlessly day and night these past few days. I'm worried it might negatively impact her future development if she keeps this up."
"Mm. Understood," Tatsuya nodded in agreement. Witnessing the divine power of Susanoo at just thirteen years old would indeed have a massive impact on a young girl's psyche. Without proper guidance, that impact could easily turn detrimental.
Three days later, Tatsuya left Yamanashi Castle with the Seven-Tails Jinchuriki, Yuito.
When he met Suien outside the city, three unfamiliar figures stood beside the Takigakure Jonin. Two men and one woman, all clearly concealing their identities.
Tatsuya paid them little mind.
Faced with absolute power, he simply needed to wait for them to reveal their own weaknesses.
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