146-150

Chapter 146: Who the Hell Do You Think You Are?

Sometimes, in the face of immense wealth, greed can cloud people’s judgment.

When they refuse to restrain their avarice, chaos inevitably follows.

The daimyō of the Land of Water and his noble cronies shamelessly claimed the lion’s share of profits from the new trading port, leaving only scraps for Kirigakure.

And as if that weren’t insulting enough, they had the audacity to call it a "generous reward"—even sending an envoy to deliver the "decree" in person.

Kirigakure Village

SLAM!

A sharp crack echoed through the Mizukage’s office as a fist struck the desk.

Then came Mei Terumī’s furious voice: "How dare you be this greedy?!"

"Ninety percent of the trading port’s profits go to the Land of Water? After all our blood and sweat, we get a measly ten percent—and still have to pay heavy taxes?"

"We fought tooth and nail for this, and you parasites just swoop in to reap the rewards? And you have the nerve to call it a ‘reward’?"

"Oh, and let me guess—Kirigakure has to handle all the construction, and you’ll just waltz in five months later to ‘inspect’ it? If you’re not satisfied, we tear it down and start over?"

"And your grand contribution to this project? A pathetic five million ryō? And as a ‘kind gesture,’ you’re ‘graciously’ offering us some low-level administrative roles?"

Her eyes burned with rage as she glared at the smirking messenger.

"Are you here to mock me, or do you really think I’m some pushover?!"

The man scoffed. "Mizukage, I suggest you know your place. Don’t make trouble for yourself."

"Be grateful you’re getting even ten percent. The daimyō originally planned to give you nothing!"

"It was only because the finance minister begged for mercy—said you needed ‘motivation’—that the daimyō even considered sending me here."

He crossed his arms, sneering.

"Let me make this clear: in our eyes, you shinobi are nothing but dogs. You bite whoever we tell you to."

"Never forget who gave you your power. If you dare betray us, don’t be surprised when we replace you with a more obedient mutt!"

His arrogance was boundless, his gaze dripping with contempt as he shamelessly ogled Mei’s figure.

"Though I must say, Mizukage-sama… that body of yours is quite tempting." He licked his lips. "If Kirigakure falls, you’d make a fine slave—maybe even a prized whore for some brothel."

"Imagine it—the mighty Mizukage, reduced to a common plaything. Heh, what a sight that’d be!"

Leaning closer, he smirked. "Smooth skin, delicate waist, those lips… You’re practically made for it. Or maybe a wet nurse? You’ve certainly got the assets."

Mei’s fury turned glacial. "You’ve crossed the line. Do you really think I won’t kill you?"

The man laughed. "Go ahead, try! Slap me if you dare!" He pointed at his cheek mockingly. "I’d love to see you explain this to the daimyō!"

CRACK!

A deafening slap sent him crashing to the floor, his face burning red.

"Y-You…! You’re dead! Do you have any idea who I—"

Before he could finish, another strike silenced him—but this time, it wasn’t Mei.

A new voice cut in, cold as steel:

"Who gave you the right to speak like that?"

The messenger’s eyes bulged as a hand seized his throat, lifting him off the ground.

Yoru pressed their foreheads together, smiling like the sun. "Tell me… do you think I’ll kill you?"

THUD!

A knee slammed into his gut, forcing bile up his throat.

"Y-You bastard! Do you know who I am?! When the daimyō hears of this—"

CRACK!

Another brutal knee strike shattered ribs.

"Agh—! L-Let me go! Kneel and beg for forgiveness, or I’ll have Kirigakure—"

SNAP!

More bones fractured under Yoru’s merciless assault.

"AAAAHHH—!!"

The man’s screams turned to whimpers as Yoru tilted his head.

"Still not getting it, huh?"

SLAP! SLAP! SLAP!

"I’LL KILL Y—"

SLAP!

"P-Please… stop…!"

SLAP!

"I-I surrender! Just… no more…!"

By the time Yoru finally dropped him, the messenger was a swollen, toothless wreck—unconscious and drooling.

Yoru dusted his hands off casually. "Nee-san, next time someone like this shows up, just call me. No need to stress yourself."

He tossed the man to the ANBU outside. "Lock him up."

Turning back to Mei, his voice softened—but his eyes were deadly.

"If the daimyō’s forgotten his place, I’ll remind him."

"Don’t worry about a thing. No one threatens Kirigakure. No one threatens you."

"What’s ours stays ours. And if the daimyō can’t accept that…"

A chilling pause.

"Well, we can always find a new one."

Mei bit her lip. "Is this… really okay?"

---

Chapter 147: Recklessness Comes with a Price  

Even though Yoru’s actions just now were way too satisfying… 

The one he’s about to face is the Daimyō of the Land of Water—this isn’t like dealing with ordinary enemies!  

"Don’t worry, Sis, it’ll be fine! In this world, money moves hearts. There’s nothing wealth can’t accomplish!"  

With a confident smirk, Yoru left. 

Insult his sister? Bully him? Try to steal their hard-earned money? The consequences would be severe.  

"You dare threaten my sister and take what’s ours?" 

"Daimyō of the Land of Water… do you really think you rule this nation alone?" 

"Seems like you’ve been lording over everyone for so long, you’ve forgotten one thing." 

"The Mizukage of Kirigakure and the Daimyō stand as equals!" 

"Sure, in name, you’re the sovereign, and you hold economic control—" 

"But that doesn’t make Kirigakure your subordinate to push around!"  

Yoru headed straight to Kimimaro and ordered him to rally his pirate crew. 

"I’ve got a mission for you. Take them out to sea and attack the Daimyō’s port." 

"If you can breach their defenses, even better." 

"If not, withdraw cleanly—minimize civilian casualties." 

"And avoid exposing your identities. Can you handle it?"  

Kimimaro nodded. "Easy. Should I bring extra manpower, Yoru-sama?" 

"Use your judgment. Just get it done—results are all I care about."  

With that, Kimimaro left.  

"Head to Yagura Town and post this mission. I’ll handle the payment personally." 

Yoru then handed a purple scroll to an ANBU operative, who vanished to carry out the order.  

"Daimyō of the Land of Water… Let’s see the look on your face when panic sets in." 

Gazing at the distant sky, Yoru’s lips curled into a chilling smirk.  

"Yoru… Are you sure this isn’t too much?" 

Mei Terumī appeared behind him, concern in her voice. 

If the Daimyō decided to retaliate in full force, Kirigakure would suffer heavy losses.  

"Relax. If they don’t take us seriously…" 

"Then I’ll make them understand—Kirigakure isn’t some subordinate like Konoha under the Land of Fire." 

"If they think they can bully us, they’ve picked the wrong target." 

Turning to Mei, his expression softened. "Leave this to me, Sis. It’ll be fine."  

"...Alright." 

Mei hesitated, then added, "Just… don’t escalate things too far, understood?" 

Yoru waved her off reassuringly.  

After Mei left, Yoru entered the prison and stopped before a certain cell. 

"So… comfortable in here?" 

If the Yoru from earlier seemed like a normal teen, now he was pure ice—a ruthless killer. 

His gaze was frigid, his aura suffocating.  

"You bastard! Release me now, or you’ll regret it!" 

"My father’s the Finance Minister! I’m his only son! If anything happens to me, Kirigakure won’t survive the fallout!" 

The prisoner kept hurling threats, but Yoru only chuckled.  

"You still don’t get it, do you?" 

"If I were afraid of you, would you even be here?" 

Crouching down, Yoru met his eyes—glacial. 

"Words have consequences. Insult my sister, and you pay the price." 

"Should I cut out your tongue? Rip your mouth apart? Or maybe… chop off your fingers?"  

His tone was dead serious. No jokes, no bluff. 

And for the first time, the prisoner felt real fear. 

This wasn’t like the others he’d intimidated. Yoru didn’t care about status or threats.  

"L-Let’s talk this out—" 

"Finally realizing your position? Too late." 

Yoru stood. "But since you’re the Finance Minister’s son… this just got easier." 

"Cut off his thumb. Deliver it to the Minister." 

"Demand 500 million ryō in three days—or his son dies." 

"If word leaks even slightly, he’ll receive the corpse instead." 

"Also, plant spies among the Land of Water’s elite. I want real-time intel."  

Dozens of ANBU operatives scattered into the night. 

As Yoru exited, the Minister’s son’s screams echoed behind him—raw agony.  

Later…  

"Yoru… Are you declaring war on the Land of Water?!" 

When Mei learned of his plans, even she was stunned. 

Surveillance on the Daimyō’s inner circle? What was he planning?  

"Of course not, Sis. Just keeping tabs on their movements." 

"Trust me, I won’t go overboard." 

He gave a firm, earnest nod.  

Mei narrowed her eyes. "You promise?" 

"Absolutely."  

Sighing, she warned, "I know you mean well, but don’t create unnecessary enemies. It’ll hurt Kirigakure’s future." 

Yoru nodded again.  

"Oh, right—about the treasure from Namigame Island…" 

"We’ll need a way to sell it discreetly. How about founding a merchant guild?"  

Mei considered it. "Starting one won’t be easy, though. Where do we begin?" 

Yoru grinned. "I’ve got a plan."  

"The Land of Waves has a few decent guilds—no strong backers, so they’re struggling." 

"We buy them out, let them work for us. Their experience is solid."  

Chapter 148: Just Who Do You Think You Are?  

"Hmm, that’s a great idea! But this matter is of huge importance—how do we keep them under control?" 

"Loyalty isn’t guaranteed. Money moves hearts, and you never know what someone’s truly thinking!"  

Mei Terumī agreed with Yoru’s proposal but immediately grew worried about management.  

"Seems like we’ll need a strict oversight system with clear rewards and punishments. Rules will have to keep them in check." 

"Leave it to me. I’ll work something out!" Yoru volunteered eagerly.  

"Alright, it’s in your hands then." 

"Don’t push yourself too hard, Yoru." 

"Delegate where you can. One person’s strength has its limits." Mei’s voice softened with concern.  

Yoru was only in his teens—an age meant for carefree fun. Yet here he was, burdened with Kirigakure’s affairs, living like a middle-aged man. It pained her to see.  

"It’s fine, sis. It’s just temporary. Once the village prospers, things will ease up!" 

With an innocent, bright smile, Yoru left the office.  

Meanwhile, in the Land of Water…  

"Hahaha! Kirigakure has done well this time—such massive profits for us!" 

"After all these years of my support, they finally know how to repay me!"  

The Land of Water’s Daimyō sat high on his throne, his plump face twisted in glee, beady eyes glinting with greed.  

"All thanks to Your Excellency’s leadership!" 

"Without your guidance, where would they be? It’s only right they show gratitude!" 

"Exactly! A blade in the Daimyō’s hand should know its place. How dare lowly shinobi meddle in such affairs!"  

The ministers echoed sycophantic praises while belittling Kirigakure’s efforts.  

"These peasants don’t understand maximizing gains. Only we can ensure true profit!" 

"We’ve sacrificed so much for Kirigakure’s growth!" 

"Besides, if not for our diplomatic finesse with the Raikage, would the Land of Lightning have surrendered so easily?" 

"This victory is ours—Kirigakure merely followed orders!"  

Their words painted the village as worthless, fueling the Daimyō’s ego.  

"Honestly, Kirigakure squandered this opportunity!" the Daimyō scoffed. 

"They won, yet demanded so little? Pathetic! The Land of Lightning would’ve caved to greater pressure!" 

"With our might, the Raikage would’ve groveled!"  

His arrogance knew no bounds—he truly believed he could crush the Land of Lightning single-handedly.  

"Your Excellency is wise!" 

"Absolutely! Mei Terumī is incompetent—she should be tried for negligence!" 

"Who knows? Maybe she made a shady deal with the Raikage. Why else such meager reparations?" 

"You’re too generous, my lord. Rewarding failure? They deserve punishment!"  

The ministers grew bolder, now accusing Mei of treason.  

"Your Excellency, Mizukage-sama’s actions were prudent." 

"Demanding more risked reigniting war. Her terms balanced profit and peace." 

"If even this is deemed insufficient, then what is the right move?"  

The speaker, a low-ranking official from Protocol Department, stood firm.  

"The court is full of empty talkers. How many here truly understand the situation?" 

"Misleading His Excellency risks national disaster. Do any of you dare take responsibility?" 

"I urge the dismissal of incompetents. Let true talent serve the Land of Water!"  

A portly minister in purple robes sneered. 

"How dare a brat speak out of turn? Are you conspiring with Mei? Or are you a Lightning spy?" 

"Lord Watanabe, control your subordinate!"  

A gaunt elder beside him remained silent. 

Another official, Minister of Personnel scoffed. 

"Know your place. Who are you to advise His Excellency?" 

"A nobody like you, lecturing us? Disgraceful!" 

"Investigate him—how did such trash even enter these halls?"  

The young official flushed with anger but was cut off by the Daimyō: 

"Enough. Step down. State affairs are beyond you." 

"The seasoned will handle this. Come back when you’ve earned the right."  

Defeated, the man retreated—only to endure more ridicule. "Trying to play hero? How pathetic."  

"Treasury Minister, inform Mei Terumī: next time, think bigger. No more timid half-measures." 

"And for this disappointment, deduct 10% of Kirigakure’s annual funds." 

"Restore it only when they earn it."  

With that, the Daimyō left. The Treasury Minister bowed, smirking. "As you command."  

Chapter 149: A Humiliation Like No Other  

Deducting ten percent? Oh, there’s plenty of room for "creative accounting" here!  

When the daimyo ordered a ten-percent cut, the Finance Minister knew he couldn’t let such a golden opportunity slip through his fingers—after all, what kind of finance minister would he be if he didn’t skim a little extra for himself?  

And he had to grease a few palms among his colleagues, didn’t he?  

But just as he returned home in high spirits, changed out of his official robes, bathed, and settled into his bedroom for a quick nap…  

…he realized someone was already waiting for him inside.  

Who are you?!"**  

The Finance Minister bellowed, already opening his mouth to call for guards—when a blade pressed against his throat from behind.  

His voice died instantly.  

Before he could even react, the black-clad intruder stuffed a wad of coarse cloth into his mouth and wrapped a long strip around his head, sealing it shut.  

Now, utterly silenced, he could only listen.  

Don’t ask who we are,"* growled the black-clad figure seated before him, his voice like rusted metal scraping together. Just know we’re here to talk business."*  

The man pulled out a fuinjutsu scroll from his robes.  

With a bang, he unsealed it—revealing an ornate box.  

The Finance Minister’s eyes flicked toward it, curiosity piqued despite his fear.  

The black-clad man flipped the lid open.  

Inside lay a single, bloodied finger.  

The Finance Minister’s eyes bulged. Disbelief. Dread. A cold sweat trickled down his neck as his throat bobbed.  

Why show me this? he thought wildly. Are they here to take one of mine? Or… kill me?  

His face twisted into a silent plea.  

Relax. We’re not here to hurt you,"** the black-clad man sneered, amused. But do you recognize whose finger this is?"**  

The minister shook his head violently.  

Oh, I think you do,"** the man taunted. Here’s a hint: You sent a son to Kirigakure recently, didn’t you?"**  

!!!"**  

The minister’s entire body stiffened, eyes blazing—but the blade at his throat kept him still.  

Then he spotted it: A jade ring on the severed finger.  

His son’s birthday gift.  

There was no mistaking it. That finger belonged to his boy.  

He said some… unwise things,"** the black-clad man continued casually. So our boss cut off a finger as a warning. Now, here’s the deal: Five billion ryō for his temporary safety."**  

The man lounged back, utterly confident the minister wouldn’t refuse.  

Just then—footsteps.  

A formidable samurai, hand resting on his sword, approached the bedroom. He paused, frowning. Something felt… off.  

He quickened his pace.  

Hearing the noise, the minister’s hope flared—until the blade at his throat pressed harder. A silent threat: Move, and you die.  

Dokun… dokun… dokun…"**  

The footsteps grew louder. The two intruders tensed, ready to bolt if discovered.  

Then—silence.  

The samurai had stopped right outside the door.  

Both black-clad men swallowed hard. Time seemed to freeze.  

One second.  

Two.  

Three.  

Suddenly—movement. The intruders braced—  

Lord Denjirō! The daimyo summons you!"**  

A voice called from down the hall.  

…Understood."**  

The samurai’s footsteps retreated.  

The intruders exchanged glances, exhaling in relief—but they waited, motionless, for two full minutes. Only after sensing the man—Denjirō—had truly left did they relax.  

Have the ransom ready, Minister,"** the first man hissed. Deliver it to Yachimata by sunset. Any delays… and the next package will be another finger. Or his head."**  

He leaned in, smirking. Go ahead, scream for help. If you don’t value your life—or your son’s."**  

With that, the second intruder slammed a binding jutsu onto the minister, paralyzing him further. Then they strode out—bold as you please.  

Mmgh! Mmmph!"**  

The minister thrashed uselessly, desperate to alert the guards.  

But then—  

The minister is resting. Disturb him, and you’ll regret it."**  

The intruders’ voices echoed down the hall, addressing the guards. Consider this a warning. Last fool who ‘checked in’ on him lost his head."**  

The minister’s blood ran cold.  

Trapped.  

By the time anyone found him, those bastards would be long gone.  

Meanwhile: Daimyo’s Port  

Charge! Today, we deliver divine justice!"**  

A swarm of pirates—at least five hundred strong—stormed the port.  

Their ships were fortified, their cannons monstrous. A single blast could crater the earth.  

But firepower alone wasn’t the problem—these pirates were skilled.  

The daimyo’s guards crumpled like paper. Breach after breach, the invaders carved through the capital, even kidnapping several high-ranking officials.  

Chaos erupted. Panic spread like wildfire.  

By the time the daimyo mobilized his elite forces to counterattack…  

The pirates vanished without a trace.  

As if they’d only come to make a point.  

UNBELIEVABLE!"** The daimyo’s roar shook the halls. Track them down! Exterminate every last one!"**  

He wheeled on his military commander, eyes murderous. Fail, Minister of War, and don’t bother coming back."**  

This wasn’t just an attack—it was a spit in the face of his authority.  

And if these pirates escaped unscathed?  

The shame would be unbearable.  

Chapter 150: Does He Even See Me as the Daimyō?   

“Yes, my lord!”   

The Minister of War accepted the order with trembling fear before hastily retreating.   

The daimyō scanned the room, only to notice the absence of the Finance Minister. His expression darkened instantly.   

“What’s going on? Where is the Finance Minister?”   

“With such a major incident unfolding, he dares not show up? Does he even see me as his daimyō anymore?” the lord roared, his voice thundering through the hall.   

He could feel it—his subordinates no longer respected his authority.   

For the daimyō of the Land of Water, who had just begun to believe himself invincible, this was nothing short of blatant defiance and humiliation.   

“Tell the Finance Minister that if he doesn’t arrive within half an hour, he can consider his position forfeit.”   

“There are plenty of others eager to take his place. Let him not think his petty achievements grant him the right to look down on me—to disregard my authority!”   

The daimyō’s words sent mixed reactions through the crowd.   

Those who had long clashed with the Finance Minister rejoiced, while his allies grew uneasy.   

How could someone as shrewd as the Finance Minister make such a foolish mistake? they wondered. Defying the daimyō? Impossible! The man was always cautious—where would he find such boldness?   

Something had to be wrong. Perhaps he’d been framed. There was no way he’d act so recklessly otherwise.   

Losing his position over this would be a tragedy.   

After all, the Finance Minister had clawed his way up through blood, sweat, and endless scheming to reach his current status. Would he really throw it all away so carelessly?   

“My lord, allow me to investigate the Finance Minister’s home!” pleaded a middle-aged official in green robes, bowing deeply. “There may be extenuating circumstances at play.”   

“I swear on my life—he wouldn’t dare disrespect you!”   

The daimyō’s scowl deepened, but he gave a stiff nod.   

“Go. See for yourself whether he still acknowledges my rule.”   

The man bolted from the hall without a second’s delay.   

---   

The Finance Minister’s Residence   

Only when the green-robed official arrived did the household guards realize their master had been imprisoned.   

The Finance Minister’s face lit up with relief and gratitude at the sight of his rescuer.   

“No time for explanations, my lord,” the official urged. “You must see the daimyō at once—any later, and it’ll be too late.”   

“His Lordship is furious. He’s declared your removal if you fail to appear!”   

At this, the Finance Minister’s plump face paled, his jowls quivering in panic.   

But just as he stepped forward to leave, he froze—as if struck by a sudden thought.   

In a flash, he tore off a strip of his robe, scribbled a message, and thrust it into the official’s hands.   

“I have urgent business to attend to—I cannot see the daimyō yet.”   

“Deliver this to His Lordship in my stead!”   

The official gaped in disbelief. What could possibly be more urgent than an audience with the daimyō?   

Before he could protest, the Finance Minister shoved past him and sprinted away, vanishing before anyone could stop him.   

Left with no choice, the official returned to the palace and relayed the unbelievable news.   

---   

Back at the Palace   

Upon hearing that the Finance Minister had dared to prioritize something over his summons, the daimyō nearly exploded with rage.   

“So the Finance Minister truly holds me in no regard? Fine. Very well.”   

His voice was a deadly whisper, his eyes glinting with murderous intent. “The position of Finance Minister is not irreplaceable. If that’s how he—”   

“My lord!” The official hastily interjected. “The Finance Minister left this message! His panic seemed genuine—there must be a reason!”   

“I have no interest in his excuses!” the daimyō snapped. “If anything matters more than my command, then clearly, I no longer exist in his eyes.”   

“By decree, the new Finance Minister shall be—”   

“WAIT, MY LORD!” Another voice cut in. “Reconsider! The Finance Minister is irreplaceable in dealings with the Land of Lightning’s trade ports!”   

“Punish him after his task is done, but do not act rashly!”   

“He has served faithfully for over a decade—surely his loyalty means something!”   

“Besides,” the speaker added carefully, “you know his character. Would he ever dare defy you?”   

“You hold his life in your hands. He wouldn’t be so foolish!”   

The Minister of Ceremonies knelt, tears in his eyes, while the Minister of Justice echoed his plea.   

But not all agreed.   

“I stand with the daimyō!” the Minister of Personnel declared.   

“As do we!” his faction chorused.   

“We oppose this!” the ceremonial and judicial factions fired back.   

The hall erupted into near-chaos.   

“ENOUGH!” The daimyō’s roar silenced the room.   

“Since you all argue so passionately… fine. He gets one last chance.”   

Waving them off in irritation, he added, “But I expect answers about the attackers soon. Dismissed.”   

With that, he stormed out.   

---   

The Unseen Game   

As the crowd dispersed, the Minister of Personnel and the Minister of Justice exchanged a fleeting glance—a silent ‘well played.’   

Even if allies in secret, they had to maintain the illusion of conflict.   

After all, a wise ruler ruled through balance. And as players in this game, they knew the rules well.   

But none of them noticed the lone figure who lowered his head, disappointment flashing in his eyes.   

“A failure, then. The daimyō and his court aren’t so easily fooled.”   

Had the Finance Minister been present, he would’ve recognized the man instantly—   

It was the very same shadow who had appeared in his home.   

Because the true mission from Yeranai wasn’t just to threaten the Finance Minister.   

No—the real objective was to infiltrate.   

To plant eyes and ears where they mattered most.   

---