Once the envoy officially set off, it wasn't just the stubborn Uchiha ninjas from the Policing Unit who were frustrated—even Hyuga Soushu, who prided himself on being easygoing, started getting a headache.
This slapdash envoy thrown together for maximum support from Konoha was turning into one big headache!
Before even addressing all the chaos caused by these hot-headed clan representatives, it took nearly an hour before Danzo suddenly realized—too late—that they'd forgotten the Aburame clan's representative on the list.
They sent a message back via ninja hawk asking the Aburame rep to hurry. But the Administrative Department replied saying he hadn't even been informed in the first place.
After a heated argument, they ended up having to stop at a small town to wait for the Aburame rep—who was officially part of the envoy, mind you.
As a result, their original plan to arrive at the Daimyo's court in the evening was pushed back all the way to around three in the afternoon.
"Send another ninja hawk to the village now! Ask if the Aburame representative has left yet!"
The captain of the Policing Unit finally snapped.
He couldn't figure out who this baffling envoy member actually was either.
Another ten minutes passed before the Administrative Department's ninja received confirmation via ninja hawk that the Aburame rep had already departed.
Just as Danzo was about to issue orders to send search parties, a soft voice called out from behind, "Are you looking for me?"
The ninja called out a few times—no response. He tugged on Soushu's sleeve again before Soushu finally looked back at the ninja who'd seemingly appeared out of nowhere.
"If I'm not mistaken… you're the Aburame representative?"
Hyuga Soushu asked in surprise.
"Yes."
The ninja gave a slight nod.
Clad in a thick, oversized coat, Toad sunglasses over his eyes, and a massive gourd strapped to his back, he definitely looked the part of an Aburame ninja.
At this interruption, everyone only now noticed the Aburame ninja standing there.
"When did you get here?"
The Policing Unit captain stared in disbelief.
"About two hours ago."
The Aburame ninja answered softly.
"Then why didn't you say something earlier?!"
Danzo was starting to lose his cool.
"Lord Danzo, I already told you. You even nodded when I spoke."
The ninja pointed out calmly.
"That's impossible…"
Danzo froze on the spot.
When reminded, he faintly remembered being told something like that earlier.
Suddenly, accusing glances flew toward Danzo from every direction—the silent blame for wasting half the day falling squarely on him, the official leader of this important mission.
Everyone knew Aburame ninjas were low-key. Innocuous, even—often overlooked by accident. But if someone walked right up and spoke directly to you and you still missed them? That was just negligence.
"Oh! So this is how the village treats its people?"
Now, the Uchiha ninjas from the Policing Unit pounced on the chance to mock sarcastically.
"Enough wasted time with idle talk. We need to push forward immediately!"
Hizashi Hyuga reluctantly mediated the situation.
According to today's plan, they should have already arrived at the Fire Daimyo's court for some rest and relaxation before attending a noble official's banquet tonight—then everyone would conspire to pressure the Daimyo's treasury into opening the coffers a little.
Who'd have thought they'd waste so much time getting here!
After the entire group rushed forward with maximum speed and finally reached the Fire Daimyo's court, the envoy scattered in different directions after a brief period of rest; while the Policing Department's Special Operations Unit directly stationed themselves within the palace.
Soushu Hyuga found this rather puzzling.
"Each clan will coordinate with its noble allies to collectively pressure the Daimyo into approving additional military funding," Hizashi explained upon noticing Soushu's confusion.
"So it's just a group effort to squeeze more funds out of him!" Soushu clicked his tongue.
"You should change clothes too. We're accompanying Danzo to meet Prime Minister Kamakura."
Hizashi reminded him, "The Prime Minister is the most powerful official in the Daimyo's court. His Kamakura family is an esteemed branch of the Minamoto line. You'd better show proper respect!"
"Then why invite me at all?"
Soushu asked, confused.
"The Hokage specifically requested our delegation bring Danzo to the Prime Minister's banquet," Hizashi explained again. "To prevent Danzo from acting up during the banquet, several Hyuga jonin—including yourself—will be seated nearby for precaution."
"Fine."
Though puzzled as to why the Hyuga Clan, known for keeping itself secluded within Konoha, had suddenly become so assertive upon arriving at the Daimyo's court, Soushu still complied.
"Oh right, you can take a Military Rations Pill first to tide yourself over."
Hizashi added one last reminder before turning back inside to change into more aristocratic formal kimono attire.
"..."
Soushu had no words to respond.
Patting his stomach thoughtfully, feeling genuinely hungry now, Soushu couldn't help but feel anticipation toward the upcoming banquet hosted by the Prime Minister.
As for those Military Rations Pills?
Not even dogs would eat that crap!
But soon, Soushu realized he had set his expectations far too high.
Upon entering the banquet hall of Prime Minister Kamakura's residence, there came an endless series of ostentatious formal greetings and pleasantries, followed by polite conversation between hosts and guests filled with veiled rivalry and subtle probing.
Even Danzo, who always seemed to wear a face like he'd just bitten into something bitter, somehow managed to force a completely fake smile as he engaged in cheerful conversation with the rotund Prime Minister, displaying such affability that it hardly matched rumors about the shadowy figure who supposedly terrified ninja across smaller nations.
Finally, when the dishes began arriving, Soushu was truly disappointed—particularly since mingling with nobles wasn't something he ever cared about anyway.
The very first appetizer served was a bland chawanmushi—or in plain terms, mushroom chicken soup—with barely enough for a single bite.
Subsequent dishes, such as sashimi, grilled fish (yakimono), and sushi, were equally stingy in both portion and flavor, looking elegant but delivering practically nothing substantial.
The more he ate, the hungrier Hyuga Soushu got—now he finally understood why Hizashi told him to take a Military Rations Pill first!
Wish he'd taken someone's advice sooner.
With no other option, Soushu discreetly reached behind him and deftly pulled a Military Rations Pill out of his Ninja Tool Pouch. Then, using the act of drinking barley tea as cover, he quickly swallowed another one—though he was really sick of them by now.
"We are already aware of the Hyuga clan's request."
After a lengthy detour through idle conversation, the Great Minister finally returned to the envoy's true purpose: "Konoha is currently fighting on multiple fronts and indeed requires additional support from the Daimyo. We all share this understanding."
"How much military funding does the Daimyo plan to allocate?"
Danzo immediately sat up straight and asked.
"Don't be hasty, and don't discuss such vulgar matters in front of these esteemed ministers!"
One of the high-ranking officials attending the meeting from the Daimyo's court quickly reprimanded Danzo sternly.
Somewhat disgruntled, Danzo could only bow apologetically.
But perhaps feeling offended, the Great Minister coldly snorted, then stood up and indignantly swept out of the room.
Danzo was instantly at a loss.
"I—"
The usually proud Danzo opened and closed his mouth several times but couldn't bring himself to utter a word of plea or apology.
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