In the shinobi world, a commission of sufficient scale demanded courtesy no matter how suspicious the client's identity might appear. As long as the mission itself was genuine, the benefits to be gained were real. For a hidden village, especially a small or mid-sized one, tangible rewards were far more important than unfounded caution. If profit lay within reach, hesitation had no value.
Takigakure was no exception.
From the moment the meeting began, however, the elder shinobi seated beside Shibuki. the man who had followed him closely before taking a position opposite Menma had never once relaxed his vigilance. His gaze remained sharp and guarded, fixed on Menma with unmistakable hostility, as though he were facing an enemy rather than a guest.
The tension did not go unnoticed.
Menma's brows creased faintly, though he did not allow it to show further.
Yet when Shibuki formally introduced this jōnin, Menma's expression remained calm on the surface even as understanding clicked sharply into place within his mind.
So it's him…
A minor antagonist in a forgotten corner of history insignificant in the grand scheme, yet dangerous in the right circumstances. Menma could not recall his face with clarity, but the role was unmistakable: a man who would one day betray Takigakure, colluding with outside forces to plunge the village into chaos.
If his hostility existed, it was not directed at Menma.
It was directed at Shibuki the young village leader himself.
With that realization, Menma allowed a light smile to form.
"Your Excellency is far too courteous," Menma said smoothly. "I am Menma. This is my associate. For the time being, we act under the authority of the Fire Country. Our purpose in coming to Takigakure today is simple. His Highness the Daimyō has a mission that must be entrusted to your village."
His tone remained casual, but the weight of his words did not.
"The preliminary classification is A-rank," he continued. "Though depending on the results… it may rise to S-rank."
Even though Shibuki had already braced himself for a major commission, hearing those words spoken aloud caused his breath to hitch.
This was not merely a matter of mission income.
This was political capital.
To establish ties with the Fire Country's upper echelons to earn recognition from nobles, ministers, or even the Daimyō himself was an opportunity Takigakure could not afford to squander.
A shinobi village did not survive on isolated successes. What it needed was a steady flow of long-term commissions, a stable source of resources. Though the Land of Waterfall supported its village, that support alone was insufficient. If Takigakure wished to reclaim even a fragment of its former standing, external backing was essential.
And for Shibuki personally, the implications were even greater.
Having inherited the position of village leader less than a year ago, he lacked decisive achievements. His authority rested more on lineage and goodwill than undeniable merit. A mission of this scale, one tied directly to the Fire Country could solidify his standing beyond dispute.
Beside him, the elder adviser's eyes narrowed.
"Before we proceed," the man said slowly, his voice low and edged with caution, "we must understand the nature of this mission."
Shibuki reined in his excitement, forcing his expression back into calm neutrality.
"Please," he said, turning to Menma. "What exactly does this mission entail?"
Menma chuckled softly.
"Nothing overly complex. A search operation. The targets are listed here."
From within his cloak, he produced a scroll and flicked it forward with practiced ease.
Shibuki did not hesitate. He caught it instinctively and unrolled it at once.
As his eyes scanned the contents, his pupils constricted.
"This is…"
Hesitation surfaced unbidden.
"What? Is this beyond Takigakure's ability to handle?" Menma asked lightly, his gaze steady and unreadable.
"No of course not," Shibuki replied quickly. "We can carry out the mission. However, given the time that has passed, success cannot be guaranteed. May I ask.. does this assignment have a strict deadline?"
As he spoke, he passed the scroll to the adviser beside him, his tone measured but serious.
Menma folded his hands.
"If the trail were fresh, there would be no need to involve your village at all," he replied calmly. "As for the time limit… His Highness has not specified an exact one. However, efficiency is expected. Within three months, some degree of progress should be produced."
He raised three fingers deliberately.
"Half of the reward will be paid in advance, according to A-rank standards. The remainder will be distributed based on results and the reward scale may be adjusted upward at any time."
He paused, then added meaningfully, "And understand this, Lord Shibuki this is merely the beginning."
The implication was unmistakable.
Even Shibuki, inexperienced as he was, grasped it immediately.
And the adviser understood it all too well.
This was not a single mission.
It was an offer of continued cooperation.
Menma, for his part, remained perfectly at ease. He was baiting the hook openly and he was certain it would be taken. Even if the truth were exposed later, withdrawal was always an option. For now, the advantage lay firmly in his hands.
As expected, the reaction was immediate.
Shibuki's excitement was barely contained. To stabilize his leadership, to silence doubts within the village, he needed precisely this kind of opportunity. His strength was no more than that of a tokubetsu jōnin, and his prestige remained fragile. Without tangible accomplishments, his authority would continue to be questioned.
"This opportunity…" Shibuki began, unable to suppress the tremor in his voice. "Then Takigakure will"
"It is not that the mission cannot be undertaken," the adviser interrupted coldly. "However, I have questions."
His eyes locked onto Menma, sharp and probing.
"I would like answers."
The interruption was abrupt, bordering on disrespectful.
Shibuki's expression stiffened, but he did not rebuke him. Whatever internal discord existed within Takigakure, it was not something to be exposed before outsiders.
The room fell silent.
And Menma smiled.
JOIN MY PATREON TO READ 50+ CHAPTERS BEFORE PUBLIC RELEASE OR PURCHASE FOR LIFETIME ACCESS!
WE ARE CURRENTLY ON CHAPTER 188 ON PATREON.
Patreon.com/HACKDWORLD