"Oh?"
"If you have any questions, Genma-san, feel free to ask."
Menma was not surprised by Shiranui Genma's sudden inquiry in the slightest. He simply lifted his gaze, fixing it calmly on the man opposite him, his tone even and unhurried.
"Earlier, Fang-san stated that this mission originates from His Excellency the Daimyō of the Land of Fire," Genma said, leaning forward slightly. His eyes were sharp, probing, and filled with a quiet pressure. "If that is the case, then why was this task not directly commissioned to Konohagakure? As the strongest and most influential shinobi village in the current era, Konoha's manpower, intelligence networks, and operational reach far surpass those of Takigakure. Logically speaking, this mission would be far more efficiently executed by Konoha. Why would the Fire Daimyō bypass his own village?"
The question was direct almost interrogative.
Yet this development was entirely within expectations.
The shinobi world had long accepted an unspoken balance.
Konohagakure stood behind the Land of Fire.
Iwagakure behind the Land of Earth.
Kumogakure behind the Land of Lightning.
Kirigakure behind the Land of Water.
Sunagakure behind the Land of Wind.
To outsiders, the Five Great Nations and the Five Great Shinobi Villages were inseparably bound. Each year, massive financial and material support flowed from the daimyōs to their respective villages, and in return, the villages handled nearly all official missions ranging from political escorts to intelligence suppression and military operations.
This was an entrenched system of mutual dependence.
While merchants, wanderers, or underground organizations occasionally hired shinobi from foreign villages, a direct commission from a daimyō to a village outside his own country was exceedingly rare.
Such an action could easily destabilize diplomatic relations.
Genma had every reason to be suspicious.
"Hah," Menma let out a soft laugh, though there was no amusement in his eyes. "So that's the source of your concern. Still, since when does a shinobi village require its client to justify why a mission is entrusted to them? Or…" His gaze cooled slightly. "Is Takigakure unwilling to accept this task? If that's the case, there's no problem. We can always approach another village. It doesn't have to be Takigakure."
The temperature in the room dropped subtly.
Understanding was one thing.
Explanation was another.
At the very least, Menma needed to maintain control of the negotiation.
This deliberate shift in tone, calm turning faintly cold was enough to immediately change the atmosphere.
Shibuki stiffened.
Genma's expression also changed, though he quickly suppressed it.
Pressing for leverage was acceptable, but pushing too far at a critical juncture was dangerous. Especially after confirming Menma's status and background, Genma had no intention of truly antagonizing him.
This was not merely about a lucrative mission.
It was about the possibility of future task allocation from the Land of Fire.
"Please forgive us, Fang-san," Shibuki spoke quickly, rising slightly from his seat. "Genma-san meant no disrespect. He was merely concerned about the implications. Genma, that was out of line."
Genma exhaled, then inclined his head slightly.
"My apologies. I spoke too bluntly."
Then, lifting his gaze again, he continued in a lower voice, "However, this matter does involve Konohagakure. Without at least a partial explanation, it would be difficult for Takigakure to proceed without concern."
Shibuki nodded slowly.
Though young and mild-mannered, he was no fool. This decision involved the fate of the village and thousands of shinobi. It was not something to accept blindly.
Menma appeared displeased.
After a moment of silence, he narrowed his eyes slightly, then nodded.
"Very well," he said slowly. "Since the village leader insists… I will say this much."
He leaned back slightly.
"His Excellency does not want Konoha to know about this mission."
That was all.
Yet it was more than enough.
Daimyō and Kage.
Nation and Shinobi Village.
The relationship between them was never as harmonious as it appeared on the surface. Though villages swore allegiance in name, those in power understood the reality far better than ordinary shinobi ever could.
Especially in the Land of Fire.
While the internal power struggles between the daimyō's retainers and Konohagakure were known only to a select few, rumors and fragments of information had still spread throughout the shinobi world.
Takigakure was no exception.
Menma's explanation was vague but deliberately so.
Shibuki and Genma exchanged glances.
After a moment of contemplation, Shibuki frowned slightly and said, "I understand. Please allow us a short time to deliberate."
"That's acceptable," Menma replied, his tone turning sharp once more. "But now that I've disclosed this much, I expect a satisfactory answer. I trust you understand what I mean, Lord Shibuki."
The pressure was unmistakable.
Shibuki nodded slowly.
"Yes."
He turned and walked toward the small side door at the rear of the reception hall. Genma followed immediately.
Menma showed no concern at all. He calmly lifted the teacup beside him and took another sip.
Karin, who had remained silent throughout the exchange, glanced briefly at Menma. She seemed to want to say something, but recalling his earlier warning, she restrained herself and resumed her composed demeanor.
Less than ten minutes later, Shibuki and Genma returned.
One looked calm.
The other looked displeased.
Menma's eyes flicked toward them.
Shibuki let out a quiet breath, then spoke firmly, "Takigakure is willing to accept this mission. We will fulfill His Excellency's request in the shortest time possible."
A smile finally appeared on Menma's face.
"Excellent. I knew Lord Shibuki would bring good news." His gaze sharpened slightly. "Then you also understand the importance of confidentiality."
"Of course," Shibuki replied solemnly. "Please assure His Excellency the Daimyō and the minister that Takigakure will not disappoint them."
"Good." Menma reached into his sleeve and placed a sealed scroll on the table. "This is the agreed-upon advance payment, calculated at A-rank standards. We will maintain contact through intermediaries. If your village uncovers anything, there is no need to report directly the reason should be clear."
Shibuki nodded heavily.
"Yes."