Naruto: The Ninja World's Life Buyer

Chapter 207 Night Banquet, Bloodstained Mansion

The capital of the Land of Fire.

There was no chilling ninja atmosphere, only bustling prosperity and extravagance.

The wide streets were paved with neat stone slabs, and lined with shops and Kabukicho. Nobles dressed in gorgeous silk rode in sedan chairs, escorted by samurai, and paraded through the streets.

The scents of cosmetics and incense permeated everywhere.

"Is this... the city where Daimyo Prefecture is located?"

Rena looked out the car window at the scenery outside.

Although she was a special Jonin, this was her first time in the capital. The overwhelming atmosphere of wealth made her feel physically uncomfortable.

On the front lines, ninjas risk their lives for a single rice ball or an explosive tag. Here, however, the money nobles casually tip a geisha is enough to buy an entire box of explosive tags.

"You feel it's unfair?"

Sosuke's voice came through.

"A little."

Rena spoke the truth.

"This is the diversity of the world."

Sosuke straightened his collar.

"The ninjas risk their lives for the ninjas, and the ninjas are responsible for paying them. As long as they pay them readily, this unfairness is justified."

The carriage entered the inner city of Daming Prefecture.

This place is even more magnificent. Red palace walls, golden glazed tiles.

The Third Hokage, the two advisors, Shikaku, and the Anbu squad checked into the official inn.

Sosuke had no intention of staying at the post station.

His carriage turned into a mansion located in the heart of the inner city. Several warriors stood guard at the entrance.

"arrive."

Sosuke was the first to step down from the carriage.

Fujiwara no Taizo was already waiting at the door. The finance minister was dressed in a loose and comfortable home kimono, holding a folding fan in his hand, and had a smile on his face.

"Brother Sosuke, you must be tired from your journey."

Fujiwara no Taizo stepped forward, not putting on airs, but rather welcoming an old friend he hadn't seen for many years.

"The daimyo is currently enjoying a Noh performance by a troupe invited from the Land of Iron, and is in high spirits, so it would be inconvenient to disturb him. Therefore, I would like to trouble you two to stay at my humble abode for the next few days."

T

"You're too kind, Lord Daizo."

Sosuke bowed slightly, displaying impeccable manners.

"Being able to stay in Lord Daizo's residence is much more comfortable than staying in those official inns."

"Haha, you know me."

Fujiwara Daizo laughed twice, his gaze sweeping over Yamashiro Rena behind Sousuke.

Rena's hand instinctively rested on her waist—where her ninja tool pouch should have been hanging, but now there was only air. Before entering the inner city, all visible weapons had been handed in as per protocol.

This made the special Jonin feel a sense of unease, as if he were naked.

"This is—"

"My assistant, Rena Yamashiro."

Sousuke introduced.

"Proficient in arithmetic and writing, he is an indispensable right-hand man to me."

"Oh? You're both beautiful and talented."

Fujiwara Daizo gave Rena a meaningful look, his eyes scrutinizing her like an object being judged, but he quickly looked away.

"Someone, take these two distinguished guests to the west wing to rest."

The west wing is a separate courtyard.

Pushing open the paper door, the room was furnished with the finest tatami mats made of matsutake grass, exuding a faint grassy fragrance. In the corner of the room were displayed precious porcelain pieces, and on the walls hung landscape paintings by renowned artists.

Everything was extremely luxurious.

Rena entered the room and quickly checked all the windows, the ceiling mortises, and the gaps in the floor.

"There were no eavesdropping devices, no hidden compartments, and no traps."

Five minutes later, she returned to Sosuke.

"However, there were at least twenty breaths outside the courtyard. They must have been samurai."

"Relax, Rena."

Sosuke took off his coat, hung it on the hanger, and then sank into the soft cushion.

"Those people are guards, not assassins."

Rena stood ramrod straight, like a javelin.

Just then, a maid's voice came from outside the door.

"Lord Takaya, the head of the family has sent over the formal attire for tonight's banquet."

"Come in."

Two maids entered with their heads bowed, carrying trays in their hands.

On the tray were two extremely gorgeous outfits.

One set is a black patterned haori hakama for Sousuke, with subtle patterns on the fabric, understated yet elegant.

Another set —

It was a brightly colored furisode kimono. Large peonies were embroidered on a crimson background, and the obi (sash) was made of gold thread, making it intricate and luxurious. It even came with exquisite hairpins and rouge.

That's for Rena.

Rena looked at the outfit and frowned slightly.

But she still took the clothes and went behind the screen.

As an intelligence ninja, disguise is a fundamental skill. She has disguised herself as a village girl, a vagrant, and even a beggar for missions.

Although she didn't like the clothes, it didn't affect her ability to carry out her mission.

Half an hour later.

When Rena emerged from behind the screen, even Sousuke was momentarily stunned.

She took off her stiff, black-rimmed glasses.

Without the glasses to conceal her eyes, her captivating eyes were revealed, with slightly upturned corners, giving her a natural, aloof beauty.

The elaborate furisode kimono hugged her tall figure, and the tightly cinched sash accentuated her stunning curves. Crimson peonies bloomed on her body, softening her aloof demeanor into a thorny yet alluring charm.

However, her posture was somewhat stiff, and her hands hung unnaturally at her sides, as if she didn't know where to put them.

"Perfect."

Sosuke admired her beauty.

"You look like a noble lady from a prestigious family right now. You would be even better if you smiled a little more."

"Smile----"

Rena forced a smile, revealing a stiff expression that looked even worse than crying.

"Forget it, you should just stay aloof. That'll make you more interesting."

Sosuke smiled and extended his arm.

"Let's go."

Rena reached out and gently took his arm.

Banquet hall of the Daming Mansion villa.

It was magnificent and resplendent, with melodious music playing.

Dozens of nobles and officials dressed in fine clothes gathered in twos and threes, holding wine glasses and talking in hushed tones.

Their conversations revolved around topics such as which territories had the best harvests, which family's geisha was the most popular, or how long the war at the front would last—all in a tone of spectatorship.

"Takaya Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Takaya Sosuke is here——"

The banquet hall doors opened as a servant announced the event.

All eyes were on them.

Sosuke, dressed in a black haori, walked with a steady gait, his single eye exuding a mysterious and intimidating aura.

Rena, standing next to him, became the focus of the entire event.

Her aloof and elegant demeanor was not inferior to that of this group of beautiful and graceful aristocratic women.

"Who is that? Takaya Sousuke's wife?"

"I heard she's his assistant—she has the air of a princess from some small country."

"That kid Takaya's got some lucky ladies."

Whispers reached my ears.

Rena felt as if countless sticky hands were spying on her. But she remained expressionless.

Fujiwara Daizo greeted him, his face flushed.

"Haha, Sosuke! You've arrived!"

He warmly put his arm around Sosuke's shoulder, then his gaze fell on Rena, a hint of amazement and greed flashing in his eyes, but he quickly concealed it.

"This is—Miss Yamashiro? Clothes really do make the person; I almost didn't recognize her."

"You flatter me, Lord Daizo."

Rena gave a slight bow, her voice clear and composed.

"Come, come, let me introduce you to some friends."

Fujiwara Daizo led Sosuke toward the center of the crowd.

"This is Lord Matsudaira, who is in charge of the transportation of provisions."

"This is Lord Ii, who is in charge of mining operations."

"This is—"

Behind each name lies an economic lifeline of the Land of Fire.

Sosuke navigated these people with ease. He was elegant in demeanor and witty in conversation, occasionally throwing out a tempting offer about profits, dividends, or new shipping routes, which made the greedy nobles' eyes light up.

Rena stood quietly half a step behind him.

She held a glass of juice in her hand, and although she didn't speak, her ears were working at high speed.

She filtered out the meaningless compliments and flirtations, helping Sosuke capture the key information in each can.

"I heard that the Emperor is not feeling well lately and wants to establish an heir as soon as possible —"

"Half of the military spending on the border is actually withheld at that stage —"

"Iwagakure has sent a secret envoy to contact several Grand Chariot advisors, seemingly wanting to discuss business—"

This intelligence, like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, gradually pieced together the political landscape of the upper echelons of the Land of Fire in her debates.

As the banquet ended, the moon was obscured by thick clouds, and the air was hot and humid.

Fujiwara no Taizo had drunk quite a bit, his face flushed. He stood in the corridor, completely lacking in decorum and hiccuping, with his hand on Sosuke's shoulder, reeking of alcohol.

"Brother Sousuke—don't worry. The Fourth Hokage will be chosen as you wish—and from now on, our business with the Land of Fire will be split 50/50!"

He held up five fingers, each as thick as a carrot, and waved them in Sosuke's eyes.

"Canned and fixed."

Sousuke smiled and helped the swaying finance minister up.

"It's late, Lord Daizo, please rest early. I, Lan, will come to visit tomorrow."

The two walked back to the west wing.

"Takaya-sama."

Rena walked half a step behind Sousuke. Although she was wearing a complicated and cumbersome furisode kimono, her steps were still light.

"You've had quite a bit to drink, don't you need me to help you?"

"unnecessary."

Sosuke walked very steadily.

The wine was broken down by his finesse the moment it entered his stomach.

Since merging with the life force of the Vortex Jar, his metabolic rate has become monstrous. Alcohol is now just water with a taste to him.

They continued their journey and soon returned to the west wing.

A gust of wind blew across the jar, swirling up the fallen leaves.

Sosuke's left eye was slightly narrowed under the eye patch.

Rena seemed to sense something as well, and her body tensed slightly.

Sosuke didn't say anything. He pushed open the door and went into the room.

"careful."

Sosuke suddenly said in a low voice.

"Did you notice that too?"

Rena's voice was very soft and exceptionally calm.

"Um."

Sosuke walked to the window and looked towards the main house through the gap in the window paper.

The place was originally brightly lit, but now it is completely dark.

"Looks like tonight will be a sleepless night."

Sosuke unbuttoned his collar and stretched his neck.

The voice just fell.

"Whoosh!"

The sound of the canister breaking through the air pierced through the paper door.

The jet-black blowgun was embedded in the pillar where Sosuke had just stood. The fletching of the arrow gleamed with a ghostly blue light.

Highly poisonous.

"They've made their move."

Sosuke stepped back and disappeared into the shadows.

"Reina."

"exist."

Rena's eyes instantly turned sharp.

She suddenly tore open the seam at the hem of her kimono.

"Sizzle!"

The expensive silk was torn, revealing two bare legs. She kicked off her clogs and stepped barefoot onto the tatami mat.

She pulled the gold hairpin from her hair. It was her only weapon at that moment.

"They're here."

From the roof came the sound of tiles shattering.

"boom!"

The ceiling suddenly collapsed.

Three men in black, each wielding a knife, descended from the sky.

Without a word, they landed and immediately dispersed, sealing off every corner of the room.

The objective was clear, and the actions were ruthless.

Rena whispered something and went to greet him.

The gold hairpin in her hand traced an arc of gold on the jar.

"when!"

The can made a crisp sound.

The golden hairpin blocked the black-clad man's knife from being used again.

The other party clearly did not expect that this seemingly delicate "Miss Gui Si" would have such skills, and their movements froze for a moment.

This moment is enough.

Rena twisted her wrist, using gentle force to deflect the opponent's power, and then pressed her body close like a snake.

Knee strike!

"Bang!"

The heavy jar struck the man in black in the abdomen.

The man in black groaned and bent over.

Reina's golden hairpin fell smoothly, accurately piercing the assassin's carotid artery.

"puff."

Blood gushed out; the jar strike was fatal.

The intelligence analysis team doesn't spend their time sitting in an office reading documents. Their basic skills are even more solid than those of ordinary ninjas because they usually need to protect intelligence under extreme conditions.

"Damn it! It's a ninja!"

Upon seeing this, the remaining two men in black immediately changed their tactics.

The jar-man continued to entangle Reina, while the other jar-man pounced on Sosuke, who was lurking in the corner.

"Don't even think about going there!"

Rena tried to stop him, but the assassin who was holding her was a master. His swordsmanship was extremely cunning, and every move was aimed at vital points.

Rena used her physical skills and the gold hairpin to maneuver. Although the hem of her kimono was torn, the wide sleeves still hindered her movements.

"laugh!"

The blade sliced ​​through.

Rena's sleeve was cut off, leaving a bloody mark on her arm.

At the other jar, the man in black had already rushed to Zong Jie's face.

"Go to hell!"

He thrust his sword toward Sosuke's heart.

Sosuke seemed to have no time to dodge.

when!

The man in black was shocked; he hadn't managed to stab it!

Deprived of escape and lack of spear.

After incorporating the life force of the Uzumaki Tank, Sousuke's chakra was now sufficient to fully utilize this ninjutsu.

He clenched his right fist and slammed it hard into the chest of the man in black.

"boom!"

The man in black flew through the air, crashing through the wall and landing in the courtyard.

His sternum was completely shattered.

"Wh-what?!"

The man in black who was fighting with Rena caught a glimpse of the jar out of the corner of his eye and was terrified.

What level of power is this?

In the instant he was distracted, Rena seized the opportunity.

Suddenly, the severed half of her sleeve flew out and wrapped around the wrist of the man in black who was holding the knife.

Pull the can with force!

The man in black lost his balance.

Rena leaned in and thrust the gold hairpin precisely into his temple.

The battle is over.

The room was littered with canned food.

Rena was panting heavily, her hair disheveled, and her body covered in blood. Her expensive dress was now just a rag.

She turned her head and looked at Sosuke.

"Lord Takaya—your intelligence report didn't mention that you were a master of this level."

The fact that Claw used the advanced ninjutsu, Blade Release: Blade Spear, indicates that he already possesses the chakra reserves of an elite Jonin.

"I'm in business."

Sosuke picked up the jar of handkerchief and handed it to Rena.

"A businessman always has to keep some cards up his sleeve."

Rena took the handkerchief and wiped the blood from her face.

"What do we do now?"

"Let's go out and take a look."

Sosuke stepped over the corpses on the ground and walked into the courtyard.

However, at that moment...

"boom!"

Suddenly, a powerful chakra fluctuation erupted from the direction of the main house, and the earthen-yellow shockwave from the chakra channel shot straight into the yard.

"Obsession Release: Dragon Bullet!"

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