In the deep, quiet darkness, a bulky figure stirred. Shukaku rubbed his nose in confusion and muttered,
"It must be that damn fox talking bad about me behind my back… despicable traitor!"
"Shukaku, which sutra would you like to hear today?"
As the tanuki fumed, a faint candlelight flickered in the darkness. Before its massive body, a young monk sat cross-legged, palms pressed together, gaze calm as water, voice deep like a temple bell.
"Shut up! You noisy little bald brat—get out!"
Just remembering this monk nagging endlessly in his ear made Shukaku want to die. He slammed a massive claw down, only to swat nothing—just a projection.
"Ah… to enlighten this creature will be a long road."
The monk opened his eyes in the real world, sighing as he looked at the peculiar earthen vessel sealing Shukaku.
Inside the conference room.
The First Kazekage's words rang out firmly. From his serious tone, Gin couldn't quite tell if this man was pretending to be a fool or truly was one—he actually believed that stupid tanuki was the strongest Bijuu.
"As far as I know, your village sealed the One-Tail, correct?"
Senju Hashirama's expression grew odd as he spoke.
"That's right! According to Shukaku, Bijuu are ranked by the number of tails. Since it's the One-Tail, it must be the leader of them all!"
Hashirama nearly laughed. The Kazekage's face tightened, displeased at his mocking look. What's with that smug expression? Believe it or not, I'll summon Shukaku right now and blast all of you!
Hashirama leaned closer, whispering to Gin,
"Gin-aniki, looks like even Bijuu brag about themselves, huh?"
"It's fine. Wind Country has no money. If they can't buy, they'll just talk."
From the beginning, the Wind Daimyo wasn't even in Gin's customer list.
"Cough, cough… Allow me to interrupt." Gin tapped his throat lightly. "While I'd love to congratulate Sunagakure for having the 'strongest Bijuu,' based on Konoha's capture experience, the strength of a Bijuu depends on the number of tails."
The Kazekage's eyes flashed, narrowing.
"Proof? Hmph. We've captured every Bijuu except yours."
Gin unfurled a scroll. One after another, ferocious Bijuu leapt vividly from the paper, their monstrous presence making even the Kage stare solemnly.
"So these are the true forms of the Bijuu…"
The room fell into silence.
Yet the Kazekage stubbornly raised his chin.
"Then test it. Bring yours out to fight." Gin smirked knowingly.
"Bijuu are not to be used lightly!" the Kazekage barked, his bravado faltering.
"Then train harder. If you can't afford to lose, don't play."
Gin ignored him, turning to the other Kage.
"Do you all know the true power of the Bijuu?"
The First Raikage folded his arms.
"I've heard. In Lightning Country's ancient texts, the Nine-Tails is described as taller than a hundred meters, swallowing dozens of men whole. The black orbs it spews can destroy an entire city in one breath."
The Mizukage nodded slowly.
"We too have similar records. A great turtle-shaped beast often appeared near Water Country's seas. Many strong shinobi went to investigate… none returned."
The Tsuchikage scoffed.
"If they're so terrifying, how did Konoha capture so many?"
Gin chuckled, patting Hashirama's shoulder.
"That's thanks to the Sage of Six Paths' blessing. Our Hokage awakened a bloodline that specifically restrains Bijuu."
Hashirama straightened, face full of mystery.
All the Kage frowned. They had heard the rumors. A bloodline unique to Hashirama alone, a power none else in the world possessed.
"If that's true, how does Konoha plan to sell these Bijuu?"
At last, the Raikage asked the key question.
Gin's expression turned solemn. He raised one finger.
Before he could speak, Hashirama suddenly blurted out:
"Konoha always sells fair and honest! Just one—"
"One hundred billion."
Someone choked on tea. The hall went dead silent. Even Hashirama stared dumbfounded, jaw slack.
The Tsuchikage slammed the table, furious.
"If you want war, just say it! Don't mock us with such prices!"
He turned to leave. Gin simply leaned back, waving him on as if to say go ahead.
"Silver-aniki! What are you doing? You'll ruin everything!" Hashirama panicked, tugging at Gin's sleeve.
Gin shook him off, then looked at the Mizukage, eyes narrowing with a sly smile.
"Tell me, Mizukage-sama… how fares your war with Stone?"
"Hmph. Fifty-fifty," the old man answered coldly.
"What a pity… If Kirigakure loses, how much compensation will Water Country have to pay Iwagakure? Will your Daimyo cut your military budget? …Or perhaps, abandon your village altogether?"
The Tsuchikage, halfway out the door, froze and spun back.
"Oh? Tsuchikage-sama hasn't left yet? Go back and calculate your reparations quickly." Gin smirked.
"You—what reparations?!"
"To Water Country, of course. Land, sea territory, money. All to repay them after you lose."
"Ridiculous! We can't lose!"
Gin spread his hands.
"Before today, maybe. But after this meeting? I guarantee Water will crush you."
The Mizukage's face went pale. Losing meant massive indemnities… and disgrace before his Daimyo.
Gin leaned in with a whisper:
"Mizukage-sama, how about considering a… game-changing weapon?"
The old man swallowed. "…Really?"
"Guaranteed. Right here we have a fine aquatic Bijuu. Perfect for Water Country's seas. Fight wars, guard your home—one beast, many uses."
The Mizukage looked down, calculating. If they lost, the compensation alone could be hundreds of billions.
Gin smiled like a fox.
"Expensive? No. This has always been the price. Mizukage-sama, one must look long-term."
Hashirama tugged his sleeve again, whispering nervously.
"Gin-aniki, isn't one hundred billion too much?"
"Understood, Hokage-sama." Gin nodded solemnly. Then he turned back, correcting:
"Apologies, Mizukage-sama. My Hokage just reminded me—it's not one hundred billion per beast. It's one hundred billion per tail."
The Mizukage nearly fainted. But Gin's voice slithered on like a devil's whisper.
"Not buying guarantees defeat. Buying gives you hope. Which will you choose?"
After a long silence, the Mizukage's lips trembled.
"Excellent! Which one?"
"The aquatic one. That turtle beast."
"Splendid! Three-Tails, reserved for the Mizukage!"
Gin tossed confetti into the air. Business secured.
The others watched in shock as the Mizukage took the info card for Isobu, hands trembling under its oppressive chakra aura.
And so, the Sales Champion added another tally.
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