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Inoiki settled into the chair opposite Kenta, his posture relaxed but commanding. Kenta studied him for a moment before leaning forward with a smirk.
"So," Kenta said, his tone casual yet probing, "what brings the infamous 'Silent Reaper' to a place like the black market?"
"I need materials for a Chakra weapon," Inoiki stated bluntly. "I spoke with General Mifune, but he refused. So now, I'm here."
Kenta chuckled, nodding as if he had expected as much. "Ah, I see. Well, I can certainly get you what you need, but you know how it is—black market prices are steep. Almost double what you'd pay through official channels."
"We'll discuss the price later," Inoiki said coolly. "What I need to know first is how much you can supply."
Kenta's smirk didn't falter, but his eyes narrowed slightly. He wasn't foolish enough to reveal his full inventory. Instead, he countered, "That depends. How much are you looking for?"
"140 kilograms," Inoiki replied without hesitation.
Kenta arched an eyebrow. "That's quite a haul. You planning to arm an army?"
Inoiki's gaze remained unwavering. "I need it to craft a weapon for myself. Or do you think I'm stocking up for a war?"
Kenta chuckled, but there was a flicker of curiosity in his eyes. "That's more than enough to equip a small battalion, you know."
"Then be grateful I'm only making one weapon," Inoiki said, his tone turning sharp. "Now, can you get me what I need or not?"
The room fell into a brief silence, the tension thick between them.
Kenta folded his hands on the desk, eyeing Inoiki carefully. "I can get you the materials," he said, "but I don't have that much stock. The best I can offer is 10 kilograms."
Inoiki sighed, leaning back in his chair. "That's unfortunate. So, is there anyone else who has the amount I need? After all, you're just the leader of this base, not the entire black market."
Kenta smirked. "There is someone. But I'll only tell you once our deal is done."
"Fair enough." Inoiki nodded. "Let's talk price, then. How much?"
"For most buyers, the going rate is 5 million ryo per kilogram," Kenta said smoothly. "But for you, I'll make an exception—4 million ryo per kilogram."
Inoiki chuckled, but there was no humor in it. "Now, let me tell you my offer." He leaned in slightly. "The official price is 2 million ryo per kilogram. I'll pay you half of that—1 million ryo per kilogram."
Kenta's expression darkened as he shot to his feet. "Are you out of your mind? That's robbery. I wouldn't make a single ryo in profit!"
Inoiki didn't move. Instead, he fixed Kenta with an icy stare. "Look at me," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "Do I look like I care?"
A sudden, crushing pressure filled the room as Inoiki's aura flared. The weight of it forced Kenta back into his seat, his breath hitching as beads of sweat formed on his brow.
The room fell silent.
Then, Inoiki spoke again—calm, controlled, and absolute.
"I'll give you three choices," he said, his voice unwavering. "First, I remove you from your position and put someone else in charge. You die in the process. Second, you cooperate with me, you live, and we both walk away satisfied. The third option?" He leaned forward slightly, his piercing gaze locking onto Kenta. "I read your mind, find out exactly where the materials are, take them for free, and leave. And let's be honest—stealing from a thief isn't really stealing, is it?"
The suffocating pressure in the room vanished as suddenly as it had appeared. But the effect lingered. Kenta sat frozen, sweat trickling down his temples, his breath uneven.
"...Okay," Kenta finally managed, forcing his voice steady. "Okay, I'll sell you the materials at your price."
He had no other choice. Every word that came from this man's mouth was the truth—and Kenta knew Inoiki had the power to back it up.
Inoiki gave a small nod. "Smart decision." His sharp eyes studied Kenta. "Now, let's be real. You said you only have 10 kilograms, but I know you're lying. Tell me how much you really have."
Kenta hesitated for just a moment before exhaling. "Fifteen kilograms. That's all I have, and this time, I'm telling the truth."
A smirk flickered across Inoiki's face. "Yeah, I know. I can see it in your eyes."
Kenta let out a heavy sigh, resignation settling over him.
"Alright," Inoiki said, his tone firm. "Now, tell me—who is this influential figure you mentioned? The one who can provide me with the rest of the materials."
Kenta hesitated for a moment before answering. "We call him Black Scorpio. He's the most powerful and influential figure among all the black-market leaders. If anyone can get you what you need, it's him. He already has around 50 kilograms in his personal inventory, and with his connections, he could easily acquire more."
Inoiki leaned back slightly, taking in the information.
"But," Kenta continued, his expression darkening, "I doubt you can handle him the way you handled me. According to my sources, he commands an army of over a thousand men—both samurai and ninja. If you make a wrong move, you won't just be facing a handful of guards this time."
A slow, amused smile spread across Inoiki's face. His eyes gleamed with something unreadable—something dangerous.
"You don't have to worry about that," he said smoothly.
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