Chapter 37: Taking Private Jobs
After learning that Ryosuke was a member of the Hyuga clan, Tokugawa Shigeshige's tone, posture—and even his mood—underwent a subtle shift.
"Don't just stand there, have a seat."
Though Tokugawa Shigeshige was clearly displeased, he was far better at concealing his emotions than Nagahirano. As he gestured for Ryosuke and his group to sit, he cast a cold glance at Nagahirano.
"Ryosuke came all the way to Fire Nation, and you just left them standing like that? Go prepare some tea and snacks—and get someone to come play some music."
"There's no need for music. I'm still young."
Ryosuke chuckled as he sat down, waving his hand casually. "But I'll take you up on the snacks and tea. I've heard your chefs are quite famous."
Tokugawa didn't insist on the music. With a wave, he sent Nagahirano hurrying off and turned back to Ryosuke.
"Mr. Ryosuke, why not stay at the daimyo's mansion tonight? I'll be hosting a banquet and inviting nobles from nearby. It'll be a good opportunity for them to witness the elegance of the Hyuga clan."
Ryosuke nodded without hesitation. "If Lord Tokugawa is willing to introduce me, then I will gladly attend."
"Excellent, excellent." Tokugawa smiled, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "It's just the right time—leaders from towns and villages across the region are visiting to report their affairs. This banquet will be the perfect chance for you to meet them."
With that, the daimyo began inquiring about Hyuga Hiashi's health, mixing casual family talk with subtle probes into the internal affairs of the Hyuga clan.
He was polite, but clearly testing the waters.
Despite being just a child, Ryosuke received no condescension. A ninja born into a prominent family could never be judged by age alone—these were warriors who walked onto the battlefield long before they came of age.
Ryosuke, for his part, remained calm and composed. He didn't try to dominate the conversation but answered every question with a practiced ease. When it came to sensitive topics, he responded with vague or misleading replies, creating just enough ambiguity to frustrate without offending.
Tokugawa's line of questioning seemed focused on whether this visit followed the same agenda as previous years. But every time Ryosuke appeared ready to give a direct answer, Tokugawa would pivot, unwilling to risk triggering any irreversible consequences.
And since the daimyo wasn't in a rush, Ryosuke was in no hurry either.
He acted respectful—but answered with practiced indifference.
Behind him, Souji and Hoshicai stood straight-backed, holding plates and helping themselves to food to replenish their strength.
The back-and-forth continued until the sun began to set. Tokugawa Shigeshige, finally losing patience with Ryosuke's flawless deflections, let out a laugh and changed tactics.
"Despite your age, you're remarkably sharp, Ryosuke. Talking with you, I nearly forgot you were still a child!"
He laughed heartily, but there was a keen glint in his eyes.
Ryosuke merely smiled in response, saying nothing.
Tokugawa's tone shifted slightly. "We've been chatting so long, I nearly forgot the real purpose of this meeting. Since you're here on behalf of the Hyuga clan, I wonder—do you intend to make any changes to the rules we've followed in the past?"
His face still wore a pleasant expression, but his eyes were sharp, unreadable.
"Lord Tokugawa has misunderstood."
Ryosuke chuckled softly. "Though I'm representing the Hyuga clan this time, our stance hasn't changed."
Seeing the Fire Daimyo hesitate, Ryosuke continued with a hint of sincerity, "Our clan is still very much committed to this agreement. In fact, with the influx of new members lately, our clan's expenses have grown considerably."
"That's why we value our cooperation with the noble houses more than ever."
His words were polite, even genuine—but the implication struck Tokugawa like a hammer.
More expenses meant one thing: they were about to raise their prices.
Tokugawa had avoided asking directly, fearing exactly this. Now that the topic had been broached, Ryosuke's answer—subtle as it was—left little room for misinterpretation.
If Tokugawa ignored it, he'd risk offending the Hyuga clan.
Ryosuke pressed on. "Lord Tokugawa, in the past, when we took on missions for you, we offered a rate 5% below the official commission price the village would ask. But the number of missions was always limited."
"Back then, our clan didn't have many expenses. We tightened our belts and made do."
"But things are different now. Life is... harder."
In the ninja world, taking private jobs—bypassing the village to take commissions directly from clients—wasn't unusual.
Cutting out the middleman meant more money for the clan.
But only the Hyuga and Uchiha clans had the clout to pull this off. Lesser clans lacked the reputation to attract clients and had no choice but to work through the village.
In recent years, the number of clans able to take private jobs had dropped significantly, largely due to systems implemented by the village to discourage the practice.
Those families that had embraced the Will of Fire and become fully integrated into Konoha no longer took such risks. In return, the village provided resources and alternative business opportunities.
For example, the Akimichi clan ran a popular barbecue restaurant, made famous with help from Konoha's own channels. It had become a full-blown industry with national recognition.
This legal, village-supported way of making money attracted smaller clans, who were eager to align themselves with the Will of Fire.
As a result, independent clans like the Hyuga and Uchiha were increasingly isolated within the village.
Tokugawa gave a weary sigh. "Actually, the Uchiha clan has also sent someone to discuss this very matter."
Though his tone was apologetic, his mind remained sharp and calculating.
Ever since learning of Ryosuke's noble lineage, he'd spent the afternoon testing the waters, stalling, and thinking of excuses.
This long "casual conversation" had been anything but.
"The ninja world is in chaos," Tokugawa continued. "Sometimes, when we need to travel abroad on business, it's inevitable we'll need ninja protection."
He shook his head with mock regret.
"But you must understand, Master Ryosuke, we only have so many resources. The number of missions we can issue each year is limited."
"If an emergency arises, I always think of the Hyuga clan first."
"But just recently, the Uchiha came to me complaining as well. They say they're running low on funds and want to raise their commission prices too."
He gave a dry chuckle. "But how can I agree to that? If the prices go up too high, we might as well go straight to Konoha and issue a formal commission request..."
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