bookbashuk Chapter 160 Makoto Arrives in the Land of Fire, Daimyo's Mansion
Chapter 160 Makoto Arrives in the Land of Fire, Daimyo's Mansion
Chapter 160 Makoto Arrives in the Land of Fire, Daimyo's Mansion
Success is never achieved overnight.
Effort, time, and energy.
All of these things, in the end, converge to form success.
But as long as there is a road ahead, Goju Cheng will not be stingy with anything he has!
"Xue, this is for you."
Inside the laboratory, Makoto Kujiri stared at the shattered, deformed remains of the tissue for a long time before taking out a scroll and handing it to Yuki Minazuki.
Minazuki Yuki took the scroll, somewhat curious.
"This is----"
"There are one hundred million taels in here."
"Steal, steal the young master?!"
Minazuki Yuki's clear, cold eyes suddenly widened, and the scroll in her hand seemed to become incredibly heavy, almost slipping from her grasp.
"One hundred million taels?!"
She looked at Makoto Kouju in disbelief, thinking she had misheard.
Even for a powerful clan like the Yuki clan, one hundred million ryo is an astronomical sum that would shake the entire clan. An ordinary Jonin might not be able to save that much money even after a lifetime of missions.
And Makoto Koji just casually handed it to her?
"Don't be nervous, it's not for you." Seeing her like this, Makoto Koji couldn't help but laugh. "It's research funding."
"Our laboratory is not like the medical department or the open laboratories in the village. We don't have many or complete sets of equipment. In addition to buying various experimental materials, we also need to replenish those equipment with this money."
This laboratory is Makoto Gouju's private secret experimental base, but an experimental base is one thing, and the various equipment inside cannot appear out of thin air.
Currently, all the equipment in this experimental base was obtained by Makoto Goju from various places in Kirigakure, but he can't keep taking advantage of people all the time.
wrong.
He's currently the Mizukage's assistant, and his cousin is the Fourth Mizukage, so these things originally belonged to his family. But public things are public things, and these things are experimental equipment, not bricks. You can't just move them around wherever you need them; if they get damaged, it'll be all over.
Minazuki Yuki took a deep breath, trying to calm the shock in her heart, and carefully held the scroll worth one hundred million taels in both hands.
"Captain, this is too much."
"Moreover, you're entrusting such important funds to me—"
"You're the core researcher of this lab, who else should I entrust it to if not you?" Makoto Kouju waved his hand, looking completely matter-of-fact. "Besides, I trust you to handle things."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the various rudimentary pieces of equipment in the laboratory, a hint of seriousness flashing in his eyes.
"The next phase of research will require more and more sophisticated instruments. Microscopes, cell culture incubators, chakra response detection devices, high-precision sealing technique engraving tables—these things all need to be purchased from the black market or through special channels, and they are quite expensive."
"I'm going out for a while now. In the meantime, I'll have my clone show you the basics of the black market. I'll be leaving this lab in your care."
Upon hearing this, Minazuki Yuki's grip on the scroll tightened slightly, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes.
She looked at Makoto Koji, opened her mouth as if she wanted to say something, but in the end she nodded seriously.
"I understand, Captain. I will do my best."
Gouju Cheng smiled and patted her on the shoulder: "Don't put too much pressure on yourself. Scientific research can't be rushed. If you fail, just try again. If you don't have enough money, just tell me. We may not have much else right now, but we have plenty of money."
"Although today's experimental results were not entirely successful, they at least proved that the direction is correct. In particular, the cases of Uchiha cells and White Zetsu cells are worth further investigation."
"Next, you can approach it from two directions."
Gouju Cheng pointed to his finger.
"The first step is to try and find a balance."
"Since White Zetsu cells and Six Paths bloodline cells can fuse, why does it go out of control after fusion? Is it because the fusion speed is too fast, or because of certain specific chakra attribute conflicts?"
"Or perhaps, it's because some kind of harmonizing agent is missing?"
"Secondly, we will try gradient fusion."
"Instead of completely fusing the two types of cells at once, we first allow them to partially fuse and stabilize before proceeding to the next step."
Just like building a house, if the foundation is unstable, no matter how tall the building is, it will collapse.
"Take it one step at a time, slowly."
"yes!"
A few days later, at the port of the Land of Waves.
An unassuming commercial cargo ship slowly departed from the dock, its bow cleaving through the azure sea, leaving a trail of white spray, as it sailed towards the Land of Fire.
Makoto Kujira stood at the bow of the ship, arms crossed, letting the sea breeze blow through his long purple hair, a faint smile playing on his lips.
Beside him, Hozuki Mangetsu also leaned against the ship's railing, gazing excitedly at the receding coastline of the Land of Waves.
"Brother Cheng, do you think we can really make a lot of money this time?" Manyue couldn't help but ask.
"Don't worry, follow me and you'll live the high life."
Makoto Goji lazily replied, "But this time when we go to the Land of Fire, you better behave yourself and don't cause any trouble."
Actually, he didn't want to bring Manyue along. After all, mercenary missions are more convenient with fewer people. Once he activated his Divine Might, he could fight however he wanted.
Then I can even use my intangible powers to visit the treasuries and other valuables of the noble families of the Land of Fire.
However, it wasn't so easy after the full moon.
However, it's not a big problem. After all, Makoto Karatachi now holds the Dragon Vein in his hands, and he has enough chakra to do things that would have seemed quite risky before, but are no longer a burden for him.
Besides, I'm already being assisted by the Mizukage, so why should I do everything myself?
"I know, I know." Mangetsu nodded repeatedly, but then couldn't help asking, "Cheng-ge, do you think those daimyo and nobles would really pay us Kirigakure ninja as bodyguards? Don't they have their own guards?"
"Guards?"
Makoto Goji scoffed, "The guards of those noble lords are at most samurai or ninjas of the Chunin level. They're fine for dealing with petty thieves, but if they encounter a major war or assassins of the Jonin level, those guards can't even protect themselves."
"Iwagakure and Konoha are still fighting, and Sunagakure is not peaceful either. The territories and trade routes of those daimyo could be affected by the war at any time. They don't lack money, but they lack the power to make them feel at ease."
"And our Kirigakure has just defeated Konoha, and our reputation is at its peak. We are exactly the kind of high-end bodyguards they are most willing to spend money to hire."
"6
Hozuki Mangetsu's eyes lit up as he listened, as if he could already see mountains of gold and silver treasures.
"Brother Cheng, you're amazing! How could you think of that!"
"That's right."
The cargo ship sailed on the sea for two full days.
Gouju Cheng spends most of his time in the cabin, either sleeping or resting with his eyes closed. He occasionally comes out to get some fresh air and enjoy the sea view, looking like he's on a leisurely vacation.
Hozuki Mangetsu was full of energy, running to the bow of the ship to watch the seabirds, then sneaking to the stern to fish. He even became familiar with the sailors on board, listening to them tell all sorts of strange and wonderful stories about the sea.
On the morning of the third day, the cargo ship slowly sailed into a small port in the eastern part of the Land of Fire.
"Brother Cheng, we're here!"
Full Moon excitedly ran into the cabin and shook Gouju Cheng awake, who was dozing off.
"Hmm—we're here?" Makoto rubbed his eyes, lazily got up, and stretched his limbs. "Okay, let's get ready to disembark."
The two changed into ordinary traveler's clothes, carried simple bags, and mingled with the crowd as they disembarked.
The port town is small, but its proximity to the sea makes its commerce quite prosperous. Shops line both sides of the street, selling everything from fish and cloth to daily necessities.
"Let's find a place to eat first, and then ask around for directions to the capital of the Land of Fire."
Gouju Cheng yawned and led Manyue into a restaurant that looked fairly clean.
They ordered several local specialties and ate while listening to the conversations of the other diners around them.
"Have you heard? Daimyo has recently increased its taxes again!"
"That's right. They say they're going to support the front lines, but when will this war ever end?"
"After the fighting is over, it'll probably cost money too—compensation, reconstruction costs, none of that comes without money."
"Sigh, we ordinary folks are lucky to even be alive —"
As Gouju Cheng listened to these discussions, a smile appeared on his lips.
Increase taxes?
It seems the daimyo of the Land of Fire is having quite a headache lately.
As the war intensifies, various supplies and logistics require money. Even after the war ends, post-war reconstruction will require money, and comforting the families of the fallen will require even more money!
But the national treasury only has so much money. If we don't ask the lower-level officials for it, who else can we ask?
In a corner of the restaurant, Gouju Cheng slowly picked up a piece of grilled fish, put it in his mouth, and chewed it with relish.
Full Moon couldn't sit still. She shoveled rice into her mouth while listening intently to the conversations of the other diners.
"Brother Cheng, did you hear that? The daimyo of the Land of Fire has increased taxes!"
"none of your business."
"No, Makoto," Mangetsu whispered, "This means the Fire Country's daimyo is broke. Otherwise, why would they raise taxes? If they're broke, would they still hire us as bodyguards and accept our missions?"
"No money?"
Gouju Cheng put down his chopsticks and looked at Manyue with the eyes of someone looking at an idiot.
"I'm talking about a full moon. Are you genuinely unaware or just pretending?"
"Is the tax increase because the daimyo is broke?"
"Otherwise what?" Manyue blinked, looking completely innocent.
Gouju sighed, picked up a piece of fish and put it in his mouth, chewing as he spoke.
"Then let me ask you, how many people were killed or wounded in this war between Kirigakure and Konoha? How much supplies were consumed? How much compensation money was paid out?"
Full Moon thought for a moment: "Casualties—there must be at least several thousand, not to mention supplies. After fighting for more than half a year, the warehouses are empty. The compensation seems to be per person—"
"Alright, alright, you don't need to be so meticulous." Makoto Karatachi waved his hand. "I'll just ask you one question: did the daimyo of the Land of Water pay for this?"
Full Moon was taken aback, then shook her head: "Most of it was paid for by the village itself. We only asked the daimyo for more when we ran out."
That settles it.
Gouju Cheng shrugged. "The war was fought by the village, the money came from the village, the daimyo paid every penny of the taxes due, and enjoyed all the riches they were entitled to. They just sent us millions of taels, and the next thing they know, they've raised taxes!"
The full moon seemed lost in thought.
"so----"
"So the daimyo aren't poor at all; they might even be richer," Makoto Karatachi sneered. "During wartime, supplies are scarce, and food prices skyrocket. Those daimyo nobles with vast territories and large grain reserves made a fortune. Add to that the opportunity to raise taxes and plunder the people, and you tell me how much money they have?"
Full Moon was stunned.
"So you're saying those noble lords profited from the war?"
"No, no, no, to be precise, daimyo don't necessarily profit from war, but nobles definitely do!"
Gouju Cheng scoffed, "So you're telling me, do they have the money to hire bodyguards?"
Full Moon nodded vigorously.
"That's perfect!"
"That's right."
Goji Makoto picked up his chopsticks again and took a piece of tempura.
"Our trip is to help those wealthy noblemen who have money to burn, and solve their little troubles. And incidentally—"
"While you're at it, see if there's anything unexpected."
Full Moon was completely confused, but seeing Goji Makoto laughing so happily, she also started to laugh along.
After finishing their meal, the two left the restaurant and headed towards the capital of the Land of Fire.
It takes almost a day to travel from the port town to Daimyofu.
The two did not rush on their way, but instead strolled along, enjoying the pastoral scenery of the Land of Fire.
The Land of Fire truly lives up to its reputation as the most prosperous country in the ninja world. Even after the recent war, the rural areas remain peaceful and serene. Golden rice paddies ripple like waves in the breeze, distant mountains rise and fall in endless rows, and occasionally, wisps of smoke rise from villages.
"Brother Cheng, this Land of Fire is really nice," Man Yue exclaimed. "It's much warmer than our Land of Water, and the land is flat, so it must be great for growing crops."
"Otherwise, what do you think those three Shinobi World Wars were about? They were about fighting on the land of the Land of Fire."
1
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Makoto Koji casually remarked, "Besides, of these three major wars, only this one saw us reach the heart of the Land of Fire. In the other wars, did they even get involved?"
Hozuki Mangetsu was completely stunned.
Upon closer inspection, there really isn't!
Since the era of the ninja village, wars of all sizes have been fought one after another, but most of the large-scale wars have been fought on the land of small countries.
Although all these major powers participated in the war, this was truly the first time that Kirigakure had experienced war on its own soil!
As dusk fell, the two finally saw the outline of the capital city.
It was a huge city, with tall and thick walls and magnificent gate towers. Soldiers guarded the city gates, checking the flow of people in and out, and the order was well maintained.
"Wow, this city is huge!" Manyue exclaimed in amazement.
"Nonsense, this is the heart of the Land of Fire, it would be strange if it weren't big." Makoto Kujiri straightened his collar. "Let's go in and take a look."
With their abilities, they naturally entered the city smoothly.
As one of the most prosperous political centers in the ninja world, the Daimyo's residence was far larger than Makoto Karatachi had imagined.
Wide, stone-paved streets crisscrossed the area, lined with shops on both sides, ranging from merchants selling all kinds of luxury goods to taverns and inns exuding exotic charm. Merchants, nobles, samurai, and ninjas from all over the world mingled among the crowds, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere.
The streets were bustling with people, and the sounds of hawking, bargaining, and horse-drawn carriages mingled together, creating a vibrant and lively scene.
Makoto Karatachi and Mangetsu Hozuki had changed out of their Kirigakure uniforms and were dressed in ordinary traveler's clothes. They concealed their chakra and blended into the crowd, completely inconspicuous.
But Makoto Gojibana's gaze was secretly observing everything around him.
As the political core of the Land of Fire, the Daimyo's residence is obviously heavily guarded.
Although there was no military-style control like on the front lines, samurai and ninjas could be seen patrolling everywhere, and elite guards were stationed at the entrances of some important buildings. There were also many hidden sentries responsible for surveillance and vigilance.
"Tsk tsk, this setup is even more extravagant than our Water Shadow Building," Hozuki Mangetsu muttered under his breath.
"Nonsense, the Mizukage Building can only protect against a few blind assassins, but this place is designed to protect against all the ambitious people in the ninja world."
Gouju Cheng casually remarked, while simultaneously observing and quickly sketching out the structural diagram of Daming Prefecture in his mind.
Daming Prefecture is divided into three parts: the outer city, the inner city, and the core area.
The outer city was a place where ordinary people and merchants traveled, a place where all sorts of people mingled, but it was also the least protected.
The inner city was inhabited by nobles, officials, and wealthy merchants, and was relatively heavily guarded, but there were still many loopholes to exploit.
The core area is where the daimyo's palace is located. It is said that hundreds of elite samurai and hundreds of ninjas are stationed there year-round, and there are multiple layers of security barriers set up by the barrier team, making it virtually impregnable.
It is said that in the palace of the Daimyo, there are ninjas of the Immortal Clan from the Fire Temple who are stationed year-round to protect the palace. They are extremely powerful!
"Brother Cheng, where are we going now?" Manyue looked around at the bustling street scene with curiosity in her eyes.
"First, find a place to stay, then—find someone."
Makoto Kariju's gaze swept across both sides of the street, finally settling on a rather grand-looking inn called "Matsukaze-kan".
The name is elegant, and the storefront is also exquisite, with delicate lanterns hanging and two neatly dressed waiters greeting guests at the entrance. It is clearly a mid-to-high-end inn that caters specifically to merchants and samurai.
"This is it."
As soon as the two entered the inn, a waiter greeted them with a beaming smile: "Gentlemen, would you like to stay or dine?"
"I need two superior rooms for the hotel."
Gouju Cheng casually took out a small silver ingot and placed it on the counter.
The waiter's eyes lit up, and his attitude became even more attentive: "Alright! Please come in, gentlemen. We have two superior rooms; your satisfaction is guaranteed!"
Soon, the two were assigned to two adjacent guest rooms on the third floor.
The room was spacious and clean, with a view of the bustling street outside the window, and the glazed tile roof of the Daimyo Palace could be faintly seen in the distance.
"Brother Cheng, what do we do next?" Manyue followed Cheng to his room, somewhat impatient.
"wait."
"wait?"
"Yes, let's wait until dark." Makoto Koji leaned against the window, looking at the street below. "There are too many people and too much attention during the day, it's not suitable for doing serious business. Nighttime is when our real trip begins."
Full Moon nodded as if she understood, but the excitement in her eyes did not diminish at all.
As night falls, the lights are on.
The nights in Daming Prefecture were even more bustling than the days, with taverns, teahouses, and art galleries brightly lit and teeming with people.
Makoto Kuraki changed into a low-key dark kimono, wore a simple fox mask, and silently climbed out of the room through the window, his figure blending into the night.
As for the full moon?
-
He left the boy in the room, repeatedly telling him before he left to stay put and not cause trouble.
It's inconvenient to bring a child along when I need to get things done tonight.
His goal was very clear.
The underground black market of Daming Prefecture!
Behind the prosperity of any major city lies a network of shady underground transactions. As one of the most prosperous political centers in the ninja world, the Daimyo's Mansion in the Land of Fire possesses an underground black market whose scale and connections far surpass those of Akatsuki Castle in the Land of Hot Springs.
After many twists and turns, Goujucheng finally arrived at a remote neighborhood far from the main road.
The buildings here are low and dilapidated, a stark contrast to the bustling main city. The streets are sparsely populated, with only a few drunken vagrants or hurried travelers passing by occasionally. The air is filled with a strange stench of alcohol, tobacco, and mildew.
Gouju Cheng stopped in front of a general store with a sign that read "Chunhe".
Gouju Cheng pushed open the door and entered. Sure enough, the room was filled with all sorts of odds and ends, from pots and pans to needles and thread and fabrics.
Behind the counter sat a gaunt old man, engrossed in reading an account book.
"Boss."
"What would you like to order, sir?"
The old man raised his head, his cloudy eyes looking at Gouju Cheng.
Gouju Cheng did not answer, but walked to the counter and tapped it three times with his right hand, two short and one long, which was one of the common secret codes used in the black market.
The old man's eyes narrowed slightly, then he put down the account book, and his previously cloudy eyes became clear.
"So you're a distinguished guest."
He stood up, walked to the back of the shop, opened an inconspicuous little door, and gestured for them to enter.
Gouju Cheng followed the old man through the door.
"Is this your first time visiting the black market in Daimyo Prefecture?"
The old man asked as he walked.
"right."
Gouju Cheng did not hide anything.
"Then you've come to the right place." The old man chuckled. "Although there isn't a large-scale arms trade like in the ninja village's black market here, you can find all sorts of strange and unusual things as long as you have money."
"That's good."
Behind the door was a narrow staircase leading downwards. After walking for about a minute, the view suddenly opened up before us.
A spacious underground space appeared before them, piled high with various goods, and several capable workers were busy at work. A faint smell of herbs and metal filled the air.
The old man led Gouju Cheng through the shelves to a cubicle separated by a heavy curtain.
"Hold on."
The old man lifted the curtain and went inside. A moment later, a slightly overweight, well-dressed middle-aged man came out.
He was about forty years old, with a kind face and a smile that seemed to say "amicable brings wealth."
But the moment his gaze fell on Makoto Goji, he suddenly froze, his pupils shrinking.
"Young Master Cheng?!"
"Boss Jin, how have you been?"