"Ahhh, that was so good! Akimichi doesn't really fail when it comes to their food!"
Jiraiya patted his stomach, burping occasionally while walking alongside his friends.
After a splendid lunch, Yoichi and the three decided to walk and take things slow, strolling under the warm orange sunlight streaking within the Senju District.
"You're not only a pervert, a shameless one too!" Tsunade rebuked, glaring intensely at Jiraiya.
Yoichi paid a hefty amount of 200,000 Ryō. Of course, some of them brought in contributions but Jiraiya's money purse could not handle the strain of both his wallet and his voracious stomach so he made a little amount of remuneration.
"You also ate a lot! Don't try to paint me in a bad light!" Jiraiya fought back with his scowling face.
"Alright, that's enough."
Once the two were staring angrily at each other, Yoichi became the arbitrator of this fire and water duo.
Meanwhile, Orochimaru merely looked at them with a hint of annoyance as the bystanders oddly glanced at the trivial racket his friends were causing.
"Uchiha Yoichi. Hokage-sama urgently demands your presence in his office."
The ANBU operative reached the destination and appeared in front of the group, leaving a resounding notice for Yoichi.
"I understand. I'll come right away."
Hearing this, Yoichi was doubtful for a while until he responded.
The ANBU shinobi left in an instant once he heard Yoichi's response, deeming the measly task wrapped up.
It's highly unlikely that he called me for that fight. Hiruzen will let these clans fight just to bring control over them. This summoning order might be the long-overdue reward for me.
Although this appeal's intention remained indefinite, Yoichi has a lot of theories and conjectures running through his mind.
He had a general understanding of the political structure. However, it wasn't that deep since some of the materials like political issues shown in the Naruto Universe aren't fully explained or explicitly indicated.
What he only understood was how Hiruzen wanted stability and peace amidst the grudges or doubts of these top-tier clans.
Then, the points in the graph began to form a line, instantly enabling other intellectual individuals to easily form a conclusion from the tidbits of news.
"I wonder why that old man wished for your appearance..." Tsunade remarked, crossing her arms.
"I don't know either. Anyway, it was an urgent directive. Continue to train earnestly, I'll take my leave here."
Phantom Steps!
Using his ghost-like technique, Yoichi left immediately after saying his word.
"So... What should we do now?" Jiraiya scratched his head, cheekily smiling like an idiot.
"What else, we'll part our ways and go home! I'll practice my techniques when I arrive at home."
Tsunade waved her hand, seemingly enthusiastic as she departed from the two dumbfounded children.
Jiraiya and Orochimaru likewise took off, also wanting to train energetically when they remembered Yoichi's prowess and mastery of Martial Arts.
...
...
...
*Knock!*
*Knock!*
"Hokage-sama. I'm here."
Yoichi knocked on the door and stated, nonchalantly waiting for confirmation inside.
"Come in..."
A loud voice was heard as Yoichi gently opened the door and walked into the office, looking at countless stacks of paperwork on the desk.
"I called you here for your reward. I hope you won't mind the delay due to some...obvious reasons."
Hiruzen waved off some of the papers and laughed heartily, seeing Yoichi's thoughtful expression.
"So... What do you wish for your meritorious conduct? If you want something, I can truly consider it..."
Hiruzen continued.
What Yoichi did against those foreign shinobi was indeed excellent.
Surviving against the simultaneous attack of 6 Chūnin and 2 Jōnin was a feat no one could have potentially pulled off.
Nevertheless, Hiruzen clearly wanted to measure the child's desire and mindset.
To be honest, obtaining a B-Rank technique or higher from the Scrolls of Seals with only one triumphant task like that proved to be insufficient.
Achievements, loyalty, and talent were 3 of the main criteria for acquiring such powerful techniques.
That's why Konoha Shinobi obediently followed the strict guidelines and the missions, forming a reward structure that incentivized congruence within the societal format of the village.
Like the classical system called the carrot and the stick method.
However, with a word from Hiruzen's mouth, he could easily bypass all these regular benchmarks and grant Yoichi an opportunity to get a glimpse into the Scroll of Seals in no time.
"I wish to obtain a copy of the Flying Thunder God Technique. If not, then I'll have to settle for the Eight Inner Gates Technique." Yoichi spoke his mind decisively.
Upon hearing this, Hiruzen's face darkened as his eyelids twitched in disbelief.
Among the forbidden techniques, only those two were Yoichi's fantasy with a reasonable justification for his absurd proposal.
The Flying Thunder God Technique has always been practical and useful in a lot of situations in real-time.
Who the hell doesn't want to have a method to teleport when they have a chance to obtain it?
As for the Eight Inner Gates, Yoichi felt like the technique could shine in his hands. He was a Martial Artist and this forbidden technique was utterly tailored for him.
"... Can you consider a different jutsu? This is something that I just can't give to anyone! And even if I gave it to you, it is extremely difficult and demanding to train these forbidden techniques without any supervision! I can only provide you with B-Ranked Jutsu or lower, that's my only bottom line."
Hiruzen solemnly declared, refusing this ridiculous proposition without any scope for negotiation.
Both techniques were considered powerful and incredibly advantageous for the user.
However, these methods are strictly classified as forbidden jutsu since there are a lot of detrimental risks in training these techniques.
Thanks to the First and Second Hokage's comprehensive research, the deaths as a consequence of practicing these jutsu were staggering and countless.
That's why all of the forbidden jutsu compilations were secretly hidden from the public with a very relentless security system within the Hokage's Building.
As expected... Still, I shoot my shot so that I won't be able to regret it later on. B-Rank techniques weren't helpful for me either, they will just rot in my pouch since I practiced Martial Arts.
"I understand, Hokage-sama. I'll have to thank you for the opportunity and take the monetary reward."
He doesn't know if it's narcissism or an ego thing, but B-Ranked Techniques wasn't suitable for him.
His Chakra was volatile and hard to control due to his Martial Arts, any jutsu would just be wasted in his hands.
Yoichi's face was crestfallen, leaving the office without any prior order.
At this point, he is just playing victim.
In fact, he could technically say to the Uchiha Clan that he was badly treated and let the chaos ensue in this village.
But even so, this particular acting was just a way to let Hiruzen understand Yoichi's disappointment with his life being risked for that goddamn task.
Hiruzen opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but in the end, he didn't.
What an avaricious child! Does he really think that I could give it away just like that?! If I let him do as he wishes, what about the other shinobi around?! They also worked hard.
Grumbling with discontent, Hiruzen never felt this feeling even after he ascended to this prestigious position.
He could handle paperwork, battle, and the management of the village.
Nonetheless, this brat really struck his nerves.
This is the first time that he felt helpless against a child's silly wish.
"If that's gonna be the case, then so be it. I won't lower myself for the sake of this child's nonsensical fantasies."
Now, Hiruzen gave up and slumped down in his seat. The dream of a talented Uchiha child being a part of the officials as a bridge between the two parties completely fell apart.
Racking his brains from the tension, Hiruzen puffed his pipe again.
Like the dissipating smoke, he wanted all of his problems to fade away like that.
"Heh. Does he think that I'll let this go? Prepare for something much more exciting than your boring life, Hokage-sama."
Out of the building, Yoichi's plan began to form as he slowly and deliberately walked into the Senju District.
Yes, it was a win-win scenario in the past.
But the thought of being wronged by this incompetent and passive Hokage wasn't on his bucket list.
In his mind, reward is reward.
Hiruzen said that he would graciously reward him but he didn't.
Call me unreasonable or defiant, it doesn't matter to me. As long as you treat me with respect, I'll give you the same. That is the fundamental basis of transactions and agreements.
"This is not a revenge or something big like that. Consider this a bit of annoyance for my almost being killed state."
Momentarily, Yoichi went in and came uninvited to the Senju Clan.
What he wanted was advice on this measly little plan he has in store for Hiruzen and his cheapskate manner.
________________
(Current Progress)
[Realm: Muscle Tempering Stage]
[Heavenly Demon Posture: (Perfection) 48/1000]
[Mountain Crushing Fist: (Small Success) 250/300]
[Lightning Spear Thrust: (Small Success) 247/300]
[Phantom Steps: (Great Success) 1/500]
[Secret Technique: Face Changing (Small Success) 0/300]
[Tickets: 1 Prismatic, 0 Gold, 0 Silver.]
[Attributes]
「Charm: 11」
「Soul Power: 12」
____________
Senior Brother TwinLoongs, thank you for the power stones! I appreciate it so much!
Thanks, everyone! Add the fanfic to your collections and comment if you like to do it! Anyways, see ya! XDD!