With Nono's issue resolved, a massive weight was lifted from Taiichi's heart. He felt spiritually cleansed, and his training became incredibly efficient.
In the final days of his vacation, Taiichi's Advanced Taijutsu, Advanced Meditation, and Advanced Kenjutsu all leveled up once. More importantly, his base stats improved due to prolonged training.
> [Skill: Advanced Taijutsu Lv3 (231/4000), Advanced Meditation Lv2 (654/3000), Advanced Kenjutsu Lv3 (425/4000)]
> [Constitution +1, Strength +1, Agility +1, Spirit +1]
Name: Taiichi Matsushita
Class: Genin Lv8 (641/1400)
Talents: Hard Worker, Academic Genius, Potent
Age: 8
Constitution: 22 (1/3)
Strength: 22
Agility: 21
Spirit: 25
Chakra: 18,000 (19,500)
Although each attribute only increased by one point and skills by one level, Taiichi was certain he could easily take on two of his former selves.
The only downside was seeing his Constitution progress change from 21 (1/2) to 22 (1/3). Attribute points were going to become increasingly expensive and precious.
Taiichi seized this rare state of enlightenment, using Shadow Clones recklessly to speed up his training.
But this state only lasted a few days. He sighed, wishing it could have lasted longer to push his Fire Nature Transformation to Lv9.
"Taiichi, why the sigh?" Yohei asked curiously.
It was the second day of their mission: escorting Elder Koharu Utatane to the capital to negotiate additional military funding.
On the first day, Taiichi's training frenzy had scared everyone. He even practiced chakra control by floating a fireball next to him while walking. And during breaks, he spawned multiple Shadow Clones to train like a maniac.
If not for his main body maintaining sufficient chakra reserves, Koharu might have scolded him.
"I lost my rapid improvement state. Wouldn't you sigh?"
Yohei looked confused. Taiichi explained his "enlightenment" state. Yohei, Yamaguchi, and Saori were amazed.
Koharu, being experienced, explained it was a rare state of comprehension, usually triggered by a major epiphany or emotional release.
"Lucky brat. Not everyone gets that chance," Koharu commented, a hint of envy in her voice. She knew Hiruzen had used Taiichi's incident to clip Danzo's wings. That must have been the trigger.
"Alright, back to normal now. Focus on the escort. No more distractions like yesterday," Yamaguchi interjected smoothly, covering for Taiichi's previous lapse.
Taiichi apologized sincerely, and the atmosphere relaxed.
They arrived at the Fire Capital before sunset.
Taiichi still found this world's political structure bizarre. The Daimyo held supreme authority but little military power. The ninja village, the country's strongest military force, was a semi-independent organization.
This "One Country, One Village" system established by Hashirama Senju was illogical. The strongest military force didn't hold the highest political power. The village depended on the Daimyo for funding and mission commissions for income.
It was absurd. Yet, this "One Country, Two Rulers" system had run stably for over forty years.
The future "Twelve Guardian Ninja" formed by the Daimyo was an attempt to reclaim military power, though it ended poorly. And no Hokage had ever tried to unify political and military power.
Taiichi shook his head. Too far away for him to worry about. He needed influence first.
Entering the capital was an eye-opener.
Bathed in the golden-red glow of the setting sun, the city looked like it was ablaze—fitting for the Land of Fire.
Lanterns lit up the streets, complementing the evening glow. The hustle and bustle, the scent of food and life, hit them as they passed through the gates.
The capital's prosperity rivaled, if not surpassed, Konoha's. After all, the entire Land of Fire supported it.
"Yamaguchi and I will submit our credentials. You three can explore the city," Koharu ordered.
The three Genin looked at Yamaguchi for confirmation.
"Go ahead. Be back early. Don't cause trouble."
"Yes, sir!" x3
Watching them leave, Yamaguchi smiled apologetically at Koharu. "Sorry about them."
"No, they're good kids. Just... watch out for that Uchiha."
Yamaguchi frowned. The higher-ups' wariness of the Uchiha was concerning.
Taiichi, Yohei, and Saori walked the lively streets.
"Wow! More lively than Konoha's festivals!" Yohei exclaimed, eyeing the street food. "Look! Tempura! Want some?"
"All you think about is eating," Saori giggled. She pointed at a fabric shop. "I heard the capital has the best silk. I want to look."
"Whatever. We have time," Taiichi said lazily, hands behind his head.
He noticed some samurai with katana. His eyes narrowed; he sensed chakra from them. They looked like Daimyo guards.
The Daimyo is building his own force. I wonder if the Twelve Guardians exist yet.
Yohei and Saori went their separate ways. Taiichi waited, keeping an eye on the samurai.
"Taiichi! For you!" Yohei returned with a handful of tempura. "The capital is amazing. I wonder when Konoha will be like this."
"It will happen one day," Taiichi replied, surprised by Yohei's ambition.
Saori returned empty-handed. They wandered some more until they heard music.
"Geisha performance!" Yohei mumbled through a mouthful of food. "Let's go see!"
Saori rolled her eyes. "It's late. Captain will worry."
Taiichi agreed. "Let's go back. There will be other chances."
Back at the inn, Koharu and Yamaguchi were waiting.
"How was the night view?" Koharu asked.
Yohei enthusiastically recounted their tour, dragging Taiichi and Saori into his story.
Koharu nodded. A dumb Uchiha is a good Uchiha.
Yamaguchi sighed internally. Silly boy, you're being sold and still counting the money.
"We meet the Daimyo tomorrow morning. You three come with me," Koharu ordered. "Be prepared. It might not be peaceful. If trouble arises, don't hesitate to strike back."
The three looked at Yamaguchi, confused.
"Hard to say," Yamaguchi said. "Someone might provoke you. Teach them a lesson if needed, just don't kill anyone."
"Get some rest."
The next morning, they arrived at the Daimyo's palace. They were told the Daimyo was still eating and to wait.
They waited for an hour. It was clearly a power play. Koharu's advice about striking back made sense now.
Taiichi watched Koharu, who was resting her eyes calmly. He reassessed the advisor. Everyone had their use.
Another hour passed before they were led to the audience hall.
Only Koharu sat; the rest stood behind her.
Koharu was arguing with the Finance Minister over the extra funding. Koharu demanded 1 billion ryo; the Minister offered 200 million. They argued fiercely, stalemated between 600 and 400 million.
Taiichi knew Konoha's bottom line was 400 million, but more was better.
Koharu's diplomatic skills impressed him. She was much better suited for this than being an advisor in Konoha.
Finally, the plump Daimyo, hiding his face behind a fan, spoke up.
"Elder Koharu, since you can't agree... I have a suggestion. A very skilled samurai recently joined my service. Help me test his mettle."
"Of course, Jonin Yamaguchi cannot participate. It would look like bullying."
"What if we win?" Koharu asked.
"Then the funding is 600 million ryo. If you lose, 400 million," the Daimyo said without hesitation.
"Deal!"
A samurai with a scar across his eyebrow was brought in. Taiichi recognized him from yesterday.
"This is Nagano Masaru. Don't underestimate him because he's a samurai," the Daimyo said smugly.
It was a trap. The Daimyo knew the team composition: one Jonin and three fresh Genin. He assumed the Uchiha was the strongest.
"Lord Daimyo, are these the brats? I can crush them with one hand!" Nagano declared arrogantly.
"Don't be rude!" The Daimyo scolded lightly, clearly approving the attitude.
Koharu looked back at the team. "Well?"
Everyone looked at Taiichi. The strongest couldn't fight, so the second strongest had to ensure victory.
"I'll go." Taiichi stepped forward.
As he passed Koharu, she whispered viciously, "As long as he doesn't die, hit him as hard as you can."
Taiichi nodded slightly.
In the courtyard, Nagano looked at the smallest kid facing him and felt insulted.
He pointed at Yohei. "Why not send the Uchiha brat? Sending a bean sprout to die? Are Uchiha cowards?"
Yohei was furious. He rolled up his sleeves to fight, but Yamaguchi held him back. "Let Taiichi handle it. Look at his face."
Indeed, Taiichi was pissed. Bean sprout? Your whole family is a bean sprout! I'm just young!
"Nagano-kun, it's not your place to question Konoha's choice. Just win," the Daimyo said, his voice darkening. "Do not lose."
The Daimyo was uneasy. Konoha didn't send the Uchiha but the youngest one. That meant their intel was wrong—the smallest one might be the strongest.