Naruto: Pay-to-Win Ninja System

"Have those Uchiha guys arrived yet?"

"Yeah, they've been settled at the guesthouse. Mabui's hosting them while Darui keeps watch."

"How strong are they?"

"Not much to speak of. Rough estimate—around a dozen Chunin and two or three Jonin."

"What about that brat Uchiha Shimoku?"

"It's hard to gauge his strength, but he must be pretty powerful. Age-wise, matches the rumors—he looks about thirteen."

"Just another kid then?"

Raikage A took a huge bite of beef as he listened to Guard Xi's report, chewing as he replied.

He still didn't take the Homura delegation seriously.

After all, if a massive village like Kumo could really be overthrown by just twenty Uchiha ninja, how could that ever be allowed?

Fourth Raikage A: "Figured out why they're here yet?"

Guard Xi: "Looks like they want to talk business with us, though details are still under wraps. They said they want to speak directly with Lord Raikage himself."

"Business cooperation? Sounds more like another scam. Do they think we're that easy to fool?"

"Fine then, I'll give 'em their shot. Beat me in battle, and we'll talk anything!"

"Xi, make preparations. After this meal, get them over to the training grounds. I'll personally greet them!"

"Understood!"

Of course, Fourth Raikage A might've been confident, but that didn't mean he was stupid.

He quickly followed up,

"What about Lord B?"

"He should still be training in Thundercloud Gorge..."

"Step up security there. The Sharingan has powerful genjutsu abilities—it can even affect tailed beasts. Keep all Uchiha personnel away from that area!"

"At once!"

Xi acknowledged the order and rushed off to prepare.

...

Kumogakure lay deep within the mountains. The entire Land of Lightning had high altitudes, abundant sunlight, and sweet, lush vegetation—perfect for animal husbandry.

That's why Kumo had the most developed livestock industry among the Five Great Nations.

Cattle, sheep, pigs—you name it, Kumo had it in abundance.

Their premium water buffalo were especially famous!

The village's ninja practically lived on beef.

Beef's packed with protein—and when you're chowing down on it daily, it builds some serious muscle. No wonder Kumo ninja are built like tanks.

So yeah, Kumo had real expertise when it came to meat processing and preparation.

They often treated guests to top-tier full-course beef banquets.

But due to the high altitude and rough mountainous terrain of the Land of Lightning, transport and logistics were a nightmare.

Despite booming livestock production, Kumo struggled to ship much of it out due to poor distribution networks.

That's why Shimoku came here looking to strike a deal.

Combine Kumo's steady supply of meat with our Sea Trade Company's new shipping routes, and profit would pour in nonstop.

That was also why Shimoku brought an entire delegation on this trip.

After all, once the collaboration was confirmed, there were far too many details to negotiate and sign in the agreement.

It would be impossible for him to handle everything alone.

That being said, their idea was good in theory.

However, as soon as Shimoku and others arrived at Kumo, they were immediately met with a cold reception.

Currently, inside the guesthouse specifically reserved for receiving guests in Kumogakure.

"Hey Young Master, it's almost noon already. Doesn't Kumo plan to serve us anything delicious?"

"Weren't they supposed to have the best whole-beef banquet and whole-lamb banquet in the Ninja World?"

Gin sat cross-legged on the ground, biting into a piece of hard dry ration, clearly dissatisfied with the situation.

Now it had already reached noon.

He originally thought that once they arrived at Kumo, they could finally enjoy the famous whole-beef banquet!

But instead, the village made no effort whatsoever to properly host them.

This treatment was just too excessive!

Regarding this, Shimoku himself wasn't particularly bothered.

After all, aside from Konoha and Kirigakure who had personally witnessed their strength,

The other major Hidden Villages' perception of them likely remained fixed at something like:

"A second-rate hidden village built by a bunch of rogue ninja from Konoha."

Even forming an alliance with Kiri was likely just riding on Kiri's reputation—not remarkable at all.

Therefore, it was quite normal for Kumogakure to treat them coldly.

However, none of that really mattered.

What truly mattered was that he had already passed through Kumogakure's barrier effortlessly.

Now it was time for him to "do whatever he pleased."

Wait a second… where exactly was the Vault of Kumo again?

It wasn't marked on his map!

Well, the cemetery was indicated though. But accurately locating Kinkaku and Ginkaku's graves within such a vast burial site wouldn't be easy either.

Shimoku rubbed his chin, lost in thought.

Just then, however, the door opened.

Mabui entered.

She came to personally invite Shimoku and his group to meet Lord Fourth Raikage.

Shimoku: "Gin, our chance has come. Do your best later—we should get to eat the lamb banquet if we win!"

Gin: "Huh? Why? Are we about to fight someone?"

Shimoku: "Don't ask so many questions. Anyway, if you lose, you can just watch us eat."

Gin: Σ(っ°Д°;)っ

...

Shimoku didn't bring too many people along; most members of the delegation remained behind in the guesthouse.

Only Riyō and three members of the Personal Guards accompanied him.

Soon enough, they arrived at Kumo's training grounds.

This training field was located on the left side of the village, built halfway up a mountainside, featuring two distinct levels.

The lower section had a vast area, more than enough to accommodate hundreds of Kumo ninja training at once.

The upper level was constructed from tightly cut granite, extremely sturdy, specially designed for battle simulations.

This clearly reflected how deeply martial culture was embedded in Kumogakure.

"You're Shimoku Uchiha?"

On the upper arena, Raikage stood with arms folded across his chest, asking in a voice full of authority, towering like a mountain.

"Lord Raikage, inviting us here doesn't seem very appropriate according to formal etiquette?"

Shimoku responded without backing down, showing no intimidation whatsoever.

Raikage A opened his eyes and looked at the young man before him, a sharp gleam flashing through his gaze.

"I heard that your [Homura Hidden Village] wants to cooperate with me?"

"Yes."

"Cooperate in what way?"

"We wish to purchase large quantities of livestock products from Kumogakure—including meat, dairy products, eggs and other food items, as well as various raw materials such as animal hides, wool, mane, bones, and casings..."

"How much exactly?"

"A massive amount! An unbelievable quantity!"

"Hmph! Talking big, aren't you? How could a tiny rogue ninja village like yours even qualify to partner with us?"

Raikage A snorted coldly and took a single stride forward.

An overwhelming pressure burst from his body, crashing down on Shimoku and the others like a tidal wave.

Thick, almost tangible killing intent mixed with vast waves of chakra.

It would've been more than enough to scare any ordinary ninja into wetting themselves and breaking down completely.

Even under such immense pressure, Riyō and Gin behind Shimoku couldn't help but change expression, their skin crawling and their whole bodies stiffening.

Unfortunately, for Shimoku himself, it felt no different than a gentle breeze brushing past—completely effortless.

"Did Raikage A not sleep well last night? Seems a bit moody today."

After all, in this world, perhaps there wasn't yet a force strong enough to intimidate someone with the [Sage Body].

At the same time, seeing this kid remain completely calm and unaffected while facing his overwhelming presence,

Fourth Raikage A allowed a flicker of admiration to cross his face. He spoke frankly and directly, "Excellent composure!"

"You've got guts, kid. But how about actual ability? Why should I believe you can fulfill this trade agreement? That you can resell the cattle and sheep successfully?"

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