Gin remained silent for a moment, lifting his teacup and taking a slow sip, his expression calm.
The entire Aburame clan stared at him with eager anticipation.
Currently, the Aburame clan held a significant status within Konoha, rivaling even the Ino-Shika-Cho trio. Alongside the Hyuga and Uchiha, the Aburame were one of the three strongest clans in the village.
The Uchiha, often preoccupied with their own matters, were rarely a concern. Konoha allocated special resources for them, so they posed little threat in terms of competition. The real challenge came from the Hyuga, as both clans competed for influence.
Additionally, the Sarutobi and Shimura clans had seen rapid growth in recent years, eyeing them with ambition.
After the Third Hokage, Hiruzen, ascended to power, the Aburame had not faced suppression, but with Konoha being only so large, the more the Sarutobi and Shimura took, the less there was for the others.
Due to the strength and standing of the Aburame, Hiruzen did not actively target them, though Danzo was a different story.
While Danzo didn't necessarily suppress the Aburame, he did frequently attempt to recruit their most talented members.
Other clans faced similar issues, and those weaker than the Aburame were treated even more harshly.
Thus, maintaining their status was of utmost importance.
"I understand your request," Gin said as he placed the teacup gently on the table, his fingers tapping lightly on the surface. His words were direct. "But what do I get in return?"
He had no obligation to develop jutsu for others for free.
Ninja or not, he wasn't one for charity. Even close friends and brothers should keep things clear when it came to business. His relationship with Aburame Shibi alone wasn't enough.
"We can pay you," one of the elder members of the Aburame clan spoke up.
There was no opposition to this proposal. After all, purchasing a secret jutsu was an opportunity that many others could only dream of.
Shibi had already informed his clan about Gin's clear-cut approach to jutsu pricing.
Naturally, the Aburame clan found themselves intrigued.
Gin's developed techniques were like golden tickets, especially the Haki he created during the Cloud front. Some had even used it to ascend to the rank of jonin, and while it had initially been exclusive to the Cloud front, many who returned from that battlefield had seen their abilities soar, with several being promoted to special jonin.
As of now, the Haki technique had been submitted to Konoha's jutsu archive, and those wishing to learn it needed to spend considerable merit points.
"But the price won't be cheap," Gin said, glancing around at the members of the Aburame clan before his gaze settled on Shifu.
"If you're asking for a clan-specific jutsu, you probably don't want it handed over to Konoha's archives, right?"
"That'll cost a lot more."
Several Aburame members exchanged cautious glances.
Indeed, if they acquired a secret jutsu, they wouldn't want it to end up in Konoha's jutsu library.
After all, every clan's secret techniques were kept strictly within the clan, out of the village's archives. Though their techniques required a certain constitution and training from a young age, other ninja could potentially learn them as well.
Their reputation and power hinged on these secrets.
"Name your price, Lord Gin," Shifu asked, ready for the negotiation.
Gin thought for a moment, then raised five fingers.
"Five hundred million."
"Hiss!" Several members of the Aburame clan gasped audibly.
That price far exceeded their expectations. Konoha's entire annual budget was less than five hundred million ryo.
"We don't have that kind of money," Shifu said with difficulty.
Even if they pooled their resources, the village couldn't muster up that amount, let alone the Aburame alone.
"Our highest offer is one hundred million."
One of the older members of the clan spoke up.
"Then we have no deal."
Gin shrugged, rising to his feet to leave.
"Wait, Lord Gin. Two hundred million," Shifu quickly countered.
Gin ignored the offer and continued toward the door. Just then, Mushihime, standing nearby, wrapped both arms around Gin's, pulling him back into his seat, allowing him to fully appreciate her...charms.
"Hiss!" Gin inhaled sharply.
That felt a bit unfair.
Against his will, he was drawn back to the table.
"Lord Gin, two hundred and fifty million is the best we can offer," Shifu said with a grave tone. It was clear that this was the absolute limit the Aburame could afford, and they would be tightening their belts for a while afterward.
Gin glanced at Mushihime, who still clung to his arm, her chest pressed against him.
The Aburame clan was far too devious.
Resorting to such underhanded tactics...
"Fine. Since you've made such a compelling case," Gin muttered, smirking.
With the money from the Aburame clan, Gin's total funds would amount to around five hundred and fifty million, more than enough to pursue any endeavor he wanted.
"In three days, we'll exchange the money for the jutsu."
With the deal settled, Mushihime finally released his arm, now acting as if nothing had happened, calmly kneeling by his side and pouring him tea.
Gin shivered slightly.
What had just happened?
How had he allowed himself to be swayed by an Aburame woman? As a normal man, he should at least have...no illusions about women from the Aburame clan.
But as his gaze fell on Mushihime's curvaceous figure, hidden beneath her coat, and her flawless, fair chin, he thought to himself, maybe bugs weren't so bad after all...
Gin quickly shook his head, pushing the disturbing thoughts away.
The Aburame were too cunning.
Mushihime rolled her eyes at Gin's mix of greed and disdain, though her sunglasses hid it from view.
'Men! They're all the same.'
Still, she sighed inwardly.
"As an Aburame, I'm doomed, aren't I?" she thought with a slight frown. "How will I ever find a boyfriend?"
Watching the lively conversation between her clan members and Gin, Mushihime felt increasingly out of place.
'Am I ever going to get married?'
Mushihime couldn't help but worry about her future.
After the meeting concluded, the Aburame warmly saw Gin off at the entrance, even gifting him a few special products from their clan.
As he walked away, Gin inspected the special supplements he'd been given.
"Maybe I should look into creating chakra-enhancing pills," he mused.
The Dark Walker Jutsu he'd been working on for chakra absorption was still far from completion.
But developing pills to enhance chakra capacity? That might be doable.
Many clans already had secret techniques to enhance chakra.
As Gin pondered, several figures appeared around him, surrounding him in an instant.
He barely seemed to notice, still lost in thought.
"Uchiha Gin, Lord Danzo wishes to speak with you," one of the ninjas barked.
Gin finally looked up, his eyes darkening.
"You're interrupting my train of thought," he muttered, his voice cold.
(End of Chapter)
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