As Chiyo had anticipated, Konoha's offensive momentum slowed, and their defensive positions steadily retreated. The decimation of the elite unit and the near-death of three of their most formidable warriors had dealt a significant blow to Konoha. Many of Nara Shikaku's strategic plans had to be adjusted.
In such dire circumstances, Konoha had no choice but to adopt a defensive posture, avoiding large-scale engagements and waiting for reinforcements from the village.
After a deep and well-deserved rest, Shinki yawned, took the scroll tied to the crow puppet's leg, and patted the puppet's head.
"Good job. You can go now."
"Caw!" The crow puppet gave a mechanical call and took off into the rainy night, disappearing into the downpour.
Shinki lit a candle, poured himself a glass of water, and unrolled the scroll. As he read its contents, the water he had just sipped sprayed across the room.
"They've really gone too far… shameless."
He couldn't believe the audacity of the Third Hokage, who suggested he should contribute his puppets unconditionally "for the village."
Tsk.
This was beyond mere gall—it was outrageous.
Shinki had considered collaborating with the village on puppet production and even thought of sending controlled puppet parts. But he never anticipated that they would try to exploit him without offering anything in return.
"Unbelievable."
His initial idea of cooperation vanished as quickly as it had come. Shinki tossed the scroll into the brazier, watching it curl and burn to ashes.
They wanted something for free? Fine. They could keep wanting.
Shinki decided not to dwell on it and focused instead on something more enjoyable. He set about preparing a hearty meal to lift his spirits. Just as he finished making dinner, a guest arrived.
Nara Shikaku entered, immediately greeted by the warm, savory aroma. He raised his eyebrows, unable to hide his admiration. Shinki's cooking seemed even better than that of the Akimichi clan, known for their culinary expertise.
"Senior, have you eaten?"
"I… well…"
Nara Shikaku hesitated but quickly changed his answer. "No, I haven't. I could use a meal."
Shinki chuckled internally. *Please, at least try to lie convincingly.*
Eating together made for lively company, and Shinki didn't mind. They were allies, after all, and maintaining close ties was important.
As Shikaku ate, savoring the bacon and rice, he finally spoke.
"The village leaders rejected my request for materials and parts. They wanted… well…"
He hesitated, embarrassed to put it into words.
"You want me to contribute the puppets, right?" Shinki asked with a knowing smile.
Nara Shikaku nodded, his expression sheepish. He was just the messenger, after all, and he and Shinki were on the same side. But orders were orders.
"No. I'm just a medical ninja. Don't ask me for combat support."
Shinki's refusal was immediate and unyielding. The idea of contributing puppets, or even cooperating, was now off the table.
He'd given them a chance, but they squandered it.
"Ahem…" Nara Shikaku cleared his throat, caught off-guard by the blunt response.
"Can we discuss this?"
"No. Relay my exact words: I was willing to cooperate with the village on puppet production, but now I have reconsidered. No puppets, and no cooperation."
The decision was final. Shikaku couldn't help but curse inwardly—not at Shinki, but at those who had pushed things too far. A straightforward cooperation would have been ideal, but greed had ruined it.
Why demand something for free? Why not contribute your entire fortune while you're at it?
With a heavy sigh, Shikaku finished his meal and stood. "The loss of our elite unit has placed immense pressure on the village. I won't disturb your rest any longer."
"Take care, senior."
Shinki's attitude wasn't directed at Shikaku personally but at those who wanted to take advantage without offering anything in return. Shikaku understood and didn't hold it against him.
As he left, Orochimaru emerged from the shadows.
"Orochimaru, there's no need to hide. Senior Shikaku surely noticed you," Shinki remarked.
"It seems my concealment skills need work," Orochimaru said, pushing the door open and stepping inside.
He took the seat Shikaku had vacated, folding his arms. "It appears our potential collaboration has been cut short."
"I didn't want it to end this way, but some people are too greedy," Shinki replied, not bothering to look up from his food. "Just remember—I don't want to see my puppets in anyone else's hands."
"Of course."
Orochimaru understood. He had no intention of handing over Shinki's creations. He needed them for his own research and had no desire to anger Shinki over this.
*Want puppets? Talk to Shinki directly, not me.*
The budding collaboration was over before it began, undone by the greed of the village leaders.
Orochimaru left shortly after, having made his stance clear.
Back in the Hokage's office, the atmosphere was tense.
The Third Hokage sat in silence, a cigarette burning in his hand. Mitokado Homura's expression was grim, while Utatane Koharu was visibly furious.
The scroll Nara Shikaku had sent had triggered an uproar in the village.
"What does he mean by this? Doesn't he know the village needs those puppets? As a shinobi of Konoha, he should be contributing them willingly!" Koharu shouted, her voice sharp.
"He even stated outright that he wouldn't cooperate. What is Hyuga Shinki thinking?" she continued, her voice trembling with anger.
Since taking on the role of village elder, Koharu hadn't been this enraged in years. Not even Tsunade's harsh words stung as much as Shinki's refusal.
While Tsunade often criticized her openly, Koharu viewed her as an equal, a peer in the Hokage faction. Disagreements could be resolved behind closed doors.
But Shinki was different. Despite Tsunade's support, he was, in the eyes of the F4 group, a lower-ranking ninja—a branch family member once marginalized and affected by the Hyuga's own internal conflicts.
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