Uzumaki Mito once told Kushina that the Nine-Tails was like a mischievous bully; if you showed it kindness, it would only grow bolder. It needed to be subdued with firmness. The obedient and strong-willed Kushina took Mito's advice to heart and didn't hesitate to bind the Nine-Tails in an upside-down position within the seal.
Three days after the transfer, Mito's funeral was conducted quietly. Only a select few and the Anbu knew the details of the Nine-Tails transfer, and that Kushina had become the new Jinchūriki of the village. Meanwhile, the rest of Konoha, preoccupied with daily life, remained blissfully unaware.
Back at the border camp, life remained unchanged: unending rain and a perpetually overcast sky. Though tedious, Shinki found it preferable to being on patrol or duty, slogging through the downpour. It was monotonous, but working in the medical room was far better.
"Stop!" called the ninja on duty as he halted a figure in a black raincoat, face hidden by the hood, approaching the camp. The stranger paused, lifted the hood, and revealed his identity.
"Uh... Lord Orochimaru?" The on-duty ninja exhaled, relieved. "Please, come inside, sir."
"I'm here to see Hyuga Shinki for a personal matter," Orochimaru said smoothly, his expression friendly, though those who knew him well would recognize the cunning behind the smile. Orochimaru had a disarming demeanor that masked the danger lurking beneath the surface.
"Understood, sir," the ninja said, stepping aside. Orochimaru passed through the camp, unhindered.
"Shinki, long time no see," he said, stepping into the medical tent.
"Long time no see," Shinki replied, surprised to see Orochimaru.
"This is the shipment," Orochimaru said, removing his raincoat and presenting a scroll along with a list.
Shinki skimmed the list and mentally sighed. The debt he owed was climbing yet again. At this rate, Orochimaru was becoming his biggest creditor.
"Orochimaru, I'm satisfied with your deliveries. Unfortunately, I don't have the funds to pay you now. It looks like I'll owe you more."
"It doesn't matter. I trust you'll pay me back," Orochimaru said with a knowing smile. Unlike others, Shinki had a good reputation for making payments as soon as he could, even if it was only partial. If it had been Tsunade, Orochimaru would have cut his losses and ended the partnership to avoid creating more debt.
"I'll find a way to pay you back as soon as possible," Shinki promised. He was not one to shirk his obligations, but stationed at the border, he had fewer opportunities to earn additional income.
"No need to worry," Orochimaru said, shaking his head. Then, his expression turned curious. "Can I see the puppet you made?"
The question caught Shinki off guard. Orochimaru's interest was understandable. Shinki had acquired significant amounts of materials without showcasing the final product.
"If it's too forward, forget I asked," Orochimaru added, flashing a smile that belied the seriousness of his request.
You sly fox, Shinki thought, recognizing Orochimaru's tactic of playing coy to get what he wanted.
"It is a bit presumptuous, and I doubt you'll like what you see," Shinki said, playing along.
"Oh?" Orochimaru leaned forward, intrigued. "Now I'm even more curious."
"Well," Shinki said with a smirk. "If you settle my debt and add five million taels, I'll show it to you."
The puppet, for Shinki, was only a surface-level show of power. While the Tenseigan's true abilities were more extensive, revealing his mastery over specialized puppets would serve to bolster his reputation at the right time. He didn't mind turning some cards over now that he was past the developmental phase of his Tenseigan.
"Five million taels, and the debt paid off?" Orochimaru's eyebrows arched. "Hyuga Shinki, you must be joking."
"Think of it as an investment. If you can afford it, I promise you won't be disappointed," Shinki replied, eyes gleaming with confidence.
Orochimaru's interest was piqued. Though he lacked the funds, he was willing to negotiate. "If I clear your debt and send three batches of high-quality materials, will that suffice?"
"Make sure they're top-tier," Shinki agreed. Orochimaru had connections and the capability to gather rare materials, and for Shinki, this deal was worth it.
"Deal," Orochimaru said, grinning as they sealed the arrangement. He didn't mind hunting powerful creatures to get what he wanted.
"Glad we could agree," Shinki said, putting down his cup. With a gesture, a crow puppet flew into the tent and landed on Shinki's arm.
"You can look, but don't take it apart," Shinki warned, handing the puppet to Orochimaru.
Orochimaru initially suspected it was a joke, but as he examined the puppet, he quickly realized it was more than an ordinary creation. His eyes lit up with a mix of fascination and hunger as he noticed the intricate craftsmanship and the power embedded within the puppet.
Shinki watched Orochimaru's reaction with satisfaction. The puppet had achieved its purpose, sparking the interest of one of the most brilliant minds in Konoha.
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