A special thank you to all my patrons.
The List of My "Wandering Reader":
-Lord_Clamiral
-Cain
-Shahzaam
-Goha21
-Splendid
-Jacob Mooe
-Varun Madhu
-heavenascendance
-sean collins
You can read 30 chapters ahead of everyone on p@treon.
P@TREON - p@treon.com/lessaservantofcosmos
(just replace the "@" with "a")
ps: Please support me on P@treon. I can really use your help!
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Of course, Lord Chōza's considerations are also reasonable. In that case..."
Kazuki smirked as he glanced at Chōza, then swept his gaze over the other members of the Ino-Shika-Chō trio.
"Since Lord Chōza is so concerned about the Shimura and Sarutobi clans, why not just hand over the Ino-Shika-Chō shares to them? That way, I won't be put in a difficult position, and Lord Chōza can also earn some goodwill."
"???"
Chōza was utterly dumbfounded.
What he meant was whether they could consider those clans—not that they should give away the Ino-Shika-Chō's share of the benefits.
Are you deliberately twisting my words, kid?
Hearing this, Chōza immediately lost his composure.
The other members of the Ino-Shika-Chō trio widened their eyes in shock!
Shikaku even shot Chōza an exasperated glare.
'If you don't know how to speak, then shut up! Look at the nonsense you're spouting—giving away our own clan's benefits to others? How could you even suggest such a thing?'
Inside the barbecue restaurant, many clan representatives stared in astonishment at Chōza, whose face had darkened with embarrassment.
"Ahem, you've misunderstood. That's not what I meant," Chōza coughed, trying to defend himself.
"I only said we should consider them, not that we should give up our share. Besides, this isn't something that can just be handed over."
Oh?
So now it's just 'consideration' because your own clan's share is at stake?
Why didn't you say that earlier?
Kazuki stared coldly at Chōza and asked expressionlessly.
"Then what do you mean, Lord Chōza? That the Ino-Shika-Chō's benefits can't be given away, so other clans should sacrifice theirs instead? The Uchiha? The Hyūga? Or some other clan?"
"Perhaps we should clarify this first."
"..."
Chōza's mouth hung open as he struggled to respond, only to realize that the other clan representatives were glaring at him with hostility.
'Damn you, Uchiha Kazuki! I've already backed down, and you're still fanning the flames!!! All I did was say a few words on behalf of the Sarutobi and the others—was that really necessary?'
Kazuki's actions made it clear. Yes, it was.
"If Lord Chōza is so generous, why not just let the Akimichi clan's share go first?"
The first to voice displeasure was Uchiha Fugaku.
In the past, he wouldn't have dared to confront a heavyweight like Chōza.
But things were different now. As long as the Uchiha didn't provoke trouble, Tsunade wouldn't target them.
On equal footing, why should he fear this fatso?
Though Fugaku was irritated, he at least kept his words measured, singling out the Akimichi clan rather than dragging the entire Ino-Shika-Chō into it.
Hyūga Hiashi glanced at Kazuki's impassive face, then at Fugaku's displeased expression, and chimed in.
"I think that's reasonable. It is inappropriate to leave certain clans out, but since Lord Chōza has raised the issue, it's best to address it properly."
"Yeah, yeah, exactly!!"
Other clan representatives immediately nodded along, eager to watch the drama unfold. After all, this didn't concern them—they were just spectators.
Even if things escalated, the fire wouldn't reach them. Kazuki, the Uchiha, and the Hyūga were the ones leading the charge.
But one thing was certain. they would never willingly surrender their own benefits to others!
Absolutely never!
Since Chōza was so sympathetic to the Shimura and Sarutobi clans, he could just sacrifice his own clan's share.
Everyone wins that way, right?
What the hell?!
At this moment, Chōza had the overwhelming urge to flip the table and curse—but he didn't dare.
Because doing so would mean offending every clan present, and even the other two Ino-Shika-Chō families would resent him.
Why did you have to bring up the Shimura and Sarutobi clans in the first place? If you've got benefits coming your way, just keep quiet and take them! Why open your big mouth? Now look what's happened—you've pushed your own clan's benefits away!
Even if the Ino-Shika-Chō leadership didn't say anything, their subordinates would surely grumble behind his back, blaming Chōza for this mess.
Make your choice. If you don't, the Akimichi clan—no, the entire Ino-Shika-Chō—will be excluded.
Kazuki gave Chōza a pointed look.
Either pick a side now, or I'll make the decision for you.
Konoha had plenty of ninja clans. The Ino-Shika-Chō weren't indispensable.
If they stepped aside, things would proceed just fine without them.
Worst case, they could bring in some of the village's prominent merchant guilds—those people would be thrilled to throw money at this opportunity.
"Kazuki, Chōza didn't mean it that way. He was just speaking offhand. The Ino-Shika-Chō highly values the village's development," Shikaku interjected, unable to stay silent any longer.
Regretting his earlier inaction, he took control of the conversation.
I should've never let this fat oaf come in the first place.
"Ahem!!"
Chōza coughed and patted his large belly.
"Ah, I haven't eaten since morning. I'm a bit hungry. You all continue—I'll go grab something to eat."
Between helping the Shimura and Sarutobi clans secure benefits versus securing them for his own clan, Chōza ultimately bowed to reality and chose the latter.
If I can't even take care of my own, why should I worry about others?
I'll focus on my clan first.
As for the Sarutobi and Shimura?
Never heard of them.
Chōza's departure was a silent admission of defeat.
But Kazuki had no intention of letting things end there. He laid things out plainly.
"In the past, certain individuals and clans have done things to the Uchiha—and to me personally—that I haven't forgotten. I'm a petty man. If someone wrongs me, I'll remember it forever. I don't care if people call me vindictive or spiteful. Because that's exactly who I am. Are the Ino-Shika-Chō sure they won't regret their decision?"
If you side with me today only to flip tomorrow, don't expect me to go easy on you.
"Of course we won't regret it," Shikaku responded firmly.
Whether in the past or now, the Ino-Shika-Chō had never been die-hard supporters of the Shimura or Sarutobi.
Their allegiance had always been to the Hokage.
Whoever held the title, they would follow. Shikaku had no intention of letting the trio be ostracized just because of the Third Hokage's faction.
Losing out on benefits was one thing, but what truly worried him was the possibility of future retaliation from Kazuki.
Barring any surprises, Kazuki would soon become Konoha's next Hokage Advisor—a position far more influential than a mere consultant.
Once he took that seat, whoever he targeted would suffer.
Even without overt action, just a few underhanded moves would be enough to make life miserable.
Nowadays, the mere mention of the Uchiha or the Police Force was enough to send the Shimura clan fleeing in terror.
Even the Sarutobi had to steer clear.
Shikaku had no desire to see the Ino-Shika-Chō dragged into that mess.
"Good. Then let's continue."
With the Ino-Shika-Chō's stance settled, Kazuki nodded in satisfaction before moving on.
"I appreciate everyone's support. During my recent trip to Kumogakure for the joint chunin exams, though the exams themselves were lackluster, I observed that Kumo's commercial environment is far more developed than ours. After discussions with the Hokage, we've decided to expand Konoha's commercial district. While we may not match Kumo in trade networks or specialty goods, we do have advantages they lack."