After hearing Moyu's reprimand, Hyuga Hiashi didn't immediately grasp his meaning. It wasn't until Moyu lazily raised two fingers and rubbed them together that realization struck. The patriarch's expression stiffened, a bead of sweat sliding down his temple.
"I understand," Hiashi said quickly, forcing a respectful tone. "When the time comes, I'll prepare a luxury residence for you. Every piece of furniture will be of the finest quality."
Moyu's eyes narrowed, then he nodded in satisfaction. That was more like it. A man of his level shouldn't have to repeat himself.
"Of course," Hiashi continued nervously, "our Hyuga family also possesses considerable influence and resources. Every Jōnin cultivated by our clan receives a commission for every mission they complete."
Moyu raised an eyebrow. So that's how it worked. No wonder the heads of these noble families could sit comfortably at home while the younger generation fought and bled. Their so-called 'heritage' was built on an endless cycle of hidden profits.
He sneered faintly. Such schemes had nothing to do with him. What he wanted was simple the payment owed to him.
And the amount Hiashi offered was quite satisfactory. A generous sum, a fine property altogether enough to soften Moyu's mood considerably.
Only then did Hyuga Hiashi find the courage to speak again. "But… those two brats, Naruto and Sasuke… they don't seem to have any money at all, do they?"
Moyu's gaze grew cold. "Two orphans without father or mother. Why would I charge them? Unless your little girl happens to have no father, I don't see why she'd train for free."
Hiashi's smile froze. The meaning behind the words was sharp enough to draw blood. If free training required passing through the gates of hell, he had no desire to qualify. He bowed his head quickly, voice trembling. "Of course… of course. I'll make the payment right away."
"That's better," Moyu said calmly. "If you really want it free, I could always kill you now and teach your daughter for nothing."
Hiashi's face went pale. He dared not speak another word. Instead, he applauded awkwardly, bowed again, and retreated as fast as his legs could carry him.
Watching him flee, Moyu's expression cooled into quiet irritation. "These noble types," he muttered, "always pretending to stand tall until you push them once."
Elsewhere, Uzumaki Naruto and Uchiha Sasuke were faring much better. The two were hardly short on funds one was the son of the Fourth Hokage, and the other the last heir of the Uchiha clan. Their inheritances alone could support half of Konoha for decades.
But the Third Hokage, soft-hearted as always, had kept Naruto's share under the village's care, releasing it as needed, while Sasuke managed his own under quiet supervision. For all his faults, the old man had never cheated the boy of his teacher's bloodline.
Though both children were rich beyond measure, Moyu never once thought to demand payment from them. Wealth had never been his concern. What moved him was seeing the two live without family orphans in a village that treated them as shadows.
He trained them out of something unspoken, something even he couldn't quite define. And for that reason alone, the people of Konoha whispered about him with quiet respect.
They called Moyu a strange man arrogant, unreasonable, yet undeniably good.