Chapter 81: Technology as Equity
"Hey! Put that down!" Touhuan sighed, seeing Kakashi's spineless attitude toward the gold. To be honest, what Kakashi lacked wasn't strength, but vision.
Up to this point, Kakashi still saw himself only as a ninja.
Even though he was transitioning into a political role, his mind was limited to the hierarchy of the hidden villages. In his eyes, Daimyos and wealthy merchants still held a noble, untouchable aura.
Touhuan's goal in coming here was to shatter that aura once and for all. Gato's wealth was just a bonus; the real prize was the man's infrastructure.
Kakashi turned back, puzzled. They had been told to take whatever they wanted; why was Touhuan hesitating now?
"Taking it like this wouldn't be very polite," Touhuan said, his voice smooth as silk.
Gato grew incredibly nervous. He could tell Touhuan was the one in charge, and now the man seemed more interested in something other than just the gold in the safe.
Is it revenge? Gato wondered, swallowing hard.
"My valiant lords, I don't recall ever offending you," Gato stammered. "If I have done anything wrong, please, speak frankly. I will make it right."
"Look at you, you've scared our Mr. Gato," Touhuan said slowly, a smile spreading across his face that sent chills down Gato's spine. "Kakashi, turn on the lights.
Let Mr. Gato take a good look at his new friends."
Kakashi put the gold back, found the switch, and flooded the room with light. Gato squinted, terrified. If I see their faces, they'll never let me live, he thought, quickly covering his eyes with his hands.
"Hero! No, please! I know the rules! If I see your faces, I'm a dead man!" Gato cried out.
"Open your eyes and look at us." Touhuan smiled, using a kunai to playfully tidy Gato's messy hair. Gato felt the cold steel against his scalp and froze.
"Just one look. Don't worry, Mr. Gato. We have no ill intentions."
Gato slowly opened his eyes, trembling. He saw the three crimson Tomoe of the Sharingan staring back at him.
As a businessman, he knew the underworld. The Uchiha were the most feared clan in Konoha, and while the Hatake were fewer in number, he knew that Sakumo Hatake had been a man even Daimyos respected.
"We are here on behalf of the Uchiha and Hatake clans of Konohagakure," Touhuan began. "We would like to invite you to invest, Mr. Gato. Konoha is developing rapidly. If you invest now, the returns will be... astonishing."
"Invest... in Konoha?" Gato relaxed slightly. "That... that can be arranged."
"What kind of industries?" Gato asked, trying to find his footing.
"Whatever makes the most money," Touhuan replied. "We trust your judgment. Why else would we travel all this way to cooperate with you?"
"So, you want to do business with me?" Gato confirmed.
"Of course," Touhuan nodded. "The Uchiha and Hatake clans intend to invest in your business. But we won't be investing cash."
"Then... what?"
"Technology," Touhuan said, pinning a kunai between Gato's legs. The businessman felt a cold sweat break out. "Ninja technology."
Gato understood instantly. In the ninja world, 'technology' was just a polite word for 'killing power.'
"We'll split the profits 70/30," Touhuan declared.
"You want 30%?" Gato asked, hoping for a fair deal.
"Misunderstanding, Mr. Gato." Touhuan pulled out another kunai and gently trimmed the stubble on Gato's chin. "30% is yours."
"Of the remaining 70%, the Uchiha take 40%, and the Hatake take 30%."
Gato's jaw dropped. "That's... that's against all business rules!"
"Rules?" Touhuan chuckled. "Kakashi, let our future partner experience our 'technology' firsthand. Start with the Naraku Sight Technique (Demonic Illusion: Hell Viewing Technique).
"
"Me?" Kakashi was stunned. "Touhuan, you're an Uchiha. You're from the strongest Genjutsu clan in existence, and you want me to do it?"
"Just do it. If I use my Sharingan, this guy's brain will melt," Touhuan said impatiently.
Kakashi sighed and performed the hand signs. Within seconds, Gato's eyes rolled back. He began to sweat profusely, his face twisting in absolute horror as he saw his worst nightmares come to life.
When Kakashi dispelled the jutsu, Gato collapsed, gasping for air. Touhuan considerately helped him sit up. "So, Mr. Gato, is our technology worth the price?"
"Yes! Yes! Absolutely!" Gato screamed, terrified of going back into that illusion.
"Then, it's a pleasure to cooperate?" Touhuan raised an eyebrow.
"A pleasure! A great pleasure!"
"Good. Now, lead the way. It's time for our share of this year's profits," Touhuan smiled. "From now on, you are under the protection of the Uchiha and Hatake. That's a privilege even the Daimyo doesn't get. You won't be shortchanged."
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(End of Chapter)