bioinnovel Chapter 82 The old fox, if hard tactics don't work, he'll try soft ones.
Chapter 82 The old fox, if hard tactics don't work, he'll try soft ones.
The mist in the Valley of the End rises under the setting sun, and the air is filled with a scorching atmosphere.
The nobles sat in the stands, still shaken, their fans waving rapidly.
"This is terrifying... Is this the power of a top-tier ninja?"
The daimyo of the Land of Fire slowly stood up, his fingers gently stroking the gems on his scepter, his eyes gleaming with a complex light.
"That Uchiha... is really interesting."
The lord's voice was soft, yet it immediately made the servants behind him stand at attention.
The head bodyguard knelt on one knee, his armor making a slight clinking sound: "My lord, shall we summon him?"
Daimyo chuckled lightly: "Of course, such a powerful figure deserves a grand banquet."
The head guard bowed and agreed, but did not leave immediately.
He hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Sir, that Uchiha seems... not so easy to get along with."
The daimyo turned around, his scepter striking the ground with a crisp sound: "It is precisely because they are difficult to get along with that they are all the more valuable. Issue the order: I want all the important figures of Konoha to be present at tonight's banquet."
Inside the Konoha gambling den, the noise was so loud it almost lifted the roof off.
When Uchiha Mitsumine kicked open the door, the entire gambling den fell silent for a second before erupting into an even louder roar.
"It's Lord Mitsumine!"
"He really won!"
"Oh my god, those odds..."
Uchiha Mitsunori laughed as he walked towards the counter: "Boss! The odds are 1:3.3. I bet 2 million taels, so you should pay out 6.6 million taels now, right?"
As the gambling den owner took the betting slip, his trembling fingers almost couldn't hold the thin piece of paper properly: "Lord Sanfeng, could you possibly grant me a few more days to process this amount...?"
Mei Terumi crossed her arms and sneered, "What? The gambling dens in Konoha can't afford to lose?"
Uzumaki Megumi gently tugged at Mitsumine's sleeve and whispered, "Lord Mitsumine, isn't this a bit too high-profile..."
Uchiha Mitsumine arrogantly kissed Uzumaki Megumi, causing the girl's cheeks to blush slightly.
"What's there to be afraid of? Winnings should be taken honestly and fairly!"
The boss was instantly drenched in cold sweat, his back soaked through.
Just when the atmosphere reached its peak, the casino doors were pushed open again.
Twelve warriors in uniform entered in a line, with the head messenger holding a gilded scroll and bowing respectfully under the watchful eyes of the crowd.
"Lord Uchiha Mitsumine, the Daimyo invites you to tonight's victory banquet to recognize your outstanding performance in the competition."
The gambling den was completely silent; all eyes were focused on the unexpected official invitation.
Uchiha Mitsunori raised an eyebrow: "Oh? A banquet hosted by the Daimyo?"
The envoy maintained a polite smile: "Yes, the daimyo has specially prepared a superior seat for you."
Uchiha Mitsunori turned around and put his arm around the two girls' shoulders: "Not interested. Let's go get some barbecue!"
The envoy's smile froze on his face; he clearly hadn't expected such a direct rejection.
"Lord Mitsumine, this is a personal invitation from the daimyo..."
Uchiha Mitsumine laughed heartily and waved his hand casually: "Tell the Daimyo that I appreciate his kindness, but I'd much rather go to yakiniku Q and have a big meal!"
After saying that, he led the two girls out of the gambling den with an air of nonchalance.
......
Inside the Hokage's office, Fugaku Uchiha stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window.
Nara Shikaku adjusted his glasses: "Fourth Daimyo, the envoy has already left the gambling den. As you expected, Minister Mitsumine declined the invitation."
Fugaku Uchiha's lips curled up slightly: "As expected of someone from my Uchiha clan."
Choza Akimichi, munching on potato chips, mumbled, "That kid's got real guts. He went out for barbecue as soon as he won money, haha!"
Nara Shikaku frowned: "Hokage-sama, isn't this a bit disrespectful to the Daimyo?"
Fugaku Uchiha turned around, a cold glint flashing in his crimson eyes: "Face is something you give to each other."
He walked to his desk and tapped his fingers lightly on the surface: "Keep an eye on the Daimyo's movements. His interest in the Mikado is unlikely to end here."
Just then, there was a knock on the office door.
An ANBU ninja knelt on one knee: "Report, the Daimyo's office has just sent out a second wave of invitations, specifically requesting to see you, Lord Namikaze, Lord Hyuga, and other high-ranking officials of Konoha."
Fugaku Uchiha and Shikaku Nara exchanged a glance.
Nara Shikaku sighed softly, "They've come after all..."
Fugaku Uchiha said calmly, "Prepare formal attire; we're going to meet this 'arrogant' daimyo."
......
The banquet hall was resplendent with gold, and the crystal chandelier reflected a dazzling light.
The long table was laden with delicacies, from deep-sea caviar to snow mountain truffles, each dish showcasing the wealth of the Land of Fire.
When the messenger nervously reported the reply from the Uchiha Three Peaks, the daimyo paused slightly in the glass sake cup in his hand.
"He said... he'd rather eat barbecue?"
The messenger's forehead was beaded with cold sweat: "Yes, yes, sir..."
The nobles looked at each other, some with anger on their faces, while others couldn't help but chuckle.
The daimyo sat in the main seat, a smile on his face, his gaze sweeping over the Konoha high-ranking officials present.
"Your presence truly brings honor to my humble abode."
Hiashi Hyuga smiled and replied, "You're too kind, Daimyo. It's our honor to be invited."
Fugaku Uchiha calmly said, "The Daimyo has hosted this banquet today, surely not just to celebrate victory?"
The Daimyo put down his wine glass and said with a light laugh, "The Fourth Hokage is indeed perceptive. I was just thinking... I also admire strong individuals like the Uchiha Mitsunaga."
Fugaku Uchiha's gaze turned cold: "Mitsumine is straightforward, but not an rude person."
Da Ming smiled meaningfully and clapped his hands.
The servant immediately presented a gold-embossed scroll.
"Really? That's wonderful. Actually, there's another matter I wanted to discuss with you all today."
The scroll slowly unfurled, revealing the following words: "Special appointment of Uchiha Mitsumine as 'Advisory Elder of Konoha Village'!"
The entire room fell silent.
Fugaku Uchiha slowly rose to his feet, his voice calm: "What does the Daimyo mean by this?"
The daimyo smiled slightly: "It's just that I value talent. Such a strong person should hold a more important position in Konoha, shouldn't he?"
Fugaku Uchiha stared at the daimyo for a long time, then suddenly smiled and said, "In that case, on behalf of Konoha... I accept this kindness."
The atmosphere in the banquet hall suddenly became subtle.
The nobles whispered amongst themselves, while the people of Konoha were each lost in their own thoughts.
Inside the Q barbecue restaurant, grease drips onto the charcoal fire, making a sizzling sound.
Uchiha Mitsunori was tearing into the charred beef, his mouth glistening with oil.
"Mmm! Barbecue is definitely the best!"
Mei Terumi handed over a handkerchief with disdain: "Can't you eat a little more elegantly?"
Uzumaki Emi sipped her juice, watching the two bicker with a smile.
The shop door was pushed open, and Uchiha Shisui strode in, his expression grave: "Mitsubone, something's happened."
Uchiha Mitsunori didn't even look up, casually tossing over a skewer of grilled meat.
"What, you're here to freeload too? Or are you so famous you've got to flip the table?"
Uchiha Shisui shook his head: "He just nominated you to be the 'Konoha Village Advisor Elder' at the banquet."
Uchiha Mitsumine paused, his movements halting. "Heh, that old fox, Daimyo. If force doesn't work, he'll try the soft approach. Even if his scheme fails, he can still sow discord between me and Clan Head Fugaku!"