CHAPTER - 173 No one can leave from here!
"Leader Akihiko, the Iwa-nins have arrived. Mubuki-san has also gone ahead to welcome them," Nono informed Akihiko.
"Good!" Akihiko nodded upon hearing the secretary's update.
Following the news of Konoha's Fourth Hokage assuming office and the substantial profit earned by Homura Mitokado, Iwagakure dispatched representatives expressing their interest in cooperation.
It seemed they were genuinely concerned about the possibility of the Grass Village aligning itself with Konoha. The strategic significance of the Grass Village's location, situated between the Fire and Earth nations, was paramount. Furthermore, the Grass Village's current strength was formidable, and it enjoyed internal stability.
A nation possessing significant power and tranquility, once aligned with a powerful country, could wield substantial influence on neighboring nations. Moreover, considering the last war they fought against the Grass Village, Iwagakure likely harbored genuine concerns, prompting their representatives to arrive at this time.
Akihiko had no intention of aligning the Grass Village with any nation, especially not with Konoha. Despite Konoha's outward commitment to peace, their clandestine reputation as 'companion killers' was a deterrent. Drawing too close to them could lead to unnecessary vulnerabilities. While collaborative economic ventures were acceptable, Akihiko preferred to avoid any entanglements involving betrayal.
However, Konoha's reputation proved to be a potent tool. The news of Homura Mitokado's substantial profit had only been released recently, yet representatives from the neighboring Iwagakure had swiftly arrived.
Though, This swift response likely stemmed from the unfavorable situation within Iwagakure. Ongoing conflicts between stubborn elders and the younger generation with divergent perspectives created internal strife. Furthermore, unlike Konoha, the younger generation in Iwagakure didn't benefit from a continuous influx of geniuses. There was perhaps a genuine concern that Konoha and the Grass Village might exploit the current vulnerability within Iwagakure.
"No worries." Akihiko, as if recalling something, looked at Nono and inquired, "By the way, are all the things I asked for arranged?"
In response, Nono raised an eyebrow, recollecting the preparations. She regarded Akihiko with a peculiar expression. "Everything has been arranged, completely in accordance with the leader's wishes."
After a brief hesitation, she added, "But Kakuzu-san came earlier to inquire if this... really works? He believes it's a waste of money."
"Don't worry." Akihiko, recalling the arrangements, nodded in satisfaction. "Whether it works or not, we'll only know if we try. But remember—don't let any customer who comes to the Grass Village slip away. Also..."
Lifting his fist, he spoke with a righteous tone. "Don't forget, our goal is to make everyone rich together!"
{Follow beggars to beg for food, follow Grass Ninjas to earn a hundred million}
{Follow Grass Ninjas, let your parents regain their liveliness! Let your children find their dreams! Let women bloom with tenderness! Let your blood boil once more}
{You won't know unless you try. How can we progress together if neither of us tries?}
{Join us! We are now a family! From now on, none of you will worry about food and clothing! Each of you will be rich!}
{What are you waiting for? We're here waiting for you!"}
In addition to the colossal billboard, rows of banners and slogans adorned the area. However, it wasn't just the banners that left Kitsuchi and the accompanying Iwa-nin bewildered.
Despite their keen vigilance as high-level shinobi, they couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. Yet, pinpointing exactly what was wrong proved to be a challenging task.
"Big Brother Mubuki, what is all this?" Kitsuchi hesitated, looking around at all the banners and slogans.
"Oh, look at you, brimming with excitement. Don't worry, every person who arrives here feels just like you. This is where dreams come true" Mubuki said, throwing his arm around Kitsuchi's shoulder enthusiastically. "Come on, let's explore inside."
"How about we return another day?" The peculiar sight prompted the Iwa-nin to consider a retreat for discussion.
However, Mubuki dismissed the suggestion, saying, "What, another day? Remember what our leader said—opportunities wait for no one. If you miss it, you will regret it. Therefore, seize the present." He pulled Kitsuchi toward the entrance, insisting, "Let's explore inside!"
Helpless, Kitsuchi found himself being dragged inside. As they entered, a figure suddenly materialized in front of them, causing all the Iwa-nin to tense up. Hands formed seals or reached into ninja pouches, their eyes glowing with intensity as they focused on the figure.
It was Kakuzu, the Financial Minister of the Grass Village—the formidable opponent who defeated the Iwa-nin forces in the previous war.
The atmosphere instantly became tense. No one dared to make a move, and they stared at each other with a focused intensity.
In the midst of this, Mubuki quickly exclaimed, "What are you guys doing?" He grinned at Kitsuchi and reassured, "Don't be nervous, Brother Kitsuchi. This guy is just our Financial Minister." Then, he scolded Kakuzu, saying, "What are you doing? They are our esteemed guests from Iwagakure!"
Ignoring Mubuki's words, Kakuzu continued to look at them without any reaction or expression, silently reaching for shuriken.
"Why the poker face? Quickly, smile at our guests. Do you plan to scare them off with that expression? Hey, hey! What's with the shurikens?" Mubuki's mouth twitched as he took out a kunai. He quickly added, "You can intimidate anyone else, that's fine. But scaring away the guests? You know, this time, it's a deal worth over a hundred million..."
At Mubuki's mention of over a hundred million, Kakuzu turned back suddenly, putting away the shuriken in his hand.
Seeing Kakuzu's reaction, Mubuki's face became even more smug, inwardly nodding in satisfaction. 'Who asked you to keep coming to collect debts from me? Now you should be obedient.'
With his head held high, Mubuki looked a bit arrogant as he gazed at Kakuzu. "Look at you. What's with that expression? What if you scare off the esteemed guests?" He patted Kakuzu's shoulder and said with profound meaning, "I have to criticize you here. We are doing business. Remember what the leader said? Harmony brings wealth. Why the poker face? How can we make money like this? Give a smile to the guests. If they run away from this deal, can you bear the responsibility?"
Then he sighed, adding, "Kakuzu, do you really want to see this deal of over a hundred million slip away?"
Kakuzu raised an eyebrow, maintaining his expressionless demeanor as he turned to face the vigilant Iwa-nin. Without hesitation, an odd, somewhat grotesque smile appeared on his face, resembling that of a corpse. "Welcome!"
This unexpected change left the Iwa-nin thoroughly confused. They couldn't help but wonder, 'What's going on? Is this guy really the fearsome ninja who defeated our Iwa-nin on the battlefield? Why is he acting so strangely now?'
At this moment, Mubuki once again leaped into action, patting Kakuzu's shoulder, nodding in satisfaction, and stating, "Very good. They are here to discuss business. Let me take them around, persuade them… and share success stories and the secrets of getting rich."
Just as he was about to turn around and continue leading the Iwa-nin on their tour, a deep voice reached his ears. "If there isn't a 100 million by then, I'll come to your house personally to take that from you, and also to kill you!"
As those words landed, Mubuki's face stiffened as he watched Kakuzu walking away.
And as Kakuzu departed, the Iwa-nin were left perplexed, exchanging uncertain glances. After a moment of hesitation, they turned their attention back to Mubuki, seeking clarification. "Is that really Kakuzu, the Financial Minister of the Grass Village?"
"Absolutely, but pay him no mind. He's a bit frugal," Mubuki replied to the Iwa-nin's inquiry, suddenly energized again. "Let's keep exploring!"
Yet, the Iwa-nin couldn't shake off a sense of doubt. It seemed that the Grass Village's high-level advisor had somehow become even more enthusiastic.
"Could we pause here for today? We need some time to discuss," Kitsuchi requested, surprised by Mubuki's overwhelming enthusiasm.
"What? No way! If we don't seal the deal today, none of you are leaving here!" Mubuki's words carried a hint of tension.
Kitsuchi stared back at Mubuki, bewildered by his statement.
"Oh, don't worry about that. Come on, let's continue the tour!" Ignoring Kitsuchi's astonishment, Mubuki once again dragged the group forward.
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CHAPTER - 173.5 Mubuki's Marketing Style.
Mubuki, full of enthusiasm, introduced the Grass Can Milk with rapid-fire excitement. "Grass Can Milk, cultivated in our temperate warm and humid monsoon climate, sourced from a recognized premium milk source in the ninja world, is brimming with essential nutrients for a ninja's body. It's the quintessential formula that fortifies children—trustworthy, nourishing, and daily, it enhances your child's strength. Because not all milk is called Grass Milk!"
"Could you slow down a bit? And where exactly is this recognized premium milk source? The Land of Lightning?" Kitsuchi interjected, curious about the origins.
"Absolutely, it's right here in the Land of Grass!" Mubuki affirmed confidently.
The Iwa-nin exchanged puzzled glances at the swift delivery of information.
"Don't underestimate this milk. It's a meticulously researched premium formula devised by eight nutrition masters, tailored to fit ninja traits. It's the foremost milk for every ninja child," Mubuki continued fervently.
He felt he wasn't convincing enough, rushing his words, and being too direct when queried about the milk source. "Do you know about the Uzumaki Clan? The most long-lived ninja clan, surpassing even the renowned Senju Clan from Konoha. They've imbibed this milk since childhood, contributing to their longevity," Mubuki attempted to reaffirm his point.
Looking at the stoic Stone Ninjas, Mubuki gestured to the red-haired youth in the advertisement. "Recognize him? A prodigy from the Village of Grass, reaching Jonin level at a young age. He's our village's pride and drinks this milk. And our esteemed leader—why is he so powerful? He's been sipping on this milk every day since childhood. Even as an adult, he hasn't given up on it."
The Rock Ninjas stood stunned, eyeing the Grass-branded Can Milk. But did they just hear something extraordinary? And why was this Grass Ninja advisor speaking so rapidly fast? Couldn't he slow down a bit?
"May I ask, how much is this can?" Kitsuchi inquired, bewildered by Mubuki's enthusiasm.
"Not a thousand, not even a hundred, just 99 ryo!" Mubuki exclaimed, wearing an expression that suggested it was a fantastic deal.
"Gosh, this milk is incredibly pricey," murmured an Iwa-nin in shock, feeling incredulous despite the Grass Village's reputation for deception.
"Fret not, that's our standard price. But, if you invest ten million Ryo, you become a Genin-level distributor with a 20% discount. Invest 30 million Ryo, and you're a Chunin distributor, enjoying a 50% discount. And if you decide to become a Jonin distributor now, the discounts will soar!" Mubuki pointed to the pricing below. "A ninety-nine percent discount, you will be effectively buying for just one percent of the sale price. Moreover, with our Jonin distributorship, the rates drop even further. Essentially, with a one Ryo purchase price, each can of Milk sold will earn you a whopping profit of ninety-eight Ryo!"
The Rock Ninjas fell into stunned silence, scrutinizing the Grass-branded Can Milk. However, They felt Something off, especially considering the price of 99 ryo displayed below the advertisement.
"Not satisfied? Unfortunately, this is our standard selling price. But don't fret; even though Homura-san, the Konoha representative, adores this product, we have a range that might better suit your preferences," Mubuki quickly interjected as the Stone Ninjas seemed poised to engage further. "Let's shift gears and explore our next offering. Have you noticed the rising temperatures, the unbearable nights? Feast your eyes on this!"
He gestured toward the Grass-branded air conditioner. "Grass-Brand Air Conditioner, equipped with advanced temperature control technology for ninjas. It offers multiple temperature options, and aligns with human body surface temperatures, ensuring an extraordinary coolness. Just one night's use... consumes a minimal amount of chakra, even manageable by Genin. Tempted? Don't just be tempted—seize the chance to bring this coolness home!"
"W... Wait a minute!" Kitsuchi intervened, signaling for Mubuki to slow down.
"Now it's wait, later it will be wait, today it's waiting, tomorrow it will be wait—how long will you wait? Hesitation leads to defeat. Listen, if you're keen, make your move. Look at Homura-san from Konoha, with no hesitation, he went all in and seized the opportunity. What are you waiting for?" Mubuki persisted, introducing another product swiftly after their interruption.
After years of development, the Land of Grass boasted numerous domestic industries—clothing, food, shelter, transportation, and an array of goods now available.
" 'Special Grass Beef' Each cow receives meticulous care from birth..." Mubuki's voice continued.
The Rock Ninjas transitioned from initial confusion to gradual silence, and now... they felt a subtle unease.
Mubuki, deeply influenced by Akihiko's teachings and skilled in the art of deception as an old Grass Ninja, dropped phrases like "Complaints are excuses for failure" or "To succeed, surround yourself with successful people,"
"Opportunities never knock on unprepared doors. Hesitation today will breed regret tomorrow!" Mubuki declared dramatically. "follow the Grass Ninja Village to realize your dreams of becoming the wealthiest in the ninja world!"
He inundated them with endless (fake) success stories and motivational phrases, leaving them dumbfounded.
With countless tales of success (fake) plastered on the walls and stories of childhood poverty morphing into eventual prosperity, Mubuki aimed to evoke an 'I can do it too' sensation.
As product after product paraded before their eyes and fictitious success stories continued to permeate their thoughts, the bewildered group stared in disbelief... Mubuki nodded, sensing it was time to intensify the persuasion.