The Hand of God Creates the Strongest Hidden Mist Village

Chapter 162 Encountering Tsunade at the Casino

The next morning.

Makoto changed into the fine kimono that Boss Kim had sent him.

The dark blue fabric was soft and embroidered with delicate dark patterns. A decorative dagger was attached to his waist, making him look like a young nobleman from an extraordinary family.

Hozuki Mangetsu also changed into a new outfit. Although it wasn't as gorgeous as Makoto Karatachi's, it was clean and tidy, like a proper attendant.

"Brother Cheng, which restaurant should we go to first?" Manyue asked excitedly.

"The Fujiwara family."

Gouju straightened his collar: "That old man is rich but timid, and the easiest to talk to."

The Fujiwara family mansion was located in the most prosperous area of ​​the inner city of Daimyo Prefecture. It occupied a vast area, with vermilion gates and high walls, and was extremely grand.

The stone-paved path in front of the gate was wide and clean, with neatly trimmed pine trees planted on both sides. Several guards in uniform held katana swords and watched the passersby warily.

With Hozuki Mangetsu by his side, Makoto Kariju walked unhurriedly to the main gate of the mansion.

"Halt! Who goes there?"

A samurai who appeared to be a captain of the guard stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over Makoto Karatachi. He noticed that Makoto was dressed in fine clothes and spoke in a relatively polite tone, but his eyes held a scrutinizing look.

Gouju Cheng took out a beautifully crafted visiting card from his pocket and handed it over.

"I, Makoto Karatachi, the Mizukage Assistant of Kirigakure, have come to pay my respects to Lord Fujiwara no Tadayoshi."

"Mizukage as an assistant?"

The captain of the guards was taken aback. He took the invitation and examined it carefully, a hint of surprise flashing across his face.

The Hidden Mist Village and the Hidden Leaf Village had just finished a war. Although they signed a peace treaty, how could the hatred be so easily resolved?

How dare a high-ranking figure from Kirigakure brazenly visit a nobleman from the Land of Fire?

But the identity on the visiting card was clearly stated, and the seal was genuine.

The captain of the guards dared not delay and bowed, saying, "Please wait a moment while I go in to announce your arrival."

Thank you for your trouble.

Gouju Cheng nodded slightly, his demeanor composed.

A moment later, the captain of the guard hurriedly returned, his attitude much more respectful than before.

"Lord Gouju, the patriarch requests your presence. Please follow me."

The two followed the guards through many courtyards and finally arrived at a spacious and elegant reception room.

The room was tastefully furnished, with calligraphy and paintings by famous artists hanging on the walls, and an exquisite celadon vase in the corner. A faint sandalwood scent permeated the air.

A slightly overweight, kind-faced middle-aged man was sitting in the main seat. When he saw Makoto Koji enter, he quickly got up to greet him.

"Oh dear, Lord Gouju, your presence is an honor! I am so sorry for not greeting you sooner!"

Fujiwara Tadayoshi was all smiles, almost too enthusiastic, but Makoto Karatachi could tell that those shrewd eyes were quickly scrutinizing him.

"Lord Fujiwara, you're too kind."

Gouju Cheng smiled slightly: "I apologize for my intrusion in visiting, and I hope you will not take offense."

"Not at all, not at all. It is an honor for my humble abode to have you here, Lord Karatachi!" Fujiwara Tadayoshi hurriedly invited Karatachi Makoto to sit down and then ordered the servants to serve tea. "Lord Karatachi, please have some tea. This is this year's newly tribute Gyokuro. Please try it and see if it suits your taste."

Gouju Cheng picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and nodded in praise: "Good tea."

After some pleasantries, Fujiwara no Tadayoshi finally couldn't help but ask, "May I ask what brings Lord Karatachi to visit us today?"

Gouju Cheng put down his teacup without beating around the bush.

"I have heard that Lord Fujiwara has been troubled by the matter of guards recently, so I have come here to offer my services."

Fujiwara Tadayoshi's smile froze slightly before returning to normal.

"Lord Karatachi is too kind. My Fujiwara clan may not be a great family, but we can still afford to support several dozen guards. Besides, you are a high-ranking member of Kirigakure, how could you condescend to do such a trivial matter?"

"A small matter?"

Makoto Karuta chuckled lightly: "Lord Fujiwara, there are no small matters in this world, especially those concerning one's life and fortune."

He picked up his teacup and said slowly, "Sir, you control iron mines and trade routes, and your wealth is immense. Such wealth would be a blessing in times of peace and prosperity, but in times of chaos—"

He paused, then looked at Fujiwara Tadayoshi with a meaningful gaze.

"That's a death warrant."

Fujiwara Tadayoshi's smile froze completely.

Makoto Kuraki continued, "You know perfectly well the strength of your previous guards. They were fine against petty thieves, but how long could they hold out against a Jonin-level assassin or a team of well-trained wandering ninjas?"

"this----"

Fujiwara Tadayoshi's expression changed slightly, clearly his thoughts had been exposed.

"and."

Gouju Cheng put down his teacup, his tone becoming even more meaningful: "You've probably heard, sir, that some 'special figures' have recently arrived in Daming Prefecture."

"The underground gold exchange's S-rank bounty ninjas. Those guys are ruthless characters who would rather die than be rich. The young master of the Moonlight family got into a conflict with them and is now too scared to leave the house."

"How does the adult compare to the Moonlight Family?"

Fine beads of sweat appeared on Fujiwara Tadayoshi's forehead.

Of course he knew these things, and it was precisely because he knew that he was even more anxious.

"Lord Goji-ju—what do you mean?"

"It's very simple." Makoto Goji smiled slightly, "The adults provide the money, and I'll provide the labor."

"With my status and strength, protecting the safety of adults and their families is more than enough."

Fujiwara Tadayoshi remained silent for a moment, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes.

"Lord Karatachi, it's not that I don't trust you. But you're a high-ranking member of Kirigakure, and Konoha—"

"Konoha?"

Makoto Karatachi chuckled lightly. "My lord, Konoha and I have ceased hostilities. We are now allies. I am visiting you in my capacity as the Mizukage's assistant; it is perfectly aboveboard. Who dares to object?"

"We'll see."

He leaned forward slightly and lowered his voice.

"My lord's request for me to be a guard is a private matter. No matter how far Konoha's influence extends, it cannot reach into my lord's residence."

Fujiwara Tadayoshi's eyes gradually brightened.

Yes, it's a private matter!

He hired guards, not to oppose Konoha. Even if Konoha finds out, what can they say?

"So—about the price—"

"Name your price, sir." Gouju Cheng picked up his teacup and said leisurely, "I'm a very reasonable person. If the price is right, I'll stay. If not, I'll turn around and leave without saying another word."

Fujiwara Tadayoshi hesitated for a moment, then tentatively extended a hand.

Five million taels? In one month?

Gouju Cheng glanced at him, put down his teacup, and got up to leave.

"Hey, hey, Lord Gouju! Let's talk this out! Let's talk this out!"

Fujiwara Tadayoshi quickly stood up to stop him, his face twitching slightly. "If you think it's too little, we can discuss it further!"

Gouju Cheng stopped and turned to look at him, a half-smile on his face.

"Lord Fujiwara, you are a wise man. Five million taels? Are you trying to bribe a beggar?"

"Your life, your fortune, are only worth five million taels?"

Fujiwara Tadayoshi was speechless, his face turning red.

Gouju Cheng sat back down in his chair and crossed his legs.

"Twenty million taels. One month."

"Twenty-twenty million?!" Fujiwara Tadayoshi gasped, "This...this is too much—"

"Too expensive?"

Makoto Goji scoffed, "Sir, why don't you go to the underground gold exchange and ask around about the normal price of a head? For example, the guardian ninja of the Fire Temple, even the lowest price is over ten million!"

"Does Your Excellency truly believe your life is less valuable than that of one or two ninjas from the Fire Temple?"

"Besides, I am the assistant to the Mizukage of the Hidden Mist, a legitimate official position. Twenty million is already a very fair price."

Fujiwara Tadayoshi's expression changed, clearly indicating that he was engaged in a fierce internal struggle.

After a long silence, he gritted his teeth and nodded.

"Okay! Twenty million it is!"

"However, Lord Gouju, you must guarantee the safety of my entire family; absolutely nothing can go wrong!"

"rest assured."

Gouju Cheng smiled slightly, picked up his teacup, and said, "As long as the money is right, your safety is my responsibility."

An hour later, Makoto Karatachi walked out of the Fujiwara residence with Mangetsu Hozuki.

Full Moon, her face beaming with excitement, whispered, "Brother Cheng, you're amazing! Twenty million taels! You got it just like that?"

"Got it? Not a long time from now."

-

Gouju Cheng glanced at him. "This is just a verbal agreement; we haven't received the money yet. Besides, this is only the first one."

"ah?"

"Aren't you afraid they won't give it to you?"

"You won't give it to me?"

Gouju Cheng gave a strange smile.

"These twenty million could be mercenary fees or headhunting fees."

Hozuki Mangetsu was taken aback by Makoto Karatachi's words, and then shivered.

"Brother Cheng, what do you mean by that?"

"It's nothing," Makoto Koji patted his shoulder, his smile gentle. "Just reminding you that honesty is essential in business. If we're honest, others should be honest too, right?"

Full Moon nodded as if she understood, but she felt that her captain's words were laced with malice.

"Let's go, next place."

"The next one? Going again today?"

"Of course." Makoto Koji straightened his collar. "Strike while the iron is hot. Let's visit all three places today. Let them know that I, Makoto Koji, am here, and I'm very busy. Those who want to invite me should hurry up."

The Takeshita family's mansion was even more impressive than the Fujiwara family's, occupying almost half a block. It had high walls, deep gates, and copper nails. The guards at the gate were also much better equipped than those of the Fujiwara family, all wearing armor and carrying fine steel katanas. There were also two guards dressed as orchids standing in the shadows, watching the passersby warily.

Gouju Cheng presented his visiting card, the guards announced the arrival of the attendant, and Hu was quickly invited inside.

The old lady of the Takeshita family, Takeshita Chizuru, was an elderly woman who looked to be over seventy years old but was very energetic. Her full head of silver hair was neatly combed, and she was wearing a dark purple kimono. She sat upright in the main seat, and her cloudy but sharp eyes looked Makoto Kōji up and down the moment he entered the room.

"The Mizukage of the Hidden Mist, Makoto Karatachi."

The old lady's voice was hoarse yet powerful, carrying the authority of someone who had long held a position of power.

"I've heard of you. You killed the Hokage's son, the fierce-eyed Fugaku, and even Jiraiya died at your hands, forcing Nehyou to sign a humiliating treaty. You're quite capable for your young age."

Gouju Cheng nodded slightly and smiled calmly.

"Lord Takeshita, you flatter me. On the battlefield, everyone serves their own master, so there's no question of 'methods' involved."

"hehe."

The old lady chuckled softly and gestured for Gouju Cheng to sit down.

"Speak, what brings you here to see this old woman? You didn't come all this way just to visit an old woman like me, did you?"

"Since you're so straightforward, I won't beat around the bush either."

Gouju Cheng picked up his teacup and took a small sip.

"Having heard that the Takeshita family has recently been strengthening its protective forces, I have come to offer my services."

The old lady's eyes narrowed slightly, then returned to normal.

"My Takeshita family has no shortage of guards."

"The Takeshita family has no shortage of guards, but it lacks experts who can keep order." Makoto Koji put down his teacup and looked directly at the old lady. "Old lady, you know very well that the samurai and hermits you keep are more than enough to deal with petty thieves like Fapushi, but when it comes to real experts—"

He paused, then said meaningfully, "You haven't forgotten your son's lesson, have you?"

The old lady's expression changed slightly.

Makoto Goji continued, "Moreover, the situation is different now than before. The S-rank bounty hunters from the underground gold exchange have entered the Daming Prefecture. Who knows if those ruthless characters who value money over their lives have taken on some random missions? They don't care about the Takeshita family's reputation."

"The young master of the Moonlight family is too scared to even leave the house. Grandma, what do you think of the Takeshita family compared to the Moonlight family?"

The old lady was silent for a moment, a complex expression flashing in her eyes.

She was not a foolish woman; on the contrary, the old lady's vision and shrewdness far surpassed those of ordinary people, having been able to steer a powerful family like the Namikaze family for decades.

Every word that Goju Makoto said struck a nerve with her.

Her good-for-nothing son survived the assassination attempt, but the Takeshita family's reputation was severely damaged. What worried her even more was whether other forces were involved in this incident.

As for the people working at underground gold exchange shops—

Grandma Qibao wasn't worried about the underground gold exchange, since it was guarded by a famous person and wouldn't cause trouble.

Besides, if there's anything to worry about, it's not so much the people in the underground gold exchange, but rather the Water Shadow Assistant in front of us!

Conversations between intelligent people often don't need to be too explicit.

Takeshita Chizuru remained silent for a moment, her cloudy yet sharp eyes fixed on Karatachi Makoto, as if trying to see him through a well.

"Lord Gouju, may I ask a question?"

The old woman slowly spoke: "Why would someone as dignified as the Assistant of Mist Shadow and Water Shadow condescend to be a mere bodyguard? Don't tell me you're short of money. How could someone like you possibly be short of money?"

"Oh dear, Master Takeshita is right, I really am short of money!"

Makoto Koji sighed softly, a worried look on his face. "The war is over, the village needs to be rebuilt, the clan needs to develop, and money is needed everywhere. As the Mizukage, I can't just sit idly by."

After hearing this, Chizuru Takeshita's wrinkles relaxed slightly, revealing a meaningful smile.

"Lord Gouju's words are perfectly succinct. However, I've lived to such an old age and seen quite a few people. Someone like you is definitely not the type to worry about money."

She paused, a glint of light flashing in her cloudy eyes.

"However, I won't ask too many questions. Since you're willing to come, it means you think highly of the Takeshita family. So, what's the price?"

Gouju Cheng smiled slightly and held up two fingers.

"Twenty million taels, one ren (a unit of weight) a month."

"Can."

The old lady didn't even lift her eyelids, as if the number meant nothing to her.

A mere twenty million is nothing to nobles of their caliber. If they could buy peace, or even gain the friendship of Gouju Cheng, that would be even better.

"Takeshita-sama is so refreshing."

Gouju Cheng raised his teacup, offering tea in lieu of wine, as a distant toast.

The old lady nodded slightly, acknowledging the respect shown to her.

"However, Lady Goji, I have a small request."

"Please speak."

"You must have heard of my good-for-nothing son, Takeshita Koichiro," the old lady sighed, a hint of remorse flashing in her eyes. "Ever since that assassination attempt, he's been holed up at home, too afraid to even leave the house, and he's neglected his business."

If this continues, the Takeshita family's fortunes will inevitably be destroyed in his hands sooner or later.

Gouju Cheng raised an eyebrow slightly: "Does Your Excellency mean—"

"I'd like to ask you, sir, to take him out for a walk occasionally these next few days." The old lady looked intently at Gouju Cheng. "Not to have him do anything dangerous, but just to let him know that there are still real experts in this world, and people he can rely on. Let him regain some courage."

"Of course, that's at a different price."

After hearing this, Lan couldn't help but laugh.

That old lady really knows how to do business.

"Don't worry, Lord Takeshita, I'll take care of your son's matter."

"Thank you very much."

The old lady nodded in satisfaction. Gouju Cheng didn't linger. After chatting for a while, he left Zhuxia Mansion with Manyue.

Stepping out of the Takeshita Mansion, Hozuki Mangetsu and everyone else were in a state of excitement.

"Brother Cheng! Another twenty million! Adding the twenty million from the Fujiwara family, we've made forty million in cash today! Forty million!"

'

He counted on his fingers, his eyes gleaming: "If we go back and tell Yu Yuli and the others, they'll be so envious!"

"Look at you, so easily excited." Makoto Goji Bean glanced at him. "You're getting this worked up over forty million?"

"Isn't forty million a lot?"

The full moon stared wide-eyed.

A single S-rank mission only costs around a million, but this is forty S-rank missions in one go! Even the most elite cultivators might not be able to complete more than a few S-rank missions in their entire lives.

"Alright, alright, stop making a fuss."

Gouju Cheng waved his hand: "This is just the beginning. The real big win will come after we close the Moonlight family's deal."

"Yes, yes, yes! The Moonlight House!"

The two went to Moonlight's house again, and as expected, they easily got another 20 million.

With the arrival of the three noble families, Goujucheng's business proceeded exceptionally smoothly.

Fujiwara no Tadayoshi, that cowardly old fox, Takeshita Chizuru, that shrewd old lady, and Tsukikage Hidenosuke, that timid and cowardly young master, none of them dared to refuse his self-recommendation.

It's not that they trust Goujucheng that much, but rather...

This guy's identity is too hot to handle!

With the assistance of Misty Shadow and Water Shadow, he is the legendary figure who just defeated Nieye on the battlefield, and is said to possess the ability to replicate bloodlines.

If someone like that presents a visiting card and politely says, "I'll be your bodyguard," who would dare refuse?

They've said it: they're not giving Kirigakure any face. If they're not giving Kirigakure any face, today it might be the Mizukage's assistant, tomorrow it might be the entire Kirigakure squad.

Moreover, twenty million taels a month is really not a large sum for these wealthy merchants.

With this little money, you can buy peace of mind and, incidentally, build good relationships with key figures in the future of Kirigakure. It's a sure win.

Will Shinobu Makoto really do his best to protect them?

unimportant.

The important thing is that his presence here is a golden brand.

"Brother Cheng, does this mean we've taken on the job?" Hozuki Mangetsu swore an oath to Namiki Makoto, still somewhat incredulous.

"uh-huh."

"So what do we do next? Really go and become their bodyguards?"

"Just a drop in the ocean," Makoto Goji Bean said casually. "As long as the money's there, that's all that matters. Do you really think those noble lords want me to be their bodyguard?"

"Rather than sending me to guard their residence, they'd probably be hoping I'd leave Daming Prefecture as soon as possible!"

Gouju Cheng stretched and looked at the bustling street.

"Alright, let Zicheng fly a little longer, then the big job will be done."

1

"Big job?"

"Of course, do you think it's worth me making a special trip for just a few tens of millions?"

A sly glint flashed in Makoto Koji's eyes, and his gaze involuntarily fell upon the distant Daimyo Palace.

That's where the real big stuff is!

Hozuki Mangetsu scratched his head, not quite understanding, but seeing Makoto's confident demeanor, he didn't ask any more questions.

Anyway, following Brother Cheng is always the right thing to do.

Instead of returning directly to the inn, the two strolled around the streets of Daming Prefecture.

As evening approached, the afterglow of the setting sun bathed the entire city in a warm orange-red hue. People bustled about the streets, and bursts of noise emanated from the taverns and teahouses, creating a scene of bustling peace and prosperity.

As he walked, Makoto Gojibana observed everything around him.

As the political center of the Land of Fire, the prosperity of Daimyo Prefecture far exceeded his expectations. Various shops, casinos, and art galleries lined the streets, and merchants, travelers, and enthusiasts from different countries mingled among them, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere.

And behind this bustling scene, he could clearly sense a certain restlessness permeating the air.

The shadow of war eventually lingered over the city.

"Brother Cheng, look over there!"

Hozuki Mangetsu suddenly tugged at his sleeve and pointed to a spot not far ahead.

Gouju Cheng looked in the direction the full moon was pointing, his gaze landing on the brightly lit building.

【Chunxianglou】The three-foot-high gilded characters gleamed in the afterglow of the setting sun and the newly lit lanterns. Carriages and horses came and went in an endless stream at the entrance, and the faint sounds of string and wind instruments and the coquettish laughter of women could be heard coming from inside.

He smiled knowingly and patted Manyue on the shoulder.

"Well, Man-wol, you've finally figured it out! You know to bring Makoto to a place like this now?"

Hozuki Mangetsu was taken aback, then his face turned red, and he waved his hands repeatedly.

"No, no! Brother Cheng, you've misunderstood! I wasn't talking about that Ren!"

"Oh?" Makoto Kuraki raised an eyebrow. "Then what are you referring to?"

The full moon pointed to the side of Chunxiang Tower, where there was a relatively quiet alley, and the outline of another building could be vaguely seen deep in the alley.

"I meant over there! That place!"

Gouju Cheng looked carefully in the direction he was pointing.

It was a vast, brightly lit three-story building with a huge sign hanging at the entrance.

【Jin Manlou】.

People came and went at the entrance, with nobles and wealthy merchants in fine clothes coming and going. The noise and the sound of dice being shaken could be faintly heard coming from inside.

"casino?"

Gouju Cheng raised an eyebrow slightly: "What, want to try your hand at something?"

No, no, no.

Hozuki Mangetsu shook his head, staring at a man surrounded by several people outside the casino, and said, "Look at the knife in that guy's hand, Makoto!"

Gouju Cheng followed the full moon's gaze.

In the shadows on the side of the casino, a man dressed in tattered samurai clothes was surrounded by several people who looked like casino employees.

The man was about thirty years old, with a haggard face, stubble, and bloodshot eyes. He looked like a gambler who had lost all his money and was blinded by greed. At that moment, he was tightly clutching a knife, his face filled with resentment and anger.

"Let go! This is my family's heirloom knife! I can't give it to you!"

"You won't give it to me?"

The leader of the group chuckled and pointed to the entrance of the casino.

"Mr. Yamada, don't you know how much money you owe us? Paying back debts is the rule. If you're not satisfied, go inside and talk to the boss!"

The gambler named Yamada's face turned pale and then red, and he tightened his grip on the knife.

"I—I'll pay you back tomorrow! I really can't pawn this knife!"

"tomorrow?"

The waiter sneered, "You said the same thing last month, and what happened? Today, if you don't produce something to settle your debt, then leave your two hands behind. You choose!"

Several of the henchmen around him surrounded him, clearly ready to make a move.

Goji Cheng originally had no interest in this kind of thing.

What's so interesting about a gambler who's lost everything, and a knife that might be worth a pittance?

Only someone like Full Moon, who can't resist a good sword or blade, would be interested in this kind of thing.

Ok? !

Gouju Cheng's gaze suddenly sharpened, his eyes fixed on the entrance of Jinmanlou.

Or rather, those figures who had just entered the casino.

"Does the casino really automatically refresh NPCs?!"

'