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"Just tell me what you need printed using the Paper Release, and give me the sample—no need to explain why."
Gojo Kaigetsu's body jolted, nearly bowing in deference to Konan's grace.
No payment? A freebie? And expecting no complaints?! How could he possibly accept such a thing?
This time, it was Gojo Kaigetsu who felt a bit embarrassed. It was as if Konan was laying out her entire Ninja Way—letting him add whatever he wanted, tack on whatever tasks he pleased.
Previously, their relationship could still be seen as a purely monetary exchange. Now… finally, Konan, whose Ninja Way had been broken down by smooth-talking, was starting to develop genuine feelings.
It was like the female lead in a harem anime—initially resistant to the protagonist's advances, but eventually succumbing and uttering phrases like "That feels good," "More," "Don't mention him," or "I prefer you."
Gojo Kaigetsu said with a feigned air of sincerity: "This… isn't quite right, you know? I respect everyone's Ninja Way, and I value long-term benefits even more. While I don't know what position you hold in Akatsuki, or what kind of business you run, if you're taking the time to cooperate commercially with Konoha, you deserve adequate compensation, don't you?"
"Otherwise, if Nagato finds out you're using the Paper Release to 'fund the enemy' while in Konoha, what kind of situation would you find yourself in, Konan?"
Faced with this direct attack on her ninja principles, Konan glared at him with annoyance.
Though she rolled her eyes, that glance possessed an indescribable allure. Gojo Kaigetsu might be able to fool himself, but he couldn't fool his younger brother.
"If you don't tell anyone… who will know? How would Nagato ever find out about me… about my dealings with Konoha." Realizing her words were becoming a bit too suggestive, Konan quickly corrected herself: "But! If I discover that my money is being used for military purposes… I will destroy Konoha, I swear!"
"I guarantee it!" Gojo Kaigetsu immediately promised: "The printing fees owed to Konan will be used entirely for Konoha's welfare programs, contributing to peace! And in the future—when conditions allow—I will name this fund the 'Konan Charitable Foundation'!"
"What…?" After a long silence, Konan sighed: "I… am still a member of Akatsuki. Everything I do for Konoha's welfare will be considered my atonement. If Nagato summons me—"
"But…" Gojo Kaigetsu said with a worried expression: "What if the news leaks out despite our best efforts? Konan, what will your position be then?"
"I'll go back. I'll try to convince Nagato, but… if he can't be swayed, our next meeting won't be as business partners, but as enemies!"
"If you can't accept that… I'll leave Konoha right now. Or, use your 'attraction' to imprison me, or kill me!"
"No, no, no, I would never do that. If I wanted to kill you, I would have done so in the Ryūmyaku dimension. Konan, I don't know what's given you such a bad impression of me. But truly, I'm a very kind person, and I believe we should deepen our understanding of each other's good qualities."
This was the greatest concession Konan could make at this stage.
From steadfastly standing on Nagato's side, declaring she would destroy Konoha; to having her Ninja Way broken down in the Ryūmyaku dimension; to traveling a thousand miles to deliver the Paper Release to Gojo Kaigetsu, and seeking a commercial partnership; and now, setting aside the partnership, offering Gojo Kaigetsu a freebie for Konoha's welfare. Actively trying to persuade Nagato, attempting to prevent the impending war that would engulf the ninja world…
The next step would be to be embraced by him, her cool face pressed against Gojo Kaigetsu's chest, soaked in the surging masculine chakra. And then, to resolutely declare to Nagato: "I can no longer live without Gojo Kaigetsu!"—wouldn't that be a classic line?
Gojo Kaigetsu said with a serious expression: "If you go back... With what you've done, Konan, Nagato might already consider you a traitor. He might kill you!"
"....." Konan was silent for a moment.
"Alright, Konan, I respect your decision." Gojo Kaigetsu spread his hands in a gesture of politeness: "Printing is a long-term, arduous task. Perhaps Konan—"
"Do you want to stay at my place? It's quite spacious, you know."
"Or, I can find you a nice single ninja apartment."
"No need. I have friends in Konohagakure where I can stay temporarily!"
Friends!
Indeed, in Konan's heart, she already considered Uzumaki Reina as a friend, a sister. Little did she know that, as soon as she left the Uzumaki estate, Uzumaki Reina immediately reported her to Gojo Kaigetsu for 500,000 ryo.
Gojo Kaigetsu didn't expose this, simply nodding naturally: "Then… let's skip the pleasantries and have Konan show me her skills."
"Mm~"
Konan quickly formed hand seals, pressing her palms against the sample lottery tickets.
Then, her arms rose like marionettes, palms facing down, piupiupiu—like a magician shuffling cards—standard paper tickets emerged from her palms, neatly stacked on the desk.
"Magnificent!"
Gojo Kaigetsu smiled and applauded, exiting the office, leaving the stage to Konan.
Behind the scenes, a more invisible war of shinobi required his orchestration.
The public announcement was a joint declaration from the Five Great Villages to inform their citizens. The covert propaganda was through 'Iki' and 'The Forest Reader' to build hype for the [Fire Games], and to once again reinforce the "Konoha Villager" sense of racial superiority.
And… the ninja war that might erupt at any moment. Gojo Kaigetsu's gaze deepened as he returned to his office in the Hokage Tower.
The [Fire Games] were a tool to delay the outbreak of the ninja war and divert attention. During the period when the Fire Games were held, with the authority of the Daimyos, the four ninja villages dared not openly violate the Daimyo's will and start a war with Konoha.
And when the war truly broke out, Konoha would need to launch another brutal economic raid on the Four Great Villages, leaving them unable to even afford to prepare for war.
Gojo Kaigetsu's office was located within the Hokage Tower.
He immediately summoned Gin, handing him all the notifications for the [Fire Games]: "Send this out to the entire Land of Fire at noon tomorrow. This is a joint declaration from the Five Great Villages."
"Sir, this is…"
Gin scanned the notifications, and a surge of excitement coursed through him. Summoning the elite of the ninja world to Konoha for a visit, summoning ninjas from all over to Konoha's affiliated villages for the [Fire Games]—what grandeur, what power!
He, Gin, was incredibly fortunate to be a witness to this historical moment!
Gin felt his hands trembling, and he roared with determination: "Yes! I will ensure that this announcement reaches every corner of the ninja world!"
After Gin left, the office fell silent once more.
Gojo Kaigetsu grabbed paper and pen, pondered for a moment, and began writing a new masterpiece, starting with the lead article for 'The Forest Reader'
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