After all, looking at the contents of the mission scroll—
The Mizukage Secret Scroll, as the name suggests, was a confidential document used exclusively by the Mizukage, containing the secret techniques recorded by the First Mizukage, Byakuren.
Even though quite some time had passed since Byakuren's era, Hozuki Mangetsu had still heard about him. The First Mizukage was known for his mastery of Water Release, particularly the unique secret techniques of Kirigakure.
Thus, Mangetsu could reasonably infer that the Mizukage Secret Scroll might contain some long-lost Water Release techniques, potentially invaluable to a shinobi.
Throughout their journey, Mangetsu had fought numerous ninja cats, yet none of them had demonstrated any Water Release techniques—only unusual applications of Yin and Yang Release.
This suggested that the Mizukage Secret Scroll held little value to the ninja cat clan. If so, it might be possible to obtain the scroll through negotiation.
Confident in his reasoning, Mangetsu fixed his gaze on Elvis, waiting for his response.
"You're right. That item truly holds no value to our clan," Elvis said with a casual smile. "Your proposal is interesting, and I might consider it. But tell me, what price can you offer?"
Hearing Elvis' willingness to negotiate, a flicker of excitement flashed across Mangetsu's eyes, as if victory was within reach.
However, due to the high stakes involved, he remained cautious.
Mangetsu estimated the value of the Mizukage Secret Scroll and, rather than trying to lowball the price, he actually offered a deal 20% above what he believed the scroll would fetch on the black market.
He knew that money would be meaningless to the ninja cat clan, which thrived in isolation.
So instead, he proposed an exchange: a significant quantity of armor, ninjutsu scrolls, medicinal herbs, explosive tags, minerals, and other valuable resources. These materials would undoubtedly be beneficial to the ninja cat clan.
After stating his offer, Mangetsu confidently awaited Elvis' response.
However, what happened next was akin to having a bucket of cold water dumped over his head.
"Not enough."
Elvis' seemingly innocent smile did not waver as he bluntly dismissed the offer.
"Thirty percent! I'll increase the offer by 30%!" Mangetsu gritted his teeth, raising three fingers. This new offer was likely the highest he could manage, even if he secured additional resources from Kirigakure upon returning.
"Not enough. Still far from enough."
Elvis' expression remained unchanged, his fat face still wearing that same childish grin.
Mangetsu's expression darkened. Even in the black markets of the shinobi world, his offer would have been enough to purchase the legacy of any Kage-level powerhouse.
But Elvis still rejected it without hesitation.
Could the Mizukage Secret Scroll truly be worth so much?
Mangetsu was perplexed. If the scroll contained only Water Release techniques from Byakuren, it shouldn't be that valuable.
After all, throughout the ninja world, the most renowned master of Water Release wasn't the First Mizukage, but Second Hokage Senju Tobirama.
If Byakuren's Water Release was truly so powerful, it would have been more widely known.
Just as Mangetsu was struggling to make sense of the situation, Mizuki Ryosuke, who had remained silent, finally spoke.
"Elvis, let's talk."
His calm voice echoed through the grand hall, accompanied by a surge of pressure that filled the room.
At that moment, in the heart of Elvis' palace, Ryosuke's actions were a direct challenge to the ninja cat leader.
"Is he insane?"
Mangetsu turned to Ryosuke in shock.
Did he believe the negotiation was hopeless and intended to seize the scroll by force?
That was an incredibly reckless move.
The Land of Cats was vast—how could Ryosuke be certain the Mizukage Secret Scroll was even in this hall?
If he was wrong, it would be a catastrophic mistake.
"Oh?"
"Alright. Let's talk."
Unexpectedly, rather than responding with anger, Elvis' expression became even more intrigued.
His gleaming eyes locked onto Ryosuke, his interest growing by the second.
Mangetsu, who had been prepared to stop Ryosuke, suddenly froze.
What was going on?
Was Elvis… enjoying this?
"Now, I am negotiating with you on behalf of Kirigakure."
Ryosuke's voice carried weight, his expression serious.
"Let me be clear—this item in your possession, the village and I will obtain it."
"I am willing to meet any conditions you set forth."
"So, name your terms."
As he spoke, Ryosuke stood tall, facing Elvis on the throne with unwavering confidence.
Though Elvis sat above him, the sheer force of Ryosuke's presence made it seem as if they stood as equals.
"So, you think you've figured out what I have?"
For the first time, Elvis' usual playful demeanor vanished, replaced by a look of exhilaration.
A commanding aura radiated from his large frame, revealing his true presence as the leader of the ninja cat clan.
For a moment, his overwhelming presence even rivaled Ryosuke's.
"More or less," Ryosuke answered, meeting Elvis' intense gaze.
At that confirmation, Elvis' grin widened.
His excitement was now unmistakable.
Meanwhile, back in Kirigakure, the gathered Jōnin watching through the Mizukage Building's water curtain display were growing increasingly tense.
Several frowned at Ryosuke's bold statement.
To them, he had overstepped his authority.
On the surface, this entire mission was merely an evaluation of the three Mizukage candidates. Ryosuke was technically only a contender—he had no formal authority to negotiate on behalf of the village.
To outright claim that he represented Kirigakure in an official capacity…
That was arrogance.
Many Jōnin felt uneasy.
Except for one person.
Maeda Yuanshi.
Unlike the others, Maeda's eyes burned with excitement.
He had actually done it!
This was a rare sight—Maeda Yuanshi, normally a stern and emotionless veteran, was displaying open enthusiasm.
The other Jōnin exchanged uncertain glances.
None of them could understand what was going through Maeda's mind.
Back in the palace, the tension between Ryosuke and Elvis continued to mount.
The entire room seemed to crackle with invisible energy as the two faced off.
It was no longer just a negotiation.
It was a battle of willpower.
And neither side was backing down.
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