The mist in the Valley of the End steamed in the sunset, and the air was filled with a scorching scent.
The nobles sat on the spectator stands, still shaken, fanning themselves rapidly.
"This is terrifying. Is this the power of a top ninja?"
The Land of Fire Daimyo slowly stood up, his fingers gently caressing the gem on his scepter, his eyes glinting with a complex light.
"That Uchiha is interesting."
The Daimyo's voice was very soft, but it immediately made all the attendants behind him straighten their bodies.
His personal chief bodyguard knelt on one knee, his armor making a slight clanking sound. "My Lord, should he be summoned?"
The Daimyo chuckled. "Of course, such a powerful individual deserves a grand banquet."
The chief bodyguard bowed and assented, but did not leave immediately.
He hesitated for a moment, then spoke, "My Lord, that Uchiha seems not easy to deal with."
The Daimyo turned, his scepter tapping crisply on the ground. "Precisely because he is not easy to deal with, he is even more valuable. Give the order, tonight's banquet, I want to see all important figures of Konoha present."
...
Inside Konoha's gambling house, the clamor almost lifted the roof.
When Shun kicked open the door, the entire gambling house went silent for a second, then erupted into an even louder roar.
"It's Shun-sama!"
"He really won!"
"Oh my god, those odds…"
Shun laughed as he walked towards the counter. "Boss! The odds are 1 : 3.3, I bet 200 million ryo, so I should get 660 million ryo, you should pay up now, shouldn't you?"
When the gambling house boss took the betting slip, his trembling fingers could barely hold the thin piece of paper. "Shun-sama, this amount… could you give us a few more days?"
Mei crossed her arms, sneering, "What? Konoha's gambling house can't afford to lose?"
Yukari gently tugged on Shun's sleeve, whispering, "Shun, won't this be too high-profile?"
Shun arrogantly kissed Yukari, making the young girl's cheeks flush slightly.
"What's there to be afraid of? Money won should, of course, be taken openly and honestly."
Cold sweat instantly soaked the boss's clothes on his back.
Just as the atmosphere solidified to an extreme, the gambling house door was pushed open again.
Twelve samurai in uniform marched in, and the leading envoy, holding a gilded scroll, respectfully saluted under everyone's gaze.
"Shun-sama, Daimyo-sama invites you to tonight's celebration banquet to honor your outstanding performance in the competition."
The gambling house went silent, and everyone's eyes were focused on this sudden official invitation.
Shun raised an eyebrow. "Oh? The Daimyo's banquet?"
The envoy maintained a polite smile and said, "Yes, Daimyo-sama has specially prepared a top seat for you."
Shun turned and put his arms around the shoulders of the two girls. "Not interested. Let's go, we're going to eat barbecue."
The envoy's smile froze, he clearly had not expected such a direct refusal.
"Shun-sama, this is the Daimyo's personal invitation."
Shun laughed, waving his hand casually. "Tell the Daimyo I appreciate his kindness, but I'd rather go to barbecue for a big meal."
With that, he walked out of the gambling house swaggering with the two girls.
...
Inside the Hokage Office, Fugaku stood by the floor-to-ceiling window.
Shikaku pushed up his glasses and said, "Fourth Hokage, the Daimyo's envoy has already left the gambling house. As you expected, Director Shun refused the invitation."
Fugaku's lips curved slightly. "As expected of someone from my Uchiha clan."
Choza munched on potato chips, saying indistinctly, "This kid is truly genuine. He goes to eat barbecue after winning money, haha!"
Shikaku frowned. "Hokage-sama, won't this be too disrespectful to the Daimyo?"
Fugaku turned, a cold glint flashing in his crimson eyes. "Respect is given mutually."
He walked to his desk, his fingers tapping lightly on the surface. "Continue to monitor the Daimyo's movements, his interest in Shun will likely not end here."
Just then, there was a knock on the office door.
An Anbu knelt on one knee. "Report, the Daimyo just issued a second wave of invitations, specifically requesting to see you, Minato-sama, Hiashi-sama, and other high-ranking officials of Konoha."
Fugaku and Shikaku exchanged glances.
Shikaku sighed softly. "As expected."
Fugaku said calmly, "Prepare formal attire. We will go and meet this arrogant Daimyo."
...
The banquet hall was resplendent, crystal chandeliers reflecting dazzling light.
The long tables were laden with delicacies, from deep-sea caviar to snow mountain truffles, every dish showcased the Land of Fire's prosperity.
When the envoy tremblingly reported Shun's reply, the Daimyo's colored glaze wine glass paused slightly in his hand.
"He said he'd rather go eat barbecue?"
Cold sweat trickled down the envoy's forehead. "Y-yes, My Lord…"
The nobles exchanged glances, some showing anger, while others couldn't help but snicker.
The Daimyo sat at the head of the table, a slight smile on his face, his gaze sweeping over the Konoha high-ranking officials present.
"It truly honors my humble abode that you all could grace us with your presence."
Hiashi smiled in response. "The Daimyo is too kind, it is our honor to be invited."
Fugaku said calmly, "The Daimyo hosts this banquet today, surely not just for celebration?"
The Daimyo put down his wine glass, chuckling. "Fourth Hokage is indeed perceptive. I was just thinking that I also very much like a strong individual like Shun."
Fugaku's gaze turned cold. "Shun is straightforward in character, but not a disrespectful person."
The Daimyo smiled meaningfully and clapped his hands.
An attendant immediately presented a gilded scroll.
"Is that so? That's excellent. In fact, I invited you all today for another matter to discuss."
The scroll slowly unfolded, on it written: Special appointment of Shun as Konoha Advisor.
The entire hall fell silent.
Fugaku slowly stood up, his voice calm. "What is the meaning of this, Daimyo?"
The Daimyo smiled slightly. "It's merely an appreciation for talent. Such a powerful individual should hold a more important position in Konoha, shouldn't he?"
Fugaku stared at the Daimyo for a long time, then suddenly also revealed a smile. "Since that is the case, on behalf of Konoha, I accept this kind offer."
The atmosphere in the banquet hall immediately became subtle.
The nobles whispered among themselves, while the Konoha people each harbored their own thoughts.
...
Inside a barbecue place, the fat dripped onto the charcoal, making a sizzling sound.
Shun was tearing into the crispy grilled beef, his mouth glistening with oil.
"Mmm! Barbecue is still the best!"
Mei handed him a handkerchief with a look of distaste. "Can you eat a little more elegantly?"
Yukari, meanwhile, sipped her juice, smiling as she watched the two bicker.
The shop door was pushed open, and Shisui walked in quickly, his expression grave. "Shun, something has happened."
Shun didn't even look up, casually tossing him a skewer of grilled meat.
"What, are you here to freeload too? Or is the Daimyo so angry he flipped the tables?"
Shisui shook his head. "He just nominated you to be Konoha Advisor Elder at the banquet."
Shun's movements paused. "Heh heh, that old fox of a Daimyo. If the hard approach doesn't work, he tries the soft one. Even if the scheme fails, he can still sow discord between me and clan head Fugaku."