IX

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Arc IX?Chapter?16

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Kichirou, the most powerful and wealthiest among the industrial faction, took the word. Convincing him, bringing him on her side was of crucial importance.

Unfortunately, the zaibatsu rarely parted willingly with their riches, even if they served a greater, noble purpose.

“Lady Asami, I think I speak for all of us, my esteemed colleagues included, your offers flatters us. You went to great lengths, and we graciously accepted your invitation.

Your kind words are like honey, pleasant to listen to and sweet, yet what are we supposed to gain?

With all due to respect, Your Ladyship, in what way will our clan profit from such an uncertain endeavour?“

“No offence taken, Kichirou-san, your points are valid. I am aware of the risks an alliance entails.

Obviously, your contributions will not go unnoticed, your loyalty not be forgotten. Those who stand at my side will be remunerated accordingly when the time comes.“

The clans exchanged meaningful looks. Mumbling and whispering erupted among the delegations. Their opinions remained divided.

Ichibei?was drumming his fingers on the table, contemplating. “To be honest, I was hoping for more tangible benefits. Remunerated accordingly ... When the time comes ... Not what I wanted to hear.“

Masatomo?seconded his opinion.?“I must agree, lofty promises alone won't convince us, “

Asami grinned. “Your mercantile instincts don't disappoint.

Rest assured, you won't regret your decision. You will be rightly compensated.

My goal is to raise the village from ignominy. Amegakure shall be reborn as a new nation with new pride. Enrich the country, strengthen the military. A strong economy, a strong military, both are required to achieve such.

A strong economy to guarantee internal stability and order. A strong military to project power across the neighbouring nations.

Neither can be achieved without the other. No military without a solid foundation. No economy without military might. Industry and military must act in unison.

I plan thus to enact numerous reforms to strengthen Amegakure militarily as well as economically.

Our industrial base and our forces must be expanded with significant investments in infrastructure and rearmament. We will create a professional standing army the like of which the world has never seen before. Both projects will require vast amounts of money.

We are talking here about billions of ryo, and more, sums that Amegakure's treasury cannot sustain on its own. Your wealth will be needed to carry out the reforms.

In exchange?for your loyalty, Amegakure will rely on you in terms of construction and procurement. Roads and bridges, factories and power plants will be built, armies raised and supplied. Contracts worth millions are waiting for you.

Furthermore, Amegakure will shield you domestically and abroad. The village will support your activities, and assist you in claiming new markets, if necessary, even with more underhanded methods.

As long as you stand on my side, no harm shall befall you by my word.

Do I ask for much in return? I don't think so. In fact, I think my terms are quite generous. Billions and billions of ryo. How can you miss out on such an opportunity?“

Silence befell the room, yet the industrialists appeared satisfied, positively thrilled. They sensed the lure of profit, of profit surpassing their wildest dreams. Their greed would blind them.

Asami turned her attention to the right. “And what about you, do the clans stand at my side?“

Makato cleared his throat. “Your reputation precedes you, lady Asami, you have your way with words just as the rumours say.

We can neither accept, nor directly reject your offer. Our decision depends entirely on our esteemed colleagues.“

Asami giggled. “A sly fox, aren't we? Shifting responsibility on others.“

Makoto countered with a polite smile. “My apologies, Lady Asami, if I don't meet your expectations, but I only do what I deem best for my clan and men.“

Asami beamed. “Understandable. Not that I would expect otherwise. What about the Hattori clan?“

Ever the diplomat, Masanari obfuscated, “You leave me little choice, Lady Asami. The Hattori clan looks favourably on your gracious offer.

Asami smiled. “I interpret that as a yes.“

Masanari didn't object.

“What about Lady Kaoro?“ Asami braved the last bastion.

Kaoru crossed her arms. Her distrust was apparent. “Tell me, lass, why you? Do you truly have what it takes to lead the village?“

Asami listened, processing her words. “Are you doubting me, Lady Kaoru?“

Her counterpart narrowed her eyes. “I am, and I am not the only one in this room.“

Asami's reciprocated her cold reception. The temperature fell, and the conflict intensified.

Kaoro pressed her advantage. “We were summoned in the name of Pain, yet his name hasn't crossed the lips of his so-called emissary even once, curious, isn't it? Instead, you are talking about plans, goals, ambitions. I think it is rather obvious which game you are playing.“

Asami grinned. “So you noticed, Lady Kaoru?

You see, His Divinity is a busy man, mostly preoccupied with divine duties.

He has no interests in mundane affairs. As such, his earthly matters fell entirely to me. Heaven might belong to the gods, but earth belongs firmly in human hands, doesn't it?“

Her answer didn't satisfy Kaoru. “I couldn't care less about Pain and his divine plans. What I want to know is whether you possess the strength to lead us? Judging by your kimono, you may be an Akatsuki member, and I don't question your intellect, but I see nothing but a little child ...“

Kaoru stopped dead in her tracks. Air ... She ... couldn't .... breath ....

Particles of purple chakra gripped the room, deadly and saturated with pure undiluted power. Kaoru crumbled under the weight of sheer overpowering presence the chakra exuded, realising only now that the source of the chakra was none other than the girl.

Asami removed the hand blocking her vision, revealing a pair of glimmering purple eyes. Her eyes harboured a ghostly, otherworldly touch. “My apologies for my somewhat intrusive actions. I never intended to resort to such brutish methods, but you forced my hand. I hope my little demonstration sufficed to put your lingering doubts to rest, Lady Kaoru.“

Her pressure ceased, and the iron, suffocating grip vanished.

Kaoru panted heavily, visibly scarred. Fresh air revitalised her lungs. Her body was shivering, trembling uncontrollably, keenly remembering the cold, menacing chakra.

Kaoru gazed at the table, her stare and mind blank like the void.

An innocent girl with a gentle smile welcomed Kaoru once again. Her petite appearance had fooled her. The girl had suppressed her chakra, reducing her presence to a minimum. Nothing extraordinary for a kunoichi of her skill and capabilities.

The girl could have easily coerced into submission, yet she approached them out by peaceful means, even going as far as to treat them as equal despite their apprent disparity in power.

Asami beamed. “Lady Kaoru, I must ask again, did my demonstration satisfy your curiosity? Or do you desire more tangible evidence ...“

There was only one answer. Kaoru shook her head. “Not necessary, you proved your point more than enough.

As long as Your Ladyship honours her word, the Fuma clan will not refuse your call.“

Asami merely nodded.

Her gaze turned left. Her performance stunned them, adding weight to her words. Her chakra left a most memorable impression.

“How do you decide?“

Kichirou stole a glance at his colleagues. They thought the same. “If possible, we would like to discuss things among us for a moment.“

“Of course, take your time.“

“You have our thanks.“ Kichirou and company left the room.

They took their time. Minutes passed, and minutes turned into hours before they and their entourage finally returned. They had arrived at a consensus.

Asami greeted them with a smile. “I am listening.“

The industrialists bowed their head before her, expressing their new-found respect. “We see merit in your proposal. Despite minor misgivings, we accept your favourable terms.

We are at your service, Lady Asami, may your wisdom lead Amegakure into the future she deserves.“

Asami had won. For the first time for ages, her heart lighter. The power she had yearned for all these years finally was hers.

This was justice. After all the setbacks, all the failures, all the disappointment she had suffered, she arrived now where she always belonged.

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