Chapter 20: Chapter 20: Master of Versailles
Twelve hours had passed since Rinjin tried various ways to tell Ippongi that he was not up to the task.
Early in the morning, Rinjin got up feeling refreshed. After a night of training, he felt his chakra reserves had increased significantly, almost reaching the level of that fraud Mizuguma.
In fact, while Mizuguma held the title of Special Jōnin, he was really only at Chūnin level.
This meant that Rinjin's chakra reserves were approaching Chūnin level, which was undoubtedly good news for him.
With larger reserves, he could now use jutsu more liberally.
Moreover, since Rinjin's cells wouldn't die, he could indefinitely extract physical energy from them and convert it into chakra.
While getting up, Rinjin efficiently changed the outer clothes of the soundly sleeping Rie.
The chubby little girl was four years old today, at an age where she loved to sleep. She let Rinjin dress her and carry her on his back without protest.
Rinjin didn't dare leave her alone, fearing she might be scared or triggered by painful memories. So he had to carry her wherever he went.
After all, only time could gradually fade such painful memories.
After freeloading breakfast at Ippongi's house, Rinjin held the still drowsy Rie's hand as they walked out with Ippongi.
"Uncle Ippongi, still angry?" Rinjin asked with a cheeky grin as he moved closer to Ippongi.
The chubby man merely snorted proudly and quickened his pace, trying to leave Rinjin behind.
Seeing this, Rinjin chuckled and muttered to himself: "Oh my, such lack of vigor. I happen to know a solution for that."
Ahead of them, Ippongi's ears perked up and he immediately stopped, turning to face Rinjin with a serious expression.
"Well, Rinjin-kun, we haven't discussed your working hours yet! Shall we talk while walking?"
Hearing this, Rinjin grinned and replied, "No problem, let's walk and talk."
"Rinjin-kun, what time do you plan to work each day? I need to arrange a separate forge for you."
"After 4 PM. I plan to attend the ninja academy, so I'll only be free after four," Rinjin explained while stroking his chin.
"Ninja academy?" Ippongi exclaimed in surprise. He had assumed someone like Rinjin would be like himself, only interested in making money. Who knew he suddenly wanted to attend the ninja academy.
"Rinjin-kun, you want to become a ninja? Damn it, don't tell me you want to become a pervert too!"
Well, this bastard was certainly quick to apply what he learned!
Rinjin silently rolled his eyes.
"I'm doing it to save money. Think about it - when I have money, won't I need bodyguards?"
"Yes, safety first," Ippongi replied with an awkward smile.
"Is one bodyguard enough?"
"No," Ippongi shook his head. Though he hadn't reached the level of needing bodyguards himself, he'd seen wealthy people with crowds of guards.
"So hiring many bodyguards costs a lot?"
"Yes!"
"Then will you pay for the bodyguards?"
Hearing this, Ippongi suddenly jolted and shook his chubby head vigorously, "I won't pay. Only an idiot would pay for that."
Damn, I think you're the idiot!
Rinjin sighed. "See? If I go to ninja academy and learn some defensive jutsu, I'll save at least 100 million ryō."
Ippongi nodded, temporarily removing the "pervert" label from Rinjin's head.
"By the way, Uncle Ippongi, how much is your house worth?" Rinjin finally asked the question he'd been curious about.
The courtyard and traditional architecture matched Rinjin's aesthetic taste, so he wanted to know its value as a potential goal.
Hearing Rinjin's question, Ippongi's chubby eyebrows furrowed as he tilted his head and asked:
"Which house do you mean? All the houses in this area belong to me, and their prices vary quite a bit."
As he spoke, he waved his large hand to encompass the entire area.
Holy crap! What a show-off! Quick! Take him out and execute him for five minutes!
With a straight face, Rinjin replied irritably, "The one you live in."
"Oh!" Ippongi had an enlightened expression as he counted on his fingers, "About 20 million ryō, not too expensive. I just like how quiet it is there."
Son of a...!
Rinjin stopped talking, picked up Rie, and strode past Ippongi with a sour expression.
Ippongi was dumbfounded.
"Wait, brother, you haven't told me how to solve the lack of vigor yet!"
Lack of vigor? Go be Hokage instead!
After a busy morning using his *Magnet Release* as a blacksmithing tool, Rinjin quickly completed his daily tasks.
He handed the finished products to a sullen-faced Ippongi, then left the Katō Ninja Tools Shop with Rie.
Using the last bit of money he had, Rinjin and Rie got lunch.
Following the main road, Rinjin arrived at the Hokage Tower again.
This time, Rinjin didn't rush inside recklessly, but quietly stood at the entrance, adjusting his state of mind.
He knew Hiruzen Sarutobi would soon learn of his arrival.
As expected, within five minutes, Hiruzen Sarutobi walked out of the main entrance, looking at the kid before him with a strange expression.
Yesterday, if not for Master Tobirama's warning, he might have really fallen for this kid's trick.
However, fortunately in this world, strength was still supreme. With enough power, all schemes and tricks were meaningless.
Thinking of this, Hiruzen Sarutobi relaxed and gave Rinjin a meaningful look before turning to enter the Hokage Tower.
Rinjin didn't hesitate, tightly holding Rie's slightly fearful hand as they followed his steps.
Not surprisingly, they would likely meet the legendary Second Hokage Tobirama Senju.
After all, Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression just now had revealed quite a lot.
So, his next opponent would naturally be the man behind Hiruzen Sarutobi - Tobirama Senju.
Sure enough, this time Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't lead Rinjin to yesterday's interrogation room, but instead took them up to the third floor.
Soon, they arrived at a red wooden door. Hiruzen first knocked, and after hearing a steady "Enter", he led Rinjin inside.
"Master Tobirama, Rinjin Sakuta has arrived." Hiruzen Sarutobi stepped aside to let Rinjin enter the legendary Hokage's office.
Upon entering, the first thing that caught his eye was the massive desk painted with the Leaf Village symbol. Behind it sat an incredibly imposing man, most notable for his piercing eyes and silver-white hair.
Handsome!
Even as a male, Rinjin had to admit this guy was truly good-looking!
After staring at those eyes for a full three seconds, Rinjin stepped forward with his left foot into the Hokage's office, his expression neutral.
If things went as expected, this would be his first and last time entering this office;
After this, his days in the Leaf Village would have no more connection to this center of power.
Thinking of this, Rinjin's spirits lifted.
Finally! Finally he could get rid of the mess left behind by his transmigration!
The room had several people scattered about, men and women, fat and thin, mostly young faces;
It seemed Tobirama Senju was planning to use him as an experience pack for these newcomers.
That was indeed Tobirama's plan. Ever since his direct disciples learned about Rinjin from Sarutobi, some were indignant, some thoughtful, some contemptuous.
So Tobirama decided to let his disciples interact with this eerily clever fellow, while he could observe him up close.
Rinjin showed no timidity, maintaining a neutral expression as he led Rie to the desk.
Looking at Rinjin, whose head barely cleared his desk, Tobirama suddenly felt a strong sense of cognitive dissonance.
Was this kid really only seven years old?
Lost in thought, Rinjin spoke up.
"Lord Hokage, hello; This is our first meeting. I am Rinjin Sakuta, and this is my sister, Rie Sakuta."
Hearing this, Tobirama maintained his expressionless face as he looked at Rinjin.
"What brings you here, Mr. Spy?"
Tobirama was reminding Rinjin to remember his position and not make any unreasonable demands.
Rinjin understood perfectly. It seemed Tobirama already knew about his desire to attend the Leaf's academy, and clearly didn't want him to attend!
However, in Rinjin's view, anything could be negotiated. As long as he demonstrated his value, he would have the right to make requests.
Since Tobirama had called so many people here, planning to use him as an experience pack;
He might as well give them a straightforward demonstration, keeping it simple and direct;
After all, they were all old hands at this game, so let's speak with strength.
Thinking this, Rinjin decided to skip the tricks. He scratched his head and said with a dry laugh:
"Actually, it's nothing much, I just want to attend school; As a show of sincerity, here's my offering."
As he spoke, he took out a prepared envelope from his chest and placed it on the relatively tidy desk.
Seeing this, Tobirama took the envelope without hesitation, pulled out the letter, and quickly scanned through it.
As he read, Tobirama's brows furrowed deeper and deeper, a chill rising in his heart.
Catching Tobirama's deeply furrowed brows from the corner of his eye, Rinjin was inwardly amused.
It was just a simple letter, addressed to Lord Hanzō.
As for the contents, it simply stated that he had successfully infiltrated the Leaf Village, currently disguised as a blacksmith;
Moreover, he had used his employer's connections to arrange entry into the ninja academy.
At the same time, Rinjin urged Hanzō to send more people quickly, as the Leaf Village was currently short-staffed due to the war, making it easy to infiltrate.
He also established contact methods and monthly communication frequency.
In the letter, Rinjin also asked Lord Hanzō to send his regards to Mizuguma, thanking him for his constant care;
Finally, Rinjin shamelessly asked Hanzō to send 50,000 ryō for operating expenses.
After reading the letter, Tobirama handed it to an eager Hiruzen Sarutobi beside him.
Strangely, after reading it, a hint of a smile appeared on Hiruzen's face.
At Tobirama's signal, the letter made a large circle through the crowd, finally stopping in the hands of a man with spiky hair.
"Tadashi, what do you think of Rinjin-kun's sincerity?" Tobirama slowly spoke, looking at the spiky-haired man.
At these words, not only did the man named Shika Tadashi fall silent, but everyone in the office also sank into contemplation.
After a long while, just as little Rie had started yawning, Tadashi finally raised his head and said solemnly:
"Lord Tobirama, I think the sincerity is substantial."
"Is it enough to let Rinjin-kun enter the Leaf ninja academy?" Tobirama countered.
"Hmm... I think it is," Tadashi pondered for a moment before nodding.
Seeing this, Tobirama turned to look at Rinjin, his brow furrowing even deeper.
Truthfully, killing this fellow would be very simple, but discarding Rinjin as a card would be unwise.
This was a very simple principle - Rinjin now represented not just himself, but also Hanzō of the Salamander! The only person since the Elder Brother who could add the character for "god" to his title in the ninja world.
Though in terms of pure strength, Tobirama might be above Hanzō of the Salamander, but who could refuse such a powerful fighter?
As long as the Leaf Village controlled Rinjin; with his intelligence, he could likely influence Hanzō's decisions.
Then, on the western border of the Land of Fire, the Leaf Village would face much less pressure from the Sand and Stone Villages, and their comrades would suffer fewer casualties.
Rinjin was an ace in the hole!
This was also where Rinjin showed his cleverness.
Subtly expressing dissatisfaction with the Hidden Rain Village, making the Leaf Village happy;
Demonstrating his abilities, making the Leaf Village interested while ensuring they wouldn't dare imprison him easily.
Showing his ability to influence Hanzō's decisions, exciting the Leaf Village;
Meanwhile,
Demonstrating his abilities, earning Hanzō's trust;
Exposing his weakness, gaining Hanzō's confidence;
Then;
Using his importance to protect Mizuguma;
Using his importance to protect his own safety and freedom;
Using his importance to give Rie a healthy and happy childhood.
Everyone knew Rinjin was a spy, an agent, an undercover operative, but everyone wanted to use him to achieve their own goals.
Thinking of this, Tobirama felt a headache coming on.
This guy wasn't even a ninja yet! If he were a powerful ninja, who the hell could control him!
Most crucially, this guy was only seven years old, and barring accidents, he could live another forty or fifty years!
By then, who could outmaneuver him as he grew older and craftier?
Unconsciously, the helpless Tobirama had to try to think from Hashirama's perspective.
What would his brother do?
Probably his foolish brother would immediately agree with dancing and jumping around at the thought of fewer comrades dying!
Thinking of this, Tobirama decided to solve the problem using the approach of his brother, whom he deeply admired in his heart.
"Rinjin-kun, I agree!"
He only hoped that the Will of Fire of the Leaf Village could influence this troublesome fellow.
Hearing Tobirama's words, Rinjin immediately broke into a grin, showing a mouth full of bright white teeth.
But just then, a voice suddenly rang out from the crowd.
"Master, I object."
"Who?!" Before Tobirama could react, Rinjin had already called out in exasperation.
"Danzō Shimura."
A young man stepped out from the crowd, his face full of righteous indignation.
"Damn it, people with 'zō' in their names are never good!" Rinjin rolled his eyes dramatically, muttering.
Only at moments like this did he truly look like a real child.
Danzō Shimura didn't even glance at Rinjin, addressing Tobirama directly:
"Master, I suggest we imprison him and control Hanzō of the Salamander through curse techniques. That would be more effective."
Danzō spoke with complete righteousness, not at all concerned that Rinjin was present.
In his view, this was a good opportunity to perform well in front of his teacher - weak people like Sarutobi could never make such decisive choices.
At this moment, Danzō felt incredibly cool.
Rinjin coldly watched Danzō's performance, the mischief bubbling up inside him.
Truthfully, he didn't particularly dislike characters like Danzō, he just thought he went too far.
However today, since this guy wanted to use him to show off - and show off in a way that could cost lives - he couldn't blame Rinjin for what would happen next.
If he didn't traumatize him so badly that he'd avoid Rinjin like the plague for the rest of his life, then Rinjin would write his name backwards!