Chapter 35: It Turns Out the Noble Benefactor Was Right Before My Eyes

Chapter 35: The Noble Benefactor Was Right Before Their Eyes

Chiriku was speechless for a long time, his worldview shaken. He couldn't help but look at Kakashi. "Kakashi, how long did it take you to learn sealing techniques back in the day?"

"Uh, I hadn't studied them before. As for later on... well, it didn't take long. You know how it is."

Kakashi didn't offer a detailed explanation.

But really, how did he earn the title of "Copy Ninja"? It was all thanks to the Sharingan! By combining his copy ability with study, he hadn't needed much time to master the Evil Sealing Method, but that was as far as it went; he wasn't proficient in more advanced sealing arts.

Chiriku took a deep breath and looked at the two young girls. Forget it—competing with little girls? He couldn't bring himself to do that.

In reality, however, Kakashi was just as shocked. Chiba’s goal in stripping away the absorption barrier had been to perfect his own technique, and the integration with the Binding Barrier formation had only happened yesterday.

In other words, from yesterday to today, Chiba had already figured out how to combine the Binding Barrier and the absorption barrier, and had optimized and refined them on the spot. Compared to him, Kakashi felt he couldn't even be called a genius.

*It’s a good thing I’ve copied enough ninjutsu,* he thought. *If I only had one year, I’d barely be able to maintain my teacher’s reputation. I think... maybe?*

The side hall fell into a silence. Chiba was lost in thought, contemplating the hand-held version of the Binding Barrier, pondering how to refine and popularize it. Meanwhile, the others were deep in self-reflection—were they just too mediocre, or was their opponent simply too strong?

Within seconds, they all reached the same conclusion. Clearly, Chiba was no ordinary person; there was no point in comparing themselves to such a guy. Chiriku and the others let out a collective sigh of relief.

Then, a smile appeared on Chiriku’s face. "Chiba-kun, regarding the barrier techniques of the Fire Temple, we will negotiate with Konoha in the future. I hope you will be able to offer your assistance then."

"No problem."

Chiba nodded, secretly delighted. Things were going even more smoothly than expected. Although it was impossible to gain access to the "Gift of the Immortal Clan" through this alone, he had at least made an impression on Chiriku. Moreover, the Sealing Iron Wall would react to the Gift of the Immortal Clan. When the time came, if he asked about the principles, would Chiriku really refuse to disclose them? Once a crack was opened, more possibilities would follow.

Kakashi glanced at Chiba. This kid... he really pulled it off.

He didn't stop him. Chiba was using legitimate means to contact and negotiate, so he had no reason to object. If the nature of the Gift of the Immortal Clan were truly discovered, the Fire Temple might even end up begging this child for help.

"Thank you very much!" Chiriku bowed solemnly. Having witnessed Chiba’s prowess, he realized the young man truly had the ability to break the seal. A genius like this deserved respect regardless of age, and since Chiba wasn't the arrogant or overbearing type, Chiriku felt quite favorably toward him.

"By the way, has Konoha’s demand for medicinal herbs increased significantly recently?" Chiriku suddenly asked.

Kakashi was startled for a moment, then nodded. "That’s right. Why do you ask?"

"As Konoha ninja, I suppose there is nothing that cannot be said. The purpose of Lady Sakuraba, whom you are escorting, is to invite me to the Sakuraba estate to oversee matters for a period of time." Chiriku gave a rough outline of the situation.

Upon hearing this, Chiba had only one feeling: *Fate is truly wondrous!*

It turned out that one of the Sakuraba family's side businesses was medicinal herbs, and it was the branch led by Sakuraba Sadataki that was in charge of it. The fluctuation in the herb market was caused by the "Body-Strengthening Medicinal Bath," as many of its ingredients came from the Sakuraba family. The herb industry in the Land of Fire was currently rife with undercurrents.

Of course, that was just the trigger. The truly fatal issue was that other hostile families were taking this opportunity to suppress them, and the internal situation of the family wasn't peaceful either. That was why Sakuraba Sadataki was seeking outside help.

After finishing, Chiriku sighed. "Actually, I cannot help with such matters. At most, I can help fend off enemies, but the key to breaking this deadlock does not lie with me."

Konoha ninja did not accept commissions involving internal family feuds within the Land of Fire. To some extent, Sakuraba Sadataki was clutching at straws.

"That is indeed the case." Kakashi pondered for a moment, then nodded gently. He didn't know much about business, but he understood the mess of family politics all too well. The Hatake clan hadn't been immune to such strife, let alone the great noble families of the Capital.

He looked at Chiba. The Body-Strengthening Medicinal Bath was Chiba’s invention. Currently, this business was run jointly by the Medical Corps, the Nara clan, the Akimichi clan, and Chiba, so in a sense, Chiba had a say in the matter. Sakuraba Sadataki’s predicament might just be resolved by Chiba.

Chiriku keenly noticed this detail. His heart stirred, and he asked in surprise, "Could it be that this matter also involves young benefactor?"

"Yes." Chiba nodded sheepishly.

"Chiba-kun created a medicinal formula that is very popular in Konoha, so..." Tenten explained from the side.

Chiriku understood. He was stunned for a moment, then collected himself. "Do you wish to step forward, young benefactor? If you are unwilling, I can convey a message on your behalf."

"I don't manage the business. Tell her to find a way to connect with the Nara clan. If her medicinal herbs are truly of good quality, the Nara clan will certainly stand by her," Chiba said.

Chiriku nodded upon hearing this and pressed his palms together. "Many thanks, benefactor!"

"It’s nothing. It’s just a word from me." Chiba didn't take credit.

If the Sakuraba family faced setbacks, the medicinal bath business might be affected. Materials were already in short supply, and he didn't want any trouble at such a critical juncture. On the other hand, if the Sakuraba family could further cooperate with the Nara clan to increase the output of special herbs, it might even be possible to mass-produce higher-grade medicinal baths.

In business, everyone worked for mutual benefit.

Chiriku bowed with his palms together, his heart filled with emotion. When they first met, he only thought the boy had an extraordinary bearing and might be a genius of Konoha. But just now, his perception had been refreshed time and again. In his view... Chiba could no longer be described simply as a "genius."

Chiriku left the courtyard, and a short while later, word came from Sakuraba Sadataki that she was ready to return. Having learned the direction, she was anxious to go home. Chiba and his team still had to escort her, so they remained by her side.

On the road, Sakuraba Sadataki didn't stay inside the carriage as she had before. Instead, she would occasionally peek out to observe Kakashi, Chiba, Tenten, and Kazusa.

Finally, at noon the next day, as they neared the Capital, she took advantage of a rest break to step out of the carriage. She approached the spot where Chiba and his group were resting, bowed gracefully, and said, "Thank you, all four of you, for your protection along the way."

"You made a request, we accepted the mission. Protecting you is our duty; there is no need for thanks," Kakashi replied, shaking his head.

Sakuraba Sadataki smiled, then looked at Chiba and bowed solemnly. "Chiba-sensei, I am deeply grateful for yesterday’s kindness. I will never forget it, and I will certainly repay you in the future."

"It’s nothing. Konoha needs a stable source of medicinal herbs, and if you run into trouble, we suffer too. It’s mutual benefit. Whether you succeed or not depends on you," Chiba replied, not surprised. These people were deep in the world of family politics; it wasn't hard for them to guess that he had been the one to have Chiriku pass on the message.

Sakuraba Sadataki shook her head. "Without me, there would be other clansmen to run the business, but if I lose it, I lose control of my own destiny. The two are not the same."

With that, she bowed respectfully one last time and returned to her carriage.