Chapter 9: Finalize Cooperation
Uzumaki Mito glanced at Senju Miyuki, who was seated quietly, and gestured for her to come over. Pulling Miyuki to sit beside her, she ran her fingers through Miyuki's hair affectionately and said, "Miyuki-chan, you're truly thoughtful, finding such a talented chef. Ryota's wedding is just around the corner. Could you introduce this master to us? We'd love to have him prepare the banquet for the occasion."
Hearing this, Senju Hashirama, Uchiha Madara, and Senju Tobirama immediately stopped sipping their soup, their gazes shifting to Senju Miyuki.
Indeed, finding this chef was an excellent idea. If this chef joined them, they wouldn't have to endure tiny portions or waste bowls of soup anymore. Uzumaki Mito always had a sharp mind.
Senju Miyuki perked up and said enthusiastically, "Of course! He's been looking forward to meeting you all as well. He even mentioned wanting to negotiate a big collaboration."
Senju Tobirama's interest was piqued. "Oh? A collaboration, you say? What sort of deal are we talking about?" He was intrigued, given that the Senju clan's financial responsibilities had grown exponentially since the establishment of Konoha, and resources were tight. The village's finances were still in their infancy, and many expenditures, like shinobi pensions, were covered by individual clans.
Miyuki proceeded to explain Yamamoto Ryuusei's plan. After hearing her out, Tobirama nodded thoughtfully. "This sounds promising. The success rate seems high. Brother, what do you think?"
Hashirama grinned. "I think it's a fantastic idea. What about you, Madara? Would the Uchiha clan be interested in participating?"
Tobirama's expression darkened. This was clearly an opportunity for the Senju clan—brought in by Miyuki, no less—and unique to their family. Yet Hashirama, in his usual manner, seemed ready to share it with the Uchiha. If Hashirama weren't both the clan leader and nearly indestructible, Tobirama might have accused him of treason on the spot.
Uchiha Madara, however, was touched. His best friend always had him in mind. "If the chef has no objections, the Uchiha clan would be honored to collaborate."
"Excellent!" Hashirama exclaimed. "I'll talk to the chef personally."
Tobirama scowled, picking up his chopsticks to finish the remaining soup.
Uzumaki Mito turned back to Miyuki, noticing she had only eaten one bowl of Buddha Jumps Over the Wall. Concerned, she asked, "Miyuki-chan, aren't you going to eat more?"
Miyuki, however, was already thinking about having her fill later at Ryuusei's house. She waved her hand nonchalantly. "I'm fine, Mito-sama. I'll be heading to Ryuusei's place later to eat Buddha Jumps Over the Wall there."
A gleam flashed in Mito's eyes. If there was more to be had, she'd find a way to partake. "That's perfect. I'll accompany you and discuss Ryota's wedding banquet with the chef."
Tobirama immediately chimed in. "I'll join to discuss the cooperation details."
Madara, resuming his calm demeanor, added, "Then I'll also speak to this master about Uchiha clan participation."
Hashirama laughed heartily. "Then it's settled. Miyuki, you'll lead the way."
Miyuki felt her heart sink, regret washing over her. It seemed she'd only be getting one bowl tonight.
The group soon arrived at Yamamoto Ryuusei's home. Inside, the Yamamoto family—Ryuusei, Komiya Yuki, and Yamashita Shuang—were anxiously awaiting Miyuki's arrival. When the knock came, Ryuusei opened the door, his eyes widening as he took in the sight.
Senju Hashirama, Uchiha Madara, Senju Tobirama, and Uzumaki Mito stood before him, radiating power even in casual robes.
Ryuusei froze as realization struck. The four legends of Konoha had come to his home unannounced. Blood rushed to his face as he stammered, "Lord Hokage, Lord Madara, Lord Tobirama, Lady Mito—it's an honor! Please, come in."
Inside, the rest of the household quickly came out to greet the distinguished guests.
"There's no need for formalities," Hashirama said warmly. "It makes me uncomfortable."
As they all entered, Ryuusei pulled Miyuki aside and whispered, "Sister Miyuki, what's happening? Why is Lord Hokage here?"
Miyuki sighed. "It's the Buddha Jumps Over the Wall. They didn't have enough earlier and came here to eat more."
Her whisper wasn't as quiet as she'd hoped. The four titans exchanged glances and chuckled, their embarrassment diffused by Miyuki's bluntness.
The Yamamoto family quickly served a variety of dishes. The four leaders sat at the table, their curiosity piqued by the aroma of the food.
As the dishes were unveiled, Uzumaki Mito couldn't help but remark, "The fragrance is even richer than before."
"This one's been stewing longer," Ryuusei explained humbly.
After a fulfilling meal, discussions shifted to the cooperation plan. Hashirama, ever the visionary, expressed enthusiasm. "This food could unite Konoha in ways beyond combat. But how do we handle distribution and cooperation among clans?"
Tobirama, ever pragmatic, suggested, "We set a price—say, 100 million ryo per share. Each clan buys in. The Yamamoto family provides the recipe and management expertise for one share, and the Senju and Uchiha clans each purchase one share."
Madara, always direct, agreed. "Fair enough. But let's ensure the recipe is well-guarded. The Uchiha can protect it."
Plans evolved, and Tobirama proposed opening branches across the Fire Nation to create jobs and boost the economy. By the end of the evening, contracts were drafted, alliances formed, and the future of Konoha's culinary scene secured.
As they left, Ryuusei couldn't help but feel both honored and overwhelmed. Who would have thought that one meal could bring together Konoha's most powerful figures?
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