Before Fujin could nod, Homura objected, "That won't be appropriate, Hiruzen. Wouldn't we suffer a loss if he speaks something that is incorrect? Though I am impressed by his analytical ability, he needs to be a part of a lot more such meetings before allowing him that right."
Fujin looked at Homura. He wasn't offended as he completely agreed with his analysis. Choza silently agreed with him as well.
Homura looked back at Fujin and thought, 'I was even going to mention that he isn't strong enough to be given such a responsibility. But that might be demotivating for the young kid. Besides, Hiruzen should have enough confidence in his talent if he is giving him such a responsibility.'
However, Hiruzen dismissed his worries and said, "It's fine. After all, we old fellows can handle it if he messes up. You don't need to worry about failure, Fujin. Just do what you think is the best."
Fujin nodded and replied, "Alright. I'll try my best to not disappoint you and get more benefits for our village."
However, he couldn't help but feel that something was off. He wondered, 'Why is he in such a rush? I know that he isn't dying. Is Konoha short on capable diplomats? That shouldn't be the case as Konoha is the best at diplomacy as long as it doesn't involve Kumo.
Don't tell me that he just doesn't want to leave me alone in the village when he is touring outside… No, that shouldn't be the case. After all, if I mess up, the potential costs will likely be much higher than the few Wind Crystals I use up.
I guess he really wants me to become a good negotiator. Though it'll take away some of my training time, it's fine. This seems fun and will be a good way to take a few breaks.'
Just like Fujin, Homura was confused as well. He wondered, 'Why is Hiruzen pushing him so much? Even though we are old, the younger generation still has Kakashi who is very smart at such things. And there is still Shikaku and Jiraiya who could help him out.'
Hiruzen smiled on hearing Fujin's reply and said, "Good."
Hiruzen knew that Homura would be confused, but he didn't care much. After all, Homura had rarely interacted with Fujin. He thought, 'My students' generation was almost wiped out by the two great wars. The ones who survived died during Kyubi's rampage. Though Minato's generation produced a few decent Elite Jounins, no one other than Minato and the Clan Leaders showed any interest in politics and diplomacy.
While Kakashi is smart and takes responsibility when necessary, he had a very upright upbringing. First under Sakumo's care and then under Minato's tutelage. He doesn't have the same selfishness and greediness that Fujin possesses.
In the future, even if Kakashi becomes the Hokage, Fujin should be the one responsible for leading Konoha's negotiations. Of course, it'd be great if Shikaku or Jiraiya aided Kakashi. Unfortunately, I don't see either of them willing to travel to foreign countries unless there is no other option. So I'll have to guide Fujin and have him prepared for this task before the next big war starts.'
As for Fujin's strength, Hiruzen didn't even bother considering it. After all, unlike Homura, he was quite aware of the reason behind Suna's headaches.
The group rested the night at one of Konoha's Patrol camps and travelled to the Land of Noodles the next morning. Just like in the Degarashi Port, the Daimyo and a few Nobles were waiting for Hiruzen's arrival.
However, the old Daimyo had retired and passed the seat to his son. The new Daimyo immediately greeted Hiruzen respectfully and enthusiastically. But before he could speak more, his eyes landed on Fujin.
His eyes sparkled immediately and he exclaimed, "Fujin, it is good to see you again. Have you considered my offer?"
Fujin looked at the new Daimyo in surprise as long-forgotten memories slowly resurfaced. He thought, 'Ugh, I almost forgot about him. I had only politely said that I'd consider it. Did he not get the message? Or did he get infected by shamelessness after inheriting the seat?'
Hiruzen and Homura were puzzled. Hiruzen asked, "What offer, Lord Daimyo?"
Chikara looked back at Hiruzen and said, "A few years ago, Fujin and his squad had helped our country to come out unscathed from a disastrous situation. I was so impressed by his performance that I invited him to join my Guardian team."
Hiruzen replied, "Oh."
He looked at Fujin and recalled, 'I recall Tamotsu leading a mission here. But I don't recall him saying this. Did Fujin decide to create external relations for some reason?'
He looked back at Chikara and said with a smile on his face, "Unfortunately I can't let Fujin go as of now. But, I have many capable ninjas under me. I'll assign one to serve as your Guardian."
Chikara was immediately in an awkward position. He wanted Fujin, not any other ninja. And if Hiruzen sent a ninja by his own will, Chikara wouldn't be able to trust that ninja. Especially if he decided to make some moves that were unfavorable for Hiruzen. Unfortunately, he couldn't reject Hiruzen directly.
He cursed in his mind, 'I messed up. I should have kept my calm. The boy doesn't even want to join my Guardian team! I just got excited as he came here just a few weeks after I took over.'
Hiruzen maintained a kind smile. He obviously wouldn't let Fujin waste time here. However, this was too good of an opportunity. He could openly put a pawn in the Daimyo's court. And even if he was rejected, Chikara would be very passive during the negotiations and he will try to compensate him for declining him earlier.
Fujin noticed Hiruzen's purpose as well. He sighed in relief as he thought, 'For once I'm thankful for how crafty this old fox is. I was afraid that I'd be put in an awkward position. Though I could refuse, it would have put us in a passive position. Now the situation is completely reversed.'
Chikara smiled and replied, "Thanks for the generous offer, Lord Hokage. I will be grateful to receive your help. However, let's discuss this later. Come, let's enjoy the feast that my chefs have created for us."
He quickly guided the Konoha ninjas in his mansion as he thought, 'I'll have to consult Father on this issue. I can't afford to offend him just after becoming the Daimyo!'
Once again, they had similar discussions along with a lavish lunch that had a large variety of noodle dishes. After a couple of hours of discussion, Konoha agreed to create a similar outpost on the border with the Land of Noodles.
However, instead of an Elite Jounin, the outpost would be overlooked by a Veteran Jounin. In exchange, the Land of Noodles agreed to supply 125 Fire and Wind Crystals each and 50 of them every year after it until the situation calmed down. In addition, they also agreed to sell Noodles at a discount in exchange for discounted meat imports from Konoha.
But, the biggest gain for Konoha was something else. Chikara informed the details of Hiruzen's offer to his father. The old Daimyo sighed knowing the error his son made.
He instructed, "It's fine. You don't have any threat from Hiruzen. But ask for someone who is young, preferably under 20. And say that he shouldn't have been a part of any black ops. In addition, stay on guard when with him. Especially if you plan on doing anything against Konoha's interest."
Chikara's father was well aware of Danzo's reputation. He trusted Hiruzen but had no intention of letting his son's life be in Danzo's hands. Though he wouldn't be able to verify whether the ninja was in the Anbu or not, he knew that Hiruzen would receive the message.
Chikara nodded. He put the same conditions to Hiruzen who agreed immediately. With all the matters settled, the Konoha ninjas bid farewell and left.
While they were back on their way to Konoha, Hiruzen looked at Fujin and asked in a teasing tone, "I wasn't aware that you had a job offer from a Daimyo. Why didn't you tell me, Fujin?"
Fujin shrugged and replied, "It was years ago. I completely forgot about it until I saw him again. Besides, I thought that Tamotsu reported it to you."
Hiruzen replied, "So Tamotsu knew as well? Weird that he forgot to report to me. Else I'd have remembered."
Fujin looked back at him and said, "Well probably for the best. We did gain a huge advantage today."
Hiruzen nodded. However, Homura thought, 'Yeah because we were lucky. It'd have gone a lot smoother if it was reported.'
Hiruzen began discussing the negotiations with Fujin and gave him more tips. This continued until late at night when they finally stopped in one of the newly created Patrol Camps in the Land of Fire.
Post the Uchiha massacre, Shikaku had ordered the construction of several Patrol camps deep within the Land of Fire. These camps weren't meant to patrol the borders. Instead, they patrolled important routes and at times went on random paths to patrol more thoroughly.
The group from Konoha stayed here to have a peaceful sleep. However, the night wouldn't be a peaceful one.
