The Adventurous Gamer Ninja - Daichi Hekima [Vol. 02]

Chapter 355 - Gaining an Advantage

Land of Fire: Capital - Time: 02:17 pm

Daichi and Kakashi sat across from Lord Taji in the spacious room. Sunlight filtered through the tall windows, casting a warm glow on the polished wooden table between them. Daichi explained the events that had led him and his sensei to the minister.

"So, Lady Tsunade has been abducted..." Lord Taji said, his voice heavy with concern. "And you believe Orochimaru is hiding in the Land of Earth under the protection of their Finance Minister?" He understood the turmoil that would fall upon the two great nations in the coming days if this matter was not handled properly.

Daichi nodded solemnly. "Yes, Lord Taji. We have credible intelligence suggesting as much."

Lord Taji rubbed his forehead as he could already imagine the headache he and the others in the court would have to deal with in the next few days. "Orochimaru's presence there poses a significant threat, not just to you or Lady Tsunade but potentially to the balance between our nations... Kuroda Michinori. I knew he was ambitious and on occasions used underhanded tactics to get his way but this..."

Lord Taji leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled thoughtfully. "This is grave news indeed. If word of this gets out, it could plunge our countries into turmoil. A known criminal colluding with a royal official. This will shake the Land of Earth."

Kakashi nodded and spoke. "That's why we're here. We need any information you can provide on Minister Kuroda, his allies, enemies, territories, psychological profile, assets, family connections. Anything that might help us locate Orochimaru and rescue Tsunade without escalating tensions."

Lord Taji rose from his seat. "I understand the urgency. Follow me to my library. I keep an extensive record on foreign officials. They would come in handy during war time or when we need an edge in high level diplomatic negotiations."

They followed him through a set of ornate doors into a vast library. Tall shelves stretched up to the ceiling, filled with scrolls and bound volumes. A large desk sat near a window overlooking the city, scattered with documents and maps.

"Impressive," Kakashi remarked, his eye scanning the room.

Lord Taji gave a modest smile. "Knowledge is power, after all." He moved to a shelf and began pulling out several scrolls. "Here we are. Information on Kuroda Michinori. The Finance Minister of the land of Earth."

Daichi accepted the scrolls gratefully. "Thank you."

They unrolled the first scroll on the desk. Detailed accounts of Kuroda's political maneuvers, business dealings, and personal life were meticulously documented.

"Kuroda is a shrewd and calculating man," Lord Taji explained. "He has a reputation for being ruthless in his pursuit of power and wealth."

Daichi traced a finger over a map highlighting Kuroda's territories. "These regions here—are they significant?"

"Yes," Lord Taji nodded and replied. "They are rich in mineral resources. Controlling them has given Kuroda considerable economic leverage."

Kakashi pointed to another section of the scroll. "It mentions conflicts with other ministers. Does he have any notable adversaries?"

Lord Taji nodded. "Yes. His primary rival is the Minister of Intelligence, Ishida Masato. They've clashed over land and resources for years. Their relationship is... less than amicable."

Daichi exchanged a glance with Kakashi. "That could be useful."

"Indeed," Kakashi agreed. "If we can understand the dynamics between them, we might find a way to exploit it."