Night – Inuzuka Clan Grounds
Naraku followed Inuzuka Asaichi into the Inuzuka Clan's Ninken (ninja dog) shop.
Inside the shop were rows of cages, each housing a ninken resting quietly. In another section was a training area where many ninken were playfully interacting—bounding, barking, and rolling around in a very human-like way.
The dogs came in all colors—white, black, yellow, even spotted. Some could even speak in human language, clearly the result of excellent training.
As expected from Konohagakure's most reputable clan in raising and partnering with ninken.
"Mr. Naraku, our clan considers ninken to be comrades, not tools. Therefore, we have strict standards for those who wish to purchase them. Please have a look."
Inuzuka Asaichi handed Naraku a small booklet titled: "Inuzuka Clan Ninken Ownership Guidelines."
The Inuzuka were clearly professionals with their own set of regulations. Naraku flipped through the ten-page manual, reading carefully.
"The Inuzuka Clan is indeed dedicated to the way of the ninken. These rules are thorough. I truly respect that," Naraku said, genuinely impressed.
The manual detailed responsibilities like daily walks, regular feeding, scheduled training, and playtime—reinforcing the bond essential for their unique Human-Beast Combination Jutsu.
"Mr. Naraku," Asaichi continued, "You must commit in writing to follow these standards before a purchase is approved. If we discover any mistreatment, the clan reserves the right to reclaim the ninken. Please consider this seriously."
Asaichi remained polite, but the underlying message was clear: the safety and dignity of the ninken came first.
Though Naraku originally intended to purchase a ninken, he quickly realized his busy position left him little time to care for one properly. It would be better to leave such responsibilities to professionals.
His plan to equip the Konoha Military Police Force with ninken would require more thought. This was not something to be done on a whim.
Ninken possessed exceptional abilities—keen senses, especially smell, and natural talents in tracking, reconnaissance, and early warning. Those trained by the Inuzuka Clan were elite by any standard.
As Asaichi finished explaining, Naraku didn't respond immediately. Just then, the door opened and someone entered the shop.
A young man with black hair, a handsome face, and two crimson fang-like markings on his cheeks stepped inside. He wore a white robe with red trim and a ninja sword at his waist. Though he lacked the signature crescent mark of the Kaguya Clan, he bore a striking resemblance to their known heirs.
"Who is that?" Naraku asked Asaichi.
Asaichi frowned slightly. This customer had gone from interested to indecisive and was now asking about people. Nonetheless, he answered.
"That's Inuzuka Manomaru, our clan head's eldest grandson. Fourteen years old and already a Tokubetsu Jōnin."
Despite his initial irritation, Asaichi's tone held genuine respect.
"I see. Could you show me the price list for the ninken?" Naraku asked, returning to the matter at hand.
"Of course, just a moment."
Asaichi retrieved a registry sheet and pointed to the playground where the younger ninken were active.
"These ones cost 100,000 ryō each. They're 6 to 9 months old—just weaned, not fully mature. Perfect age for training and bonding."
He then pointed to a group of caged dogs to the side.
"These are 1 to 2 years old, fully trained in ninken techniques. Once bonded, you only need to issue commands. Each one is 150,000 ryō."
Asaichi spoke with great respect, always referring to the ninken as individuals, not objects.
Naraku began calculating—if he wanted to outfit the entire police force, the cost would rise into the millions. Fortunately, funds were not an issue for him.
His new idea: to commission the Inuzuka Clan to breed and train ninken specifically for the Konoha Police Force's use.
"Well," Naraku said, "I forgot to mention—I'm the Captain of the Konoha Military Police Force. If I were to place a bulk order, could I negotiate a contract for the Inuzuka Clan to raise and train ninken for our division?"
Asaichi was stunned. He had guessed Naraku might be important, but not this important. The captain of the Police Force was a significant figure in the village's power structure.
Wiping invisible sweat from his brow, Asaichi straightened.
"Captain Naraku, in that case, such a request would need to be reviewed by our clan head. I don't have the authority to make that decision myself."
"Understood. It's late anyway—I'll send an official envoy with my calling card to arrange a formal meeting."
"Very good. We will await your visit."
Naraku nodded and headed toward the door.
On his way out, he gave Inuzuka Manomaru another glance. Some people just attract attention—good looks have a gravity of their own.
---
Inuzuka Manomaru had only come to buy food for his ninken. He had overheard the entire conversation.
The Inuzuka Clan had always taken pride in their partnership with their ninken. Their sensory abilities—particularly their sense of smell—rivaled even their canine companions.
The clan specialized in reconnaissance and perception-based ninjutsu, as well as their signature Beast Human Clone Jutsu and Fang Over Fang techniques, making them formidable in battle.
After spending considerable time in the Inuzuka territory, Naraku felt exhausted. He returned to his clan compound for rest.
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Konohagakure – October 5th
The day of Naraku's scheduled meeting with Orochimaru.
Naraku wasn't the only one who preferred late-night visits—Orochimaru had also requested to meet under the cover of darkness.
Accompanied by four guards, Naraku arrived at Orochimaru's estate.
"Captain Naraku, this way please," one of Orochimaru's attendants said politely at the gate.
"You all stay outside," Naraku ordered his guards.
"Yes, sir."
With that, Naraku stepped through the gate alone.
The compound was large, with a front and rear courtyard. Despite Orochimaru's notorious reputation, the garden was surprisingly tranquil, filled with flowers and carefully placed shrubs—a stark contrast to his ominous image.
Naraku made his way through the front yard until he reached the main building.
"Orochimaru-sama is waiting inside," the attendant said, bowing slightly before departing.
Naraku gave him a cursory glance, then entered the room confidently.
Inside, Orochimaru sat alone, holding a scroll, deep in thought. He didn't even look up when Naraku arrived.
"Hmph. This Orochimaru... always the theatrical one," Naraku thought with a slight smirk as he stepped forward into the hall.
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