For an ordinary person like the Daimyō of the Land of Fire, the effects of the diluted version of the Sage Bug were almost instantaneous.
The results were so remarkable that they even slightly exceeded Aburame Shigeo's expectations.
But he quickly figured out the reason.
The Daimyō, having lived a life of luxury and indulgence, had prematurely aged due to excessive drinking and other vices.
The diluted Sage Bug, inheriting the original's ability to repair cells, injected the Daimyō's damaged cells with Sage Chakra, akin to a refreshing stream nourishing a parched land. The effect was naturally pronounced.
This apparent rejuvenation would last for several days, making the Daimyō appear a few years younger. However, it wasn't actual "youth" but rather a restoration to how he should look at his age.
As for the life-extending effects? Those were absolutely real.
Even the diluted version of the Sage Bug was nearly as effective as the original for someone as ordinary as the Daimyō.
As long as he didn't recklessly harm his body, living an extra decade or two wouldn't be an issue.
With better self-care, he might even outlive his son.
But none of this concerned Aburame Shigeo. His plans were already in place; all that was left was to reap the rewards.
Sneaking a glance at the Daimyō, who was gleefully admiring himself in the mirror, Shigeo closed his eyes again.
**If you're going to put on a show, commit to the role.**
Before long, the Daimyō and his attendants left, leaving only a few servants to clean up the banquet hall.
Murmuring to himself that "life is a stage, and acting is an art," Shigeo pretended to snore on the low table in front of him.
The next morning, he finally opened his "groggy" eyes and yawned.
"Ugh... Is it morning already?"
Hearing him speak, a servant who had been waiting nearby rushed over and bowed.
"Yes, Advisor Aburame. You fell asleep after drinking last night. Breakfast is ready. Shall I bring it now?"
"Not yet!"
Shigeo waved his hand, frowning slightly.
"I drank too much last night. I'm parched. Bring me some tea and fruit first."
"At once!"
The servant quickly brought tea and fruit to Shigeo.
"Please enjoy, Advisor."
"Hmm."
Shigeo sipped his tea and casually asked, "Nothing unusual happened after I fell asleep, right?"
"Nothing at all!"
The servant shook his head without hesitation, but a hint of nervousness flickered across his face.
Pretending not to notice, Shigeo continued sipping his tea leisurely.
Just then, footsteps approached from outside the door.
Turning his head, Shigeo saw a red-robed attendant walking in. The attendant bowed deeply before speaking.
"Advisor Aburame, the Daimyō drank a bit too much in his joy last night. He's resting today and not seeing guests. He asked me to deliver a message to you."
"Oh?" Shigeo feigned surprise. "Does the Daimyō have something to say to me?"
"Yes."
The red-robed attendant nodded and unrolled a scroll, reading its contents in a formal tone.
"Advisor Aburame Shigeo of Konohagakure has been diligent and meritorious. By decree of the Daimyō of the Land of Fire, he is hereby granted the title of Senior Noble, a mansion in the capital, a four-ox carriage, a set of black ceremonial robes, four beautiful concubines, and eight servants."
Shigeo: "..."
**Seriously?**
Was this an early retirement package? Honestly, it was tempting!
Anyone familiar with the Naruto world knows that being a noble beats being a ninja.
Even when ninja villages fought bitterly, Daimyōs and nobles kept partying.
When there's trouble, send the ninjas. When there's peace, cut their funding. Same story, every generation!
If not for his sense of responsibility, Shigeo would've moved his family to the capital to enjoy life as a noble.
When he was weak, he sought safety. But now, with his strength, he couldn't abandon his comrades and those who trusted him.
He had his principles: **"Live honorably when poor; help others when powerful."**
Fleeing when weak, only to idle in comfort when strong? That wasn't his way.
"Sigh. I need to set an example for the younger generation."
Shigeo sighed, then turned to the red-robed attendant holding the scroll.
"I am honored by the Daimyō's generosity, but my heart belongs to Konoha. I cannot stay in the capital. Therefore, aside from the noble title, everything else..."
He paused for a moment before continuing.
"Convert them to cash."
The red-robed attendant: "..."
---
Shigeo arrived in the capital empty-handed but left with ten wagons loaded with cash.
The largest denomination of Land of Fire currency was 200 ryō, and a single trunk could hold about five million ryō.
The Daimyō had given him ten billion ryō, enough to fill over 200 trunks!
This was also a subtle message:
**"I took your precious bugs. This money is compensation. Accept it, and we're friends. Refuse, and I won't acknowledge it."**
Shigeo liked both money and friendship, so he accepted.
After all, this was the purpose of his trip.
Last month, Konoha's crime rate hit a record low, but the police force still needed funding.
Tsunade and the other Hokage advisors weren't going to help with that!
With this windfall, he wouldn't have to worry about funding for at least two years.
Without storage scrolls, he had to use wagons for transport. Inconvenient, but worth it.
The blood bugs cost less than 1,000 ryō each. Selling them to Sasori for 10,000 ryō was a 10x profit.
Sasuke bought them for 1,000,000 ryō each, a 1,000x profit.
Now, combining them into diluted Sage Bugs and selling them for ten billion ryō made it a million-fold profit!
Even Shigeo couldn't help but marvel at how much value processing adds.
While he profited, the Daimyō didn't lose either.
For a wealthy nation like the Land of Fire, monthly tax revenue far exceeded ten billion ryō.
For the ruler of an entire country, exchanging less than a month's taxes for over a decade of health and life was a bargain.
This deal was a win-win.
Confident in his strength, Shigeo escorted his fortune back to Konoha alone, unafraid of challenges.
Even if the Akatsuki's immortal duo came for the money, he was confident he could fend them off!
He was just that strong.
Wait... wasn't he forgetting something?
Never mind. The police force needed their salaries, so delivering the money was the priority.
"Next stop—Konoha Village! Let's go!"
With that, Shigeo waved to the drivers, and the convoy began its journey.
*(Chapter End)*