CH 10

Chapter 10: Moving into Konoha

_

“Of course, you’ve worked hard these past few days, ahaha~.”

Tsunade continued to laugh, but it didn’t change the expression on Cain’s face. She continued, “Alright, after these past few days, I can confirm that your medicine’s effects are true as described. I’ve sent word to Konoha, and they will be purchasing in large quantities soon.”

Cain let out a small sigh and said, “That’s good. To be honest, I’ve been out for a long time now, so if we could complete the transaction quickly, that would be great.”

Tsunade reassured him, “Don’t worry. If there are no unexpected developments, a group will return to Konoha in three days. I’ll go with you. As for the medicine procurement, I’ll be in charge of that. Negotiations for other supplies will be handled by someone else.”

Cain looked at Tsunade but decided not to ask any questions. However, Tsunade noticed his gaze and asked, “What’s wrong? Do you have any questions?”

Cain replied, “I’m just curious. Your strength should be very powerful. Do you really need to come back and talk to me about trade now? If it’s inconvenient to answer, then forget I asked.”

Tsunade didn’t mind and said, “There’s nothing inconvenient about it. The war is almost over, so I must return with the injured.”

The Sand Village was also retreating, losing its desire to continue the war. In terms of casualties, the Sand Village had suffered more than the Konoha ninja due to Danzo’s plan. Konoha would suffer great losses if they continued to fight, but the Sand Village would certainly collapse. So they chose to surrender.

At this point, Tsunade’s role on the front line became smaller. She needed to fulfill her role as a medical ninja and return to the village to work in the Konoha hospital.

Cain didn’t know if the time in the two worlds was synchronized. He had already been in the Naruto world for five days but could only tolerate staying for about twenty days. Carl or the people around him would report him missing if he didn’t return soon.

After a few more days, Tsunade brought a group of injured as the first wave to return to Konoha, and Cain was among them.

Since he wasn’t a ninja, Tsunade was very considerate and arranged for him to ride in a carriage. After all, Cain was a valuable guest for Konoha and needed to be well taken care of.

It took quite a bit of time on the road, and by the time they arrived in Konoha, it was already the second day’s afternoon.

“We’re here. What do you think?”

Tsunade introduced Konoha to Cain, seeming a bit proud. Perhaps she felt that Konoha was relatively prosperous in the ninja world.

“It’s not bad. So what’s next?”

Cain asked Tsunade calmly, not impressed by Konoha’s prosperity. It was just a village; even New York fifty years ago was much more prosperous than a small village like this.

Tsunade clicked her tongue when she realized Cain wasn’t surprised and said, “Let me help you settle in and rest for a bit. There are still many empty rooms in my house.”

“My house?”

Cain’s face changed slightly, and he quickly said, “Just find a random hotel. As for your house, Tsunade-sama, I’m just here to do business. We’re not close enough for me to stay in someone else’s house.”

Unless he was immediately diagnosed as insane, there was no way Cain would agree to stay in the Senju clan’s territory.

Tsunade listened and glanced at Cain before saying, “There are no inns in Konoha. The only places available for lodging are unassigned residences and ninja apartments, both of which are unsuitable for you. Besides, my family has many empty houses, and living in the Senju clan territory will better protect you.”

“What were you showing off earlier about Konoha not even having inns?”

“Konoha was founded thirty years ago, and the ninja clan still dominates the village. It has only been about ten years since the Second Hokage supported civilian ninjas, and the ninja clan still owns most businesses. As for inns, which are meant for outsiders, there really aren’t any.”

From the first Great Ninja War to the second, the tense atmosphere in Konoha never subsided. After the Second Hokage’s death, Konoha never enjoyed true peace, whether for revenge or to establish its power. Even the second Great Ninja War was initiated by Konoha.

Regarding Tsunade’s suggestion for Cain to stay temporarily at her house, it was approved by the Third Hokage. The most crucial part was that only Tsunade’s grandmother, Mito Uzumaki, could sense whether Cain had malicious intent without him noticing.

No matter how deep Cain’s malice was hidden, it could not escape Mito’s perception. Using Hiruzen Sarutobi was also part of this consideration, and he would also dispatch ANBU to monitor Cain secretly.

It was not surprising that Hiruzen was so cautious because the drugs Cain brought were too important and could affect a war. If he had found the Rain Village first, it would have been Konoha that suffered.

After sizing up Tsunade for a while, Cain realized that this matter was difficult to negotiate, so he sighed and said, “Okay, I’ll trouble you, Tsunade.”

Afterward, under Tsunade’s guidance, he came to the Senju clan territory. The two Great Ninja Wars caused significant casualties to the Senju clan, and with Hashirama Senju’s dissolution of the clan, other clan members hid their surnames and merged into Konoha. Therefore, the entire clan territory appeared deserted.

After Tsunade arranged a place for Cain to stay, she said, “Rest here for a day, and tomorrow, I’ll take you to see my teacher, Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage of Konoha.”

“All right, I understand. I won’t go out unless something unexpected happens.”

“It’s not necessary, but if you want to go out, just let me know.” Tsunade was somewhat helpless with Cain’s caution. He had no intention of prying into Konoha’s secrets and was afraid of hearing things he shouldn’t have.

After Tsunade left, not far from Cain’s house, in another large courtyard, the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi stood respectfully beside an old, red-haired grandma, holding a crystal ball and asking, “Lady Mito, please use your ability to sense bad emotions to see if this person has any malice towards Konoha.”

Earlier, Hiruzen had already informed Mito that Cain was placed in the Senju clan territory, and with Mito’s ability to sense, she could easily locate Cain and his intentions.

If there was any bad intention, Mito would definitely not be fooled.

After a while, Mito opened her eyes and said to Hiruzen, “This person has no malice in his heart.”

Hiruzen nodded at her words, then said to Mito, “Thank you, Lady Mito. I won’t bother you anymore.”

After that, he took the crystal ball and left, preparing to arrange tomorrow’s trade negotiations.