C11

After breakfast in the morning, Kain was taken to the Hokage building by Tsunade to finalize the transaction as soon as possible. Tsunade explained that there were new patients arriving at Konoha Hospital daily, and the demand for medicine had surged. Without Kain's supplies, Hokage would have no choice but to request medicinal support from various ninja clans. Although Konoha Hospital lacked the deep resources of some larger clans, Tsunade's medical ninja training reform was gradually strengthening its capabilities.

As Kain listened to Tsunade, he began to understand more about Konoha's situation. However, he also felt that Tsunade was being a bit too open with an outsider like himself. Shouldn't this kind of information be kept confidential?

When they arrived at the Hokage building, Kain was introduced to the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, a man in his prime, with an aura of authority that immediately impressed Kain. Sarutobi Hiruzen was only in his thirties at this time, a seasoned ninja with an extensive reputation for both starting wars and suppressing other powerful shinobi, such as the Rain Shinobi Village and the Sand Shinobi Village. His moniker, "The Professor," was certainly fitting.

Kain greeted him respectfully. "Third Hokage, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Kain Pent. Are there any questions or concerns about the medicine deal?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen, already having reviewed the terms of the transaction the previous day, seemed thoughtful. The prices, though fair, were still a bit high for Konoha's war-torn economy. However, before he could respond, an elderly woman sitting beside him, Utatane Koharu, a member of Konoha's advisory council, interjected.

"The prices are far too expensive," Koharu stated firmly. "We think a 40% reduction would be more reasonable."

The bluntness of her remark took Kain by surprise, though he remained composed. He couldn't help but internally curse the abruptness of her demand. Tsunade, too, looked momentarily taken aback but quickly masked her reaction.

"Third Hokage," Kain said, tilting his head with a thin smile, "May I ask who this is?" He knew very well that no one would dare interrupt the Hokage without permission, but he wanted clarification.

Sarutobi Hiruzen introduced her. "This is Elder Utatane Koharu, responsible for Konoha's logistics and the hospital's management."

Kain acknowledged her with a nod but made his stance clear. "It seems we cannot agree on the price of the medicine. If that's the case, should we discuss other trade items? Or will there be no further negotiation?"

Tsunade and Sarutobi Hiruzen were visibly shocked. It wasn't common for someone to walk away so decisively from a deal, especially in the middle of a war when supplies were desperately needed. But Kain wasn't someone who could be pressured. He knew that his goods, especially in a time of war, were in high demand.

Sarutobi Hiruzen coughed to regain control of the conversation. "Mr. Kain, is there really no room for negotiation on the price of the medicine?"

Kain smiled again, unfazed. "I'm afraid not, Third Hokage. I don't have the authority to change the price."

Koharu wasn't pleased with this. "Konoha is taking a significant risk by purchasing a large volume of medicine from an unknown source."

Kain remained calm, but his tone grew firmer. "In that case, I apologize for not considering the situation more carefully. If there are no other matters to discuss, I will prepare to leave."

Kain's confidence came from the fact that the demand for food and medicine during the ongoing Second Shinobi World War made his goods indispensable. Whether it was Rock Shinobi Village, Sand Shinobi Village, or even Konoha's other enemies, someone would be eager to buy what he had to offer. Kain wasn't interested in playing games with Konoha's leadership.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Sarutobi Hiruzen quickly reassured him. "Please, wait a moment, Mr. Kain." He sent Tsunade to escort Kain out of the room while they discussed the matter internally.

Back inside the office, Sarutobi Hiruzen and the council members deliberated. They couldn't afford to lose this deal, as Konoha's wounded required immediate medical care, and without these medicines, the situation could grow dire. Finally, they reached a consensus and called Kain back.

"Mr. Kain," Sarutobi Hiruzen began, "We've reconsidered. We agree to purchase the medicine at the original prices, but we need your assurance that you won't sell these medicines to other ninja villages."

Kain pondered for a moment before responding. "I can agree that large quantities of the medicine will only be sold to Konoha. However, I cannot prevent civilians from purchasing smaller quantities. Additionally, I would like permission to open a medicine shop and a grain store here in Konoha."

The terms seemed reasonable to Sarutobi Hiruzen. If Kain set up shop in Konoha, it would actually make it easier for Anbu to monitor him. Furthermore, it would stabilize the supply of both medicines and food in the village.

With the deal settled, Kain provided the first batch of medicines, which were worth around 100 million ryo. Kain had cleverly structured the deal so that only a portion of the payment would be in cash, with the remainder being covered by Konoha's gold reserves and real estate properties. The total gold he acquired was over 50 kilograms, enough to comfortably offset his costs. As for the real estate, Kain knew that the land he was being given wasn't of the highest value, but it was still a valuable investment.

Kain's decision to open a shop in Konoha meant he could continue profiting from the war-torn economy, and with his access pass granted by the Hokage, he was now free to move about Konoha and conduct further business. For Sarutobi Hiruzen, the success of this transaction meant that Konoha's wounded would receive the treatment they needed, at least for the foreseeable future.

The negotiations, though tense, had ended successfully. Kain left the Hokage building with the knowledge that his position in Konoha was now secure, and the wealth he had amassed would only grow as the war dragged on. He would return soon with the medicines, ready to take advantage of the ongoing conflict and cement his role as a key supplier to one of the most powerful ninja villages in the world.