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Orochimaru had originally come for the so-called storage spirit tool.
He hadn't expected to witness something with far greater research value.
At this moment, his mind was completely occupied by intricate chakra-circuit structures, the seamless fusion of flesh and natural energy, and the terrifying possibility of instant, hand-seal-less elemental ninjutsu.
"This… is truly fascinating," Orochimaru murmured, his voice so soft it was almost inaudible.
The precious experimental subjects he had cultivated for years, the bloodline limit data he had painstakingly compiled, and even the countless forbidden scrolls he had risked his life to obtain—all of them were suddenly stripped of their allure.
Right now, he wanted only one thing.
A Spirit Bone.
To dissect it.
To analyze it.
To understand it completely.
"Artificial Spirit Bones will be sold at the Sacrificial Shop," Li Rong said calmly, extinguishing that dangerous line of thought without hesitation. "But I didn't bring any with me this time. Only after the camp is established will I notify the main store to transport goods here."
Orochimaru's gaze flickered with barely concealed regret.
Li Rong turned his attention to the Third Hokage.
"Sandaime-sama, I would like to commission five Jonin squads. The payment is ten million Ryo, and the construction period is three months."
"Because I will also be issuing missions to the other Five Great Ninja Villages," Li added evenly, "please avoid assigning personnel who harbor hostility toward Ninja from other Villages. I don't want unnecessary friction."
"Boss Li," Homura Mitokado interjected at once, clearly dissatisfied. "Why go to such trouble? Konoha alone can handle this task perfectly."
"That won't do," Li Rong replied sincerely, shaking his head. "Only if all Five Villages personally witness the construction of our camp will they truly understand us. That will make future business much smoother."
"The Land of Fire is the wealthiest country in the Ninja World," Utatane Koharu stepped forward. "And Konoha is its strongest Village. We can purchase all of your shop's goods."
Li Rong didn't even pause.
"How much do you think the Spirit Bone you just saw was worth?" he asked calmly. "And how many could Konoha afford?"
The words landed like a hammer.
Utatane Koharu's argument collapsed instantly.
Li Rong then turned back to Hiruzen Sarutobi. "I am a merchant. I want to make money openly and peacefully. I hope the Sandaime can understand that."
"Our shop is an outsider. Since we've come to the Ninja World to do business, it's only natural that we pursue maximum profit."
Hiruzen Sarutobi remained silent for a long moment.
Then he laughed.
"Please rest assured, Boss Li. Konoha's treatment of merchants is the best in the Ninja World."
"As for the commission, I will personally assemble the Jonin teams. They will not disappoint you."
The tension in the room eased slightly.
Li Rong continued, "I have one more request regarding team composition."
"I'd like one Uchiha team, one Hyuga team, one Sarutobi team, one Ino–Shika–Chō team, and one additional team chosen by Konoha."
The temperature dropped again.
Seeing the immediate change in expressions, Li Rong explained frankly, "These are the major clans I'm familiar with. They have deep foundations and strong growth potential—excellent future customers."
Homura Mitokado and Utatane Koharu both looked displeased, but neither could find a solid reason to object.
Hiruzen Sarutobi exhaled a slow puff of smoke, then nodded. "Very well. They are all Konoha Ninja. They will complete the mission."
After Li Rong and his group were escorted to their temporary residence, the Konoha officials returned to the Hokage Office.
As soon as the door closed, Utatane Koharu spoke sharply. "Hiruzen, how could you allow those clans to participate at a time like this?"
Hiruzen's expression darkened. "Outsiders issuing missions in Konoha have the right to designate personnel. What reason do we have to refuse?"
"What matters now is maintaining a good relationship with the Sacrificial Shop," Orochimaru added coldly. "Ideally, we secure Boss Li's favor."
"Letting Ninja clans grow stronger is not supporting Konoha," Utatane Koharu snapped.
"A new Ninja World War is approaching," Orochimaru replied flatly. "If Konoha's overall strength increases, Konoha benefits."
Clearly uninterested in arguing further, he turned his gaze away.
Homura Mitokado stepped forward, quietly diffusing the tension. "Hiruzen, what are your instructions?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi smoked in silence for a long time before speaking.
"Orochimaru, take Minato to the hospital immediately. I want a full medical report on that arm by tonight."
After Orochimaru departed with Minato and Kushina, Hiruzen turned to Jiraiya.
"Inform Tsunade of everything that happened today. Have her lead the team to the Land of Whirlpools."
Jiraiya frowned. "With her current condition… wouldn't it be better if I went?"
Hiruzen snorted. "You? Do you understand diplomacy? Trade negotiations? Managing inter-Village relations?"
He shook his head, exasperated. "When will you ever learn these things?"
Jiraiya laughed awkwardly and fled the office.
Hiruzen sighed. "That boy…"
He then looked to Homura Mitokado, his gaze sharpening.
"Go warn Danzo. Tell him not to do anything unnecessary."
"If he interferes with Boss Li…" Hiruzen paused, smoke curling between his fingers, killing intent flickering beneath his calm exterior. "I will personally dismantle Root."
Homura nodded solemnly.
Just the Spirit Bone alone was enough to destabilize the balance of power. Antagonizing the Sacrificial Shop now would be suicidal.
"Shinnosuke," Hiruzen called.
An Anbu figure appeared instantly.
"Notify Fugaku, Hiashi, and Shikaku. Let them select suitable personnel."
"Also—make our surveillance public. Grade A, but visible."
"Let Boss Li see Konoha's sincerity."
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
"Koharu," Hiruzen concluded, "arrange a Ninja escort for Boss Li's subordinates traveling to other Villages. Strength matters. Konoha must not lose face."
"…Understood."
With the orders issued, the Hokage Office finally fell silent.
Konoha had made its choice.
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