The elderly man had one more shock in store for Aoto. In general, the current Konoha's upper-level officials have never been viewed favorably. Fans were especially cruel to Danzo, Koharu Utatane, and Homura Mitokado. Danzo was on everyone's hit list, so let's not bring him up. Aoto's first idea upon arriving in this world and recognizing himself in Konoha was how to eliminate Danzo.
If he had any abilities or chakra, he'd want to help this elderly man before worrying about getting the sharingans for himself, so it's a good thing he doesn't. Once he acquires the irises, it will be extremely difficult to eliminate him.
Sasuke suffered even after him awakening the mangekyo sharingan.
Hiruzen was also not held in particularly high regard alongside the other three senile gits. He continued his sensei's "love hate policy" toward the Uchihas, isolating them; he didn't provide enough support for Naruto; he didn't reveal his true identity; and so on.
However, it was often forgotten that he truly loved Konoha. Perhaps he loved too much, to the point where he refused to go against his former friends when necessary. That was the worst error of his life. After witnessing Hiruzen in this light, Aoto began to wonder if the elderly man was actually completely insane. No other hokage he had encountered after Hashirama had shown any sign of humility. Not to an ordinary guy like him, anyway.
When Hirzuen bowed and said this, Aoto felt a twinge of embarrassment.
"Hokage, please don't do that. You are the leader of this village, the pillar. You can't do that to a commoner like me." Aoto said.
"No.. We started out on the wrong foot. You're absolutely correct. Laws and regulations are established by the powerful. Though it's a very harsh thing to say but I understand that truth at least." Hiruzen said as he patted Aoto on the back. Knowing that Hiruzen was kind to him helped ease Aoto's mind.
"So umm Hokage.. Why are you actually here? I don't remember doing any kind of illegal things." Aoto said with a twinge of guilt. He did some shady stuff, though. Trade in cannabis. It wasn't illegal everywhere in his globe before, but most developed nations viewed it as a serious health risk.
"No. I am here because Konoha wants to negotiate with you."
"Konoha? Negotiate? How?" Aoto questioned in bewilderment.
"You told Asuma that you have more palickos right?" Inquired Hiruzen.
"Yes." Aoto nodded.
"Then Konoha would like to buy some. Of course, you will be paid according to the actual price." Hiruzen put forward his thoughts.
"Huh!"
Now Aoto was truly taken aback. Actually having Hiruzen show up to do business with him was a surprise. Aoto's face became bright when he heard that. He was blessed with this opportunity. He could simplify his job by selling his Palickos to Konoha. To find out the results of the next draw, he needed to sell at least 100, so any assistance would be greatly appreciated. However, he managed to contain his enthusiasm and say.
"Of course Hokage, I would be happy to sell the Palickos but on the condition that I get to see the faces of the people who buys the Palickos." Says Aoto.
"Faces? In other words, you mean... Oh! Aoto, you are really intelligent. I understand. Even if an Anbu comes and buys, he or she will show his or her face. But if they do that, you will be under special contract with Konoha and might be restricted to Konoha." Hiruzen said. Let's see if this young man is worth taking seriously as a negotiator.
"Be at Konoha? Sure. No problem. I am not brave enough to go out anyways. I would rather be here." Aoto simply nodded. Why would he leave the safety of Konoha to explore a world where people still used horse-drawn carriages and sailing ships were centuries old? The most technologically advanced location in the world was Hidden Rain Village, which no one was allowed to visit.
He didn't want to confront someone who had Rinnegan eyes anyways. He cherished life more than Jiraya ever did. Hiruzen had a smile on his face hearing that. Since his parents had been slain and he had to fix up his house on his own, he had begun to worry that Konoha wasn't treating him very well.
Though he wasn't sure how he was catching those contracted beasts, he didn't care. He had gone through the reports of his employees and they were clean coming from a far off village who had ties with Konoha when it was established.
The system was powerful enough to even give a proper background to Arya, John and Hot Pie. He just felt it would be bad if Aoto goes out selling these beasts to the other villages in the future. Thus he needed this piece in the negotiation.
"Good. I have tried your joint. I will also like to buy from you." Hiruzen said. This was another reason he came. He didn't pay attention to Asuma before on his smoking but once when seeing his son dealing with Palickos at home and seeing the new joint he was smoking he got intrigued and tried.
He was finally persuaded by the joints if Palickos hadn't.
"Umm Hokage.. You do know that I have just lessened the productivity of the joints." Aoto told Hiruzen that he needed to enforce some new "laws."
"What? What happened?" Asuma was alarmed and asked. Asuma was devastated to hear the news of the 50% cut from Aoto. Hiruzen, however, could comprehend. This thing was addictive and he saw Aoto in new light.
This kid really cared about the people of Konoha.
"I will buy 3 joints." Hiruzen said. He was itching to go out and purchase one.
"Umm Hokage you don't need a Palicko for yourself?" Aoto was hoping to make some cash on the spot.
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Read 15 chapters ahead on my p@treon.com/thelightedghost