"How should I explain the time when I disappeared?" Ino continued to ask.
"It was me who saved you using the Flying Thunder God technique and put you in a safe house." Naruto thought for a moment and then answered.
"In the house? What if they ask me where exactly I was?" Ino continued to ask.
"I directly took you away using the Flying Thunder God technique. How would you know where you were? You just need to say you don't know, no need to explain too much to those people." Naruto said directly.
"Ah, is that okay?"
"That's very good."
Ino clenched her fist slightly and said, "The Tailed Beast is a country's strongest weapon. Is it... a bit not so good for us to hide the Three-Tails like this? If we are a bit more honest about these things with others, can it bring more benefits to Konohagakure?"
"Absolutely not. The most dangerous thing in this world is the human heart. You can never guess what other people are thinking."
Naruto sighed deeply, stroked Ino's hair, and said with a heavy heart, "I know your heart is very kind, but this world is still too filthy and dirty. You need to learn to protect yourself and not be hurt by this world."
"Mm, thank you, Naruto-kun."
Ino relaxed slightly, let her head naturally lean against Naruto's chest, and the corners of her mouth turned up slightly.
...
Outside Konohagakure village, Danzo looked at the collapsed Konohagakure with a black line on his face and angrily shouted at the person in front of him, "What's going on, Orochimaru, why has Konohagakure become like this? Wasn't your main purpose to kill the Third Hokage?"
"Ararara, this is not something I can do. I'm just an innocent researcher. How can you vent your anger on me? What if I accidentally leak some news in the base... what will you do then?" Orochimaru laughed naturally and playfully, his voice hoarse, and his golden snake pupils faintly revealed a light that chose people to devour.
"Hmph, I have nothing to do with you."
Danzo said in a deep voice.
"No no no, it matters, of course it does. The money you promised to give me... isn't it time to settle it now?" Orochimaru's smile on his face gradually became brighter, and when he looked at Danzo, it was like looking at a lamb to be slaughtered.
"Now that Konohagakure has become like this, I don't have extra funds to pay. The money matter... let's talk about it later." Danzo said righteously.
In fact, he just wanted to default on his debt, and he had planned to default on his debt a long time ago. He just chose the corresponding excuse based on the current situation. If other situations arise, Danzo will also choose other excuses. Anyway, this guy definitely won't pay honestly.
"Oh, is that so? What about the equipment?"
Orochimaru lowered his head, fiddled with the Kunai in his hand, and said with narrowed eyes.
"Now that Konohagakure is gone, where can I get those equipment for you? Let's talk about it later, after Konohagakure is rebuilt." Danzo continued to refuse.
"So you're saying, you plan not to pay anything?" Orochimaru slowly raised his head and pointed the Kunai directly at Danzo across from him.
The two roots next to Danzo were alert in an instant, ready to fight at any time. The atmosphere suddenly became tense, and Orochimaru and Danzo stared at each other coldly.
...
'Just drag it on for a while, let Orochimaru see my determination, and then further lower the price. I absolutely can't let this guy get a bargain.'
Danzo thought gloomily.
...
'Just drag it on for a while, give Jugo and the others time and opportunity, it's best to directly empty Danzo's house, and don't leave him any chance to regret.'
Orochimaru also thought of it.
He had known for a long time that Danzo would not always do business with him. How could he not have a backup plan? Unlike those foolish higher-ups, Orochimaru is wise, has Ninjutsu, and has operations. He had already started secretly investigating the Root base when he brought Jugo into the village.
...
After a period of confrontation...
"Konohagakure suddenly suffered such a heavy blow, I can understand your feelings, but you must also let me see your sincerity. If you don't even have the most basic sincerity, don't expect me to trade with you amicably, and we can cancel some of our future cooperation." Orochimaru stared at Danzo across from him and said.
'Sincerity? Isn't it just about money?'
Danzo felt very disdainful in his heart, but still made a serious expression and said, "Okay, I can pay you twenty percent of the money first. In the following days of rebuilding Konohagakure, I will continue to return a part of the income from the Root to you. That should be enough, right?"
"Just like that? What about the equipment?"
Orochimaru's eyes were sharp, trying to prolong the negotiation with Danzo as much as possible.
"I've already said that Konohagakure is currently in the stage of rebuilding after being devastated. The key equipment industry has been destroyed. I can't give you what you want." Danzo insisted.
"Not even a little?"
"Of course not, I'm not the kind of person who would hoard things behind the scenes. And even if I did hide something in the wood industry, it would be destroyed by this terrifying destructive power." Danzo said.
"Then this matter is difficult."
Orochimaru crossed his arms, looked at Danzo with an unpleasant face, and said, "You wouldn't think that I'm an easy person to deal with, would you? With just these little things, can they possibly satisfy me? think about whether it's realistic or not."
Danzo was silent, his face showing difficulty, as if he really couldn't come up with more things. He knew very well in his heart that if he wanted to deceive Orochimaru, he had to act more realistically. The expression on his face was even more thorough.
Drag it on for a while longer, and when he almost believes it, I can lower the price again.
And how could Orochimaru not know Danzo's little thought? Faced with Danzo's idea, Orochimaru would of course choose to comply with him, just follow him and act together. Hey, isn't this just dragging out time? You'll see who's unlucky when the time drags on!
...
After a period of time...
"Tsk, it's really troublesome. I'm unlucky to meet someone like you. Bad luck!" Orochimaru looked at Danzo, whose old face was as tight as a chrysanthemum, with a disgusted face.
"...I will compensate you in the future, but now, I really can't come up with money and equipment." Danzo sighed deeply.
"Then let's just leave it at that, disgusting."
Orochimaru showed a complex inner feeling, but had to accept the reality of the expression, and finally turned around and left reluctantly.
...
Danzo and Orochimaru separated, and both showed a silent smile of triumph on their faces, as if they were mocking each other's incompetence, uselessness, and boredom.
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