Konoha's missions are categorized into five levels: D, C, B, A, and S. A-level and S-level tasks are extremely difficult, typically involving sensitive matters related to other nations, and they usually require at least Jōnin-level expertise to complete. Therefore, individuals or common entities rarely have the authority to issue such missions unless they hold high-ranking positions, like the daimyo of the Land of Fire or similarly influential officials. These figures, due to their strong sway over Konoha, can commission A or S-level missions, but for ordinary people, the highest they can request is a B-level task.
Kain's upcoming mission was assessed as a B-level task, primarily due to the inherent dangers that come with traveling across the Land of Fire. The potential for encounters with wandering ninjas, rogue samurai, and bandits after the war was high. Conflict inevitably breeds these groups, and Kain's journey could expose him to such threats.
Since Kain's mission would take a considerable amount of time, the mission team in Konoha set the reward at 200,000 ryo. Two teams, each led by a Chūnin, would accompany Kain on his journey starting the next day. However, this single mission was not enough to settle the medical debt Konoha owed to Kain. He would need to commission several more missions like this to balance the scales.
Kain planned to return to his store to inform Aya about his impending departure. She would be responsible for managing the two stores in Konoha during his absence. Fortunately, the shops weren't facing any major challenges at the moment, aside from routine tasks like restocking merchandise and bookkeeping. They had recruited eight employees to help run the stores smoothly.
While walking into the store, Kain noticed several ninja academy students shopping. "Aya, there are guests right now. We can talk later," he said before heading to the living quarters in the backyard.
A short while later, Kain heard someone approach the door. Assuming it was Aya, he said, "Come in, Aya..."
However, to his surprise, it wasn't Aya who entered but a girl with red hair and a round face—Uzumaki Kushina. She looked slightly flustered as she entered.
"Oh, you're... Kushina, right?" Kain asked, pretending to recall her name after a brief moment of thought. "If you're here to buy something, please go to the front of the store. This is my private living area."
Embarrassed, Kushina bowed and apologized, "I'm sorry, boss, but I actually wanted to ask you something."
Kain waited for a few moments, hoping she would realize her mistake and leave. However, after a few seconds of awkward silence, he realized she wasn't going anywhere. With a resigned sigh, he stood up and said, "Alright, come in and sit down. I'll make some tea."
"Thank you, boss," Kushina replied, taking a seat and curiously glancing around Kain's living space as she waited.
Kain poured the tea and, eager to resolve the situation quickly, asked, "So, Kushina, what did you need my help with?"
Kushina, looking hopeful, said, "Boss, the chocolates you sell are so popular! I was hoping to reserve some for myself."
It turned out that she had come to Kain's private area because the store had been too crowded earlier, and she hadn't been able to get her hands on any of the chocolates before they sold out.
"Already sold out again? I didn't realize the business was doing so well," Kain mused aloud. It dawned on him that he might be able to capitalize on the growing demand by opening a candy factory in the ninja world. To his knowledge, there wasn't a particularly famous sweet in this world, with the most iconic treats in Konoha being dango and anko dumplings, largely due to someone's endorsement.
Considering his monopoly on desserts like chocolates and lollipops, Kain realized there was immense potential in this untapped market. In the American market, sweets generated billions of dollars in revenue. If he could replicate even a fraction of that success in the Land of Fire, Kain could dominate the confectionery industry within a few years. This thought sparked a new business plan in his mind—he would need to scout for suitable locations to open a factory after leaving Konoha.
"Boss? Boss?" Kushina's voice interrupted his thoughts, and Kain snapped out of his reverie.
"Sorry, I got a little distracted there," Kain apologized. "You mentioned making a reservation. How many chocolates are you looking to order?"
Kushina thought for a moment and then replied, "One hundred."
"Alright, 100 chocolates will be 20,000 ryo. Plus, I'll throw in the extra twenty pieces I promised you last time, so a total of 120," Kain said, nodding. He then added, "But don't forget—if you eat too much chocolate, you'll gain weight, so make sure to balance it out with enough exercise."
"That's right, that's right!" Kushina agreed eagerly, completely unconcerned about the weight warning. She recalled how quickly the thirty chocolates she bought last time had been eaten, with even Tsunade and Nawaki taking some from her stash. With her intense daily training, Kushina felt no guilt about indulging in her favorite treat after a hard day of work.
"Okay, be sure to pay Aya at the counter when you leave, and I'll let you know as soon as the next batch of desserts arrives," Kain said, mentally preparing to wrap up the conversation.
Kushina blinked in surprise. "You mean I still have to pay?"
"Of course!" Kain responded with a raised brow. "A reservation is still a purchase. You need to put down at least a deposit."
Seeing the surprise on Kushina's face, Kain asked suspiciously, "You don't have the money, do you?"
"Of course I do!" Kushina declared, but her guilty tone gave her away. Without waiting for a response, she quickly stood up and made her way out, presumably to find some money to pay for her order.
As Kain watched her leave, he reflected on how the first batch of chocolates had barely gained recognition, but now, there was a frenzy surrounding his products. The customers today were mostly ninja academy students, a demographic that could actually afford the expensive snacks thanks to their ability to earn money from simple D-level missions. Even the youngest Genin could easily complete three such missions in a day, earning between 500 and 10,000 ryo per task.
The ninja world was truly a land of opportunity, with vast, underdeveloped markets. Kain's mind buzzed with plans to expand his business. In the next three to five years, he was determined to establish a business empire so influential that it could sway decision-making in Konoha Village. His ultimate goal, however, was to use this power to extend his influence into the Marvel world.
After explaining his departure plans to Aya, Kain prepared for his journey. The mission included two teams of Konoha ninjas, consisting of two Chūnin and four Genin. Given that Konoha was still in the midst of the war, ninja teams were smaller than usual, with one Chūnin typically leading two Genin. Still, with six ninjas in total, Kain felt confident about his safety during the trip across the Land of Fire.
In addition to the ninja guards, there was also a coachman. Kain had purchased two carriages for the journey: one for transporting supplies and the other, a more luxurious model, for his personal use. The latter was spacious enough to allow Kain to travel comfortably and even sleep soundly at night.
Once everything was ready, Kain set off from Konoha Village.