Orochimaru emerged from the shadows, signaling that there was no immediate intention to attack. Perhaps they had determined that Kain wasn't a threat since he wasn't a ninja. The mere fact that they were willing to talk suggested that the first step was a success.
Kain let out a small sigh of relief and walked forward with Yahiko, though they maintained some distance even after entering the sheltered area. This cautious behavior was entirely natural in Orochimaru's view, especially as he, too, remained wary of Kain.
Jiraiya, ever curious, quickly posed a question. "What's your purpose?"
Kain, maintaining his calm demeanor, replied, "I'm a businessman who lost his way in the Land of Rain. I happened to meet these children and learned about the skirmish between Konoha shinobi and Rain shinobi from them. I asked them to bring me here to meet you."
Jiraiya looked at him skeptically, "A businessman? Near a battlefield?"
"I got lost," Kain explained again, his voice even. "Honestly, this is my first time in the Land of Rain, and I didn't know there was a war nearby. The goods I carry have great value for shinobi, so I'd like to propose a trade. I can show you samples from my backpack, but I'll need a promise from the three of you not to suddenly attack me."
Kain's hand moved into his backpack, though it wasn't for the physical samples inside. Instead, using his backpack as a cover, he retrieved supplies from his space backpack, out of view of the others.
"I have two categories of items for trade: medicine and food," Kain began. "The medicines include anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, antipyretics, vitamins, and various medical supplies. As for food, I carry staples like rice, flour, oil, sugar, and salt—but in large quantities."
As Kain held up the medicine boxes, which bore labels written in Japanese, he made a note of the unfamiliar packaging. Even though the shinobi might not recognize the description, the value of the contents was unmistakable.
Tsunade's attention piqued as she leaned in to examine the medicine. Being one of Konoha's most skilled medical ninjas, Tsunade was familiar with the stark limitations of Konoha's current medical resources. The village's medical systems had yet to develop fully, with most remedies still made from basic herbs. Capsules, pills, or anything resembling modern pharmaceutical products were practically unheard of.
"What do these medicines do?" she asked, carefully inspecting the boxes.
Kain explained, "There are instructions on each of the boxes. The effects are just as the labels describe. These are samples, so you're welcome to test them on your wounded shinobi to verify."
Jiraiya and Orochimaru remained quiet as they observed Tsunade's reaction. Her focus deepened as she read the descriptions, and when she reached the final box, her expression grew serious.
"Are the effects really as described?" Tsunade asked, her tone demanding clarity.
"Of course," Kain replied confidently. "These are not for show. I am a businessman. You can test them on the injured. I wouldn't mislead you—deception is bad for business."
It was clear that the medicine intrigued Tsunade. As the three shinobi from Konoha considered the possibilities, Kain pulled out a piece of paper and handed it to Tsunade.
"This is the list of available items and their quantities. Beyond that, there's nothing more to discuss for now."
Jiraiya, still observing Kain closely, asked, "Are you from the Land of Lightning?"
"No," Kain responded flatly. "I'm not affiliated with any of the known nations. I come from America, across the sea, though I doubt you've heard of it."
Tsunade glanced up from the list and said, "If these medicines work as you say, I'll buy the entire first batch on behalf of Konoha."
Konoha was wealthy enough to afford the purchase, and the scarcity of medical supplies during the war had proven disastrous for their wounded. If the medicines Kain offered could save lives, they would be invaluable, even potentially replacing the need for lower-level medical ninjas.
"One more thing," Tsunade added. "It would be best if you came back with us to Konoha's camp."
"I don't mind," Kain agreed, "but you must ensure my safety. I am not a shinobi, but I do have ways to escape. If I sense any danger or mistreatment, I will cancel the deal immediately, and you will never get your hands on my goods again."
Tsunade gave a firm nod. "I guarantee your safety in the name of Konoha's Jōnin, Tsunade."
With that assurance, Kain confirmed, "So, the deal is set?"
Tsunade responded decisively, "Yes, let's trade."
As soon as the agreement was sealed, the trading system Kain relied on indicated that the world trading coordinates were successfully bound. The name Tsunade appeared as the bound recipient.
Tsunade then turned to Jiraiya and Orochimaru. "We need to head back as quickly as possible."
Jiraiya glanced at Yahiko, who had stood silently beside Kain. "And what about this kid?"
Kain quickly stepped aside, putting some distance between himself and Yahiko. "He's not with me. We were simply traveling in the same direction."
With Kain disassociating himself from the young boy, all eyes fell on Yahiko. Under their collective gaze, Yahiko hesitated for a moment, but remembering Kain's earlier words and fueled by the burning dream inside him, he summoned his courage.
"I… I want to learn ninjutsu!" Yahiko shouted, his voice trembling but filled with determination. "I want to change this crying country and make it a better place!"
Tsunade and Orochimaru exchanged silent looks. They were unimpressed by what they saw as a child's naive dream. To them, Yahiko's ideals seemed ill-suited to the harsh realities of the shinobi world.
Orochimaru dismissed him. "We don't have time for this, Jiraiya. We still have tasks to complete back at camp."
Tsunade nodded in agreement. "Yes, we need to return immediately."
But Jiraiya, whose expression had grown more serious, couldn't help but be swayed by the boy's words. He looked into Yahiko's eyes and saw something more than just a childish wish—he saw resolve.
Jiraiya, ever mindful of the prophecy of the Great Toad Sage about the "Child of Prophecy," felt the tug of fate.
"I think I'll stay," Jiraiya announced, surprising both Tsunade and Orochimaru. "The war is almost over, and I can take care of these kids."
Just then, Konan and Nagato emerged from behind a stone pillar, making their presence known to the three legendary shinobi. Both Tsunade and Orochimaru's expressions shifted to disbelief.
"Jiraiya!" Tsunade shouted, her voice full of frustration. "Do you even understand what you're saying?"