"For more than half a month, I thought you weren't coming!"
After seeing Kain again, Tsunade finally breathed a sigh of relief after hanging in uncertainty for so long.
She then punched Kain lightly on the arm, complaining, "Kushina has been asking about your whereabouts. She's been quite depressed lately. When did you guys become so close?"
Kain shrugged, trying to downplay the situation. "It's just that the other kids don't seem to like her much. You know how it is; if you find a taller person among a group of shorter ones, it can appear as if we have a close relationship."
Tsunade frowned at Kain's casual demeanor. She could sense the underlying seriousness in their conversation and he quickly redirected her focus.
"Let's get back to business. I brought some serum and experimental equipment with me when I returned, but I need to make a request."
A sense of unease washed over Tsunade as she heard Kain's words. "What request? As long as it's reasonable, I'll agree to it," she replied cautiously.
Kain smiled, seemingly relieved. "Great! It shouldn't be a problem for you. I want to relocate the laboratory and build it outside Konoha."
"Why outside? We've already chosen the current location," Tsunade countered, perplexed by his request.
"It will be safer to build it outside Konoha. Please, Tsunade, I rarely ask you for anything like this, but I think it's necessary. I will install a lock on the door of the new lab, and only relevant personnel will have access," Kain insisted firmly.
Tsunade sensed that Kain's insistence stemmed from recent events that had made him wary of Konoha's security.
After a moment's hesitation, she sighed and agreed. "Fine. I'll ask Orochimaru to oversee the construction of an underground laboratory. I want him to participate, though. That should be fine."
Kain nodded, relieved. "Of course, having Orochimaru involved will ensure better security. If we only use Earth Style for defenses, it would be too easy for someone to sneak in. We need to reinforce the walls, floors, and ceilings with materials like iron sheets to fortify the foundation of the underground lab. I'll leave the rest to the construction team."
As Tsunade listened, she felt a growing unease. "The death row prisoners have also been contacted. There are thirty people in the first batch, all detained in The Town. You can go directly to Nanami for the funds needed for the lab. I have more than a dozen shops in Konoha; besides that, the orphanage should provide enough resources for our experiments."
Tsunade's frown deepened as she processed Kain's words. "This sounds awfully detailed. Are you planning to avoid Konoha completely in the future?"
Kain shook his head. "I will still visit, but only after I've finished my work. As a foreigner, it's not safe for me to stay in Konoha for long periods. I hope you can understand that this won't affect the research on the Extremis virus. I'll continue sending serum regularly."
"Okay, I understand," Tsunade replied, though a hint of reluctance lingered in her voice. It seemed absurd that Kain, now a friend of Konoha, felt compelled to avoid the village altogether.
Kain then produced several gifts and letters intended for Kushina, Yakushi Nono, and others. "I won't be visiting Konoha often, so I thought I'd send these along," he explained.
Tsunade's dissatisfaction grew as she noticed Kain's gift for the Uchiha clan. "You're sending something to them too? What for?" she inquired.
Kain explained, "The last time I encountered Cloud Shinobi spies, the Uchiha were the first to respond besides Anbu. While it was their duty, they did provide some intimidation to the other spies."
Despite her reservations, Tsunade accepted the decision. She sent a member of the Senju clan to deliver the gifts to the Uchiha.
Kain had made a smart move; it would be foolish to put all his eggs in one basket. A wise businessman diversifies his assets, and Kain knew that focusing solely on Konoha could be detrimental.
The market for medicines in Konoha had become saturated, leading to diminishing returns.
With plans set in motion, Kain's mind drifted towards expanding his business beyond Konoha. His goal was to establish operations in the Land of Waves as a springboard to access the Land of Water and build relations with Kirigakure.
"Speaking of which, when did the blood mist policy start? Third Mizukage shouldn't have initiated it until after the Second Shinobi World War. If it hadn't started, I might have been able to recruit some bloodline heirs..." Kain mused.
After pondering this, he shook his head. It was easy to fantasize about recruiting powerful ninjas from prominent clans, but the reality was complicated.
Bloodline clans often came with their own set of loyalties and grievances, making recruitment a challenging endeavor. Nevertheless, he could still recruit from other groups, as not everyone could withstand the immense pressure of their respective clans and villages.
"It's useless to dwell on what could have been. Let's focus on the current situation," Kain concluded. He was primarily waiting for the Extremis virus research to succeed, as this would greatly enhance his survivability. Additionally, he aimed to build power within the ninja world and accumulate resources.
Aya had been working hard in the Land of Waves. Not only had she recruited two Chunin squads from Konoha, but she had also enlisted more than twenty samurai guards.
With adequate safety measures in place and sufficient funding, she quickly assembled a team of shipwrights and carpenters, acquiring a shipyard in the process.
She remembered Kain's words about the shipping industry being the easiest to develop in the Land of Waves. Starting from there would facilitate quicker access to the Land of Whirlpool and the Land of Lightning, surpassing overland routes.
Furthermore, it would open doors to trade with other territories, like the Land of Water and the Land of the Rainbow. Establishing a successful shipping business would effectively monopolize the trade of the port, enhancing cargo logistics and operations.
Now that Kain was preparing to expand into other countries, he realized it would be beneficial to bring Aya back. Being from the Senju clan, she would likely avoid any negative attention upon her return.
Later, Tsunade approached Orochimaru with a map and plan for the new experimental base. "I need you to oversee the relocation of the original experimental base. This new location will be crucial for our research."
After glancing over the map, Orochimaru chuckled softly, his interest piqued. "It seems Kain is quite wary of Konoha now. Mr. Sarutobi won't let this go easily; once prey is caught in the hunter's jaws, it's not so simple to escape."
With a serious expression, Tsunade replied, "I know. That's why we need to be cautious and make this new laboratory as secure as possible."
As they discussed further details, both Tsunade and Orochimaru understood the gravity of Kain's request.
They were stepping into uncharted territory, one that could have significant implications for their futures in Konoha and beyond.
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