Of course, Reiki wouldn't mention his use of the Op-Op Fruit's ability to Tsunade. With her strong sense of honor, she would never condone something like that. As for any concerns about cheating—well, Reiki didn't have much sympathy for casino staff, given the dark side of the gambling industry.
"Reiki, instead of resting, what are you doing here?" Tsunade asked, still in a good mood, even forgetting her irritation with Kato Dan.
"Well…" The three looked sheepish. If there really were something serious, they couldn't admit it here.
"Teacher, I actually wanted to buy some medicinal herbs," Reiki said, seizing the opportunity. "I'm almost out of the potions I prepared, and my funds are low."
Since she asked, Reiki didn't hesitate to make his request.
"Here, go buy your supplies." Tsunade handed him the box of winnings.
"Thanks, Teacher!" Reiki grinned, taking the money and heading directly to the herb store. As the Land of Grass connected several major countries, its stores were well-stocked with medicinal herbs.
---
*Half an hour later, Reiki exited the shop.*
"Boss, should we restock? Is the demand for herbs increasing again?" one of the shop attendants asked, surprised. After the end of the Ninja War, business had slowed down since the demand for medicinal supplies wasn't as high without conflict. But today, Reiki had nearly cleared out their stock.
"Restock? No, we'll do something else." The shop owner held up a sample potion Reiki had provided, an excited glint in his eye. After trying it, he had a clear vision for the store's future.
"We're switching to potions exclusively! We'll sell our own."
After issuing his order, the owner retreated to the back to begin preparations.
---
"System, generate," Reiki instructed, summoning his panel. With a swipe, bottles of potions appeared in his portable space.
[Recovery Potion: 6102 bottles]
[Stamina Potion: 4928 bottles]
[Critical Potion: 1203 bottles]
[Speed Potion: 981 bottles]
Seeing the inventory, Reiki smiled. It was more than enough for the near future.
When he returned to the team, everyone was waiting. Tsunade acknowledged his arrival with a nod, then led them to their target location. By evening, they reached a secluded tavern. Inside, Hanzo of the Salamander and an orange-haired ninja awaited them, along with other Rain ninja, the youngest barely ten years old.
"Hanzo-sama, I trust you understand the contract's terms?" Tsunade began, handing Hanzo a scroll. "If there's anything further to discuss, we should resolve it now."
She represented Konoha, and while most of the alliance's details were already settled, the main contention was the distribution of resources and benefits.
"There is no issue with the alliance itself," Hanzo replied, "but we request some special conditions. First, we want an exemption on tariffs for goods from the Land of Rain entering Konoha. Additionally, we need access to certain resources scarce in our land."
As Tsunade and Hanzo reviewed each other's terms, they entered the tavern together, leaving the rest outside. The air quickly grew tense among those left behind.
"What, Konoha sends a bunch of kids to represent them?" sneered a young Rain ninja. Despite wearing Konoha forehead protectors, Reiki and his teammates didn't look as seasoned as the genin from Rain Village.
"Ke Dong, mind your manners," an older Rain ninja chided, stepping forward with a polite smile. "These three are Tsunade-sama's disciples, likely talented Konoha ninja. You're eleven now; you should show respect, not provoke others."
Yet the implication was clear—they saw Reiki and the others as mere children tagging along under Tsunade's influence, with little to fear from them. After all, as the older ones, the Rain ninjas would be expected to go easy on the "kids."
"Brother Ke Dong," Reiki interjected, "how about a little battle training?"
He understood what this was really about. A demonstration of strength was the unspoken expectation here. If Reiki's team lost, the alliance terms would likely sway in favor of Hanzo. But if they won, Konoha's terms would carry more weight.
"Fine," Ke Dong replied. "Since Konoha's strength supposedly lies in teamwork, we'll let you do what you're best at. Otherwise, you might say we're bullying you."
Two more Rain ninjas joined him, each with a confident look that hinted at skill. Their arrogance was backed by real power, as only skilled fighters could afford such attitudes.
"This isn't quite right…" Kato Dan spoke up, his aura emanating strength as he stepped forward.
"Kato Dan?" The Rain ninja looked uneasy at the sight of him. Kato Dan's reputation as a medical ninja skilled in the Spirit Transformation Technique preceded him, and he was a known threat among many ninjas.
"For a real training match, shouldn't it include the jounin instructor as well?" Kato Dan smirked. "Since their instructor Tsunade won't be joining, I'll step in for her."
He took a confident step forward. Knowing the strength of Reiki, Shisui, and Nozuki, he was certain they'd outperform the average chunin—and especially the three upstart genin before them. Besides, Kato saw this as a chance to assert himself alongside Tsunade.
"Fine," the Rain ninja responded, taking his place while the rest cleared the area.
Reiki, Shisui, and Nozuki stepped forward, announcing their names.
"Konoha Medical Ninja, Reiki!"
"Konoha Combat Ninja, Uchiha Shisui!"
"Konoha Sensory Ninja, Namikaze Nozuki!"
The Rain genin followed suit, stepping up.
"Amegakure Combat Ninja, Ke Dong!"
"Amegakure Combat Ninja, Hit!"
"Amegakure Combat Ninja, Seka!"
Both sides readied themselves, the intensity clear in their stances.
>>>>>
Gimme Power stones I'm Poor