In the Land of Grass…
"President, all the potions we prepared have nearly sold out. Even the extra stock we bought from other ninjas is running low," said the steward of the Sanada Chamber of Commerce, Kumoto, looking anxious. "Should we make another trip to Konoha?"
Prime Minister Sanada Xiang shook his head. "No. Those potions are the key to our Chamber's rise, but going to Konoha again could do more harm than good."
Sanada Xiang remembered how their previous visit had backfired. Although they had shown sincere intent, their attempts at collaboration had unintentionally caused a minor rift between Senju Tsunade and her apprentice, Reiki. Returning now might strain the relationship further, making future dealings with Reiki and Tsunade even more difficult.
Kumoto frowned. "But, President, we've committed to supplying these potions to some villages. If we can't deliver, our Chamber's reputation…"
Sanada Xiang nodded, fully understanding the gravity of the situation. Trust was everything in business; breaking it could mean the collapse of the Sanada Chamber of Commerce, crushed by rival companies eager to claim their place.
Just then, a familiar voice interrupted his thoughts. "Worried about potions, President Sanada?"
Sanada Xiang looked up, his eyes widening as he saw Reiki standing in the doorway. "Brother Reiki! How did you…?"
The Chamber had numerous ninjas guarding the premises. Though they weren't on par with Konoha's finest, they were no amateurs. Yet, Reiki had managed to enter undetected. Sanada Xiang wondered just how much the young medical ninja's skills had improved.
Reiki smiled, pulling out two sealing scrolls and placing them on the table. "I brought the potions. A thousand sets, plus some improved versions that my teacher and I developed. These have the same effects as before, but with enhanced efficacy and fewer side effects. You can release both versions on the market."
Sanada Xiang's heart raced. The thousand sets were more than enough to fulfill their pending orders. And with these improvements, they'd be able to secure long-term demand. But knowing Reiki's straightforward nature, Sanada Xiang realized that this visit wasn't just a simple delivery.
"What do you need from us, Reiki?" Sanada Xiang asked, sitting up straight.
Reiki handed him a list. "Here's what I need, and I trust President Sanada to gather these items. I'd like them delivered to Konoha within a month. As for your previous request for collaboration, please consider that settled. Remember one thing—your exclusive trading partner for these potions is me."
The steward quickly brought a tray of tea, and Sanada Xiang nodded respectfully as he served Reiki. "Understood, Brother Reiki. You can count on us. If there's anything else, just say the word."
Reiki looked Sanada Xiang in the eye, his voice calm but resolute. "President Sanada, you're a clever man. My request is simple: the Sanada Chamber of Commerce belongs to you, but this transaction is strictly between you and me. If you need anything, contact me directly. My teacher and the others are waiting for me outside. You know what to do from here."
With that, Reiki disappeared as swiftly as he had arrived, leaving Sanada Xiang momentarily stunned.
The president exhaled deeply. Being in Reiki's presence made him more nervous than when facing business rivals. Perhaps it was the young ninja's quiet confidence or the immense talent that he seemed to carry effortlessly.
"President, what should we do?" Kumoto asked, snapping Sanada Xiang from his thoughts.
"Follow Brother Reiki's instructions. We'll gather everything on this list within a week and ensure delivery to Konoha. This is top priority," Sanada Xiang replied with determination.
For years, they had earned only modest profits, shuttling between villages for trade. But Reiki's potions had transformed the Sanada Chamber into a major player, forcing larger competitors to take notice. Sanada Xiang knew that this success wasn't his doing; it was a gift from Reiki. And he wouldn't jeopardize this partnership.
As he turned to make preparations, Reiki reappeared, offering a few last words of advice. "One more thing, President Sanada. Pay close attention to any war remnants in the Land of Grass. You may find some unexpected opportunities. And you'll need to strengthen your chamber's combat force. Right now, it's adequate, but as your business grows, you'll need reliable defenses."
With that, Reiki left again, off to assist Tsunade with her procurement mission, though he knew she was likely ensconced in a casino by now.
The president clenched his fists, resolute. "Kumoto, start gathering everything on this list immediately. And get the Chamber's forces prepared for potential training. We're going all in."
From that moment, the Sanada Chamber of Commerce leaped into action, driven by the potential to redefine their place in the ninja world.