Orochimaru stepped out of the shadows, signaling a lack of hostile intent or perhaps recognizing that Kahn posed little threat as a civilian. Just being able to start a conversation was a success in itself.
Kahn let out a sigh of relief and walked forward with Yahiko, though he maintained some distance after entering the shelter. This cautious behavior, in Orochimaru's eyes, was only natural. In truth, Orochimaru himself harbored no small amount of wariness toward Kahn.
Jiraiya gave Kahn a once-over before asking, "What is your purpose here?"
Kahn replied, "I'm a merchant. I got lost in the Land of Rain and stumbled upon these kids. They told me about the battle between Konoha ninjas and Hanzō, so I asked them to bring me to you."
"A merchant? In a war zone?"
"I got lost," Kahn explained. "To be honest, it's my first time in the Land of Rain. I didn't even know there was a battle nearby. The goods I'm trading are most valuable to ninjas. Let me take out some samples for you to inspect—but please, try not to get too excited."
Kahn made a joke before reaching into his backpack. Using it as a cover, he discreetly retrieved items from his spatial storage.
"I'm offering two categories of goods: medicine and food. The medicines include anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, fever reducers, vitamins, and other medical supplies. As for food, there's rice, flour, oil, sugar, and salt, available in large quantities."
The medicines, labeled in Japanese, were a result of Kahn's dealings with Jess. Jess had initially assumed the medicines were destined for Japan, but Kahn hadn't elaborated further, nor had Jess pressed for details.
"Medicine?"
Hearing this, Tsunade's interest was piqued. As a medical-nin herself, she understood the importance of medicine. At this time, Konoha's medical system was underdeveloped, and medical ninjas were few and far between. The bulk production of ready-to-use medicines, such as capsules or pills, was practically nonexistent.
"What are the effects of these medicines?"
After handing over the samples to Tsunade, Kahn said, "The instructions are on the packaging, and the effects are exactly as described. You can test them on wounded individuals, or I can personally demonstrate their use if necessary."
The food items were temporarily overlooked—not because they weren't important but because medicine held greater immediate value. Konoha's food supplies were relatively sufficient, but their medical resources were severely lacking. Many injured soldiers, even if they survived the battlefield, succumbed to untreated wounds upon returning to camp.
Tsunade examined each sample carefully. Her expression grew more serious with every box she opened. After scrutinizing the final package, she raised her head and asked Kahn, "Are you certain the effects are as described?"
"Absolutely. These are just samples. You can test them yourself," Kahn affirmed. "I'm a merchant, not a liar. Misleading my clients would only harm my business."
Jiraiya and Orochimaru, noticing Tsunade's grave expression, didn't even need to read the labels to understand the significance of these medicines. Their importance was written all over her face.
Taking a piece of paper from his pocket, Kahn handed it to Tsunade. "This is a list of items and quantities available for trade. That's all I have to say for now."
Jiraiya, after staring at Kahn's hair for a while, asked, "Are you from the Land of Lightning?"
"No, I have no ties to the Land of Lightning. I'm from a place far across the sea called America. Not many in the ninja world have heard of it." Kahn refrained from falsely claiming allegiance to any known nation, as that might lead to an investigation by Konoha's ANBU.
Tsunade looked up and said, "If the medicines work as described, I can authorize Konoha to purchase the first batch in full."
In Konoha, medicines were worth their weight in gold. Medical ninjas were scarce, and Kahn's drugs could effectively replace many lower-level medical ninjas.
"If possible, I'd like you to accompany us to Konoha's camp," Tsunade added.
"That's doable, but you must ensure my safety. I'm not a ninja, but I have my own ways of escape. If I sense any ill intent, I'll cancel all deals, and you'll never get your hands on my goods." Kahn's voice was firm, his gaze unwavering.
"Rest assured, I'll guarantee your safety. You have my word as Tsunade, a Konoha jōnin," she replied resolutely. These medicines could save countless lives, and she wouldn't let anything jeopardize the deal.
"So, we have a deal, then?"
As Kahn spoke, he sought final confirmation from Tsunade.
"Yes. Let's trade," she replied decisively.
At that moment, system in Kahn's mind told him that the marker was successfully bound to Tsunade.
Turning to Jiraiya and Orochimaru, Tsunade said, "We need to return immediately."
"And what about this kid?" Jiraiya asked, pointing to Yahiko.
Kahn stepped aside, distancing himself. "He's not with me. We were just traveling together."
The trio turned their attention to Yahiko, whose courage seemed to waver under their collective gaze. After trembling for a moment, he finally spoke with determination.
"Please... teach us ninjutsu! I want to learn and change this crying nation!"
Tsunade and Orochimaru sighed quietly, disappointed by his naivety. Jiraiya, however, seemed to take his words more seriously.
"What about your family?" he asked.
Yahiko hesitated but eventually admitted, "They were killed by ninjas in this war."
Orochimaru shook his head. "Don't waste time with this child. Jiraiya, we have tasks to complete."
Tsunade echoed his sentiment. "He's right. Let's go, Jiraiya."
Jiraiya hesitated, looking at Yahiko's determined eyes, and thought about the prophecy of the Great Toad Sage.
"I'll stay behind," he finally said. "Tsunade, Orochimaru, with the war nearly over, let me look after them."
At this point, Konan and Nagato peeked out from behind a stone pillar, revealing themselves to the three Sannins. Tsunade and Orochimaru's expressions shifted slightly at Jiraiya's declaration.
Tsunade scolded angrily, "Jiraiya, do you even realize what you're saying?"
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