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"Here, take this." Tsunade handed over a kunai.
"Uh, thanks." Jinghang accepted the kunai with a hint of reluctance, silently grumbling to himself. Seriously? She's the Princess of Konoha, and for my birthday, she gives me a random kunai? Could she be any more perfunctory?
As if reading his thoughts, Tsunade frowned and retorted, "Don't underestimate this kunai! It's a relic from my granduncle, the Second Hokage. It even has his Flying Raijin markings engraved on it! If it weren't your birthday, I wouldn't have given it to you!"
"Oh, really? A relic from Lord Tobirama? That's incredible!" Jinghang's attitude shifted immediately. He examined the kunai carefully and indeed found the distinct markings of the Second Hokage's technique on its hilt. It was undoubtedly authentic.
"By the way, I need to return to Konoha tomorrow," Tsunade said suddenly.
"Huh? Didn't you say you'd be supporting us in Sunagakure for three years? It hasn't even been a year yet…" Jinghang asked, puzzled.
"It's just a temporary trip. The village sent word that Lord Torifu Akimichi's old injuries have flared up again, and it seems serious. The Hokage has requested my presence to assess the situation. Since I performed his surgery, I have to see it through to the end," Tsunade explained.
"Ah, then you must go. I'll arrange for someone to escort you."
"No need for that. It's not such a big deal. I'll go alone. If all goes well, I'll be back in half a month," Tsunade said with a smile.
"Alright then. Submit your travel expenses to me for reimbursement," Jinghang offered.
"Sure, thanks!" Tsunade grinned even more brightly.
Amegakure – Shule River Sandglass Armament Factory
Rasa meticulously sharpened the edge of a blade, testing its sharpness occasionally before sprinkling water on it and continuing his work. His management style differed greatly from Jinghang's. While Jinghang adhered strictly to established rules and procedures, Rasa believed in leading by example. Convinced that he lacked natural talent, he made up for it with diligence, often working shoulder-to-shoulder with the factory workers. On days without administrative duties, he would join the production line, sharing meals and labor with the workers. This hands-on approach earned him immense respect from the factory staff, who regarded him with unwavering loyalty.
"Done! Time to attach the handle." Finally satisfied with the blade, Rasa handed it over to the next assembly worker. He wiped the sweat from his brow with a towel and stepped aside to let another worker take his place. After all, as the factory manager, he had many other responsibilities and couldn't spend all day on the production floor.
The assembly line method was a novel concept introduced by Jinghang. The production of a single ninja blade was divided into specialized teams: forging, hammering, grinding, and assembling. This streamlined process not only significantly boosted efficiency but also safeguarded the secret of forging Damascus steel.
The core technology of Damascus steel forging remained a closely guarded secret, entrusted only to a select group of senior technicians personally trained by Jinghang. This forging workshop was off-limits to outsiders, with Jinghang assigning ten elite Sunagakure jōnin to ensure its security. The senior technicians enjoyed generous salaries and benefits; they had private accommodations, exclusive meals, and their families were provided with jobs and housing in the Moon Lake District. Their children even received free education. Each technician worked in shifts, with three months off to reunite with their families. In an era of war and widespread suffering, such privileges were akin to a dream life. Unsurprisingly, the senior technicians were deeply loyal to Jinghang and Rasa, viewing the factory as their sanctuary.
Attempts to infiltrate the factory were futile. Even when the Land of Crafts dispatched spies to bribe the technicians, the offers were met with ridicule. "What? You think a few measly coins can sway us? Not a chance!"
"General Manager, a representative from the Land of Lightning, Mr. Shibuya, is here. He's waiting in the reception room," said Karuke, the assistant manager, carrying a stack of documents.
Rasa immediately replaced his work attire with a more formal outfit, his expression softening into a welcoming smile. "Please have tea served for them. I'll be there shortly."
Turning to the workers, he added, "Keep at it, everyone. Let the kitchen know to prepare fish stew for lunch as a treat." The workers erupted in cheers.
"What?! Two thousand ninja blades, three thousand pairs of tactical boots, five thousand tactical vests, and thirty thousand cans of rations? And you want all of this delivered within three months? Mr. Shibuya, are you joking? Do you have any idea how packed our production schedule is? We're booked solid until next June! It's not that I don't want to take your money; it's that I physically can't make this happen." Rasa rolled his eyes and threw up his hands in exasperation. Beside him, Karuke stifled her laughter behind a folder, amused by how the typically stoic Rasa had become so adept at negotiation after less than a year as general manager.
"General Manager Rasa, I understand this is a difficult request, but the frontlines are in dire need of these supplies. The Third Raikage himself is counting on me to secure them. Please, I'm begging you!" Mr. Shibuya bowed deeply, his desperation evident.
"Ah, Mr. Shibuya, there's no need for that. You're a valued partner and friend, but materials don't just appear out of thin air," Rasa said, stroking his chin thoughtfully. He exchanged a subtle glance with Karuke, who shook her head slightly.
"Fine, we'll take the order," Rasa declared suddenly, slapping the contract with a flourish. "But there will be no discounts this time. Given the urgency, our workers will need to put in overtime."
"That's perfectly reasonable!" Mr. Shibuya exclaimed, his relief palpable. "I can pay in cash immediately."
"Excellent. Prepare the warehouses for inventory checks," Rasa instructed Karuke, who left the room, still chuckling to herself.
The Tragedy of Nawaki
"Wake up! Wake up, Nawaki! Don't you dare die on me!" Tsunade screamed hoarsely, her voice breaking as she poured chakra into her hands, desperately performing Mystical Palm Technique. Rain mixed with blood as she worked with frantic determination.
Beneath her, the young boy's breathing was faint, his chest rising and falling irregularly. Blood gushed from his abdomen and chest, pooling beneath him. The gaping wound on his torso exposed his internal organs, which writhed faintly with each labored breath. His life was slipping away.
"Give it up, Tsunade. Don't waste your chakra. Nawaki is beyond saving," Orochimaru said softly, placing a hand on her shoulder.
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, along with Danzo Shimura, Homura Mitokado, and Koharu Utatane, approached solemnly. Their faces were etched with grief as they watched Tsunade struggle in vain. Nawaki, the grandson of the First Hokage, had been a bright and ambitious boy who dreamed of becoming Hokage. His untimely demise was a tragic blow to them all.
"This is unforgivable! Those damn Mist ninjas are nothing but savages! We should launch an offensive and crush them!" Danzo growled, his fists clenched in fury.
The tragedy had unfolded during a retaliatory operation against Kirigakure. In response to Mist Village's provocations, the Third Hokage had ordered a sweep of their secret bases in the Land of Fire. Although the operation was a success, the Mist ninjas retaliated by targeting civilians and children. Nawaki had fallen victim to one of their explosive traps while playing outside the village.
"Enough, Tsunade. Let the boy go peacefully," Hiruzen said with a heavy sigh.
"Shut up, old man!" Tsunade snapped, refusing to heed his words.
"His heart and liver are severely damaged, and his kidneys and spleen are also compromised. Even if you exhaust your chakra, he'll only survive for another hour. Unless…" Orochimaru hesitated.
"Unless what?!" Tsunade demanded, her eyes blazing with desperation.
"Unless you can immediately procure matching organs and perform a full transplant. But that's impossible," Orochimaru said, his tone grim.
Suddenly, Tsunade's eyes lit up. "Organs… a transplant… Yes! The Flying Thunder God Kunai! My lab in Sunagakure! Old man, you and the others use the Flying Thunder Formation to transport me and Nawaki to the Sand Village! I can save him there!"