CH - 203 Grass Village still selling to us?

For ninjas, the only items of significance were those capable of enhancing their strength. For instance, following the turmoil caused by the Nine-Tails incident, some of the scientific ninja tools acquired by Konoha from the Grass Village proved somewhat useful on the battlefield, occasionally offering unexpected advantages.

However, their utility had its constraints. They were subject to restrictions and possessed low power. Perhaps the sole advantage was the speed of casting ninjutsu. Of course, if one was adequately prepared, these tools could easily be rendered ineffective.

Seated in a high-end leather chair crafted by the ingenious minds of the Grass Village, Danzo held a tea cup also manufactured by them. Furrowing his brow, he muttered to himself, "Has the Grass Village been producing too many things?"

It appears that over recent years, Grass Village Manufactured Products have infiltrated the Land of Fire. Not only the village itself but even his secret laboratory was brimming with various Grass Village products. It's all chaotic mess.

With these thoughts weighing on his mind, Danzo, initially indifferent, suddenly felt a sense of vigilance stir within him. After a brief moment of contemplation, he turned to his subordinates beside him and instructed, "Investigate for me... the Grass Village's industries within the Land of Fire."

What exactly does this Grass Village leader intend to accomplish?

…

Meanwhile, the war raged on. However, in Konoha, the relentless conflicts had left the village drained. War demanded not only manpower but also financial resources.

Consequently, the Daimyo harbored some discontent towards Konoha. Each year, all incoming funds were funneled into the ongoing wars. This unsustainable pattern necessitated an expedient resolution to the current conflict.

Homura Mitokado sat upon a chair crafted by the Grass Village, clutching a pen also manufactured by them. He inwardly sighed. These office supplies were procured from the Grass Village following the turmoil caused by the Nine-Tails incident. They were affordable and of commendable quality. Moreover, thanks to the discount facilitated by the allied status of the two villages, they secured an even better deal.

The affordability of Grass Village products proved fortuitous. Without them, Konoha would have struggled to rebuild after the Nine-Tails incident, given the extensive reconstruction efforts required at the time. Additionally, during the subsequent Third Great Ninja War, Konoha's finances were bolstered by purchasing war necessities at wholesale prices from the Grass Village. Otherwise, the village's financial stability would have been jeopardized.

Yet, why were Grass Village products so inexpensive? Not only were they affordable, but their quality also surpassed many products peddled by merchants within the Land of Fire.

If it became necessary, Homura truly dreaded the prospect of engaging in war with the Grass Village. After all, in recent years, he had amassed considerable wealth by acting as the Grass Village's agent in Konoha.

Reflecting on his initial appointment as the village's agent, Homura felt a twinge of anxiety. There was no denying the pitfalls associated with dealings involving the Grass Village, a fact well-known in the ninja world. Yet, to his surprise, he had managed to turn a substantial profit over the past few years.

However, With the outbreak of war, his earnings would likely plummet. As Homura contemplated this sobering reality.

Across from him, Hiruzen Sarutobi set aside the intelligence report in his hand and inquired, "How are the necessary supplies coming along?"

Observing Homura's troubled demeanor, Hiruzen assumed he was fretting over the village's financial strain and sighed, "I understand that the continuous wars have strained Konoha's finances, but we must expedite the end of this conflict. So, concerning supplies, I hope you can..."

However, before Hiruzen could finish speaking...

"Supplies?" Homura snapped out of his reverie and glanced at Hiruzen. He shook his head and assured, "Don't worry, Hiruzen. The supplies are already arranged."

"They're already prepared? Have they been delivered?" Hiruzen queried, perplexed.

"We'll have to wait a few more days. The Grass Village should dispatch them soon," Homura clarified with a shake of his head.

"Huh?" Hold on a moment, What's happening? Hiruzen was caught off guard, his hand trembling as he held his new smoking pipe. "The Grass Village?"

"Yes!" Homura nodded casually, unaware of Hiruzen's inner turmoil.

"How can you procure from the Grass Village?" Hiruzen asked, still bewildered.

"It's cost-effective!" Homura seemed to grasp Hiruzen's concern and sighed with a hint of regret. "Most of our supplies in recent years have been sourced from the Land of Grass. Especially this year, due to the war, expenses have soared. Buying from the Grass Village is more economical than other merchants within the Land of Fire. Hence, it's the most pragmatic choice."

For instance, the office furnishings in this meeting room, including the genuine leather desk and chair, were all crafted by the Grass Village. Additionally, Glancing at Hiruzen's new smoking pipe, "Your pipe is likely Grass Village-made as well."

Hiruzen's hand trembled once more, and he hastily inspected the smoking pipe in his grasp. Spotting a small grass symbol at the pipe's bottom edge, his mouth twitched. It was indeed crafted by the Grass Village.

"Wait, that's not what I meant!" Hiruzen fixed Homura with a serious gaze. "Now that Konoha is at odds with the Grass Village, will they still supply us?"

"Indeed." Koharu Utatane, seated beside him, furrowed her brow. "Could there be ulterior motives behind this?"

"I was initially dubious as well." Homura regarded Hiruzen with an odd expression. "After all, can we trust the Grass Village? They're notorious schemers. But when I inquired, they didn't decline. In fact, they even offered to deliver the supplies to the border themselves."

Both listeners were left dumbfounded by Homura's revelation. They offered delivery? What were the Grass Village plotting?

Hiruzen's hand continued to tremble as he hastily took a puff from the Grass Village-made smoking pipe, struggling to find the right words. This war had been strange from the start.

After a brief hesitation, Homura addressed the issue of supplies.

"There's no issue. They've stipulated that we must settle payments upfront during wartime," he clarified, shaking his head to convey that the arrangement was straightforward.

Upon hearing Homura's reassurance, Koharu Utatane and Hiruzen exchanged glances before contemplating the situation. "If it's scientific ninja tools..."

They were well acquainted with the scientific ninja tools pioneered by the Grass Village. Although their potency was limited, their instantaneous activation and stealth capabilities proved invaluable to Konoha following the Nine-Tails incident.

However, the Stone Village and the Cloud Village had gradually adapted to them as well. This time, Hiruzen had explicitly cautioned frontline ninjas to exercise caution. Yet, he suspected that the Grass Village might refrain from selling them this time.

"Hmm... they're still willing to sell!" Homura nodded, a peculiar expression crossing his features. "The Grass Village hasn't halted our supplies."

Indeed, it was perplexing why the Grass Village continued to pursue profits amidst the ongoing conflict. Were they attempting to recoup their losses following an anticipated defeat in the war? No one harbored any illusions about the Grass Village emerging victorious.

Meanwhile, Konoha had also been exploring the realm of scientific ninja tools during this period. However, progress had been sluggish, with significant research funds expended. Now, due to insufficient funds, the project had to be halted. Furthermore, investigations revealed that even if successful, the manufacturing costs would surpass those of purchasing from the Grass Village.

In fact, numerous items peddled by the Grass Village were more affordable than Konoha's own research endeavors. Thus, if feasible, procuring from the Grass Village presented an attractive option.

Hiruzen and Koharu Utatane lapsed into silence. The extent of development in Grass Village Manufacturing had taken them by surprise.

Nevertheless, they weren't overly concerned. For a ninja, strength remained the paramount factor. Even if Grass Village's products were more affordable, what significance did it hold against the might, akin to the First Hokage's?

Moreover, on the side of the Grass Village, the audacity to continue selling supplies to Konoha during wartime raised suspicions. What could be their motives? A bid to accumulate ample compensation post-war?

Hiruzen rubbed his forehead and sighed in resignation. "In any case, let's set this aside for now. If the Grass Village is still supplying, then let's procure from them. But be vigilant, guard against any concealed motives from the Grass Village."

Though unsure of potential conspiracies, as the Hokage, an unsettling feeling lingered. "Now, more importantly, we must swiftly conclude the war. Consecutive conflicts have drained Konoha, and a prompt resolution is imperative. If prolonged... discontent may arise within the village and from the Daimyo. With the Four Great Ninja Villages besieging the Grass Village, it's likely that the Grass Village won't be able to endure much longer."

The attention of the Grass Village will undoubtedly be fixated on Konoha this time around. Relative to the other Three Great Ninja Villages, unless the Grass Village relinquishes control of the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, hostilities between Konoha and the Grass Village are bound to persist.

With a somber countenance, he continued, "As such, the pressure on Konoha surpasses that of the other Three Great Ninja Villages. We must exercise utmost caution. Border patrols must remain vigilant regarding the movements of the Grass Village's primary forces, particularly their leader..."

However, before he could conclude, an ANBU operative burst in. "Hokage-sama, urgent frontline intelligence!" the operative announced respectfully. "The Grass Village's main forces have launched an assault on the Sand Village!"

'What?' The three of them were left dumbfounded. The Sand Village? Why would the Grass Village opt to attack the Sand Village instead of Konoha?

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