Chapter Ten: Settling in Konoha

"Of course, of course, you've worked hard these past few days, ah haha~" Tsunade saw that her attempt at light conversation still hadn't changed the expression on Karn's face, so she continued, "Alright, it's been confirmed these past couple of days that your medicine works exactly as described. I've already sent word inside the Leaf. There will definitely be a large-scale procurement soon."

Upon hearing this, Karn let out a gentle sigh. "That's good. To be honest, I've been away for quite a while. If we can complete the transaction quickly, that would be best."

Tsunade reassured him, "Don't worry. Unless something unexpected happens, there's a team returning to the Leaf in three days. I'll go back with you then. I'll handle the medicine procurement myself, and as for other supplies, someone else will negotiate with you."

Karn glanced at Tsunade, but after a moment’s thought, he decided not to question further. Still, Tsunade noticed his look and asked, "What is it? Do you have any questions?"

Karn replied, "I'm just a bit curious. Your strength is extraordinary—why are you personally handling these negotiations with me? If it's inconvenient to answer, just forget I asked."

"That's no trouble at all," Tsunade answered without concern. "The war is nearly over, so it's time for me to return with the wounded."

The Sand ninja were withdrawing their defenses, having lost the will to continue the fight. In terms of casualties, under the combined pressure from the Leaf and Rain ninja, the Sand had suffered significantly more losses than the Leaf, thanks in large part to Danzo's plans. If the battle dragged on, the Leaf would indeed suffer heavy losses, but the Sand would be the first to collapse, so they chose to surrender.

At this point, Tsunade's role on the front lines had diminished. Her most valuable contribution was as a medical ninja, and it was time for her to return to the Leaf Hospital, where she was needed most.

"That's good," Karn replied. He didn't know if time passed the same way in both worlds, but he'd already spent five days in this one, and he could tolerate at most twenty days away. If he didn’t return soon, both Karl and those around him would report him missing and put out a search.

A few more days passed, and Tsunade led the first group of wounded back to the Leaf. Karn was among them. Since he wasn't a ninja, Tsunade thoughtfully arranged a carriage for him—after all, he was now considered an honored guest of the Leaf and deserved proper hospitality.

The journey took more time, and by the time they reached the Hidden Leaf Village, it was already the afternoon of the following day.

"We’re here. This is the Leaf. How do you feel?" Tsunade introduced the village with a trace of pride, perhaps because the Hidden Leaf was considered quite prosperous among the ninja villages.

"Not bad," Karn replied calmly, paying little attention to the village’s so-called prosperity. To him, it was just a village—compared even to New York fifty years ago, it was a small place.

Seeing that Karn seemed unimpressed, Tsunade clicked her tongue and said, "Let me settle you in for a rest. My house has plenty of empty rooms."

"Your house?" Karn's expression shifted slightly, then he quickly said, "Any inn will do; your home really isn’t necessary, Lady Tsunade. I’m just here for a transaction—our relationship isn’t close enough for me to impose like that."

Unless he was out of his mind, Karn would never agree to stay at the Senju estate.

Tsunade gave Karn a look, then replied, "There are no inns in the Leaf. The only available accommodations are unassigned residences and ninja apartments—neither are suitable for you. My home is spacious, and staying at the Senju estate also ensures your safety."

What were you showing off about earlier if there’s not even an inn in the Leaf?

The Leaf had only been established for just over thirty years, and the population was still mainly composed of ninja clans. It had only been a little over ten years since the Second Hokage began supporting civilian ninja. Most businesses were run by ninja families, and as for inns for outsiders—such things simply didn’t exist.

From the First to the Second Great Ninja War, the atmosphere in the Leaf had always been tense. After the Second Hokage’s death, whether for revenge or to assert their power, the Leaf had never truly known peace, and even the Second War had been initiated by the Leaf.

As for Tsunade’s suggestion that Karn stay at her home, this had already been reported to the Third Hokage and received approval. Most importantly, without Karn’s awareness, only Tsunade’s grandmother, Mito Uzumaki, could sense whether he harbored any ill intentions.

No matter how deeply someone concealed malice toward the Leaf, Mito’s perception could not be deceived. Recently, thanks to her abilities, the Leaf had uncovered many spies lurking within the village.

If Karn were an undercover agent sent by another village, there would be no escaping Lady Mito’s detection.

Hiruzen Sarutobi had considered all this, and would also assign the ANBU to secretly monitor Karn.

He couldn't be blamed for being so cautious; the medicines Karn offered were too vital—they could sway the outcome of an entire war. If Rain had acquired them first, the Leaf would be in dire straits.

Karn studied Tsunade for a long moment and realized there was little room for negotiation. He sighed and said, "Very well, I’ll accept your hospitality, Lady Tsunade."

One obstacle after another—the first transaction was proving far less straightforward than Karn had hoped.

Under Tsunade’s guidance, he arrived at the Senju estate. The two great ninja wars had taken a heavy toll on the Senju clan, and with Hashirama having disbanded the family and encouraged its members to merge into the village under different names, the estate now felt almost deserted.

After settling Karn into a residence, Tsunade said, "Rest here for a day. Tomorrow, I’ll take you to meet Master Sarutobi, the Third Hokage of the Leaf Village."

"Understood. Unless there’s an emergency, I won’t leave."

"That’s not necessary—you can let me know if you want to look around." Tsunade sounded a little helpless at Karn’s caution. This man had no interest in the Leaf’s secrets whatsoever, and all along the road he’d been careful not to overhear anything he shouldn’t.

After Tsunade left, in a large courtyard not far from Karn's residence, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, stood respectfully beside an elderly woman with vivid red hair, holding a crystal ball.

"Lady Mito, I must trouble you to use your ability to sense good and evil, and see whether this man harbors any malice toward the Leaf."

He had already explained the situation to Mito Uzumaki: Karn was staying at the Senju estate, and her sensory abilities could easily locate Karn and detect any ill intent in his heart.

If he had any malicious thoughts, there was no way to hide them from Mito Uzumaki.

After a while, Mito opened her eyes and said to Hiruzen, "This man bears no malice."

Hiruzen nodded, then said respectfully, "Understood. I won’t disturb you further, Lady Mito."

With that, he left with the crystal ball to make arrangements for the trade negotiations the next day.