Chapter Twelve: Growing the Business

“Has no one else been detected?”
Sarutobi Hiruzen’s expression grew grave as he asked the Anbu for confirmation once more. No matter how many times he inquired, the answer remained unchanged.
“Yes, Hokage-sama. We have thoroughly investigated everyone who entered or exited the warehouse that Karn rented in Kawaki Town. To this moment, we have not been able to identify who deposited the medical supplies there.”
The Anbu member knelt respectfully, reporting to the Third Hokage. Strictly speaking, their tracking mission had failed; they had not found the person responsible.
Sarutobi Hiruzen muttered in confusion, “To elude the three of you… it seems the other party possesses significant resources. Which faction’s shinobi would use such a method to aid Konoha?”
In less than a day—no, not even a full day—over a hundred crates of medicine and medical supplies had been transported to Kawaki Town. It was possible they had been prepared in advance, but the Anbu had thoroughly searched the warehouse Karn rented.
Mitomon Homura pondered aloud, “If they were shinobi from another faction, it’s unlikely they’d go to such lengths to help Konoha. Besides, Koharu has already instructed the hospital to carefully inspect all these medicines. If someone intended to tamper with them, it would be impossible…”
“There’s no record of such medicines in the shinobi world. Hiruzen, shall we continue dispatching Anbu to other nations to investigate the background of this individual?”
Koharu Utatane spoke up. If they truly couldn’t uncover any information about the person behind Karn, should they employ more direct means to extract intelligence from him?
Sarutobi Hiruzen took a slow drag from his pipe, silent for a moment before replying, “Let’s take it slowly. It’s still wartime. As long as the medicines are genuine, Konoha profits.”
After all, it was only thirty million ryo, some village property, and gold confiscated from the battlefield. The Land of Wind possessed numerous mines, and during clashes with the Sand Village, Konoha often sent teams to raid their logistics or domestic convoys, amassing a considerable amount of gold and other ores.
Soon, an Anbu entered the Hokage’s office, immediately reporting, “Hokage-sama, news from the hospital: Lady Tsunade has already inspected half the medicines, all of which passed. They’ve been used on wounded soldiers. The remaining half should be fully checked by tomorrow noon.”
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded, visibly relieved. “Tell Tsunade to take some of these medicines and supplies to the medical shinobi who will relieve those on the Grass Country front. The wounded there are also under heavy pressure.”
“Yes, Hokage-sama.”
With a large influx of medicines, the situation at Konoha Hospital finally eased. Tsunade also recruited many attentive women from the village, having them learn bandaging and suturing beside the medical shinobi, or assist in other tasks, greatly reducing the workload of the medical staff.
Karn knew little of the hospital’s affairs; his mind was fixed on opening his two shops. He observed that his location wasn’t too remote. If he acquired the remaining properties, he could develop the street into a commercial and entertainment district at night.

But now he needed to recruit staff. Whether in the shinobi world or not, Karn never intended to manage the shops personally.
Unfamiliar with such matters, Karn considered his options and decided to consult Tsunade.
That afternoon, Karn arrived at the hospital entrance. After inquiring, he learned Tsunade was still busy, so he waited outside for her. As dusk fell, Tsunade finally appeared.
“Is there something you need?”
Tsunade had just stepped out of the hospital when she noticed Karn waiting.
“I have something I want to ask you—about recruiting staff.”
Before Karn could finish, Tsunade interrupted, “Let’s talk about it over dinner. I haven’t eaten yet, after such a busy day.”
Karn had no choice but to follow Tsunade to the tavern. As their orders arrived, Karn began to explain his needs.
“Recruiting staff? That’s simple. I’ll settle it for you tomorrow as thanks for your summary of battlefield first aid methods. What requirements do you have for the workers?”
Karn thought for a moment. “Nothing complicated. Just honest, obedient, and careful. Five for the first batch; more will be needed later. As for their pay, it will be fair.”
“I see…”
Tsunade suddenly recalled that many of her clan’s families had lost their main breadwinners to the war, leaving them without a stable income. Though Konoha provided pensions, they barely sufficed for daily needs, and now the Senju clan’s subsidies were all that kept them going.
But the Senju’s savings were not limitless; Tsunade’s grandfather had donated most of the clan’s wealth to the village’s construction. Now they supported over a hundred families every month, and at this rate, even the Senju would be unable to endure for long.
Opportunities to earn money within Konoha were scarce, so Tsunade immediately thought of her clanswomen when hearing Karn’s request.
“If that’s the case, I'd like to recommend some people…”
She proceeded to tell Karn about these families, most of them widows.

After considering, Karn nodded in agreement. “Very well, let them come to me tomorrow. Thank you, Lady Tsunade. I have other matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave.”
With that, Karn settled the bill with the proprietor and departed the tavern.
Tsunade, only realizing his abruptness after he left, clicked her tongue in annoyance. “That guy, always leaving right after he’s done talking!”
.........
The next morning.
The people Tsunade recommended arrived at the shop.
Karn had almost finished preparing the store, with only the merchandise left to be arranged.
“Karn-san, we were sent by Lady Tsunade…”
Five women in total. The Senju clan had suffered most from the last two shinobi wars; though the surname was gone, they remained the most active on the battlefield, and most had not returned.
Since everything had been discussed in advance, Karn asked their names, appointed the most dependable-looking as manager, and assigned the rest to stocking, cleaning, cashiering, and other tasks.
He spent some time giving these five a thorough introduction to the shop, which primarily sold grains and groceries, with plans to expand into snacks as business grew. The goods would be brought from outside the village that afternoon, and Karn had already mapped out pricing and cashier procedures. He knew exactly how much profit he could make.
Having confirmed everything, Karn left the village to retrieve grain from his backpack and transport it to Konoha for sale.