Chapter Seven: Transaction Confirmation

Orochimaru emerged from the shadows, a gesture that subtly indicated they had no intention of launching a surprise attack—or perhaps he had simply deduced that Karn was not a ninja and posed no real threat.

The fact that they could converse at all meant the first step was a success.

Karn breathed a sigh of relief and walked forward with Yahiko, though they kept a cautious distance after entering. This kind of vigilance, in Orochimaru’s eyes, was entirely appropriate; in fact, he was just as wary of Karn.

Jiraiya studied Karn for a moment before asking, “What is your purpose here?”

Karn replied, “I am a merchant who lost his way in the Land of Rain. I later encountered these children and, through their words, learned of the skirmishes between Leaf ninjas and Rain ninjas. So I asked him to bring me to you.”

“A merchant? Near a battlefield?”

“It’s because I got lost. To be honest, this is my first time in the Land of Rain, and I had no idea there was a war nearby. The goods I trade have the greatest value to ninjas. Now, I’m going to take some samples from my bag. Please, don’t be alarmed.”

He gave a forewarning, then reached into his backpack—using it as a shield, while in reality retrieving items from a spatial pack.

“The goods are of two types: medicines and food. Anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, fever reducers, vitamins, and some medical supplies. As for food, I have rice, flour, oil, sugar, and salt, in large quantities…”

Several boxes of medicine bore Japanese labels. When Jess heard Karn’s request, he thought Karn planned to ship medicine to Japan, but Karn did not elaborate, and Jess did not pursue the matter.

“Medicine, you say?” Tsunade showed interest at the mention of medical supplies. She was herself a medical ninja, and at present, few in the Leaf could rival her skills. The medical system in the village was still in its infancy; medical ninjas were scattered and few, and medicines were mostly herbal concoctions.

Mass-produced capsules or pills were virtually nonexistent.

“What do these medicines do?” After handing over all the samples to Tsunade, Karn explained, “The instructions are written on them, and the effects match the description. These are samples—you can test them as you wish. I can even test them myself.”

As for the food, the three paid it little mind—not because it wasn’t important, but compared to the medicines, it paled. The Leaf’s food supplies were adequate, but there was a stark shortage of medicine. Many wounded, though surviving the battlefield, succumbed in camp to lack of treatment.

Tsunade finished examining them one by one; her expression grew grave. When she read the final box, she immediately looked up and asked Karn, “Do these medicines really work as described?”

“They do,” Karn replied earnestly. “They’re samples; you can try them on wounded men. I am a merchant and have plenty of these. I would never exaggerate or deceive my clients—it’s bad for business.”

Jiraiya and Orochimaru, seeing the gravity in Tsunade’s face, understood the importance of what Karn had brought, even without reading the labels themselves.

Karn took out a piece of paper and handed it to Tsunade. “This is the list of goods and quantities. I have nothing else to add.”

Jiraiya stared at Karn’s hair for a while, then asked, “Are you a merchant from the Land of Lightning?”

“No, I have nothing to do with the Land of Lightning. I come from America, across the sea—a place few in the ninja world have heard of.” Karn knew he couldn’t fool them for long, but if he claimed to be from a known country, they might actually send ANBU to investigate.

Tsunade looked up at Karn. “If these medicines are as effective as you say, I can, on behalf of the Leaf, purchase the entire first shipment.”

At present, the Leaf couldn’t buy medicine even if they had the money. The lack of medical ninjas was the main reason why so many wounded could not survive. The medicines Karn offered could, to a large extent, substitute for lower-level medical ninjas.

“If possible, I hope you’ll come with us to the Leaf’s camp.”

“I’m willing, but you must guarantee my safety. I’m not a ninja, but I have ways to escape. If you try anything against me, I’ll immediately cancel the transaction, and you’ll never be able to buy my medicines again.”

Karn spoke solemnly to the three, determined to leave the world of the Hokage at the slightest sign of trouble.

“Rest assured, I will guarantee your safety, by the name of Tsunade, jonin of the Leaf.” Tsunade spoke decisively. These medicines could save the lives of the majority of wounded ninjas; she would not allow anyone to jeopardize that.

“Then, the deal is settled?” Karn asked, confirming with Tsunade.

“Yes, let’s trade.” The moment Tsunade spoke, the trading system displayed that the world transaction coordinates were successfully bound, with Tsunade as the binding party.

Tsunade then turned to Jiraiya and Orochimaru. “Jiraiya, Orochimaru, we must hurry back.”

“What about this kid?”

Jiraiya, instead of answering Tsunade, looked at Yahiko by Karn’s side. Karn, however, stepped aside to distance himself.

“He has nothing to do with me. We’re just traveling together.”

As soon as Karn said this, the three fixed their gazes on Yahiko, their scrutiny making him feel immense pressure.

But, driven by his dreams and Karn’s earlier words, Yahiko trembled for a long moment, then said loudly, “Please… teach us ninjutsu! I want to learn, to change this weeping country!”

Tsunade and Orochimaru sighed quietly. They had hoped the boy might surprise them, but he seemed just a naïve child.

Jiraiya’s expression, however, grew heavier. He asked, “What about your family?”

Yahiko was silent for a moment but answered truthfully, “They were killed by ninjas in this war.”

Orochimaru shook his head. “Don’t bother with this brat, Jiraiya. We have missions waiting when we get back.”

Tsunade agreed. “Yes, Jiraiya, we must return immediately.”

“But…”

Jiraiya looked into Yahiko’s eyes, filled with determination and hope, and hesitated. He knew the right thing was to return to camp at once.

However, he remembered what the Great Toad Sage had said about the Child of Destiny, and his gaze softened.

“I… I’ll stay. Tsunade, Orochimaru, the war is nearly over—let me take care of them.” At that moment, Konan and Nagato peeked out from behind the stone pillar, catching the trio’s attention.

After Jiraiya spoke his mind, Tsunade and Orochimaru’s expressions changed slightly.

Tsunade demanded angrily, “Jiraiya, do you know what you’re saying?”