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Therefore, Rasa's and Chiyo's thinking was straightforward: go directly to Konoha to buy!
It didn't matter if the village was short on money. At this time, trying to buy supplies from Konoha with money—Konoha might not be willing to sell.
But Konoha would be very interested in other things, such as ores.
Although Konoha had many mines too, when it came to mining, Sunagakure was the expert.
So, Rasa could manage the battlefield situation while stealing some time to do some mining. Two jobs, double the satisfaction.
"You are quite direct."
Kazuki couldn't help but laugh. "Aren't you aware of your Sunagakure's problems?Do you think Konoha would sell supplies to you while you are an active combatant?"
"I think you will."
Chiyo smiled confidently.
"Oh?"
Kazuki's curiosity was piqued.
Where did Chiyo get such... confidence? To think Konoha would definitely sell supplies to Sunagakure?
Selling them a batch of supplies before already had Kirigakure hopping mad.
If they sold them another batch, Kirigakure might just break through the floorboards with their jumping.
"Let's hear it."
Kazuki leaned back in his chair, interlacing his fingers on the table, asking with interest:
"I'm quite curious to know what reasons you will use to convince me. At this time, for Sunagakure to purchase supplies from Konoha isn't easy. Don't bother with ordinary reasons; it'll just make things awkward for everyone."
Chiyo's wrinkled, age-spotted face wore a confident smile. She raised a hand, extending her index finger, stating her price:
"One and a half times the price. Payment entirely in various ores."
The smile on Kazuki's face froze for a moment before he shook his head, exasperated.
"Although the offer is tempting, unfortunately, I have to refuse."
"Double."
Unhurriedly, Chiyo extended her middle finger, wiggling both her index and middle fingers, and said earnestly:
"This is the village's absolute bottom line for what we can bear. If Konoha doesn't agree, the village will have to find other means."
At this time, the factions that could sell supplies to Sunagakure weren't limited to Konoha. Kumogakure could also manage it.
If they were to sell at double the price, Kumogakure definitely wouldn't mind making a profit.
With the war ongoing, all sorts of ninja tool supplies were tight, including weapons and equipment.
The prices of various ores used for forging weapons had skyrocketed. Sunagakure offering them without a price hike, trading at double the standard price, was already their greatest concession.
If Konoha wanted even more...
Then Chiyo could only apologize.
Finding others to purchase from might be a bit more troublesome, but Sunagakure wouldn't let Konoha just latch onto them and suck them dry.
Moreover, what Sunagakure wanted to purchase were ordinary supplies, not war materiel.
I'll be damned... Double the price, and paid with various ores Konoha seriously lacks. This deal is... quite tempting.
Although Konoha had many mineral resources, mining was difficult!
Konoha didn't have Sunagakure's mining prodigy who could effortlessly extract vast quantities of ore with a few gestures.
With the war spreading, all sorts of supplies were skyrocketing in price. The most exaggerated were various war materiel—ninja tools, explosive tags, and the like.
Explosive tags were a lost cause; production costs were high, and difficulty great. Unless you could become a second Konan, capable of mass-producing explosive tags.
Besides explosive tags, all sorts of ninja tools and weapons saw crazy price hikes.
If Konoha could secure this deal, for a long time, they wouldn't need to worry about war materiel, at least not in the weapons and tools department.
"I have to admit, that price is very attractive."
Kazuki admitted he was tempted.
Chiyo didn't speak, just quietly watched Kazuki.
She had given the village's bottom line. Whether it was agreed upon depended on Kazuki.
The current Konoha, while Tsunade was Hokage, in Chiyo's view, the Advisor Hokage Kazuki seemed more like the Hokage than Tsunade.
At the very least, no other advisors in any village could decide on major village matters without consulting their Kage. Among the Five Great Shinobi Villages, Kazuki was uniquely the only one.
That's why Chiyo came directly to the camp to negotiate with Kazuki, rather than trying to go to Konoha to see Tsunade.
Compared to Tsunade, she felt dealing with Kazuki was more direct. As long as she persuaded Kazuki, everything else would fall into place.
"Tell me the quantity you need to purchase. Have your people bring the goods here. I'll have the village send the supplies to the camp."
These were extraordinary times. Sunagakure couldn't just waltz into Konoha to buy supplies. They needed to transport them out as cover.
Moreover, with the camp currently housing many people, transporting extra supplies out wouldn't raise suspicion.
Konoha wasn't afraid of others knowing, but if they could keep it under wraps, there was no need to make a huge fuss, letting the whole world know.
Well-prepared, Chiyo took out a scroll and handed it to Kazuki.
Kazuki opened it, confirming the quantity of supplies Iwagakure needed, then said thoughtfully:
"Trade at the camp in ten days. Bring your people and transport the goods here. If you're discovered by Kirigakure en route, that's your own affair. It has nothing to do with Konoha."
Konoha could openly transport supplies to the front-line camp, but Sunagakure couldn't blatantly transport ores out.
Kirigakure would definitely keep a close eye on them.
Unless Sunagakure was willing to extensively use sealing scrolls to transport these ores.
Kazuki had given Chiyo the necessary warnings.
Whether Sunagakure could successfully transport the goods here wasn't his concern.
If this deal went through, Konoha profited hugely.
If it didn't, these supplies could remain at the camp as reserves. Either way, Konoha wouldn't lose.
"This old woman will be cautious."
This was Sunagakure's own business. Chiyo didn't wish to say more.
With everything discussed, Kazuki had Shisui escort Chiyo out. Next, he just needed to notify the village to send the supplies and wait for Sunagakure to complete the trade.
Shisui escorted Chiyo out and soon returned to the camp.
"Tell me, from the village's perspective, is this deal with Sunagakure a loss or a gain? Or do you think the village shouldn't have too much involvement with Sunagakure at this time?"
"This..."
Shisui and Itachi exchanged a glance. They had some thoughts, but they hesitated, unsure if they should voice them.
Because Kazuki's actions always commanded respect. Over time, whenever they had their own ideas, they'd subconsciously believe Kazuki's decisions were the right ones.
And that their own thoughts might be flawed.
"Don't worry about anything else. Just speak your mind. Treat this as a private discussion."
Knowing what they were concerned about, Kazuki gave them reassurance. Say whatever's on your mind. As long as you don't curse me, I can accept anything.
With Kazuki's assurance, Shisui spoke up first.
"Elder, if we sell the supplies now and Kirigakure finds out, the village could face significant trouble."