The Poison Trade
"Besides its slightly weaker toxicity, this Water Bat No. 7 is practically flawless."
And the best part? This highly effective venom wasn't rare. No wonder the bald merchant-nin was so eager—the profit margins were juicy.
"If you went into business, 'Fish,' the rest of us would be out of a job."
The merchant chuckled, but his enthusiasm was genuine. More venom meant more money.
"This 'Dichlorvos No. 7' is potent and pure. If I dilute it before reselling, I can pocket the difference. Double the profit!"
To him, money was everything. He wasn't here for glory—just survival.
"Once I pay off my gambling debts, I'll buy back my estate in the Daimyō's capital. With these ninja connections, I'll rebuild my fortune!"
The frontlines? A death trap. Even with hired guards from the Red Dust Merchant-Nin, they were no match for Suna's forces.
And he was just a chakra-trained civilian—weaker than a genin. If not for the fast cash, he'd never risk this hellhole.
Negotiations Begin
"Kūenzō, I've brought 1,500 milliliters of Dichlorvos No. 7 this time. Lowball me, and I'll take my business elsewhere."
Umino Yoru patted the sealing scroll, his tone laced with warning.
"This much?!"
The bald merchant's eyes gleamed. Double the usual quantity?"This Sarutobi jonin must be desperate for money. Perfect chance to upsell!"
Yoru nodded. He'd intentionally limited sales before—not to manipulate prices, but to avoid drawing Suna's attention.
"If they notice this venom's effectiveness, their poison experts will develop an antidote in days. Then, my 'Water Bat No. 7' becomes worthless."
No more steady income. But now? He needed funds fast.
The Real Prize
"Don't tell me you've brought junk again."
Kūenzō sighed. "A Sarutobi jonin peddling scrap metal? How undignified." Still, he respected Yoru's loyalty to his men.
"This time, it's mine."
Yoru tossed a sealing scroll onto the table.
BAM!
A pile of shattered puppets and custom Suna weaponry spilled out—topped by a longsword flung carelessly onto the heap.
"Suna puppets… and one from a special jonin?!"
The merchant's fingers trembled as he inspected the wreckage. His estimation of Yoru skyrocketed.
"A full Suna puppeteer squad? Even an elite jonin would struggle against them!" Yet here Yoru stood—unscathed.
"The damage… This was done by high-level ninjutsu! The Sarutobi clan's reputation is well-earned."
Opportunity struck.
"If I befriend a future Konoha power player… my comeback is guaranteed!"
The Hidden Blade
"Just give me a price. I'm in a hurry."
Kūenzō's smile turned oily. "Of course, Lord Fish!"
Then—his breath hitched.
"A Suna jonin's standard-issue blade?!"
This wasn't just loot. It was proof.
*"He killed a Suna jonin. And wiped out a puppeteer squad single-handedly? Elite jonin. No question."*
Time to invest.
"My lord… about those 'restricted items' you mentioned last time—I happen to have a batch now. Still interested?"
Yoru's eyes narrowed. "You've been holding out on me."
But inside? He was ecstatic.
*"Finally. My real experiments can begin."*