Even ordinary people could use it.
And it could trigger protection automatically.
These two advantages instantly won over the Fire Daimyo, who decisively purchased three rings on the spot.
Just as he impatiently reached out to put them on, Aomura quickly stopped him.
"Please wait until you leave the camp, Daimyo-sama. There are too many Ninja here, and the Chakra fluctuations are chaotic. The rings might activate by mistake."
Nearby, Tsunade couldn't help feeling a flicker of envy. But remembering Konoha's dire financial state, she forcibly suppressed the impulse to buy.
To exchange cultivation techniques from the Heart Building and Martial Building for Konoha's outstanding Ninja—and to secure Spirit Bones for herself, Minato, and Jiraiya—Konoha had already exhausted every last sacrificial coin it could scrape together.
At present, Minato remained in Konoha to manage village affairs, unable to leave. Jiraiya, meanwhile, stayed stationed at the Shop, chaining missions nonstop. From S-rank to D-rank, nothing was spared. Asuma Sarutobi and the others followed suit, running themselves ragged just to accumulate more sacrificial coins for the next generation.
Seeing that Tsunade made no purchase, Aomura assumed she wasn't interested and guided her to the next counter.
"Hokage-sama, please look here. This is a newly released product—the Ring of Nature."
He explained in a low, professional tone. The ring could store vast quantities of natural energy, allowing its user to enter Sage Mode almost instantly. Beside it was the Ring of Healing, an improved variant capable of storing healing energy equivalent to carrying a top-tier medical ninja at all times.
Each item was priceless—and prohibitively expensive.
The Hokage and the Daimyo lingered, eyes burning with desire, but ultimately could only turn away.
When the atmosphere ripened, Aomura subtly led them to a secluded inner counter. After scanning the surroundings, he lowered his voice.
"The Sage-Immortality Pearl will eventually be displayed here."
Tsunade immediately understood the gravity of his caution. Leaning in, she whispered, "How many will be sold? And at what price?"
"My clearance isn't that high," Aomura replied. "But I've heard there will only be ten. They'll be restricted to certain customer tiers, with strict purchase limits."
He paused, then added meaningfully, "Hokage-sama, Konoha must complete enough missions and accumulate sacrificial coins quickly. If these Pearls fall entirely into other Villages' hands…"
He didn't finish the sentence. No one needed him to.
Outside the building, Tsunade pulled the Fire Daimyo aside and explained the strategic value of the Sage-Immortality Pearl in detail.
After listening, the Daimyo frowned deeply.
"You intend to expand Konoha's Ninja force and farm low-level missions?"
"High-level missions are too volatile," Tsunade replied calmly. "One mistake could trigger war or provoke joint suppression. Low-level missions are stable. The returns are smaller, but controllable."
The Fire Daimyo understood the implication immediately—and disliked it. A massive expansion of Ninja forces meant potential threats to noble authority.
Yet when he recalled the Longevity Pills and miraculous tools…
"Do it your way," he said at last. "The Land of Fire will increase military funding. But every ten years, Konoha must secure me a ten-year Longevity Pill."
"Konoha will not fail your trust."
With approval secured, Tsunade gathered all Konoha Ninja still stationed at the camp and revealed everything.
"This was probably deliberate," Shikaku said coolly. "Boss Li wanted the information to spread."
"What matters," he continued, raising two fingers, "is this: first, the Pearl must be obtained. Second—do we inform the other Villages?"
"We do," Tsunade answered without hesitation. "We will not break faith first."
The decision was conveyed.
After verification, the other Villages reacted one by one.
"Kumogakure will remember this favor," A said solemnly.
"Hidden Mist as well," Yagura echoed.
Even Ōnoki grudgingly acknowledged the debt.
Only Sasha, the Third Kazekage, remained.
"Hokage," he said slowly, "Sunagakure proposes an alliance."
Tsunade stiffened.
"If Konoha is willing to transfer any Pearls it acquires, Sunagakure will compensate with sacrificial coins of equal value," Sasha continued. "Additionally, we will sign a permanent non-aggression pact."
Before Tsunade could respond, thunder cracked in the distance.
At the camp's transport zone, A had removed his Raikage robe. Behind him stood Kumogakure's elite—Yugito, Killer Bee, and more than a dozen Jonin, scrolls slung over their backs.
"Ready?" A asked.
"Ohhh!!!" they roared in unison.
Lightning erupted.
"Kumogakure Express Delivery!"
"Mission—start!"
In a flash of blue electricity, they vanished.
Jiraiya and Asuma stared at the settling dust.
Asuma swallowed.
"Sensei… after this mission, should we go move bricks for the construction team?"