The teacup shattered against the floor.
Porcelain fragments skidded across the tatami as the Earth Daimyo surged to his feet, his face flushed purple with rage.
"That bloated pig has gone too far!" he roared. "Too far!"
His chest rose and fell violently. After forcing down a few rough breaths, his bloodshot eyes locked onto Ōnoki.
"We must teach the Land of Wind a lesson."
Ōnoki had clearly anticipated this. He did not hesitate.
"Daimyo-sama, now is not the time," he said calmly. "A war would consume vast resources. The treasury of the Daimyo's Mansion would suffer heavy losses."
He paused deliberately before delivering the real blow.
"That would severely hinder our ability to compete for the next Longevity Pill."
The Earth Daimyo's anger faltered. His eyes flickered with naked anxiety.
"When is the next batch?" he demanded.
Ōnoki's voice lowered. "According to reliable intelligence, at least one Longevity Pill will appear at the next auction—half a year from now."
"Only one…?" The Earth Daimyo muttered, brows knitting together as calculations raced through his mind.
Ōnoki pressed on. "Starting a war now would disrupt mission income, mineral extraction, and treasure acquisition. In the end, the Longevity Pill would fall into another Village's hands. I advise patience."
Silence stretched.
Finally, the Earth Daimyo exhaled sharply. "Fine. I'll wait another half year."
Then his expression hardened.
"But Ōnoki—harass the Land of Wind relentlessly. Do not let them gather sacrificial coins in peace."
Ōnoki bowed. "Understood, Daimyo-sama."
Outwardly obedient.
Inwardly, his sneer was ice-cold.
Half a year?
You won't last that long.
Once I return, I'll work with your son and tear you off the throne myself.
Elsewhere, the Lightning Daimyo sat in silence, fingers tapping thoughtfully against the armrest.
He already knew the answer, but he still asked casually, "Where did the Land of Wind obtain so many sacrificial coins?"
The Raikage looked every bit the blunt warrior he appeared to be—yet his reply was flawless.
"Likely from exchanging secret Ninjutsu acquired from smaller Ninja Villages," he said evenly. "Please rest assured, Daimyo-sama. Kumogakure will intensify its collection of Ninjutsu and resources throughout the Ninja World. We will not fail you."
The Lightning Daimyo nodded, his probing halted.
Satisfied—for now.
The Fire Daimyo returned to his quarters with Tsunade.
He stood by the window, gazing down at the bustling camp below—Ninja from every land moving like ants through a living machine.
After a long pause, he spoke.
"Konoha must increase its collection of rare resources," he said quietly. "At the next auction, I will not miss the Longevity Pill again."
Tsunade inclined her head. "Understood, Daimyo-sama."
"And one more thing." His tone sharpened. "Maintain a good relationship with Orochimaru. As for those in Konoha who resent the Sacrificial Shop—purge them. Leave none behind."
Tsunade did not argue. "Understood."
Seeing her flawless composure, the Fire Daimyo relaxed slightly.
"I hear Boss Li has taken four wives," he said idly.
Tsunade's mouth twitched. "That is correct."
"What of the women stationed here by other Villages?"
She answered without hesitation. "Iwagakure has Kitsuchi's kin; Kumogakure has Yugito Nii; Hidden Mist has Mei Terumī; Sunagakure has Pakura."
"And Konoha?" he pressed.
"Uchiha Homura. Hyuga Rin. Nara Konoha. Yamanaka Shizu."
The Fire Daimyo's gaze cooled. "I asked about Konoha."
Tsunade met his eyes evenly. "They are all Konoha Ninja."
For a heartbeat, the air grew taut.
Then the Daimyo chuckled, raising his fan to hide his smile. "Well said."
He lowered it slightly. "My youngest daughter, Princess Tsuki, has come of age. Let her remain here for a time."
"Of course," Tsunade replied smoothly. "Konoha will see to her safety."
"Konoha's stability here is thanks to the Fourth Hokage," the Daimyo added meaningfully.
Tsunade nodded. "Village affairs are many. Matters here are handled mostly by Nara Shikaku. I will convey your praise."
The Daimyo studied her for a moment, then smiled.
"Come. Accompany me to see this Sacrificial Shop for myself."
The area around the Sacrificial Shop was already overflowing.
Ninja from all Villages moved in steady streams, while the returned Uzumaki Clan had seized the opportunity with astonishing efficiency—shops, inns, and food stalls blooming outside the camp almost overnight.
Inside the camp itself, manpower was saturated. Even Genin lingered daily, hoping for new D-rank missions.
C-rank missions had grown scarce. Bandit groups in the Land of Whirlpools had been wiped out, roads constructed, trade reopened.
Even notorious rogue Ninja no longer dared show their faces here.
After the auction, the Daimyo of every nation converged on the camp, each escorted by layers of guards.
The Fire Daimyo's first stop was the Dan Building.
He purchased healing and Chakra recovery pills casually, treating them as consumables.
Bloodline pills, however, he passed by without slowing.
What use is a bloodline without Chakra?
And giving it to subordinates… too expensive.
Rejuvenation and aphrodisiac pills, on the other hand, he bought without hesitation.
Tsunade watched in silence, her expression thinly veiled disdain.
In the Artifact Building, an attendant led them to a side hall.
A ring gleamed within the display case.
"This is the Chakra Shield Ring," the attendant explained proudly. "Developed by Sasori-sama."
He outlined its functions with practiced ease—automatic energy absorption, instant barrier deployment, Jonin-level protection.
The Fire Daimyo's interest was finally piqued.
"And the price?"
"Two hundred thousand sacrificial coins for the improved version," the attendant replied. "How many would you like to purchase, Daimyo-sama?"