https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-390-The-Oilada-Clan-s-Sincerity-/12934923/
Chapter 389: Red Bean and Honglian!
Chapter 389: Red Bean and Honglian!
"What about increasing our food procurement?"
Sarutobi Kazumi inquired of Mizuhara Monen and Choshin Kokoro, who were in charge of commerce.
In previous years, they had also purchased food, and if they could utilize this channel, it would naturally be the best choice.
"No way, they can't prepare such a large amount of food in a short time!"
Choshin Kokoro shook her head, indicating that this method was not feasible.
Food procurement sounded simple—just a matter of spending more money—but in reality, it was incredibly complicated.
Note that this refers to 'bulk' food procurement; if it were a small amount, it wouldn't be this troublesome.
For bulk procurement, the first step is to collect food from multiple locations.
After all, it's impossible to gather such a vast quantity of food from just one place.
This alone could be a challenge for countless merchant guilds.
Most of the food in the Shinobi World was controlled by the nobility, so if the guilds wanted to purchase more, they would have to deal with even more nobles, and who knew how troublesome that would be.
There were too many eccentric nobles! Dealing with them was not only troublesome but also dangerous, as you never knew when they might suddenly act up.
Okay, let's say you're capable and can gather enough food.
But how do you transport it?
The conditions of the roads in the Shinobi World, the presence of bandits, and transportation efficiency were all issues.
Therefore, bulk procurement was genuinely problematic.
"What if we ask the Daimyo for help..."
Sarutobi Kazumi's face turned bitter at the thought.
This was not an option.
Asking the Daimyo for help meant bowing down to them, and who knew what they might demand in the future?
This was a line that couldn't be crossed.
Moreover, the Daimyo also had their own agenda; they had been nurturing the Ninja Villagelet, the Fire Temple, and the Guardian Ninja, among others, as potential replacements for the Shinobi Village.
So, bowing to the Daimyo was not just a matter of pride but a matter of life and death.
"What about purchasing from the Heavenly Fortress? Their food production this year is astonishing; they should have enough to sell!"
Mizuhara Monen suddenly suggested an unexpected option.
The Heavenly Fortress! It was the bane of Konoha's existence.
But now, they had to consider buying from them, which was indeed unexpected.
However, they had no choice; purchasing from the Heavenly Fortress was much better than asking the Daimyo.
It was also reasonable.
After all, the Heavenly Fortress was nominally a part of Konoha.
At most, they were just rebellious, ungrateful children.
"No, we can't bow down to that evil Uchiha brat!"
Seeing the others deep in thought, Danzou jumped up like a cat with its fur standing on end.
He was not willing to bow down to them.
"Danzou, Dong Ping is a son-in-law!"
Choshin Kokoro reminded Danzou that Dong Ping, though bearing the Uchiha name, did not possess Uchiha blood.
"Besides, the Heavenly Fortress is still part of our Konoha lineage. The prices won't be too outrageous, and there won't be any additional conditions if we buy from them!"
Mizuhara Monen spoke from a practical standpoint.
In truth, Danzou was well aware that buying food from the Heavenly Fortress was the best option.
This was also a way to tie up loose ends for his Root Division, so he could only remain silent.
"Alright, Kokoro, this task is yours!"
Sarutobi Kazumi made the decision.
As for money?
Sorry, but when it came to finances, the other Shinobi Villages were no match for Konoha.
Even with the ongoing small-scale conflicts with the Cloud and Mist Ninjas, allocating funds for procurement was not an issue for Konoha.
Meanwhile, Dong Ping was unaware that a large order was about to be placed with the Heavenly Fortress.
At that moment, he was showing Honglian around Konoha.
As for Hyuga Cangyue?
She had just returned and was immediately called back by the main family.
"So this is Konoha? It doesn't seem that impressive..."
Honglian scoffed.
This was her honest opinion.
While Konoha appeared prosperous, it had a certain 'staleness' and was dirty and disorganized.
In the Heavenly Fortress, there were dedicated 'cleaners' to maintain a consistently clean and tidy environment.
The newly planned architecture there was also significantly more impressive than the old buildings in Konoha.
"Hmph, Konoha is the leader of the Five Great Ninja Villages!"
A defiant voice sounded.
Dong Ping and Honglian turned around and saw a girl with pineapple hair, purple hair, and brown eyes standing behind them, holding several skewers of red bean pastries.
Indeed, it was the only disciple of Orochimaru.
Hand Wash Red Bean! She was around the same age as Honglian.
"Which Shinobi Village leader gets beaten up in every Shinobi World War?"
"Honglian retorted sarcastically.
She had a short temper, and being interrupted was already irritating, let alone by someone of the same type as herself. Just looking at her was infuriating.
"What did you say!"
Hand Wash Red Bean also bristled.
"If you don't need your ears, you can donate them to those in need!"
"Do you want to die!"
"If you dare, come and get me!"
...
Dong Ping, however, didn't get angry at Hand Wash Red Bean's words. Instead, he watched with keen interest as the two glared at each other like fighting roosters.
What a classic scene!
If only he had a camera with him; he would have captured this moment.
It was like the future Naruto and the Second Hokage, where their first kiss was given to each other. It would have been a shame not to take a photo at that moment.
As these thoughts crossed his mind, Dong Ping's gaze also fell upon the object around Hand Wash Red Bean's neck.
The Sky Seal!
It was a gift from Orochimaru to Hand Wash Red Bean.
From this perspective, he was genuinely gentle towards his only disciple.
He truly... I'm crying! Unfortunately, no one in Konoha knew the benefits of this object. Seeing Hand Wash Red Bean occasionally suffering from the seal's erosion, they assumed it was some evil artifact and sealed it away.
But in reality, the erosion and pain were merely to help the body adapt to natural energy.
Ordinary people would be instantly overwhelmed by natural energy; there's no need for explanation.
However, the Sky Seal allowed the body to gradually adjust to natural energy, which was an absolute boon.
Once the body adapted to natural energy, not only would various attributes improve, but it would also lay the foundation for the Sage Mode.
Of course, Orochimaru had added his own twist.
Just like Dong Ping's Sky Seal, which also had Orochimaru's modifications, everyone did the same.
After observing for a few moments, Dong Ping withdrew his gaze.
It was too crude.
In every aspect, it couldn't compare to his own Sky Seal.
The two youngsters, unaware of their destined bond, directly pressed their foreheads together like fighting bulls, constantly pushing forward in a comical display.
"Alright, that's enough!"
Dong Ping separated the two, feeling that if he didn't intervene, they would argue until the end of time.
At this moment, Hand Wash Red Bean also realized what she had just done, and she greeted him awkwardly.
"Dong Ping-sama!"
Although he was only slightly older than her, his status and strength were on par with her teacher's, so she addressed him as "sama."
"Long time no see, Hand Wash Red Bean!"
Dong Ping observed Hand Wash Red Bean, who appeared normal on the surface but was actually in a terrible state. He felt a sense of pity.
She was a tragic character.
Her intimate teacher had betrayed the village, leaving her alone in the village. She endured various investigations and ostracism, eventually giving up.
Yes, if she hadn't given up, it would be hard to explain why she later became only a Special Jonin.
For others, being a Special Jonin was already impressive.
But for her, a disciple of the Sannin and the most skilled teacher among Orochimaru's disciples, being a Special Jonin was a disgrace.
As for the investigations and ostracism?
In the true Shinobi World, it couldn't be as naive and pure as in anime.
After Orochimaru's defection, the Shadow Division and Root would have repeatedly investigated Hand Wash Red Bean if they hadn't thoroughly examined her.
It was only because of Sarutobi's consideration for Orochimaru's face that she wasn't made into an experiment.
But they didn't take good care of her either!
Otherwise, she wouldn't have ended up as just a Special Jonin, and they wouldn't have even allowed her to lead a squad.
If she was a disciple of the Sannin, how could she possibly be inferior to Asuma?
She was only dragged down by Orochimaru's actions, but Asuma had genuinely joined the Guardian Ninja, an opposing force to Konoha. Strictly speaking, he was a 'defect ninja.'
Yet, he was able to return to Konoha and even lead the Twelve Shinobi.
It could only be said that the Second Kazekage could do as he pleased.
"Dong Ping-sama..."
Hand Wash Red Bean listened to his gentle voice, and the investigations and ostracism she had endured during this time flooded her mind.
But thinking of his complicated relationship with Konoha, she, who was already entangled in troubles, immediately bid farewell.
She was already under the Shadow Division's surveillance, and if she interacted with him more, she might end up on the experimentation table or in prison.
"So rude!"
Honglian muttered as she watched his departing figure.
"It's fine, he didn't mean it!"
Dong Ping naturally understood her predicament and, after explaining this, continued strolling with Honglian.
When they returned to the Yamanaka Clan, Choshin Kokoro happened to visit.
(End of Chapter)
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