Money in the ninja world isn't exactly valuable, but 3 billion is no small sum. To put it in perspective, a basic bowl of Ichiraku Ramen in Konoha Village, without any toppings, costs 60 ryō.
For something fancier, like BBQ at Yakiniku Q, a meal for four usually costs around 1,000 ryō. If Choji, the big eater, joins, the price goes up to about 3,000 ryō.
From this, we can roughly estimate Konoha's purchasing power at about 10 ryō = 1 yen. This means that Hattori's deal with the Daimyo of the Land of Fire for 100 Reincarnation Puppets is worth around 3 billion !
That's equivalent to Konoha's two-year budget!
So when Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, heard the Daimyo's offer, he was immediately on edge.
"Daimyo, please hold on! I think purchasing puppet guards may need further consideration."
"Hm?"
The Daimyo of the Land of Fire was taken aback but then turned to Hiruzen. "Does the Third Hokage have any suggestions?"
"Not at all!" Hiruzen respectfully bowed, then offered his reasoning.
"Daimyo, while these puppets are strong, their overall power is roughly on par with Konoha's special jonin, though still some ways off from true jonin level.
"So, I propose we assign ten jonin from Konoha to protect you. This would ensure your safety and save a great deal of money. What do you think?"
"Hm... That does make some sense," the Daimyo mused after a moment of thought.
Hattori: "(Д*)"
Wasn't that a bit spineless?
Seeing his big business about to slip away, Hattori couldn't keep quiet any longer. He stepped forward immediately.
"With all due respect, Third Hokage, I beg to differ!"
As he spoke, Hattori moved to stand beside the Daimyo and gave him a respectful bow.
"Oh wise Daimyo, after long hours of duty, who is more likely to get tired and sleepy—humans or puppets?"
The Daimyo chuckled at this question.
"Haha, of course, it's humans. Puppets don't get tired or sleepy!"
"Daimyo, you are indeed wise!"
Hattori gave him a thumbs-up and continued.
"Now, noble Daimyo, in times of great temptation or danger, who is more likely to hesitate or betray—humans or puppets?"
"Humans, of course!" The Daimyo answered without hesitation. "Puppets are just tools; they don't waver or betray."
"Absolutely wise, Daimyo!"
Once again, Hattori praised him and opened his arms.
"So, honorable Daimyo, would you prefer 100 loyal, tireless, and unwavering puppets to stand by your side until the end, perhaps even accompany you to the afterlife?"
"Of course, the puppets!"
Before Hattori could finish, the Daimyo decisively spoke his answer.
Hattori raised another approving thumbs-up.
"Congratulations, wise Daimyo! You're a quick learner!"
Daimyo: "(つ^ω^)つ"
Sarutobi Hiruzen: "Σ(っ°Д°;)っ"
What kind of people are these?
Watching Hattori's confident smile, Hiruzen wanted to persuade the Daimyo again, but the Daimyo gave him no chance.
"Third Hokage, no matter why you've come, I'll agree to it. So you may return to Konoha now. Go!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen: "Σ(っ°Д°;)っ"
Is that a dismissal?
Upon hearing the Daimyo's words, Hiruzen's face shifted through a range of expressions before he finally gritted his teeth and spoke.
"Daimyo, in fact, the Fourth Hokage has died in battle, and I came to humbly request to once again serve as Hokage."
"Oh… The Fourth Hokage, Jiraiya's student, is dead?"
Surprised by the news, the Daimyo covered his mouth with his fan, looking regretful.
"That's quite unfortunate. But I trust you, Third Hokage, so please resume the role."
"Thank you for your trust, Daimyo."
Hiruzen bowed respectfully and continued.
"There's one more matter. Due to certain unfortunate events, Konoha has suffered considerable damage, so I hope the Daimyo's office could provide a grant to aid in our rebuilding efforts."
"Certainly!" The Daimyo nodded again. "How much do you think you'll need?"
"Around 12 billion ryō," Hiruzen said, "or equivalent resources would suffice."
"No problem!" The Daimyo nodded once more. "Tomorrow, I'll arrange the supplies to support Konoha's restoration!"
"Thank you, Daimyo!" Hiruzen expressed his gratitude again.
Watching this scene unfold, Hattori couldn't help but marvel internally.
"The Land of Fire is truly wealthy. Hiruzen requests over 10 billion ryō, and the Daimyo doesn't even blink. If this were the Land of Wind… sigh!"
Thinking of the Land of Wind, Hattori realized he had a long road ahead.
But one thing was clear: expanding puppet sales to the Land of Fire was a wise decision.
"As long as the Land of Fire's nobles are as generous as the Daimyo, my puppet business will thrive!"
With that in mind, he addressed the Daimyo.
"Honorable Daimyo, I've thought it over, and perhaps the Land of Fire's nobles would also appreciate the [Resurrector]. Might I open a shop here to sell and rent [Resurrector]?"
"Oh-ho-ho-ho… Little Hattori wants to sell puppets here in the Land of Fire?"
The Daimyo chuckled and nodded.
"Certainly, certainly. You may open your shop…"
"Daimyo, please wait!"
Before the Daimyo could finish, Hiruzen interrupted with a smile toward Hattori.
"Hattori and I are long-time acquaintances. I believe he'd prefer to open his shop in Konoha. That way, even if he returns to the Land of Wind, Konoha can help protect his property!"
Hattori: "→_→"
Protect my assets? Sounds like you just want them for yourself!
More importantly, you're clearly trying to keep an eye on me by having me in Konoha!
You crafty old fox!
Although Hattori kept his thoughts to himself, he actually wanted a good relationship with Konoha, so he didn't argue and nodded toward the Daimyo.
"Yes, the Third Hokage is right. I also think it would be safest to set up shop in Konoha. Let's go with that!"
He turned to Hiruzen with a smile.
"Then… I'll be counting on the Third Hokage's guidance!"
"Mr. Hattori, you're too kind."
Hiruzen beamed.
"It is Konoha that should count on your support!"
"Haha, that's no problem. The Hokage is truly gracious!"
"Aren't you the same, Mr. Hattori? Hahaha…"
The two exchanged a warm smile like old friends reuniting, making for a cozy, harmonious scene.
But witnessing this, the two Konoha ANBU agents nearby couldn't help breaking into a cold sweat—
These two are too devious. Better be cautious around them in the future!