Here, Hidden Sand Ninja can be seen everywhere, the reason being that this area is temporarily controlled by the ninjas of the Hidden Sand Village.
The resources for the Hidden Sand Ninja are partly self-supplied and partly extracted from the citizens of the Land of Rain.
Even though the citizens of the Land of Rain are extremely angry about this, they don't dare to openly voice their discontent due to the oppression of the Hidden Sand Ninja.
Because the actions of the Hidden Sand Ninja within the Land of Rain's territory are legal, this order was personally issued by the Daimyo of the Land of Rain.
It allows the Hidden Sand Ninja to temporarily control certain cities in the Land of Rain during wartime.
The Hidden Sand Ninja are responsible for the safety of these cities, and the residents have an obligation to provide services for the Hidden Sand Ninja, such as handing over important resources and supplying the Hidden Sand Ninja's needs.
In the city, the few important buildings not under the control of the Hidden Sand Ninja are probably only the pharmacies and weapon shops from the Neutral Country.
The Shion Flower Company from the Land of Demons has set up branches in various countries, and black-market arms dealers from the Land of Iron have also set their sights on this wartime-favored land of the Land of Rain, coming over to sell weapons.
In terms of weapons, Konan doesn't need to worry; Akatsuki's supply of ninja tools is still very sufficient, except for the relatively precious Explosive Tags, of which there is a shortage, but they are not lacking in Kunai and Shuriken.
However, in Konan's view, medicines are the priority.
Every time she comes to purchase medicines, she feels a sting in her heart.
One could say that after buying this batch of medicines, Akatsuki's operating funds are basically depleted, with nothing left.
In the upcoming period, they need to live frugally.
The Shion Flower Branch Pharmacy is located on a bustling street in the city, a tall four-story building.
The people on the street walked quickly, clad in raincoats.
Konan and Nagato entered the pharmacy, hung their straw raincoats on the rack by the door, and then went to discuss purchasing medicine with the branch manager there.
The person responsible for meeting with Konan was a young woman, appearing to be in her thirties, slightly plump, giving a friendly and gentle impression.
She had some impression of Konan, the ninja from the Land of Rain, because this was not Konan's first time coming here to discuss purchasing medicines; she had been here a few times before.
"The medicine prices have risen by five percent!?"
Konan was momentarily stunned upon hearing the plump woman's quote.
The plump woman paid no heed to Konan's surprise, nodding and saying in a calm tone, "Currently, the pharmaceutical market here in the Land of Rain is in a state of supply shortage; the headquarters' production can't keep up, so the selling price naturally follows an upward trend."
Although the plump woman explained the reasons, Konan still felt a bit unwilling.
The money she brought this time was just enough to purchase that batch of medicines, and if the price increased by five percent, they definitely couldn't afford it.
She knew what was causing this.
The Hidden Sand and Konoha are at war, and some nobles and civilians are also purchasing medicines in large quantities, ensuring they are as well-prepared as possible in these times of war.
Moreover, the medicine produced by the Shion Flower Company indeed surpasses the other pharmaceutical companies in effectiveness.
Even the Five Great Ninja Villages allow them to set up branches there, indicating how widespread the reputation and influence of this pharmaceutical company is.
"But..."
Just as Konan was about to say something, the plump woman interrupted her again:
"Additionally, when Miss Konan came to purchase medicines on previous occasions, you took on some credit, which is nearing its due date. I hope Miss Konan can repay the owed amount quickly, or else you will be placed on our company's blacklist. After that, the conversation might get a bit unpleasant."
"..."
Konan's face showed a hint of awkwardness.
Because Akatsuki's funds have never been very ample, she took on some credit and signed IOUs during previous medicine purchases.
Including the interest that must be paid monthly, it's also a significant amount for her personally.
Nagato, listening from the side, glanced at Konan, noticing that Konan was avoiding his gaze.
This was something Nagato hadn't heard Konan mention before.
The medicine purchased earlier, Konan hadn't mentioned it to the group in Akatsuki, was she planning to bear it all by herself?
"I'll give some leniency; I hope Miss Konan can repay the owed amount by June this year."
The plump woman said.
"I understand. By the way, what happens if I'm overdue?"
"Overdue?" The plump woman furrowed her brow but then relaxed and said, "Rest assured, Miss Konan, our company has dedicated debt collectors for such matters. Their force and methods will surely satisfy Miss Konan."
"..."
Upon hearing this, Konan felt increasingly uneasy.
However, she also understood that a large company like the Shion Flower Company would inevitably be involved in some gray areas, but she hadn't expected that they even cultivated specialized debt collectors.
It was clear that they were ninja squads dedicated to debt collection.
"If you're short on cash, I can also introduce some special jobs to Miss Konan."
Spe- special jobs?
Konan's face immediately turned beet red.
"Please don't misunderstand; our Shion Flower Company doesn't engage in shady industries; we conduct legal business. The jobs I introduce are legitimate."
The plump woman clarified.
Only then did Konan breathe a sigh of relief.
"So, there's really no way to lower the medicine price this time?"
Akatsuki urgently needs these medicines now.
"Sorry, that's a decision from the headquarters, and I have no authority to change it."
The plump woman helplessly spread her hands.
She naturally understood the situation in the Land of Rain to some extent, but it wasn't something she could decide.