She's just a branch manager; decisions on raising or lowering prices are made by the higher-ups. Middle managers like her only need to follow orders.
"However, Miss Konan, if you really want these medicines, you can go to the headquarters in the Land of Demons. The prices there haven't increased; on the contrary, they are much cheaper."
The well-rounded woman had shown Konan a clear path.
After all, medicine prices are measured according to the conditions in each country, and each region and country has different prices.
"Land of Demons?"
Konan rubbed her aching temples, having never ventured outside the Land of Rain.
Additionally, with the current chaos within the Land of Rain, traveling to the distant Land of Demons to purchase medicines would take considerable time.
Leaving the Shion Flower Branch Pharmacy with Nagato, Konan was now troubled about whether she should buy in the Land of Rain or head to the Land of Demons... Perhaps it would be better to discuss it first.
"Nagato, please don't tell anyone about my debt; I don't want everyone in Akatsuki to worry about me."
Konan reminded Nagato on their way back.
Nagato nodded and then hesitantly said, "But this can't go on. How do you plan to repay that money? And how much do you owe, exactly?"
"Not too much."
Konan's eyes unnaturally shifted elsewhere.
"Not much? How much is that exactly?"
Nagato's expression became serious.
Konan hesitated before finally holding up one finger.
"A million?"
"Without interest, it's roughly ten million..."
Konan's voice weakened.
"T-ten million!?"
Nagato's voice involuntarily rose.
That amount was much more than Akatsuki's annual operating expenses.
Ten million ryo was an astronomical figure Nagato couldn't even imagine.
"No wonder you always manage to bring back large quantities of medicine... I thought medicine prices in the Land of Rain had significantly dropped."
Since Konan was responsible for procuring supplies, the other members of Akatsuki weren't very aware of the situation.
If Nagato hadn't gone with her this time, who knows how long this matter would have remained hidden.
After all, making enemies with a large entity like the Shion Flower Pharmaceutical Company would lead to troublesome consequences.
Especially since they have a specialized debt-collecting ninja squad, if Konan fails to repay on time, Akatsuki will surely face various troubles.
Nagato didn't know what to say to Konan.
Yet he felt moved; Konan was doing this for Akatsuki and thinking about saving more people.
If he blamed her, it would surely hurt her pride too much.
But... how could they possibly repay ten million ryo?
Especially considering the special work the branch manager mentioned... it made one think of shady businesses.
"To the Land of Demons?"
Inside a cave, with the rain pouring outside, the members of Akatsuki held a brief meeting.
While Konan hadn't bought back the medicine, she explained to everyone that she intended to go to the Land of Demons to purchase equally effective but cheaper medicine.
"Yes, I've already decided. Akatsuki's funds are limited. Buying the cheaper medicine from the Land of Demons will provide more quantity. And if I travel there myself, it'll save on travel expenses."
Konan's face was firm, having made up her mind.
"But..."
Yahiko hesitated slightly.
While he agreed wholeheartedly that wasting a bit of time to get more medicine was a good trade-off, he felt uneasy about Konan traveling alone to the distant Land of Demons.
Moreover, he needed to prepare for negotiations with the Hidden Sand and Konoha ninjas and, given his position as leader, couldn't easily leave the Land of Rain.
"I'll go with Konan."
Nagato stepped forward voluntarily.
Sending someone else would undoubtedly expose Konan's debt issue.
Plus, with his strength being the greatest in Akatsuki, he could protect Konan even in dangerous situations.
"Then I'll leave this matter to you two, Konan and Nagato. Be careful on the road."
"Yes."
Konan and Nagato nodded firmly, aware of how critical this mission was for Akatsuki. No issues could be permitted.
The members of Akatsuki were decisive people, acting immediately on their decisions.
After the brief meeting, Yahiko took the remainder of Akatsuki to negotiate with the ninjas from larger countries.
Meanwhile, Nagato escorted Konan on their journey towards the completely unknown and distant land for them—the Land of Demons.