Resurrection!
The single word fell into the tense silence like a thunderclap. Tsunade's pupils instantly constricted, and a raw, almost physical pressure radiated from her body, freezing the air. Even Shizune clamped her hand over her mouth, her eyes wide with shock.
Shen Mo remained perfectly composed, his calm smile unbroken. The time for subtle sales pitches was long past. This was the moment to deliver the narrative—the final, massive piece of intellectual property required to legitimize his outrageous business.
"Miss Tsunade," Shen Mo began, his voice soft but resonant. "You, like many, have suffered an irreversible loss. In your world, death is absolute. But in the larger cosmos... things are different."
Tsunade's voice was barely a whisper. "Our world?"
"It is time I formally introduce myself," Shen Mo chuckled, rising to his feet and offering a slight, professional bow. "My name is Shen Mo, a merchant from a separate world, operating under the charter of the Omniscient and Omnipotent Chamber of Commerce."
He had rehearsed this identity countless times. His inventory contained items—like the Water of Life and the Truth Serum—that simply defied the natural laws of the shinobi world. Adopting the identity of an interdimensional trader explained the inexplicable, amplified his mystique, and, most importantly, raised a flag high enough to deter anyone from attempting a rash, violent robbery. You don't cross a multi-world organization for a few scrolls.
"Another world?" Tsunade repeated, the concept stretching the limits of her highly rational medical mind.
"Indeed," Shen Mo confirmed. He slowly raised his hand, and from his fingertips, a customized, one-time Projection Jutsu (purchased for a negligible system cost) flared to life, filling the air with vibrant, disorienting images.
Unimaginably tall skyscrapers spiraled into clouds. Gigantic, metal war machines fought grotesque alien beasts emerging from swirling black holes. Mighty legions of fire-breathing dragons soared over ancient trees that walked like giants. Gods, shrouded in lightning, stood upon clouds, punishing mortals below. All were snippets of films and fantasy worlds Shen Mo knew.
His voice, slow and calm, narrated the impossible sights. "We travel across countless worlds, trading goods and concepts with all living things—be they human, spirit, or divine. Therefore, please do not limit our capabilities to the perspective of a single dimension."
The projection vanished, leaving the two women breathless in the sudden stillness.
"A perfect resurrection, Madam," Shen Mo concluded softly. "A process with no flaw, no price on the soul. It is a treasure, and we have it hidden within these jars."
Tsunade didn't move for a long time. Shizune, covering her lips, was pinching her own hand, trying to confirm she wasn't trapped in a bizarre genjutsu. Yet, the memory of the Cross of Courage and the feel of the Water of Life were undeniably real.
Finally, Tsunade's low, strained voice broke the silence. Her hands were clenched so tightly they trembled, but the anger was gone, replaced by a desperate, palpable yearning.
"How much... how much will it take to secure the resurrection you speak of?"
She wasn't asking for herself. She wanted to see them again.
"I cannot give you a specific price," Shen Mo admitted, sticking to the rules of the gamble. "Theoretically, a basic Resurrection Scroll—to bring back someone of a Genin-level strength, like your brother Nawaki—could be found in a Level Three Jar. But you must open enough to maximize your chances. These jars are uniquely tuned to grant the deepest desires of the person opening them."
He mentally noted the tiered pricing: Level One at 3,000 TPs, Level Two at 30,000 TPs, and Level Three at 300,000 TPs—the cost doubling with each tier. A resurrection item itself, even customized for Nawaki's minimal power level, would be around 400,000 TPs. Dan Kato, being a stronger Jonin, would push the price much higher.
"Level Three Jars," Tsunade breathed, her eyes hardening with renewed resolve. "Five million Ryo each? I will secure the funds."
"The more you open, the greater the hope," Shen Mo reminded her, maintaining his cold business principle. He sympathized, but he wouldn't allow that emotion to compromise the ultimate payout.
Tsunade frowned, her gaze piercing. "Did you truly cross worlds just to sell goods? With such magical capabilities and items like the Water of Life, why is money your sole focus?"
Now, armed with the Cross of Courage and a singular, driving purpose, Tsunade was starting to think strategically, dissecting the merchant's presence.
"What we trade is not just Ryo," Shen Mo said, picking up a banknote and holding it between his fingers. "Currency represents the concentrated desires and ambitions of a world's populace. To the Omniscient and Omnipotent Chamber of Commerce, that value, crystallized through voluntary transaction, is a precious, transportable commodity."
He was speaking utter nonsense, a philosophical smoke screen designed to sound profound yet explain nothing.
Tsunade clenched her jaw, mulling over the cryptic answer. "I understand. Your goal is simply to facilitate trade and exchange jars."
"Precisely," Shen Mo confirmed with a relieved sigh.
A confident, almost predatory smile spread across Tsunade's face. "I will be keeping a very close watch on you, Shen Mo. I will see if you are truly what you claim. If I find any nefarious intent, trust me, you will regret it."
"Lady Tsunade!" Shizune's eyes sparkled with renewed hope and admiration. Her beloved master was back, energized and formidable.
Shen Mo remained unruffled. He had achieved his goal.
"Then go and rest," Tsunade instructed, waving her hand dismissively. "We leave first thing tomorrow morning."
Shen Mo blinked. "Huh?" He realized "we" included him.
"You said your goal was to conduct business," Tsunade explained, crossing her arms, her smile firm. "Konoha is full of rich, ambitious people who will certainly be interested in your jars. Why would you not want to go?"
Her logic was flawless, but her underlying motive was clear: she intended to keep this mysterious, jar-selling merchant within sight and under her supervision. Bringing him to the center of the Fire Country was the safest way to ensure his continued service—and her own access to the Resurrection Jars.
Shen Mo felt a strange mix of annoyance and opportunity. The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, was still alive, potentially complicating things. However...
Konoha was the largest financial and political hub in the Land of Fire, filled with wealthy nobles, power-hungry ninja, and the constant threat of war. It was a jackpot for the Gacha Merchant. With his accumulated disposable defenses, he was confident he could navigate the risks. As long as he had funds, his system was his ultimate shield.
He only had one word for her decision.
"Deal."