Basic knowledge of puppet techniques, plus resources worth two hundred million ryo—no bargaining allowed.
This was Uchiha Takashi's bottom line.
Puppet techniques were something the other party simply couldn't provide. It was an incredibly vast system and a unique advantage of their own.
For comparison, it was like the complete semiconductor industry before crossing over.
However, the basic knowledge of puppet techniques was outdated foundational theory—something other major ninja villages had also collected. Trading it wasn't out of the question.
As for the two hundred million ryo in resources, it was a significant sum for an individual but not much for an entire ninja village.
"Agreed."
Chiyo nodded, simultaneously exchanging a glance with Ebizo.
The Sand Ninja had already surrounded the main tent, ready to attack on command, but for now, they held their ground.
"The newly formed Konoha ninja army consists of private forces from various major ninja clans under the Hokage faction, totaling one thousand men. Additionally, the southwestern ninja army will send two hundred clan-born ninjas to assist…"
Uchiha Takashi revealed the intelligence.
He wasn't worried about the other party reneging on the deal. If they did, they wouldn't just face the Konoha ninja army—they would also have two shadow-level powerhouses seeking revenge. Chiyo would have to be out of her mind to take such a risk.
It simply wasn't worth it.
Risking so much for basic puppet technique knowledge (which other major villages already had to some extent) and two hundred million ryo in resources? That would be sheer stupidity.
Well, if it were Danzo Shimura, he wouldn't care—he'd charge in recklessly.
In that sense, he was still a stubborn fool.
Or, if you prefer, 'unyielding.'
"Is that all the intelligence?"
Pakura crossed her arms, unimpressed.
It was valuable information, but not much.
"Of course not," Uchiha Takashi said, delivering the real prize. "The commander of the southwestern ninja army is dissatisfied with Konoha's high command, so he won't take action. Also, the new ninja army has a shadow-level powerhouse in hiding."
These two pieces of intelligence alone made the deal worthwhile for the Sand Ninja.
Not to mention that Uchiha Takashi, the 'Purifying Flame,' wouldn't be taking action—a significant relief.
During the previous battle at Kikyo Mountain, his overwhelming display of power had left them wary.
As for the hidden shadow-level powerhouse in the new ninja army? They weren't surprised.
Anyone with sense would expect the enemy to have a backup plan. Otherwise, they wouldn't dare cause trouble.
Although Sand Ninja morale wasn't what it once was, they could still fight.
Their fear was directed at Takashi himself, not Konoha. Knowing their enemy's trump card in advance meant they could fully leverage their advantages.
This intelligence was invaluable.
Chiyo formed hand seals.
*Poof!* A summoning scroll appeared in her hand.
"Release!"
She undid the seal, and dozens of books materialized in the meeting room.
"These contain the basic knowledge of puppet techniques. As for the resources, specify a location, and we'll deliver them."
If such precious intelligence could be obtained at this price, she wouldn't hesitate.
As for whether Takashi would deceive her?
The possibility was low. The fact that he had infiltrated silently already demonstrated his power.
Someone with such strength wouldn't resort to deception over trivial matters.
Sand Ninja was still one of the five great ninja villages. If someone dared to cheat them, they would face the consequences.
It was this confidence that made Chiyo so decisive.
"Alright, I need centrifuges… You can 'acquire' them from certain places."
Uchiha Takashi listed the items he required.
He wanted valuable instruments, and for the Sand Ninja, this was essentially a cost-free transaction. They could use 'zero-cost acquisition' to pay the price.
Only as invaders could they operate this way.
As a Konoha commander, even if Takashi seized these items, he wouldn't be able to keep them.
Buying them would be another ordeal—prices would skyrocket, not to mention the time and connections required.
The equipment in the Uchiha clan's territory had taken considerable effort to obtain, even leveraging the influence of a major noble to cut in line.
Takashi didn't want to go through that hassle again, so he devised this 'zero-cost acquisition' method.
Having the Sand Ninja steal the equipment meant obtaining it instantly and at a fraction of the cost. Market price was one thing; actual value was another.
Even if Jin could gather the money, he wouldn't be able to buy it.
If it were the Honda Trading Company, even ten billion ryo wouldn't secure the two hundred million ryo worth of equipment Takashi required. Delivery would take years.
Now, do you understand the value of the Sand Ninja?
With their help, Takashi's lab in the Land of Rivers could instantly surpass the Uchiha clan's lab.
Puppet techniques fascinated him.
Ninja world puppets were extraordinary—even Sasori, with only a core remaining, functioned like a normal human.
So, developing tools that combined machinery and puppetry wasn't far-fetched.
For example—farming tools.
Ordinary farmers in the ninja world used primitive tools, some even digging by hand. The average yield was barely a hundred pounds per acre.
Factor in exploitation by nobles and bandits, and it was no surprise people struggled to survive.
Takashi had already figured out how to make money.
His position as a commander could earn him some, but there were limits. The village kept watch. So, he planned to develop his own industry.
The *United Fruit Trading Company*.
Each major ninja clan secretly supported trading companies to sustain their expenses.
It was Konoha that was poor—not the major clans.
Even though Takashi supported the Honda Trading Company, he wasn't putting all his bets on them.
United Fruit.
This company was interesting.
It controlled multiple countries and countless people.
Its operations were instructive, which was why Takashi chose this path to make money.
Money—he loved it more than anything.
Even when he wanted to take things easy, he secretly prepared a way to make money through healing potions. He fully understood its importance.
Now that he couldn't take things easy, money was even more crucial.
**I just want to make money.JPG!**
For Takashi, money fueled his experiments and power. No wonder his mind was filled with it.
Now, you understand why he wanted puppet technique knowledge.
He wasn't after high-end battle puppets—simple puppets could serve as labor.
After all, he had grand plans.
If successful, he could give the ninja world a small industrial shock.
Making money while watching the chaos—no wonder he was so invested.
After finalizing the deal and leaving the delivery address, Takashi turned and departed with Hyuga Asane.
Inside the tent, the Sand Ninja looked to Chiyo, who slowly shook her head.
No need.
What would killing him achieve?
For some outdated puppet technique knowledge and two hundred million ryo in supplies?
A significant sum for an individual, but mere pocket change for the five great ninja villages—especially since they could plunder resources from occupied territories.
The greater concern was Takashi's strength.
If he had infiltrated unnoticed, failing to kill him and letting him escape would be disastrous.
Outside, countless Sand Ninja stood ready, but as Takashi and Asane walked forward, unfazed, they hesitated.
Just as they were about to clash—
"Let them leave."
Ebizo emerged from the tent, voice deep with authority.
The Sand Ninja parted like a tide.
As the two disappeared into the night, Ebizo murmured to himself.
"…The Karagumi organization?"
He would investigate them thoroughly.
Too dangerous.
A mysterious group, not only powerful but possessing vast intelligence.
He needed to know more before he could sleep soundly.
And with this newfound information, the Sand Ninja prepared to strike back.
(End of Chapter.)