Chapter 235: Kazekage Ninja- - 24: You’re Not the Hokage
In the end, Danzo compromised. After all, obtaining the weakening agents was the critical objective. Ultimately, Konoha managed to purchase 500 vials of chakra weakening agents at a price of 100,000 ryō per vial, along with the Flying Thunder God Technique and the Soul Binding Jutsu scrolls as part of the deal.
However, Jinghang had cleverly set a trap for Danzo. The agents delivered to Konoha were the first-generation products, the same as those sold to the Third Raikage. The difference was that the Raikage received agents with antidotes, while Danzo’s batch came without them.
Even if Konoha’s medical experts could reverse-engineer the toxic components of the agents, developing an antidote would take a considerable amount of time. To put it into perspective, Tsunade, Chiyo, and Bai Fei—the three leading researchers behind the weakening agents—had spent three full years perfecting the formula. By the time Konoha figures it out, the Third Great Ninja War might already be over.
Although the outcome was less than ideal, Danzo had accomplished his mission by securing the agents.
Following the meeting, Jinghang invited Danzo for dinner. It wasn’t a lavish feast but a simple work meal consisting of four dishes and a soup. The modest reception left Danzo slightly displeased.
"Minister Danzo, are you dissatisfied with the meal? Unfortunately, after the anti-corruption campaign, the standards for official meals in Sunagakure have been strictly regulated. As the head of Konoha’s Anbu and overseer of ninja discipline, you should understand this better than anyone. If the culture of indulgence in food and drink isn’t curbed, it could lead to serious problems."
Jinghang warmly served Danzo some food, his demeanor completely transformed.
"Not at all. This is perfectly fine," Danzo replied, his expression softening slightly. As an old-school ninja, he had always maintained a frugal and simple lifestyle. His usual meals consisted of a fish, a small dish of pickles, a bowl of rice, and a bowl of miso soup. His displeasure stemmed more from feeling slighted than from the quality of the food.
"Haha, don’t be so narrow-minded! Public affairs are public affairs, and private matters are private matters. When it comes to the village’s interests, every penny counts, and that’s perfectly reasonable. But that doesn’t affect our personal friendship."
Jinghang laughed heartily, pouring Danzo a cup of sake.
Danzo found himself agreeing with this perspective. Wasn’t he also bending over backward for the sake of Konoha’s interests?