026 Reborn as the Third Kazekage

"Come, come, come! Danzo, Hanzo, drink up, drink up! Let's enjoy ourselves!" Arashi exclaimed boisterously, raising his cup. His slightly slurred speech betrayed his tipsy state.

"I heard that the Kazekage will be returning to the village soon," Hanzo of the Salamander suddenly brought up.

"That's right, that's right," Arashi replied with a hiccup. "The war's over, the diplomatic work is done, and the factory here is just about wrapped up. I'll hand things over tomorrow and head back the day after."

"In that case, let this cup toast to a smooth journey home for the Kazekage." Hanzo's tone barely masked his eagerness to see Arashi leave. A nation's leader lingering in another country for too long would surely make their people uneasy.

"Heh, don't worry, Hanzo. I won't overstay my welcome and eat up all your food," Arashi teased, throwing back his drink in one go.

"The Kazekage jests," Danzo interjected, trying to mediate. "But indeed, Kazekage-sama, you've been away from your nation for quite some time. Surely the workload back home has piled up by now. Hanzo-sama is only concerned about the impact on your duties."

"Yes, it's true that I've delayed plenty of work. I'll leave the factory here in the hands of Rasa. If anything arises, you can approach him directly."

Hearing this, Hanzo finally relaxed. It seemed Arashi really was preparing to leave.

"Before I go, I must present you two with a treasure!" Arashi declared dramatically, waving a hand. Three graceful maidens entered, each carrying a tray. Resting on the trays were sheathed daggers.

Danzo and Hanzo exchanged knowing looks and silently cursed their luck. They had fallen into his trap.

"Judging by your expressions, it seems you doubt the quality of our factory's products. Take a closer look!"

With a sharp sching, Arashi drew the dagger from its sheath, twirling it expertly in his hand before holding it out for them to see. The blade was unlike any they had encountered before. Its surface was adorned with intricate black patterns, one edge sharp and smooth, the other serrated. The design was sleek yet exuded a chilling sense of lethality, immediately capturing the attention of the two seasoned warriors.

"Gentlemen, behold the latest creation from our Sunagakure Arsenal: the multifunctional ninja blade. Note the patterns etched into the blade—these are crafted using a special forging and acid-etching process. This ensures that the blade doesn't reflect light, preventing your position from being exposed during missions."

To demonstrate, Arashi held the blade under the light, tilting it at various angles. True to his word, not a single glint of light reflected off the surface.

"The steel is top-notch, capable of cutting through iron like butter." He pulled out three kunai, stacking them together. With one swift stroke, the dagger sliced through them cleanly, leaving six pieces behind. Arashi held up the blade, and the two scrutinized it closely—there wasn't the slightest chip or dent on its edge.

Arashi continued, "This isn't just any ordinary ninja blade. It comes with a host of features. For instance, the back of the blade functions as a saw."

He demonstrated by sawing off a corner of the table with ease.

"This notch here doubles as a screwdriver." He used it to pry a nail out of the table without much effort.

"This part can start a fire. And when paired with the sheath, it transforms into a pair of scissors."

Arashi enthusiastically showcased the blade's many uses, thoroughly captivating his audience. Both Danzo and Hanzo were completely engrossed, their attention fixated on the weapon.

Finally, Arashi drove the blade into the table with a forceful thrust, embedding it all the way to the hilt.

"Every blade comes with a small compass built into the handle, ensuring that you never lose your way on a mission. Now, tell me, isn't this a treasure?"

After completing his performance, Arashi poured himself another drink and took a deep breath. Selling weapons was exhausting work; he made a mental note to establish a business program at the ninja academy in the future.

Danzo and Hanzo, meanwhile, were busy testing the daggers, occasionally striking the table with them. After some time, Hanzo finally asked the inevitable question.

"How much does one cost?"

Arashi held up three fingers. "Three thousand ryo each. No bargaining. However, if you order more than a hundred, you get a 20% discount."

"That's too expensive! A single kunai costs a fraction of that," Hanzo protested. During the war, an ordinary kunai cost only 50 ryo, and even the finest kunai sold for no more than 150 ryo.

"Ah, Hanzo, my brother, this isn't a disposable tool like a kunai or shuriken. This is a lifelong companion, a multifunctional ninja blade! Comparing it to a kunai is absurd." Arashi gestured dismissively at the pile of shattered kunai pieces.

"I'll take a thousand!" Danzo declared boldly, raising one finger.

"And what kind of discount can I get for that?" he added, nearly causing both Arashi and Hanzo to collapse in exasperation.

"15% off. Does that work for you?"

"30%!"

"We have to account for costs…"

"30%!"

After a brief round of haggling, they settled on a 30% discount—2,100 ryo per blade—for an order of 1,500 blades. Hanzo grudgingly added 500 to the order.

"Ah, my bargaining skills still need work," Arashi muttered, scratching his head in mock regret.

What Arashi didn't expect was that the ninja blades would become wildly popular upon release. Their superior quality and versatility earned them widespread acclaim among frontline ninja, and imitations flooded the market. However, none could match the original. The unique steel composition and intricate patterns were impossible to replicate. Before long, blades became Sunagakure's flagship product.

"Remember," Arashi instructed Rasa carefully, "ensure that all contracted artisans are well-compensated. Provide ample benefits, including holiday gifts, housing at the Lake Tsuki base, and free education for their children. They must have no worries holding them back. A man with property and security will work with commitment. In these turbulent times, do you think a mere contract can bind someone to loyalty? Dream on. It takes genuine care."

Rasa diligently jotted down notes.

"For the next few years, you'll have to shoulder this burden. Make sure the two factories here run smoothly. I'll assign someone else to oversee the mining bureau. Once the spots are scouted, you can begin extraction. Yura, you'll fully support Rasa in his tasks."

"Yes, Kazekage-sama," Yura replied with a nod.

"Also, the upstream of the Shule River needs immediate clearing. Monitor its flow regularly. Remember, the stability of the river ensures the safety of the Lake Tsuki base—and by extension, Sunagakure itself."

"Understood," Rasa and Yura responded in unison.

"I won't let you suffer too much. Once I'm back, I'll transfer Karura and Minako here to support you."

"This… might not be appropriate…"

"Yeah, not appropriate," the two replied sheepishly, their faces reddening.

"Don't give me that crap," Arashi snapped. "You started courting them back when you were Chunin. Now you're embarrassed? I'm bringing them here for two reasons: one, to give you a chance; and two, to keep an eye on you. Don't let your minds wander while you're away. Got it?"

"Yes, sir!"

"By the way, boss, you're not getting any younger. Isn't it time you settled down too?"

"Bah, mind your own business!" Arashi retorted, waving them off. "Pakura, let's go!"