Naruto Card King

The Value of the Black Samurai Armor Is Nothing Compared to the Flying Thunder God Technique!

The former is just a piece of equipment—essentially a ninja tool! While it can fetch an absurdly high price, it still has a price. But the Flying Thunder God Technique? That technique is priceless! Its value cannot be measured in money.

Among the many forbidden techniques created by the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, the most significant is undoubtedly the Reanimation Jutsu, which touches upon the mysteries of life and death itself. However, since that technique is completely forbidden, the second most powerful is the Flying Thunder God Technique.

It was the Flying Thunder God Technique that forged Tobirama Senju's overwhelming strength! Thanks to this jutsu, he was once recognized as the fastest ninja in the world.

So, it could be said that Haruto Saito's demand was utterly outrageous.

Absolutely shameless!

And yet, Hiruzen Sarutobi actually agreed! Though he threw an enormous obstacle in Haruto's path, he still gave him a chance—a very small chance. This kind of decision was quite unlike Hiruzen's usual style.

"You're in big trouble, kid," Tsunade murmured ominously.

"What do you mean?" Haruto glanced at her.

"If you mess up the negotiations, Sensei won't go easy on you! You better be ready to suffer!"

"I won't mess up. Don't worry."

"I really don't know where you get that confidence from!"

Tsunade was deeply concerned. She had realized that Hiruzen Sarutobi was deliberately making things difficult for Haruto. Haruto had been acting too boldly and disrespectfully toward his superiors, and this situation provided the perfect excuse for Hiruzen to put him in his place. If he failed, it would give the Hokage a reason to discipline him—perhaps even humiliate him. This way, it would be easier to control him in the future.

Hokage Office, Third Floor Conference Room

The curtains in the meeting room were drawn, leaving the space dimly lit. Around the circular conference table, there were five chairs, but only four were occupied. The main seat remained empty—Hiruzen Sarutobi had yet to arrive. The four individuals already present were all high-ranking officials of the Hidden Leaf Village.

Hiruzen had previously instructed Koharu Utatane to gather them for this meeting, but his discussion with Haruto had delayed him.

Swoosh!

In an instant, a shadow flickered, and Hiruzen Sarutobi appeared in the main seat as if out of thin air. His sharp gaze swept across the four people before he tapped the table and said, "Let's begin."

"I just reviewed intelligence reports on the Land of Iron's recent trade and tax revenues," Koharu Utatane spoke first. Her tone was quick and efficient, exuding competence.

"The Land of Iron's overall financial strength is far inferior to that of the Land of Fire—there is actually a significant gap. However, unlike our Land of Fire, where funding decisions require the approval of the Daimyo, the Land of Iron's financial power is entirely controlled by their general. Their Daimyo is a mere figurehead. If we wish to mobilize large sums of money, we must go through bureaucratic channels, but the Land of Iron's general can directly allocate their funds as he sees fit."

"So, in other words, while one hundred million ryō is a large sum for the Land of Iron, they can still pay it without much difficulty," Danzo Shimura, seated to Hiruzen's right, said in a low voice.

"Precisely," Koharu confirmed.

"Then can't we ask for more?" Akimichi Torifu, the rotund man sitting diagonally across from Koharu, interjected. His enormous frame made him look like a mountain of flesh, yet he was one of the village's top advisors and a direct disciple of the Second Hokage, just like Hiruzen and Danzo.

"In theory, yes, we could ask for more," Koharu admitted. "However, the actual value of the Black Samurai Armor is not that high. The Land of Iron has already demonstrated considerable sincerity. If we push too hard, even if we do reach a deal, it may damage our relationship with them. Ruining our diplomatic ties over a single piece of armor would be unwise."

"Don't overestimate the Land of Iron," Danzo scoffed. "They maintain friendly relations with everyone—they're nothing more than spineless fence-sitters! Hah!"

"Be that as it may, it's still better to have another ally than another enemy," Koharu retorted, shooting Danzo a glare. "The Land of Iron may not be as powerful as the Five Great Nations, but they do have some strength."

"So, you're saying that one hundred million ryō is enough?" Danzo asked.

"It is already an extremely high price," Koharu said, neither agreeing nor disagreeing. "We could push for more, but straining our relations with the Land of Iron over a few tens of millions more is simply not worth it."

"Koharu, you're too cautious!" Danzo argued. "Think about it from their perspective. Would they really risk antagonizing the Hidden Leaf Village over a few tens of millions of ryō? Their offer of one hundred million is just a starting point—we should at least make a counteroffer!"

"Then what do you propose?" Koharu asked.

"One hundred fifty million. No bartering for equivalent goods—just pure cash!" Danzo stated firmly.

"That's too high! They'll never agree!" Koharu immediately objected. "Even if we put the Black Samurai Armor up for auction on the black market, it wouldn't necessarily sell for fifty million. And you want to add another fifty million on top of their offer?"

"Which is exactly why you're too cautious!" Danzo snapped.

"I object!" Koharu declared firmly.

"Short-sighted woman!" Danzo muttered.

"You—!" Koharu nearly slammed the table in frustration.

"Enough! Every single meeting, you two argue!" Hiruzen's fist struck the table heavily. His sharp eyes scanned both of them, and the room fell silent. He then turned to a thin, bespectacled man seated opposite him. "Homura, what's your opinion?"

"I believe…" Homura Mitokado adjusted his glasses and said coolly, "One hundred million ryō is enough. The Land of Iron has shown great sincerity. Money is just one factor—what we truly need is an alliance. War could break out at any moment. If the neutral Land of Iron could become our ally, that would be far more valuable than an extra sum of money."

Homura clearly sided with Koharu, as he often did.

Danzo stared at him without expression but said nothing.

"And you, Torifu?" Hiruzen turned to the large Akimichi.

"Perhaps increasing the price slightly wouldn't be unreasonable. One hundred fifty million is too high, but maybe one hundred twenty million could work. That way, we secure more funds without jeopardizing relations," Akimichi Torifu suggested cautiously.

Hiruzen looked at him disapprovingly. As usual, he took a neutral stance, offering an opinion that neither offended nor supported anyone.

"One hundred million it is," Hiruzen declared. "However, before finalizing the deal, I plan to have Haruto Saito represent Konoha in negotiations with Mifune of the Land of Iron. Since he is the current owner of the Black Samurai Armor, he holds more bargaining power than any of us. If he can secure additional benefits for the village, all the better."