Chapter 12: Developing Business
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“Did you notice anyone else?”
Sarutobi Hiruzen questioned the ANBU with a slightly serious expression. No matter how often he asked, ANBU’s answer remained the same.
“No, Hokage-sama. We have checked everyone who has entered and exited the rented warehouse in Kawamigi Town by Cain. So far, we have not found out who put the drugs and medical supplies there.”
The ANBU personnel were half-kneeling on the ground, reporting to the Third Hokage. Strictly speaking, their tracking mission had failed, and they had not found anyone.
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked puzzled and murmured, “If they could fool you three, it seems like the other party has considerable power. Which ninja from which power would go to such lengths to help Konoha?”
In just one day, or less than a day, hundreds of boxes of drugs and medical supplies had been transported to Kawaki Town. It was also possible that they had been prepared in advance, but the ANBU had thoroughly checked the warehouse rented by Cain.
Mito Uzumaki fell into deep thought and said, “If it were ninjas from other factions, it would be impossible for them to go to such lengths to help Konoha. Besides, Koharu has already instructed Konoha Hospital to scrutinize these medicines. It would be impossible to tamper with them and succeed.”
“This type of medicine has never been seen in the ninja world. Hiruzen, continue to send ANBU to other countries to search for information on the person behind this?”
Koharu asked in a low voice, “If we really can’t find any information about the person behind Cain, should we use some means to directly obtain intelligence from him?”
Sarutobi Hiruzen took a puff of his cigarette and remained silent for a moment, pondering. Finally, he spoke up, “Let’s take it slow. We are still in the midst of war, and as long as the medicines are effective, Konoha is profiting.”
The profits amounted to no more than 30 million Ryo, along with some of Konoha’s properties and gold confiscated from the battlefield. The Wind Country had many mineral veins, and Konoha frequently attacked the Sand Village’s logistics or domestic caravans during their battles, yielding a sizeable harvest of gold and minerals.
Shortly after, an ANBU operative entered the Hokage’s office and immediately reported, “Hokage-sama, there’s news from Konoha Hospital. Lady Tsunade has inspected half of the medicines and found them all high quality. They have been administered to the wounded, and the remaining half is expected to be inspected by tomorrow noon.”
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded in approval. Upon hearing this news, he felt a sense of relief. “Please inform Lady Tsunade to bring some medicines and medical supplies for the next group of medical ninjas who will replace us on the battlefield in the Grass Country. The wounded on the front lines are under immense pressure and require all the support we can provide.”
“Yes, Hokage-sama.”
With much medicine, Konoha Hospital’s situation finally improved somewhat. In addition, Tsunade hired many careful Konoha women to learn bandaging and suturing techniques or to do other work, significantly reducing the workload of medical ninjas.
Cain was not well-informed about the situation at Konoha Hospital, as his thoughts were preoccupied with opening his two stores. Nevertheless, Cain’s location was just a short distance from the hospital. He saw potential in purchasing the remaining nearby properties to develop them into a bustling commercial and entertainment district, particularly at night.
However, he needed to recruit some help. Cain needed help managing these shops, whether or not he was in the ninja world.
However, he didn’t know much about this, so Cain thought momentarily and asked Tsunade.
In the afternoon, Cain arrived at the entrance of Konoha Hospital and inquired, only to find out that Tsunade was still busy. So he waited at the hospital entrance for Tsunade to come out. It wasn’t until the sky darkened that he finally saw Tsunade.
“Do you have something to talk to me about?”
Tsunade had just left the Konoha Hospital when she saw Cain at the entrance. She asked him, “Is there something you need to consult me about regarding recruiting manpower?”
Before Cain could finish speaking, Tsunade interrupted and said, “Let’s talk about it over dinner. I’ve been busy all day and haven’t had dinner yet.”
Cain reluctantly followed Tsunade to a pub, and after she ordered some food, Cain mentioned his need for a workforce.
“This is a simple matter. I’ll solve it for you tomorrow as a reward for your summary of battlefield first aid methods. What are your requirements for the workforce?”
Cain thought momentarily and said, “Nothing too complicated, just obedient and attentive. I need five people for the first batch and might need more later. As for compensation, they will not be unfairly treated.”
Tsunade suddenly remembered that many of her clan members’ families had lost their primary source of income due to their husbands’ deaths in battle. Although Konoha provided compensation, it was not enough to support their livelihoods. The Senju clan’s savings were also limited; her grandfather had donated most of the savings to the village for construction purposes. Now, they had to support hundreds of families each month.
Since there were few opportunities to earn money within Konoha, Tsunade thought of her clan members when she heard Cain’s request.
“If that’s the case, I would like to recommend some people to you.”
Tsunade then explained the situation of her clan members, who were mostly widows who had lost their husbands in battle.
After listening to her, Cain agreed to hire them and asked them to come and see him the next day. He thanked Tsunade and left the pub after settling the bill with the owner.
The next day, the five women Tsunade recommended arrived at the store. Cain had already prepared the store and only needed to stock it with goods. After introducing the store to them, he appointed the most reliable-looking woman as the store manager, while the others worked as sales assistants and cashiers.
Cain took some time to explain the store’s business model and the pricing and payment process. Once everything was confirmed, he left the village to bring in some goods to sell.
