Resurrection!
The moment the word left his lips, Tsunade's pupils constricted sharply.
An indescribable pressure radiated from her.
Even Shizune clamped her mouth shut, stunned.
Yet Shen Mo, as if oblivious, maintained his smile.
It was time.
From free cans to now, step by step, it was time to drop some real bait.
"Lady Tsunade, you've lost someone important, haven't you… In your world, such things happen far too often."
"Our world?" Tsunade echoed.
"Then, allow me to formally introduce myself," Shen Mo said with a light chuckle. "I am Shen Mo, a merchant from another world, affiliated with the Omni-Potent Chamber of Commerce."
This, of course, was a fabricated identity.
Shen Mo had thought it through long ago.
Some of his goods were simply inexplicable.
The herbs from earlier didn't exist in this world.
And there'd be even more wondrous items in the future.
Claiming to be a merchant from another world not only explained the origin of his goods but also cloaked him in mystery. If needed, he could wave this banner to deter reckless actions.
Besides, with enough cans sold at this profit margin, he'd grow powerful in no time.
"Another world?" Tsunade looked even more puzzled.
The Naruto world, despite some black tech, was fundamentally a technologically backward society.
Ordinary people had no concept of other worlds.
"Exactly. The world is not singular."
Shen Mo slowly raised his hand, customizing a one-use mirror technique from the System.
At the touch of his fingertips…
Ethereal images began to form.
Skyscrapers beyond imagination; massive metal monsters pouring from black holes in the sky, battling bizarre warriors; vast armies, giant walking trees standing like men, and fire-breathing dragons; gods standing atop clouds, wielding lightning to smite the earth…
All of these…
Were scenes from movies Shen Mo had watched.
His calm voice rose softly.
"We traverse countless worlds, trading items with any being—human or deity. So, please, don't limit our capabilities to the perspective of one world," Shen Mo said quietly. "Perfect resurrection, free of any cost or flaw—such an item exists, hidden within these cans, which we call treasures."
"…"
Tsunade was silent for a long time. Shizune even bit the hand covering her mouth, as if testing whether she was dreaming.
The vivid images before them…
The unheard-of wonders from the cans…
All confirmed reality.
After what felt like an eternity, Tsunade's hoarse voice broke the silence.
"How many… would it take to get this resurrection you speak of?"
Her fists clenched, her body trembling slightly. Her face wasn't hardened but soft, lips pressed tight, revealing a rare vulnerability.
Because she truly, desperately…
Wanted to see them again.
"…I don't know," Shen Mo said, shaking his head. "For someone of average strength, theoretically… tier-three cans might suffice. But if you open enough cans, it's guaranteed to appear. These cans respond to the deepest desires of their opener."
Tier-one cans: three thousand Trade Points.
Tier-two cans: thirty thousand Trade Points.
Tier-three cans: three hundred thousand Trade Points.
And so on.
Resurrecting Nawaki, even as a custom service, would cost around four hundred thousand Trade Points.
He was just a twelve-year-old genin, after all.
Dan, though… that'd be pricier.
"Tier-three cans, five million each?" Tsunade's gaze steadied, resolute. "I'll find the money."
"The more, the better," Shen Mo reminded her. "The more you open, the greater the chance."
Though he felt some pity for Tsunade, he never forgot his merchant's principles.
The revival coin could wait.
There were plenty of other good things to sell.
"The more, the better, huh?" Tsunade fixed Shen Mo with a frown. "You came to our world just to sellitems? With the power to travel worlds and possess such wondrous items, you're obsessed with money?"
The Water of Life alone…
Even a daimyo would pay any price for it.
Thanks to the Cross of Courage and a new goal, Tsunade was emerging from her slump.
And with that came consequences.
She began to question Shen Mo's significance—and the purpose of his appearance!
"We trade for more than just money," Shen Mo said, pulling out a paper bill, holding it between two fingers with a smile. "Currency carries the collective desires of a world's people. That's an item of value to us, a value that only manifests through trade."
"I see," Tsunade said, rubbing her chin in thought before looking up. "What does that mean?"
"…" Shen Mo felt a headache coming on. "In short, our purpose is simply to trade cans."
One lie always needs countless more to cover it.
It was all just bluffing—if she didn't get it, there was no helping it.
"Is that so?" Tsunade's belief was unclear, but she suddenly flashed a confident smile. "I'll keep an eye on you, see if you're really as you say. If I catch you with any shady purpose, hmph."
"Lady Tsunade…" Shizune's eyes sparkled with admiration.
How many years had it been since she'd seen Tsunade so spirited?
Shen Mo was at a loss for words.
Had he brought this on himself?
"Then, let's rest," Tsunade said, waving her hand. "We leave at dawn."
"Hm?" Shen Mo blinked, then realized she meant he was included in the departure.
"You said your purpose is trading, right?" Tsunade crossed her arms, her smile unwavering. "Konoha's got plenty of rich folks, and they'll definitely be interested in your cans. What, don't want to go? Or…"
This merchant, his origins, his goods—too mysterious.
Left unchecked…
Who knew what trouble he'd stir? Just her can pulls could restore her to her prime, maybe even give her new trump cards.
Bringing him to Konoha…
Was the best move.
Shen Mo felt an odd sensation.
The Third Hokage was still alive. If Tsunade returned to the village now, the plot would go completely off the rails.
…Oh well, no big deal.
Konoha was indeed a good place, full of big clients. Though his abilities weren't strong yet, with disposable items, he didn't need to worry too much about safety. Worst case, he could escape.
All he wanted now was to make money.
With this System in his head, as long as he had cash, he had nothing to fear.
--------------------
Want to read ahead? Early chapters on: patreon.com/ShadowKage