Konoha.
High-level meeting.
Under the expectant gazes of all the elders,
Orochimaru spoke:
"Demand that Kusagakure compensate Konoha for all its losses and hand over thirty percent of its herbal medicine profits every year. All herbal medicine supplies will be given priority to Konoha."
The elders below all sucked in a sharp breath.
That much!?
The climate and soil of the Land of Grass were suitable for growing medicinal herbs, and the herbal medicine industry was one of the Land of Grass's economic pillars.
Basically, the entire country relied on exporting medicinal herbs to keep itself running.
After all, the small ninja villages beneath the Five Great Ninja Villages did not receive many missions, and now the Hidden Sound Village had risen up to compete with them for business.
Thirty percent of the herbal medicine profits was an enormous sum.
The key was that even if Konoha demanded it, the Grass Ninja might not necessarily agree.
If Kusagakure gave thirty percent of its profits to Konoha, it would undoubtedly make things even worse for Kusagakure, which had already lost so many people.
Shikaku raised his hand.
Orochimaru slightly lifted his head, signaling for Shikaku to speak.
"Lord Fifth, the Grass Ninja probably won't agree to thirty percent. We can lower it somewhat."
Orochimaru raised a hand, stopping Shikaku before he could continue:
"I said thirty percent, so thirty percent it is. Tell them to give me their answer within ten days. If Kusagakure refuses, we go straight to war."
War!?
Several elders trembled all over. Was the Fifth Hokage really this forceful?
Was this really alright? Were they going to start a war just like that?
Some people turned their gazes toward the Fourth Hokage, but the Fourth Hokage sat in his seat with a smile, showing absolutely no intention