Not only the Hokage's office, but the other four Kage also saw the items sold from the Northern Lands.
These things don't seem to be anything earth-shattering or irreplaceable, but they did bring convenience to the ninjas.
"The Northern Lands? A watch, combat boots, a triangular bayonet...!"
The Hokage carefully read the report submitted by the Anbu Ninja, as well as the items in front of him.
Aside from women's items such as stockings, high heels, perfumes, and sunscreen, most of these items were things that ninjas used when carrying out missions.
"Aside from the watch, which seems a bit difficult to manufacture, these things don't really involve any advanced technology!"
The Third Hokage examined each item; they all bore unique tags, a symbol of their origin from the Northern Lands.
"Yes! These things do indeed have a certain auxiliary effect on improving a ninja's combat power, especially this one!"
As he puffed out smoke, the Third Hokage picked up the wristwatch on his desk and examined it closely.
It's not that there aren't timers in the Ninja World, but they're not valued much; the rulers only know how to enjoy themselves.
The ninjas were even worse off, spending all their time researching Ninjutsu and training, with no time left to change the world.
If we're talking about research, it's probably only Medical Ninjutsu, which was the result of Tsunade's strong promotion when she was in the village.
As for researchers who are seriously engaged in scientific research, you can't find another one besides Orochimaru.
If you talk to him about science and technology, he'll talk to you about the Will of Fire. The two of you are simply not on the same wavelength!
This shows how little importance the rulers placed on technological development. Even in Boruto, scientific equipment was considered heretical.
They wouldn't understand the idea of making up for a lack of talent with cheat codes, but Danzo, that old scoundrel, really does. Didn't you see that arm full of Sharingan?
"Hiruzen Sarutobi, I've heard that a new force has emerged in the north?"
As Hiruzen Sarutobi was admiring his exquisitely crafted mechanical watch, a familiar voice came from the doorway.
Danzo walked in as if he were at home, without even knocking, showing how much he liked the place.
"You received the news too?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi put down his watch, took another puff of his pipe, and his face remained expressionless.
Ignoring the Anbu Ninja in front of the desk, Danzo went straight to the pile of items and picked up the item list to check it.
After a long pause, Danzo slammed the list on the table and said with a disdainful look:
"These are just flashy, useless things, yet they dare to shamelessly claim they can improve ninja strength!"
In Danzo's view, one must be strong to succeed; it is wishful thinking to think that some insignificant equipment can raise the ceiling of a ninja.
Indeed, as he said, these things had limited effect.
Orochimaru is only selling these things to make money, and he's not afraid that ninjas from different countries will produce and use them themselves.
After all, they still have the Chakra Armor, a piece of equipment that can tangibly enhance a ninja's strength.
"These pieces of equipment are still useful for Genin and Chunin, especially this timer. I think we should equip ourselves with a batch of these!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi has a keen eye for detail.
"That's quite interesting!"
Danzo, quick-witted and Danzo the watch from the table. Its dark metallic texture didn't reflect light even at night, making it perfect for carrying out missions.
"The workmanship is acceptable. I think it's necessary for Konoha to purchase a batch... no, we can develop our own!"
As he Danzo, Danzo stuffed the watch into his pocket. The Third Hokage was already used to this action and didn't find it abrupt at all.
However, the Anbu Ninja standing to the side seemed a little uneasy, looking as if he wanted to say something but hesitated.
His gaze lingered between Danzo and the Hokage. The Third Hokage seemed to sense that he had something to say and gave him an affirming look.
"Lord Hokage, this watch cost over 300,000 taels of silver..."
The Anbu Ninja's voice grew softer and softer, and he dared not look at Danzo at all.
"Cough cough cough...!"
Upon hearing that this little gadget had actually cost over 300,000 taels of silver, Hiruzen Sarutobi was immediately choked by the smoke he had just inhaled.
Danzo's old face also darkened at this moment; neither of them had expected this price.
High-tech products are usually quite expensive, and ordinary people simply can't afford them, let alone a Laodishi from the Northern Lands.
Of all the items the Anbu Ninja purchased, this watch was the most expensive. They only managed to get it by using their authority as Anbu Ninja; otherwise, they wouldn't have had a chance at all.
There are plenty of rich people in the Land of Fire. Capitalists control the economic lifeline, Orochimaru controls the core technology. If the two are combined, money will come naturally.
"So what if it's over 300,000 taels? Do you think I can't afford it? Go and buy more. All the Root ninjas need to be equipped, one piece for each of them!"
Hearing Danzo's unfriendly tone, the Anbu Ninja trembled with fear and quickly lowered his head.
Hiruzen Sarutobi also raised an eyebrow. What do you mean, "one piece for each of you Root"? This is public funding. If there's equipment, it should be the Anbu Ninja get it first. Are you trying to fleece us?
Three hundred thousand taels is equivalent to an A-level mission, so the price is indeed not low.
With a wave of his hand, signaling the Anbu Ninja to retreat, Hiruzen Sarutobi regained his composure.
"It seems necessary to learn about this newly emerging force; it's quite remarkable that they possess such technology!"
There are quite a few strange and wonderful technologies in the Ninja World, such as Shinno's Zero-Tails, Mukade's Dragon Vein Puppet, Orochimaru's Mecha-Naruto, and so on.
Every event is noteworthy, but Hiruzen Sarutobi is really after is the money-making potential of the Northern Lands.
A watch sells for such a high price; imagine the sheer volume of goods transported by truckloads—it's enough to make an outrageous profit. No one could ignore that.
"I will have the Root follow up; it might be some small country in the north again!"
Danzo pulled out a chair and sat down, completely unconcerned about the matter.
"You didn't come to see me just for this, did you?"
Although Hiruzen Sarutobi's face was expressionless, a shadow of gloom had appeared in his eyes ever since Danzo appeared.
You know, Danzo never comes to him with anything good, and arguing is a regular occurrence. Now, just seeing Danzo annoys him.
"It's the same old problem. The Uchiha is becoming increasingly restless. I think it's necessary to carry out that plan!"
Danzo didn't care about Hiruzen Sarutobi's impatience; he didn't care whether Hiruzen liked it or not.
You can make things difficult for me, but that doesn't stop me from flipping the table!
"Does it really have to come to this?"
Upon hearing that it was about the Uchiha, Hiruzen Sarutobi sat up straight. Although his question was phrased as a question, his face revealed a sense of helplessness and complexity.
"Hmph! A bunch of ungrateful wretches, the Uchiha is born with a rebellious streak...!"
Similar to the Hokage's office, the four great nations— Mizukage, Tsuchikage, Kazekage, and Raikage —didn't seem to care much about this matter.
They also took notice of this newly emerging power in the Northern Lands, but were dismissive of their military equipment and instead envied their ability to make money.
Once they investigate this force, if it really is a tiny country, they wouldn't mind taking some action to supplement their income.
In the Ninja World, the law of the jungle has always prevailed, and the principle that the weak must be preyed upon is an unchanging truth!