What Belongs to the Owner Returns

"Hmm... right now, I have a total of six scrolls on hand. Five of them are C-rank ninjutsu, and one is B-rank."

Shizune recalled the details before speaking. It was clear she didn't use this item often; in fact, she hadn't even used it in front of others since she first acquired it!

To put it bluntly, while the Ninjutsu Scroll Launcher was a good piece of equipment, it was primarily a trump card meant for survival in critical moments.

No one would go around flaunting their trump cards in their daily life. Doing so would only invite unnecessary trouble, and the entire purpose of keeping a hidden ace would be completely defeated.

"I see... then the rank of the ninjutsu is actually a bit on the low side."

Takizawa Dan nodded, though he felt a sense of dissatisfaction in his heart.

C-rank ninjutsu were equivalent to the level of a Chunin, while B-rank was for Jonin.

Having only one Jonin-level ninjutsu was barely passable, but in this dangerous world of ninjas, it was nowhere near enough!

One had to remember that the Sannin—Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru—all possessed Kage-level strength.

And by the later stages of the Akatsuki organization, it was even more extreme; a single person could single-handedly destroy an entire ninja village with ease.

It seems this thing can only be used to scare people or for brawls within the village. Once I step outside, it won't be of much use... Takizawa Dan thought, feeling deeply disappointed.

"Takizawa Dan, you are still underestimating the utility of this item."

At this moment, seeing the unpleasant expression on Takizawa Dan's face, Tsunade offered some advice from the side.

"The reason the Ninjutsu Launcher is used as personal protection for the Daimyos is that the rank of the ninjutsu scrolls it can hold is infinitely scalable."

"As long as you are willing to pay a higher price, you can obtain A-rank ninjutsu scrolls, or even S-rank ones—the so-called forbidden techniques!"

Tsunade's words immediately enlightened Takizawa Dan.

That was true. Even with a handgun, as long as it could fire high-caliber ammunition, the effect would naturally be astonishing.

"Then, Tsunade-jie, can you tell me where I can buy these ninjutsu scrolls? I want to go take a look!"

Takizawa Dan said hurriedly.

Now, he was genuinely motivated to make good use of this launcher.

If what Tsunade said was true, then this wasn't just some ordinary item or a useless trinket; it was a treasure that could fire instantly without the need for hand seals, capable of turning the tide of battle at a critical moment!

"In our Konoha, there should be a place that sells various scrolls. I remember there being a very small cabinet that holds a few of these specialized scrolls compatible with the launcher."

Tsunade recalled as she spoke, "After all, such launchers are extremely rare. Aside from the Daimyos of various countries, no one else has them. The reason those few scrolls are kept there is in case a Daimyo comes for an inspection, so there would be replacement scrolls available."

"So that's how it is. Can they sell them to me? What if they are meant for the Daimyo..."

Takizawa Dan began to worry again.

In the ninja world, there was a very strange setup. Although the Daimyos were a bunch of brainless, gluttonous wastes, the system required ninja villages to remain loyal to them and protect the country.

Daimyos held privileges in all sorts of areas, and these special goods were no exception.

If he went there all excited only to be told that these items were reserved exclusively for the Daimyo and couldn't be sold to him, that would be incredibly embarrassing!

"Don't worry, they can," Tsunade said, patting her chest. "I am the Hokage, and you are my disciple. Who would dare not sell to you? The idea of a Daimyo coming to inspect the village is, frankly, just a formality; no one ever actually comes. They live in the lap of luxury, eating meat and drinking wine all day, and even need people to carry them just to go outside. How could they possibly travel all the way to our Konoha to suffer and endure hardship?"

"Uh... that's true, too."

Takizawa Dan thought about it and found it made perfect sense.

As the most powerful military force, the ninja village had to maintain a high standard of combat readiness to fulfill its original purpose: protecting the Land of Fire.

To achieve such strength, a crucial requirement was to remain disciplined and avoid material indulgence or extravagance. Because of this, luxuries within the village were scarce.

For a Daimyo accustomed to a comfortable life, they certainly wouldn't be able to stand such ascetic living, so it was perfectly normal that they wouldn't come.

"Thank you, Tsunade-jie..."

Takizawa Dan displayed an expression of immense gratitude.

Even though that was true, one could never be too careful. If this matter were ever leaked, even with Tsunade as Hokage, she would likely face punishment.

Those Daimyos had long been wary of the ninja villages' power but were helpless to do anything about it. Therefore, as long as they could find a single fault, they would desperately try to hold onto it—especially if it were the Hokage's mistake!

In a worst-case scenario, Tsunade's position might even be at risk.

Tsunade was gambling with her own career for Takizawa Dan's future!

"Pfft, it's nothing. Besides, those things are useless just sitting there, so you might as well use them."

Tsunade was carefree, waving her hand as if it were nothing.

Shizune, standing to the side, watched Takizawa Dan and Tsunade reach an agreement and was left completely bewildered.

It's just that easy? What about me, the chief disciple? Do I have no presence at all?

If there really is such a place to replenish scrolls, why have you never told me, Lady Tsunade? Yet, on this junior brother's first day, you're willing to risk your position as Hokage just to secure benefits for him?

Sob... Lady Tsunade, you are truly too biased!

Early the next morning, Tsunade took Takizawa Dan to the shop that sold the scrolls.

Since it was a place that sold scrolls, it was naturally run by a ninja, but this particular ninja was just an ordinary forty-year-old Genin!

Yes, a Genin—someone who had graduated from the Ninja Academy and obtained the rank of Genin, but hadn't even reached the level of Chunin.

In fact, there were many such people in Konoha. Even Chunin were relatively rare, let alone Jonin. The vast majority of ninjas spent their entire lives stuck as Genin, unable to support their families on their meager fixed salaries, forcing them to take on side jobs.

Just like now—selling scrolls!