The Struggle to Procure a Key Ingredient and the Game of the Land of Rain Trade Route

The door to the Hokage's Office was gently closed.

The footsteps of Dean Morino Idate faded down the corridor, eventually disappearing completely.

Mikoto did not leave. She quietly stood behind Baishi, refilled his cup of hot tea, then stepped aside like a silent shadow.

Baishi did not touch the tea.

His fingers tapped lightly against the tabletop, once, then again, in a steady rhythm.

Dragon Whisker Grass.

The Land of Rain.

Those two words were like two fine needles, piercing with pinpoint accuracy into the chaotic vortex within him, formed from Leyline Energy and One-Tail Chakra.

The needle-like pain in his Meridians seemed to grow even clearer.

He needed that medicine.

Not for the Rehabilitation Fund, but for himself.

"Hokage."

A report came from the doorway. The Logistics Minister, Yamashiro Kenichi, entered with a stack of files in his hands, cold sweat beading on his forehead.

"Speak." Baishi's gaze remained fixed on the blank official document on the desk.

"It concerns the special procurement for the Rehabilitation Fund." Yamashiro Kenichi placed the files at the corner of the desk and carefully pushed them over. "Of the first batch on your approved procurement list, apart from... apart from 'Dragon Whisker Grass,' the remaining 117 medicinal ingredients have all been purchased or had supply contracts signed."

He paused, lowering his voice further.

"The Logistics Department used every channel available, including medicinal herb merchants who have had decades of dealings with us. We even contacted intermediaries in the Underground Black Market. The reply was the same everywhere: half a month ago, every trade route leading to the Land of Rain was cut off by an unidentified force. It wasn't looting. They were conducting a monopolistic purchase targeting only 'Dragon Whisker Grass.' Not a single stalk can be found on the market now."

Yamashiro