Once certain words were spoken, there was no taking them back!
As an important figure in Iwagakure, Ōnoki could indeed open the way for the Shihōin Clan to trade freely with the village.
There was no question about that!
Nor was Shihōin Naraku at all worried about Ōnoki going back on his word. Words spoken were like spilled water: they could not be taken back.
If he healed Kurotsuchi's injured leg and Iwagakure then dared to break its promise, Naraku would have grounds to act. There was no guaranteeing what would happen after that.
"Please rest assured, Lord Naraku!"
Ōnoki thought Naraku doubted whether a retired old man like him still had enough authority in Iwagakure to guarantee his promises. He hurriedly explained, "The Shihōin Clan can send people to Iwagakure right now. I guarantee no one will stop them!"
"That's not something I'm worried about. With your standing in Iwagakure, Lord Ōnoki, surely you can manage such a small matter."
A small matter?
This was no small matter!
Before coming to Konoha, Ōnoki had known that this trip to seek treatment would not go smoothly, so he had made preparations in advance.
He had already discussed lifting the restrictions imposed on Shihōin Naraku's clan with Han, the current Tsuchikage, who had agreed.
In fact, this was not a bad thing for Iwagakure either.
Perhaps lifting the controls on the medicinal herb market might even allow Iwagakure's medical services to develop rapidly.
Combined with the prestige Ōnoki had built during his many years as Iwagakure's Third Tsuchikage, accomplishing this was hardly outlandish.
"I've seen your sincerity, Lord Ōnoki. In that case..."
The corners of Naraku's eyes lifted slightly, revealing an unmistakable smile. "Next, we should discuss how to treat Kurotsuchi."
At those words, Ōnoki perked up, his eyes fixed on