The demonic creatures rumored to have passed down through generations in the Land of Demons?
Indeed, there are records in Konoha's historical texts that every few decades, a calamity caused by demonic creatures emerges in the Land of Demons, and each time, it is personally sealed by the Witch.
Could it be that the Land of Demons is once again at the time when the chaos of demonic creatures occurs once every few decades?
It seems this is not the best timing. Tsunade sighed inwardly.
"If Lady Tsunade has important matters to discuss with Lady Mire, please wait a few months until she lifts the ban before coming back."
"I heard that the Land of Demons is currently under military control, is that true?"
"I am not very familiar with this matter, but military actions are always personally directed by Lady Mire."
The diplomat replied without any flaw.
"Can I take a tour?"
"That requires authorization from Lady Mire; the military's will follows her decisions."
Simply put, it meant denying Tsunade the opportunity to investigate the Land of Demons' military.
As for whether the military's intentions are determined by Witch Mire, Tsunade, not being an insider of the Land of Demons, naturally doesn't know.
It's just that many places in this country exude a mysterious and bizarre aura.
Tsunade wanted to gather more information about this country.
She had already understood the basic idea of the prosperity and welfare system of the Land of Demons.
The most crucial military power remained to be thoroughly understood.
But for now, it seemed that the people of the Land of Demons would not allow her to investigate the true strength of the military under the official identity of Konoha.
Besides, how could a country's military power be easily disclosed to outsiders?
Currently, she couldn't learn more about this country, so she would have to investigate gradually in the future.
"Let's go, Shizune."
Leaving the diplomat's residence, Tsunade said to Shizune.
"Aren't you going to the Shion Flower Pharmaceuticals, Lady Tsunade?"
"No need."
There was no necessity anymore.
The Land of Demons strictly scrutinizes all aspects, and Shion Flower Pharmaceuticals' technological protection is even stricter; to date, there have been no thefts, which shows the strength of protection there and the extent to which the Land of Demons guards the technology of Shion Flower Pharmaceuticals.
Otherwise, those barbarians from Hidden Cloud Village wouldn't have remained inactive until now.
Perhaps they tested it early on, but most likely, the people sent over have disappeared without a trace.
"Are we going to another country next, Lady Tsunade?"
"Well, before going to another country, there is one place we need to visit."
Tsunade smiled.
"What place?"
"The Shion Flower Merchants Association Headquarters."
"Shion Flower Merchants Association? What for?"
Shizune looked puzzled.
It's a place where merchants go to discuss business, and Tsunade has no interest in doing business, so going to the Shion Flower Merchants Association Headquarters seemed meaningless to Shizune.
"As one of the few ultra-large merchant associations in the Ninja Realm, especially in terms of loans, I've researched it: their business chain is complete, the interest rates are low, and they have a great reputation in the industry."
"Loans!? Lady Tsunade, you're not thinking of..."
Suddenly, Shizune had a bad feeling.
"That's right!" Tsunade revealed a dazzling smile, "Business is done; now comes my personal business. This is a top priority, Shizune, don't say anything discouraging now, or I'll send you back to Konoha."
"But why get a loan? Didn't Lord Minato give us a budget of five million ryo?"
Besides, what top priority? To Shizune, it just seemed like gambling that might lead young individuals astray.
Who knows where Lady Tsunade inherited her bad habits from—she should really lecture that wicked source.
Shizune thought angrily.
"Tsk, what's five million ryo? A few rolls of the dice and it's gone. Minato, that kid, only gave me a budget of five million ryo; I should whisper a word or two to Kushina."
Tsunade grumbled on the street, oblivious to her surroundings.
Shizune looked both upset and amused, unsure how to respond to Tsunade.
At the moment, Konoha was in a state of recovery, still emerging from the shadow of war, with no surplus funds to squander.
Besides, five million ryo wasn't a small amount. Frugal living would allow them to travel for a long time.
◎
Tsunade left the Land of Demons in less than a week.
Later, Tsunade wrote a letter detailing her observations and experiences in the Land of Demons and sent it back to Konoha through secret channels.
It wasn't long before Minato received Tsunade's letter.
"The Land of Demons..."
Although Tsunade wrote many insights about the Land of Demons in the letter, Minato, lacking sufficient understanding, still couldn't grasp the essence of Tsunade's focus.
However, Minato could see Tsunade's emphasis on the Land of Demons.
Thus, Minato had someone summon Shikaku.
Coming from the Nara Clan, he had a quick and intelligent mind and an excellent grasp of the big picture.
During the Third Ninja War, he made a lot of refreshing strategic proposals at meetings, which minimized Konoha's losses.
Shikaku quickly scanned Tsunade's letter.
"So, Shikaku, what do you think of Lady Tsunade's proposal?"
"Well... how should I put it, although I can't pinpoint Lady Tsunade's specific intention, some aspects do provide insightful suggestions. For instance, this idea of a children's psychological treatment center can aid children's mental and physical well-being, preventing them from straying due to severe psychological trauma in the future."
Shikaku replied, hitting the nail on the head.
He also began to pay attention to the Land of Demons.