Shen Mo hadn't fully processed the transaction amount when Tsunade's voice cut through the air, sharp with disbelief.
"Two thousand!?"
Her face flushed, her mouth agape. That figure represented a staggering amount of wealth. A billion ryo! She likely hadn't gambled away that much over the entire last decade combined.
"Lady Tsunade, this necessitates utilizing the Hyūga Clan's centuries of accrued assets," Hiashi Hyūga explained with a resigned look. "We are fortunate that Sir Shen Mo accepts various materials in exchange; otherwise, we could never liquidate this much currency in such a short timeframe."
His words held truth. Currency itself was volatile. Great ninja clans typically held their wealth in stable assets: precious artifacts, rare metals, and strategic weapons.
While significant, this billion was certainly not the Clan's entire fortune. The Hyūga not only maintained considerable businesses within Konoha but also owned numerous enterprises across the Land of Fire. As a bloodline family famous across the Shinobi world, their Byakugan users were highly sought after by nobles and merchants.
Hiring Hyūga bodyguards or commissioning missions involving their sight significantly inflated the mission fees. In short, they were—as Tsunade recognized—filthy rich.
Tsunade's aura seemed to deflate into a defeated grayscale. She had been subjected to the trauma of Neji's incredible luck, only to immediately run into an established, wealthy dynasty. It seemed she was the only one in the room destined for poverty and bad fortune.
"But why such a massive purchase of Tier Two Jars?" Tsunade forced herself to focus on the business logic. "The return on investment is clearly higher if you buy a smaller number of higher-tier Jars."
"Because this purchase is for multiple individuals: myself, Hanabi, and Hinata," Hiashi responded gravely. "If we buy ten Tier Three Jars and fail to pull a destiny item, that option is exhausted, correct?"
As the head of the Clan, he was usually cautious. But now, he felt a powerful, nascent sense of anticipation. He needed time to truly comprehend the future path of the Hyūga Clan.
When that understanding was reached, that would be the time to risk the Tier Three Jars.
Moreover, Hinata and Hanabi needed time to adjust to any lower-tier gains before risking a Tier Three Destiny item.
As for the remaining five hundred Jars, Hiashi revealed they were intended for resale to the Clan's elite Jōnin, a strategic move to improve overall combat strength while simultaneously raising more capital for future purchases.
In essence, this billion-ryo purchase was just the opening salvo.
"I see... regardless, any increase in strength benefits Konoha," Tsunade conceded, her professional gravity returning.
She realized the massive disparity between an individual purchasing Jars and an entire powerful clan mobilizing their assets.
"What combination of series do you wish for these two thousand Tier Two Jars?" Shen Mo asked, bringing the focus back to the transaction.
"Fifteen hundred Fighter Series and five hundred Medical Series," Hiashi stated, having already consulted the elders.
"Acknowledged," Shen Mo nodded.
Within the training ground, the sound of immense wealth being transferred vanished instantly, replaced by the continuous appearance of two thousand Jars.
Neji's expression was complex. He was still determined to watch the Hyūga Clan's future, but the scale of their wealth far eclipsed his own assets.
"Sir, all my remaining funds, every last ryo, will be used to purchase Nen Ability Series Jars!" Neji declared, committing entirely to his new path. He had to keep buying Jars, no matter what.
"Very well," Shen Mo nodded again, but his heart was overflowing with silent joy.
Finally.
The meticulously crafted scenario was bearing fruit. Mass purchases, massive Transaction Point influx.
The system demanded two conditions for converting local currency into Transaction Points: mutual willingness and a price difference below five-fold (preventing infinite exploitation).
Only Jars, with their irresistible draw, could generate this bottomless-pit revenue stream while allowing him to properly plan the entire world's development.
Shen Mo looked at the highly stimulated group, his eyes momentarily glinting with hidden excitement.
This was merely the beginning.
"Sir Shen Mo," Hiashi Hyūga addressed him respectfully. "Would you consider remaining in my humble residence temporarily for the duration of this opening session? Any request you have will be fully accommodated."
"Of course," Shen Mo accepted with a smile.
He understood the intent: having the merchant present ensured a smoother, more immediate resolution should a Destiny item appear, essentially buying premium after-sales service for a massive transaction.
"Then I shall also remain here," Tsunade suddenly announced, her gaze locked onto the immense pile of Jars.
She felt a desperate, visceral need to witness the opening of every single Jar. Shen Mo recognized the feeling: she was now entirely absorbed in the 'Jar opening stream' phenomenon—the compelling mixture of envy, schadenfreude, and curiosity.
With the absorption, classification, and testing, this massive haul would undoubtedly take several days.
"You won't need to arrange a specific room for me."
Shen Mo walked toward a nearby wall and lightly tapped his staff against the stone.
A door materialized on the smooth surface. As it swung open, the bright, warm light of a well-furnished room was visible behind the thin wall.
"What is that?" Tsunade's eyes were wide with shock.
"My room," Shen Mo simply introduced. "It does not physically reside in this world, but rather in the space between worlds. While I am a merchant who traverses all realms, I am simply more comfortable returning to my familiar haven."
"Meow."
Himari sprang from Hanabi's head, landing gracefully on Shen Mo's shoulder. She curled up instantly, her tail gently sweeping his back, as if urging him to return home.
It wasn't an illusion: in that moment, Shen Mo seemed to possess a subtle touch of humanity. Even a terrifying being like him had a home to which he was sentimentally attached.
"May I enter and observe it?" Tsunade asked suddenly, surprising everyone, including herself.
"Lady Tsunade?" Shizune whispered, appalled by the inappropriate request.
"If not, then dismiss the idea," Tsunade quickly recovered.
She was genuinely curious. As her understanding of Shen Mo's power increased, the sense of distance between them had grown—she felt their earlier friendly interaction might have been a fantasy. She wondered if the gentle smile he always wore was merely a mask concealing an abyss of indifference.
Hearing that Shen Mo possessed a private sanctuary, she had reacted instinctively, hoping to glimpse the man behind the terrifying merchant.