Chapter 44: One Hundred Crystal CoresThe rumbling echoes still vibrated through the passages as the dust slowly settled, and the Lightning Release Chakra surrounding A suddenly surged.Azure electric sparks crackled and coiled around his arms, and his furious aura was so intense it almost seemed to ignite the surrounding air.Upon hearing this, the people from Windmill Village looked up one after another, their faces wearing smiles that were both helpless and accustomed to such things.They had long since grown used to Naruto's unconventional way of doing things, but looking at the Fourth Raikage, their gazes held a bit more sympathy.After all, who could have imagined that this top powerhouse of Kumogakure, after exhausting his strength to smash through a thick rock wall, would only find that others had already finished resting in comfort?Naruto toyed with the faint spiritual energy flowing at his fingertips; this energy, completely different from the Ninja World's Chakra, was gentle yet profound.He took two slow steps forward, the playfulness in his eyes deepening as he spoke in a light tone, yet every word stung like a needle:"Lord Raikage, you can't put it that way.""You chose to open the path yourself; I didn't ask you to. Besides, only those with insufficient strength need to rely on brute force to clear a path, understand?"Naruto hadn't originally intended to say this, but the Raikage's contribution of resentment pointswas as explosive as his temper. Saying this now was like adding fuel to the fire.[resentment points from A +88,888][Current accumulated resentment points from A: 888,888...]A trembled with rage, his Lightning ReleaseChakra instantly exploding to its peak.The ground beneath his feet instantly cracked into countless spiderweb-like patterns. He slammed his fist tight, about to charge at Naruto, roaring:"You bastard! I'm going to teach you a lesson today! I'll make you learn the rules of the Ninja World!"But just as he took a step, he was stopped by Killer Bee, who had rushed up from behind.Killer Bee hummed a little tune while swaying his head, but his tone carried a hint of clarity:"Yo, Big Bro, stay calm, stay cool, don't be rash. This guy is super weird; we won't gain anything by fighting him, yo!"A violently shook off Killer Bee's hand, but as he looked at Naruto's calm and composed expression—as if he didn't care about him at all—And then looked at his own dusty, panting, and wretched state, the frustration and anger in his heart churned even more violently.Naruto glanced at the soaring resentment points in his mind, the smile on his lips deepening. Seeing that the harvest of resentment was nearly complete, Naruto immediately shifted his attitude."Don't be in such a hurry... I never said I wouldn't sell this..."As he spoke, Naruto pulled out several Crystal Cores. Seeing this, the Raikage was momentarily stunned.He naturally knew what these things were; as early as the first two floors of the secret realm, their Kumogakure had been the faction that obtained the most Crystal Cores.But on the third and fourth floors, they had been completely swept up by the person in front of him. Thinking of this, the fire in his heart rose several degrees higher."Cut the crap. If you're going to sell, give me a real price. Don't play games with Kumogakure!"Naruto toyed with a Crystal Core, watching it spin rapidly between his fingers. A playful smile hooked his lips as he completely ignored conventional logic and slowly quoted a price:"A real price? Easy!""One Crystal Core for one hundred million Ryo in cash from Kumogakure! Plus the Lightning Armorscroll of the Lightning Release Secret Technique.""And add in the cultivation insights for the Lightning Release Chakra Mode personally passed down by you, the Raikage. How about it? My price is fair enough, no cheating for young or old."The moment those words came out, the Raikageexploded on the spot, his surrounding Lightning Release Chakra bursting out instantly."Naruto! You're simply daydreaming!""The Lightning Armor secret technique is the foundation of my Kumogakure. You dare mention such conditions for a few measly Crystal Cores? You're clearly mocking me!"Naruto spread his hands with a mock-innocent look, the smile on his face deepening while he silently calculated the growth of resentment points.Looking at the numbers jumping again on the system panel, he could hardly suppress the curve of his lips as he slowly retorted:"Hey, how is this mocking? My Crystal Cores are unique treasures of these ruins; they are limited edition throughout the entire place...""Kumogakure wants them but isn't willing to pay this small price? Then I can only say this deal probably won't happen.""You!"The Raikage was so angry his chest heaved violently, his fists clenching until they cracked. The lightning around him was almost out of control, and he wished he could just rush up and punch Naruto.But seeing the other party's fearless appearance, and knowing Naruto's strange methods in this secret realm, he knew he might not necessarily gain the upper hand if they actually fought. He could only growl through gritted teeth:"Don't go too far! Kumogakure is not a soft persimmon you can just squeeze!"Seeing the Raikage fuming with rage yet helpless, Naruto knew he had earned enough resentment points.He stopped teasing and his tone suddenly shifted, becoming flat but carrying an unquestionable confidence:"Alright, I'll stop beating around the bush. Seeing how much Kumogakure wants these Crystal Cores, I won't ask for an outrageous price anymore.""One hundred Crystal Cores. I'll give them to Kumogakure for free. Not a penny, no secret techniques, no Chakra Mode."The Raikage was stunned, and the restless lightning around him retracted slightly, his face full of bewilderment.He clearly hadn't expected Naruto to suddenly change his tune. He instinctively furrowed his brows and stared at Naruto warily:"What tricks are you playing now? There's no such thing as a free lunch. If you dare give me a hundred Crystal Cores for no reason, there must be a condition. Say it!"Naruto nodded and didn't hide it, stating his requirement directly:"The condition is simple. When the time comes, I want to enter the Thunder Secret Realm alone. Kumogakure and the other factions must not obstruct me, nor can they accompany me. As long as you agree to this, a hundred Crystal Cores will be handed to you immediately."The Thunder Secret Realm was the core area of Kumogakure, containing pure lightning power; it was a sacred cultivation ground for lightning-attribute Ninjas.Kumogakure had always intended to monopolize it. When Naruto made this request, the Raikage was first taken aback.Then he felt conflicted. A hundred Crystal Cores were a huge benefit for Kumogakure. Exchanging them for a single entry qualification seemed like he was losing out, but...The Raikage immediately wanted to nod in agreement. He took a large step forward and was about to accept:"Fine! I promise you... but at that time you are only allowed to enter for ten—"A seemed to hesitate for a moment."Ten hours, how about that?"Before Naruto could agree."Wait!"A cold voice suddenly interrupted the Raikage as Rasa walked out slowly from the side."Those hundred Crystal Cores, my Sunagakure will take them.""The price the Raikage is unwilling to pay, I, Rasa, will pay. Although my Sunagakure cannot fulfill the entry qualification for the Thunder Secret Realm you want!""I, Rasa, am willing to use three times the value in Gold Sand as payment for these hundred Crystal Cores."Hearing this, the Raikage instantly turned to glare at Rasa, his face turning ashen as anger surged again. He shouted harshly:"Rasa! What do you mean? This is a deal Kumogakure and Naruto were discussing first. What business do you have sticking your foot in, Sunagakure!"Rasa's expression remained unchanged as he replied calmly:"Business is about the highest bidder. Narutohasn't agreed to you yet, so naturally, I can make an offer."After speaking, Rasa's gaze landed on Naruto, his tone certain:"Mr. Naruto, my Sunagakure's conditions are far more generous than Kumogakure's. You should consider them.""As long as you nod, triple the Gold Sand will be presented immediately."The Raikage stared deathly at Rasa and then looked at Naruto, fearing Naruto would agree to Rasa's terms. He growled through his teeth:"Naruto! Don't be fooled by him!""My Kumogakure keeps its word. As long as you give me the Crystal Cores, I guarantee you can enter the Thunder Secret Realm peacefully. No one will dare stop you!""Rasa's Gold Sand is just an external object; it's not as solid as Kumogakure's guarantee!"Naruto looked at the two men confronting each other and felt amused in his heart. However, his face remained impassive as he intentionally kept them in suspense:"Don't be in such a hurry. You two fighting like this makes it a bit difficult for me..."Hearing this, the Raikage became even more anxious, fearing Naruto would favor Rasa. He immediately declared:"Naruto! If you choose my Kumogakure, besides letting you enter the Thunder Secret Realm alone, I can also promise you that in the future, within the borders of the Land of Lightning, Kumogakure will never trouble you, and I can help you once with anything!"Rasa remained calm, though the Gold Sand around him flowed a bit faster. His tone was flat but carried an air of finality:"If triple the Gold Sand isn't enough, then quadruple!""My Sunagakure has nothing else but plenty of Gold Sand. Mr. Naruto, you should know that the resources Gold Sand can buy are far more practical than a verbal promise. My Sunagakure's sincerity is laid out on the table, unlike some people who only know how to use force to threaten.""Who are you saying is threatening people!" The Raikage was completely enraged, taking a step forward as if to strike, lightning booming around him with a terrifying aura.Seeing this, Naruto spoke up at the right time to interrupt their dispute. His voice wasn't loud, but it reached their ears precisely:"Enough, arguing is useless. My condition has never changed: whoever can let me enter the Thunder Secret Realm alone gets these hundred Crystal Cores.""As for extra compensation, I might not necessarily care for it."He looked at the Raikage and then swept his gaze over Rasa, his tone firm:"Whoever can do it gets the Crystal Cores. If you can't do it, I won't care even if you offer more Gold Sand."The Raikage immediately patted his chest in guarantee, his roar shaking the sky:"I can! My Kumogakure keeps its word. Whoever dares stop you, I'll be the first to break them!"Seeing the Raikage put it that way, Rasa didn't dare dispute further.Kumogakure now suddenly had over a dozen Kage-level combatants. If he continued to fight for it by force, it would surely bring disaster upon Sunagakure.He immediately gave a helpless sigh and stopped speaking.Seeing this, a look of triumph instantly appeared on the Raikage's face."Hold on. My Konoha also wants a piece of this pie."
