The lengthy explanation sparked an uproar. The crowd was shocked not only by the price but also by the Banana Palm Fan's power.
Starting the bidding at one hundred thousand ryō with increments of at least fifty thousand ryō immediately discouraged the smaller clans and factions. An unnerving silence fell over the crowd, even the tattooed auctioneer looking uncomfortable. His eyes drifted towards Kai.
"Haha, it seems no one dares to bid. I'll start. One million ryō," Kai said warmly, raising his hand.
The crowd erupted again. He'd just used military rations as pet food, and now he'd increased the starting bid tenfold. This was blatant wealth and arrogance, the epitome of a spoiled rich kid.
"One million ryō?" A hint of disappointment flickered across Konan's face. Akatsuki prioritized helping others and often aided refugees. They took jobs in the black market to earn money, but it was barely enough. They'd hoped to acquire the artifact with their seven or eight hundred thousand ryō. Kai's bid shattered their hopes.
"Ho ho, this young sir has excellent taste! The Banana Palm Fan is a powerful weapon used by Kinkaku and Ginkaku. It unleashes the power of five elemental ninjutsu. Whoever buys it could become a Kage-level powerhouse, rivaling the Five Great Nations," the auctioneer exclaimed, delighted. If he couldn't sell this artifact, he'd be in serious trouble.
"Boss, is it really worth one million?" Kakuzu asked, his expression still impassive but clearly pained. He could earn millions by killing important targets, but every ryō felt like a piece of his flesh being cut away.
"Haha, what if I told you it's worth at least one hundred million ryō? Would you believe me?" Kai chuckled.
Six Paths Tools! These powerful tools appeared in the Fourth Great Ninja War. If not for Temari's luck, they would have created another powerful villain.
One hundred million ryō?
Kakuzu was stunned. That was an astronomical sum, requiring dozens of kills to accumulate. If Kai could exchange one million for one hundred million, it would be a fantastic deal.
"One million and ten thousand ryō," Tsuchigumo said after a long pause, glaring at Kai.
But as his glare landed on Kai, Kai's words made everyone's faces twitch.
"Two million ryō," Kai said, smiling. "Do you still have money? I'll bid lower next time, giving you more chances."
The blatant provocation made Tsuchigumo's face redden. His clansmen drew their swords, the cold gleam of steel creating tension.
"Stop it," Tsuchigumo said coldly, pressing down his hand. "Kid, don't underestimate me. I'm a level five bounty hunter in the black market. I have tens of millions of ryō. I'm afraid to say it might scare you."
"Oh really?" Kai smiled playfully.
Others who wanted the Banana Palm Fan wanted to slap Tsuchigumo. They knew Kai was a spoiled rich kid, and provoking him was unwise. If he got upset, he'd drive the price even higher.
But before they could act, Kai's next words made everyone's faces twitch.
"Twenty million. That's my final bid. Whoever bids higher can take it," Kai said, smiling.
"Don't forget, we're all here for the Land of Hot Water bounty. Getting this powerful artifact for twenty million and then completing the mission for fifty million is a win-win."
His words swept through the crowd like a hurricane. Some clans, previously hesitant, were now interested. As Kai said, this wasn't a short-term investment. The Banana Palm Fan could be used for future missions.
"Damn brat!" Tsuchigumo gritted his teeth. He'd planned to get it cheaply. Now, he wanted to devour Kai alive.
But sensing the change in atmosphere, he had no time to argue with Kai. He raised his hand. "I, Tsuchigumo, bid twenty-five million. Give me some face and let me have the Banana Palm Fan."
"I'll repay you handsomely."
"Anyone who dares to bid higher, I hope they can safely leave the Land of Hot Water."
This threat silenced many. But not everyone.
"Ho ho, Tsuchigumo, your thoughts are adorable, but I, Haru, am not afraid of your spiders. I bid twenty-seven million ryō," Haru, a pale, effeminate man with golden markings on his face, said. He had a dozen clansmen behind him.
Seeing the rising tension, Kakuzu hesitated. "Boss, you wanted this artifact. Your words might hurt us."
Kakuzu thought the fan was valuable, and Kai's plan was feasible, but getting the most for the least was best. Kai's actions were unexpected.
"Haha, don't worry, we won't bid anymore. This drama isn't over yet. Let's watch," Kai chuckled.
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