"What? No rooms left?"
"Yes, that's correct. Since the Konoha delegation arrived a bit late, all the rooms in the Grand Sail Hotel have already been assigned. As of now, only some guesthouses and dorms in the industrial district are still available. Of course, if you prefer, you can also negotiate directly with local residents to stay in the residential area."
"No rooms left at all?"
Danzō glanced sideways at the Kumogakure shinobi standing nearby, who was clearly enjoying the situation, casually picking his nose.
If everyone was staying in the factories, that would be one thing. But if Kumogakure and all the smaller villages got to stay at the Grand Sail Hotel while Konoha—the number one shinobi village in the world—was stuck in factories and guesthouses?
That would be a disgrace.
His expression darkened as he glared at the hotel staffer.
"There isn't a single suite left in the Grand Sail ? Enough nonsense. Go get your manager."
No matter what, he was still the Fire Country's official representative and proxy partner for the Grand Sail branch. If there wasn't even one room left for him here, how was he supposed to posture in front of Hiruzen?
As he finished speaking—
"My apologies, my apologies!"
The hotel manager had already been informed and rushed over with a smile as soon as he heard Danzō was at the counter.
"The staff below are still inexperienced. Please don't take it to heart, President Dan."
"My surname is Shimura. Full name, Shimura Danzō."
"Ah—then… Mr. Shimura?"
"…Let's stick with 'President Dan.'"
Danzō's face remained expressionless.
"Very well, President Dan."
The manager accepted the room ledger from the front desk clerk and flipped through it carefully.
"Indeed, all of the free suites allocated to participants are currently occupied."
Seeing Danzō's brow twitch, the manager quickly added:
"However, we do still have some executive suites available for general guests. These rooms are significantly more luxurious and spacious than standard singles or doubles. They come with full 24-hour concierge services and upgraded amenities."
"Oh, and we also have one Kage-level Suite available."
He raised a finger with a subtle smile.
"The Kage Suite has two main bedrooms, each with their own bath, a leisure and entertainment lounge, a formal reception area, and comprehensive security systems. It's specifically designed for hosting feudal lords and village leaders—absolute top-tier accommodation. Separate private entrances, secure access routes, even a dedicated elevator. High security, high discretion."
He paused for dramatic effect.
"Of course, it is a bit expensive. But for someone of your status, President Dan, that's a given, isn't it?"
"…"
Danzō said nothing for a moment.
A suite reserved for Kage-level dignitaries and daimyo… how fitting for someone like him—Konoha's Kage.
And as Konoha's official coach and team leader, wasn't it only natural for him to stay in the top room?
However—
"Konoha's participants have to pay for accommodations?"
"Yes. The remaining rooms fall under commercial lodging," the manager explained politely, still smiling. "Of course, Konoha's participants are welcome to stay in the guesthouses or industrial dormitories. While the environment may not match the Grand Sail, rest assured they're clean, safe, and comfortable. And anyone staying there can still come here for complimentary meals."
"Hmph."
Danzō snorted.
Since he was leading the delegation himself, there was no way he'd allow Konoha ninja to be housed somewhere inferior.
He extended his hand with a sharp gesture.
"Book it."
Everyone nearby looked at him in stunned silence.
Such extravagance!
He didn't even ask the price before giving the go-ahead?!
This was the Grand Sail they were talking about—one of the most expensive places in the entire shinobi world. Everyone staying here knew full well how outrageous the rates were.
Truly worthy of the title: Shinobi World's Number One Village… they're loaded
"No problem. Please wait a moment."
The manager, visibly excited now, quickly had his staff fetch the key.
Still beaming, he added, "Since President Dan is our hotel's most esteemed partner, we're happy to extend a 20% discount."
From a display case beside him, he retrieved an ornate, gold-plated key inlaid with gemstones.
"This is the key to the Kage Suite. Please, allow me to escort you personally. There's even a high-end hydrotherapy massage tub inside. I'm sure after such a long journey, you could use a proper rest."
"Hmph."
Danzō gave a quick nod, noting the Konoha ninja around him following eagerly with anticipation in their eyes.
He followed the manager without hesitation.
"This old man is a bit tired, after all."
He cast a cold glance toward the distant Raikage and sneered.
"I want to see for myself just how special this so-called top-tier suite really is."
After all, no matter what anyone said, he was a man of great standing now.
...
"Oh yeah, bro… how about we stay in the Kage Suite too?"
Bee had initially planned to break into a quick rap, but the sight of his brother's face—which was already dark-skinned—now turning even darker made him reconsider.
To avoid another beating, he forced himself to hold back the freestyle lyrics bubbling in his brain.
But as soon as he opened his mouth—
"Look at that smug face, oh-oh~ Konoha's got money, yo! Big bro's jealous, his face says no—skr skr—ain't the Hokage, but still got a glow…"
"Bang!"
"Quiet."
A smacked him down again.
Sure, Kumogakure was in partnership with Sunagakure too, but compared to the resource-rich Fire Country, the Land of Lightning still had a ways to go.
Which meant…
"No point in wasting money. Village construction, shinobi training… all of that needs funds."
As Raikage, there was no way he could indulge in luxury.
For a moment, he was moved by his own humility and frugality.
Then he turned and looked at the nearby hotel staff.
"Hey. That Kage Suite—give me one too."
To preserve Kumogakure's image, he'd just upgrade his room.
But—
"Apologies," the clerk replied politely with a smile. "The one and only Kage Suite in the Grand Sail has just been taken by another guest."
"…"
...
"Is that so? So the Kage Suite finally has its first guest?"
Rasa sipped his tea as he listened to the report from the hotel staff, a rare smile playing on his lips.
"Looks like Danzō really has made some money."
Well, it made sense. Compared to the other Great Nations, the Fire Country had the highest overall economic output. The country was rich, the people well-off, and their spending power unmatched.
Just from reviewing the quarterly purchase reports, it was obvious—the Fire Country placed the largest orders.
Whether it was mini 4WDs, battle tops, arcade cabinets, or kiddie rides, their demand far exceeded the other villages.
And with Danzō's own business ventures…
It really wasn't surprising that he was so wealthy.
Still—
"He's got troops, territory, money… and not a bad level of strength either."
Rasa sighed.
"Looks like Hiruzen really doesn't have it easy anymore."