” “A weapons shop?” Akira froze for a moment.
Just as he was about to respond, the system’s voice suddenly rang out.
Ding!
Mission Issued: Open your own weapons shop.
Rewards: 6,000 System PointsThree weapon blueprints:High-Explosive GrenadePortable Rocket LauncherFlashbang Akira’s breathing became rapid.
“Let’s do it!” That reward alone was worth the equivalent of defeating two Jonin.
More importantly…
Mikoto had just reminded him of something.
Raising wives costs money!
There was no way he was going to shamelessly ask the Uchiha Clan for financial support in the future.
Absolutely not.
Besides…
If he had a stable income, he wouldn’t have to accept dangerous missions all the time.
He could stay home and spend more time with his wives.
Thinking about it…
His eyes lit up.
Then his excitement immediately faded.
“…I don’t have any startup capital.” “No problem.” “I do.” Mikoto patted the money pouch at her waist with a smile.
“I’ve saved quite a bit for my dowry.” “How much?!” Akira’s eyes immediately sparkled.
That was fantastic news.
“Enough to open a shop.” A crafty smile appeared on Mikoto’s face.
“As your biggest investor…” “It’s only fair that I become the shop manager, right?” “No.” Akira answered with complete seriousness.
“You’re my future proprietress.” “Hmph.” “Smooth talker.” Mikoto rolled her eyes before handing him the money pouch.
“Here.” “What you do from here is your problem.” “Besides…” “I can test the weapon you gave me during this mission.” If everything Akira had said was true…
Then that weapon was nothing short of terrifying on the battlefield.
Even a Genin could unleash incredible destructive power with it.
That completely changed its strategic value.
It was practically a strategic-class weapon.
“Thank you, Mikoto.” “What are you thanking me for?” “What kind of relationship do we have?” The two looked into each other’s eyes.
Slowly…
They moved closer.
Closer…
And closer…
“Oh, come on.” The String Clone walked over carrying the cleaned ingredients.
“You two are really too much.” “You send me to the river to clean all this stuff…” “…while you’re over here flirting.” “Do you have any idea how irritated I am?” He placed the ingredients neatly onto the clean cloth.
“…You’re talking too much.” Veins bulged on Akira’s forehead.
Why is this clone so hopelessly clueless?
Without hesitation, he dispelled it.
The clone vanished while unleashing a torrent of colorful curses.
Unfortunately…
Akira completely ignored them.
“Alright, alright.” “It’s time to start cooking.” Mikoto gently pushed Akira.
“Stop fooling around.” “Yes, ma’am.” “The boss lady has spoken.” “I have no choice but to obey.” “Hmph.” “Smooth talker.” …
Elsewhere…
“This should be the route that kid takes every day.” Root operative A examined the dark street with an expressionless face.
This mission had been personally assigned by Danzo.
No matter what…
They had to bring Akira back.
“The target’s here.” “Move.” Several shadows flashed through the darkness.
In an instant…
Root operatives surrounded Akira from every direction.
“Oh?” Akira calmly looked around at the masked figures.
“And who might you be?” Root?
“Akira.” “Lord Danzo requests your presence.” Operative A spoke coldly.
“Lord Danzo?” Akira frowned.
His instincts screamed at him.
Don’t go.
Absolutely don’t go.
Otherwise…
He might never return.
Looks like I’ll have to fight…
He wasn’t sure how strong these Root operatives were.
But at the very least…
They were all Chunin-level.
If a battle broke out…
It would almost certainly attract attention.
Would that expose the strength he’d been hiding?
Unless…
He could eliminate all of them instantly.
A cold glint appeared in Akira’s eyes.
I’ll have to gamble.
Just as he was preparing to attack…
A lazy voice suddenly drifted over.
“Don’t you think…” “A bunch of grown adults bullying a kid is a little excessive?” Everyone turned toward the source.
Standing beneath the moonlight was a white-haired man.
Operative A’s expression immediately changed.
“…Jiraiya.” Why was he here?
“Heh.” “You know who I am, so why aren’t you gone already?” The easygoing smile disappeared from Jiraiya’s face.
His gaze toward the Root operatives carried obvious disgust.
“Don’t force me to make a move.” “I’m taking responsibility for this kid.” “Damn it…” “We’re leaving.” Operative A glared viciously at Akira before retreating with the others.
No matter what…
Fighting one of the Legendary Sannin would be complete suicide.
Even if they somehow survived…
Lord Danzo would never forgive them.
Akira quietly retracted his Parasite Strings beneath the cover of darkness.
No one noticed.
After the Root operatives disappeared, Jiraiya slowly walked over.
“So you’re Akira.” “The kid who rescued little Kushina and killed those Cloud ninja.” “Thanks.” “It’s nothing.” “Kushina is important to me too.” Akira shook his head.
“Besides…” “Why is one of the Legendary Sannin so free this late at night?” “Ahem…” “I have…
my own business.” Jiraiya looked slightly embarrassed.
There was no way he could admit he’d just returned from secretly “gathering research material” outside Konoha’s bathhouse.
That would completely ruin his majestic image.
“Alright, kid.” Jiraiya patted Akira on the shoulder.
“Don’t wander around alone at night anymore.” “And if you ever run into trouble…” “Come find me.” With that…
He hummed cheerfully to himself and strolled away.
Today’s research had gone exceptionally well.
He needed to hurry home and write everything down while the inspiration was fresh.
Watching Jiraiya disappear into the night…
Akira slowly narrowed his eyes.
“…A guardian delivered himself right to my doorstep.” If someone as young as him opened a weapons shop alone…
There was every chance someone would bully him.
Or worse…
Force him to hand over his inventions.
But if the shop operated under Jiraiya’s name…
Everything would be different.
After all…
This was one of the Legendary Sannin.
Even the Third Hokage would have to think twice before making any moves.
As for why he wasn’t considering Tsunade…
Are you kidding?
If she got involved…
Would there be any money left in the shop?
She’d probably gamble away every last coin.
After all…
People didn’t call her the Legendary Sucker for nothing.