“That’s everything.” Kneeling on the floor, Operative A lowered his head after finishing his report, silently awaiting Danzo’s judgment.
Danzo Shimura took a deep breath.
“One after another…” “They all insist on opposing me.” He waved his hand dismissively.
“Forget about that boy.” “If we can’t recruit him, then let it go.” Now it wasn’t just the Third Hokage protecting him.
Even Jiraiya had stepped in.
The little girl close to him belonged to Tsunade’s circle, and judging by the situation, Tsunade would probably support him as well.
There was no reason to offend three top-tier powerhouses over a child.
In the end…
He was still just a boy who hadn’t fully matured.
After dismissing his subordinates, Danzo looked toward the figure hidden in the shadows.
“Orochimaru.” “How are the experiments progressing?” “They’ve only just begun.” “Don’t be so impatient.” Orochimaru chuckled eerily before glancing at Danzo.
“It’s rare to see you suffer a setback.” “Hmph.” Danzo snorted coldly.
“Worry about your own affairs.” Rather than getting angry, Orochimaru’s smile widened.
At the same time, curiosity began to stir inside him.
What exactly is so special about that boy…
Akira?
I’d really like to meet him.
If I could obtain a sample of his blood…
The thought excited him enough that his tongue instinctively flicked out.
…
“So…” “You want to open a shop?” Jiraiya stared at Akira with a bewildered expression.
“Then why did you drag me here?” Early that morning, Akira had suddenly sought him out.
Jiraiya had assumed the boy had run into some major problem.
Instead…
He simply wanted to use Jiraiya’s name to open a store.
“Because of your reputation.” Akira sat casually on a chair.
“You saw what happened yesterday, didn’t you?” “Having a powerful backer makes all the difference.” Jiraiya fell silent for a moment before giving Akira an odd look.
“So…” “You’re using me as a shield?” “You can’t put it like that, Brother Jiraiya.” Akira waved his hand.
“You’re one of the Legendary Sannin.” “The Great Toad Sage.” “When your little brother runs into trouble…” “Shouldn’t his big brother have his back?” “Hahaha!” “So that’s how you see me?” Jiraiya planted his hands on his hips, grinning proudly.
“You’ve got good taste!” “Hahahaha!” “That’s right!” “I am the Great Toad Sage from Mount Myoboku!” He coughed dramatically.
“Ahem.” “It’s not impossible.” “But…” “There should be something in it for me.” He understood Akira’s concerns.
A ten-year-old opening a shop by himself was asking for trouble.
Without an adult backing him…
Bullies would show up sooner or later.
“As compensation…” Akira thought for a moment before nodding.
“Fair enough.” “I’ll give you ten percent of the profits.” “Only ten percent?” Jiraiya looked thoroughly dissatisfied.
“Kid…” “Aren’t you being a little stingy?” “You’re asking an S-rank ninja to help you.” “Is that really your offer?” “You’re saying that’s too little?” Akira looked genuinely surprised.
“Brother Jiraiya…” “I don’t think you realize how profitable my weapons shop is going to be.” “Oh?” Jiraiya casually picked his nose.
“And just how profitable will it be?” Honestly…
He couldn’t imagine a simple weapons shop making much money.
“Forget it.” “Ten percent is fine.” Jiraiya waved dismissively.
“After all…” “You’re practically Tsunade’s little brother-in-law.” A flash of delight crossed Akira’s eyes.
That ten percent was absolutely worth it.
Just as he was about to continue…
BANG!
The front door exploded inward.
The flying door smashed directly into Jiraiya’s face and sent him crashing backward.
Akira blinked.
“…?” What just happened?
This was the residence of one of the Legendary Sannin.
Who would dare barge in looking for trouble?
Turning around…
Akira immediately deflated.
“…Big Sis Tsunade.” “What brings you here?” “Hmph.” “If I hadn’t come…” “You’d probably end up learning all sorts of bad habits from this idiot.” She shot Jiraiya a cold glare.
“Stay away from him.” “Got it?” “He’s nothing but a shameless pervert.” “I’d appreciate it if you’d leave me a little dignity.” Jiraiya sighed helplessly as he tossed the broken door aside and rubbed his bleeding nose.
“Hmph.” Tsunade suddenly looked slightly embarrassed.
She hadn’t expected the door to smack him right in the face.
Of course…
There was no way she was apologizing.
“Akira.” She looked at him with dissatisfaction.
“Why didn’t you come to me?” “Didn’t I tell you last time?” “If you run into trouble…” “Come find me.” What’s wrong with this brat?
He’d rather ask Jiraiya than me?
What if this idiot corrupts him?
Maybe I should just cripple Jiraiya today and eliminate the problem once and for all…
Thinking that, Tsunade’s gaze toward Jiraiya became increasingly dangerous.
Feeling murderous intent envelop him…
Jiraiya’s brain immediately kicked into overdrive.
“I know exactly why he didn’t ask you!” “Oh?” Tsunade paused.
“Why?” “You seriously don’t know?” Jiraiya gave her a look of utter disdain.
“If Akira let you manage the shop…” “You’d gamble the entire business into bankruptcy.” “They don’t call you Konoha’s Legendary Sucker for nothing.” “At this rate…” “I wouldn’t be surprised if your reputation spread throughout the entire ninja world.” “And not because of your medical ninjutsu…” “But because of your gambling.” “Ahem…” Tsunade coughed awkwardly.
Did he really have to expose her like that?
“Well…” She immediately put on what she believed was a warm smile.
“Akira.” “Don’t worry.” “I definitely won’t do what Jiraiya said.” “He’s slandering me.” Akira looked at her suspiciously.
Why does Big Sis Tsunade suddenly look like the Big Bad Wolf…?
Still…
Seeing that “kind” smile…
He didn’t dare refuse.
With a helpless sigh, he said, “Big Sis Tsunade…” “In that case…” “You and Brother Jiraiya each get ten percent.” “I can’t give any more than that.” “No problem.” Tsunade didn’t actually care about the money.
What mattered to her…
Was Akira’s willingness to rely on her.
“Let’s go.” “We’ll settle everything today.” At that moment…
Tsunade had no idea…
That years later…
She would be endlessly grateful for the decision she made that day.
After all…
Even just ten percent…
Would eventually become an astronomical fortune.