With the help of Konoha’s two Kage-level powerhouses, Akira quickly settled the issue of finding a storefront.
He purchased a two-story building.
The second floor would serve as living quarters, while the first floor would become the shop.
Even then, they still came up a little short on funds.
Fortunately, Tsunade and Jiraiya covered the remaining cost.
Their reasoning was simple.
“You’re our little brother.
We can’t very well take advantage of you.” “Consider this our investment in exchange for that ten percent share.” Akira was deeply touched.
At the same time, he couldn’t help but sigh.
Kage-level shinobi really are rich.
Well…
Tsunade’s wealth was probably thanks to the Senju family’s enormous fortune.
The next step was renovating the place.
Fortunately, the building had previously been a weapons shop.
The previous owner had simply gone out of business.
Most of the equipment was still usable.
The renovations would probably only take half a day.
Of course…
That still cost money.
Akira couldn’t help but sigh again.
“Having money really is nice.” The main reason everything moved so quickly was that most of the building was made of wood, making it easy to modify.
Soon, the three of them headed to the Hokage’s office with the paperwork.
“You’re opening a shop?” The Third Hokage looked at Akira in surprise.
“Aren’t you still a student?” “…Huh?” Only then did Tsunade realize something.
“That’s right!” “This brat is supposed to be in school!” After spending so much time around him, she’d subconsciously forgotten he was still just a student.
She immediately grabbed his ear.
“You little rascal.” “Skipped class again, didn’t you?” “Ow, ow!
Let go, Big Sis Tsunade!” Akira hurriedly struggled free.
“I didn’t skip class.” “My clone is sitting in the classroom attending lessons right now.” “Besides…” “Do you really think the things they’re teaching have any meaning to me anymore?” They were all basic knowledge.
As for ninjutsu…
The academy only taught the Three Basic Techniques.
He could already use them better than most Jonin.
“Then why haven’t you applied to graduate early?” The Third Hokage asked casually.
“Because I want to open a shop.” Akira’s heart skipped a beat, but his expression remained perfectly calm.
“My dream has always been to open my own store…” “…and create weapons capable of protecting Konoha.” “Weapons?” A hint of surprise flashed across the Third Hokage’s eyes.
“You know how to make weapons?” Now that piqued his interest.
Still…
He wasn’t expecting much.
After all, Akira was only a child.
What impressive weapon could he possibly create?
“So far…” “I’ve only finished one prototype.” “I already gave it to Uchiha Mikoto.” Akira thought for a moment before continuing, “If I want to make another one, it’ll take some time.” “So…” “I think it’d be better to wait until she returns from her mission.” “An Uchiha?” Tsunade froze.
Her expression subtly changed.
She seemed to have thought of something.
The Third Hokage’s eyes also flickered.
However…
He was thinking much further ahead than Tsunade.
A warm smile spread across his face.
“Akira.” “What do you think about clans?” Standing nearby, Jiraiya’s eyes narrowed.
He instinctively opened his mouth to interrupt.
But a single glance from the Third Hokage stopped him.
Jiraiya sighed inwardly.
Kid…
You really have a knack for bringing up troublesome subjects.
“Clans…” Akira pondered for a moment.
“I think…” “Whether they’re from a clan or ordinary civilians…” “…everyone is part of Konoha.” “Isn’t that right?” The Third Hokage was briefly stunned.
Then he smiled approvingly.
“Excellent.” “Well said.” “In that case…” “Continue getting along with your Uchiha friend.” He picked up Akira’s application and stamped it.
“Go on.” “When your Uchiha friend returns…” “Bring her to see me.” “Understood.” Akira nodded.
“Then I’ll be leaving.” “We’ll head out too.” Jiraiya and Tsunade turned to leave as well.
“You two stay.” The Third Hokage spoke calmly.
The two exchanged puzzled glances.
What did the old man want to say that couldn’t be said in front of Akira?
“I’ll head back to the shop first.” Akira wisely excused himself.
Some conversations clearly weren’t meant for him.
The Third Hokage was quite satisfied with his tact.
After a moment, the Third Hokage looked at Tsunade.
“There’s no need to be nervous.” “I’m not that narrow-minded.” “But the Uchiha…” “You mean…” “…whether the Uchiha deliberately approached Akira so they could get close to the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki?” The Third Hokage tapped the ash from his pipe.
“Isn’t that what you’re worried about?” Tsunade remained silent.
But that was exactly what she meant.
Truthfully…
She didn’t dislike the Uchiha.
But she certainly didn’t trust them either.
“The First Hokage dreamed of every clan becoming one family.” The Third Hokage sighed softly.
“But actually achieving that…” “…is far easier said than done.” “Take the HAkiraga and the Uchiha, for example.” “They’ve never truly integrated into the village.” “But that’s alright.” “We can take it one step at a time.” “Our generation had Kagami…” “But unfortunately…” “…we failed.” “So perhaps…” “…the next generation can try.” “Let Akira become that bridge.” Jiraiya suddenly raised his head.
His face was full of disbelief.
“Old man…” “Don’t tell me you’re planning to…” The Third Hokage merely smiled without answering.
Instead, he asked another question.
“Tell me.” “Do either of you want to become Hokage?” Jiraiya and Tsunade immediately wore identical expressions of disgust.
“No!” “Absolutely not!” “Whoever wants that job can have it.” “We’re not interested.” “You two…” The Third Hokage laughed helplessly.
“People dream of becoming Hokage…” “…yet the two of you despise the position.” He couldn’t help thinking of his old companion.
Danzo.
The man had coveted the Hokage’s seat for years.
Unfortunately for him…
He would never get it.
Then another face appeared in his mind.
Orochimaru.
That child was undoubtedly a genius.
But recently…
Certain reports had begun making him hesitate.
Could someone like Orochimaru truly be entrusted with Konoha’s future?
That question was exactly why he’d begun testing Akira.
“This matter…” “I hope you’ll both keep it confidential.” The Third Hokage spoke calmly.
“After all…” “The child hasn’t fully grown yet.” The meaning behind his words was obvious.
If Akira died young…
Or failed to live up to expectations…
He would simply choose someone else.
Tsunade fell silent for a moment before nodding.
“I understand.” Later…
I’m definitely going to ask that little brat what’s going on with this Uchiha Mikoto.
How did he end up getting so close to an Uchiha girl?