14
This Setting Must Be Wrong Somewhere!
During dinner, Luke briefly mentioned sending his younger brother to Ninja School. Their mother was very pleased, as in her perception, being a Ninja was a noble and respectable profession.
Chuan Tuowu, however, was somewhat puzzled. After all, they had agreed on something different last time—why the sudden change?
“If Xiao Guang wants to go, let him. It won’t cost much anyway,” Luke replied casually.
“What does a child know…” Chuan Tuowu murmured, watching his increasingly impressive eldest son. In the end, he relented.
He sighed. “Fine, let him go. I just wonder what Xiao Guang’s potential as a Ninja will be like.”
“I’ll guide him in the Chakra Refining Technique.”
“Then there’s nothing more to worry about.”
After the meal, Chuan Tuowu stopped his son, who was about to leave, and the two sat facing each other.
“Father, is something the matter?”
Chuan Tuowu hesitated, his expression troubled. This middle-aged man, usually quiet and hardworking, seemed to be wrestling with whether to voice his thoughts.
Seeing this, Luke poured him a cup of tea and gently reassured him, “Father, if you have something to say, just say it. What matters can’t be shared with family?”
Encouraged, Chuan Tuowu finally spoke, his voice as heavy as his demeanor. “Luke, have you ever resented me?”
“Resented you?”
Luke was momentarily baffled. This was a topic he had never considered. He had assumed Chuan Tuowu called him over to urge him about marrying Ayame, discuss the shop’s business, or inquire about his recent changes.
Chuan Tuowu lowered his head, his face flushed with shame. “Back then, you could have attended Ninja School too. At that time, the Ninja School didn’t charge tuition.”
Luke: (_)
Are you even listening to what you’re saying?
Luke’s composure nearly cracked.
He was the same age as Kakashi. But Kakashi was a prodigy—he entered Ninja School at 4, graduated at 5, and became a Chunin at 6.
That wasn’t the main point. The real issue was that while Kakashi was indeed talented, it wasn’t as if he had Chunin-level strength at 6. So why was an exception made?
Kakashi’s exceptional talent was one thing, but the bigger reason was the Third Shinobi World War. They were so short on personnel that even Ninja Academy students were sent to the frontlines wearing Genin Headbands. That’s why Kakashi was exceptionally promoted to Chunin.
Why no tuition? Because the students who entered were all destined to die.
The funeral expenses were the tuition. Those who survived were the real talents—a sure profit.
If he had enrolled, a kid with no background sent to the battlefield, his bones would have rotted away by now.
So, was his father now feeling guilty for not giving him a chance to die?
Luke felt a headache coming on. He forced a smile. “Father, I never really wanted to end up on the Memorial Stone.”
Chuan Tuowu visibly froze at these words. Then, recalling the horrors of the war back then, his face turned pale. His original intention had been to feel guilty for not giving his eldest son a chance to become a Ninja and now having to use his money to pave the way for his younger brother. He hadn’t considered the context of that time.
His weathered, dark face flushed bright red, and he stammered, unable to speak.
This is utterly embarrassing in front of my son.
Seeing his father’s reaction and understanding his thoughts, Luke smiled confidently and began to persuade him.
“Xiao Guang is my younger brother, our family. If he becomes a ninja, won’t we be the ones benefiting in the future? Consider this tuition fee as an investment.”
Despite his appearance, Dragon Raja Luke is actually an angel investor, proving that he does have a talent for investments—every one of them hits the mark.
…
“Not even close to hitting the mark!”
Luke’s lips twitched as he stared at his brother, who seemed to have done something wrong and was hanging his head in silence. Luke’s composure was on the verge of shattering.
A whole month—an entire month! Ninja School was already on break, and in just two more months, the new term would begin. Under Luke’s day-and-night guidance, Chuan Guang had only just managed to refine his first wisp of chakra.
This wasn’t even about whether he had talent as a ninja anymore. At this level, he was practically dragging down the average for ordinary people.
Usually, if the older brother is a failure, the younger siblings or older sister should be a one-in-a-million genius, right? That’s how it’s supposed to be, right? So why did it fall apart when it came to him?
Luke himself had at least some talent. Among ninjas, he might be considered dead weight, but he was still better than the average person. Chuan Guang, on the other hand, was just…
“I’m sorry, brother.”
Chuan Guang’s eyes were red, and as he lifted his head, tears began to fall. He sobbed and wailed, “I don’t want to go to Ninja School anymore, I’m not going!”
“Alright, alright, you don’t have to go. Be good, don’t cry.”
Luke sighed, giving up on the idea of sending his brother to Ninja School. With his aptitude, no matter how hard he studied, he’d only be at the bottom of the class. It wasn’t about whether he could learn anything—if he ended up becoming insecure, overly sensitive, and losing his confidence, that would be far worse.
Not every underdog manages to stage a comeback.
Chuan Guang wiped his tears, his gaze turning resolute. “Brother, I’ve decided. I want to inherit your craft and work with you in blacksmithing.”
“As long as it makes you happy.” Luke didn’t try to dissuade him. A child’s moods are as changeable as the weather, and their goals shift constantly. It would be exhausting to coax him every time.
He thought to himself that once he was strong enough and no longer afraid of being questioned about the source of his power, he could let his brother try cultivating power from other worlds.
Whether it would work or not was another matter. Even if it didn’t, it wouldn’t matter—as long as he was there for him.
After comforting his brother, Luke realized it had been a while since he last visited Ayame. Feeling a bit restless, he hurried over to Ichiraku Ramen.
It was peak hours, and although Teuchi Ichiraku had hired an assistant, the helper wasn’t as skilled as Ayame, so things were still a bit chaotic.
As soon as Luke entered, he was met with a fiercely glaring face.
Teuchi Ichiraku shot a look at the pig who had “taken his prized cabbage” and said, “Ayame isn’t here. She went to buy spices and side ingredients.”
Luke put on a smile and stepped into the kitchen to lend his future father-in-law a hand. After washing his hands, he started kneading the dough.
“Sir, the way you say that makes it sound like I only come here for Ayame. Your noodles are so delicious—anyone who tries them would want to come back often.”
Though it might sound a bit like flattery, no one dislikes hearing kind words. Teuchi Ichiraku’s expression softened slightly as he stared straight at Luke.
“Then go take a seat. I don’t need your help here.”
“You’re too kind. The shop is so busy—how could I just sit back and watch you handle it all alone? Besides, Ayame would scold me if she found out.”
Soothed by such a gentle attitude, Teuchi Ichiraku gradually let go of his prejudice. Watching Luke’s movements, he commented indifferently:
“Your dough-rolling technique is quite skilled. Have you done this before?”
“Ayame taught me a little. To be called skilled by you, it seems I have some talent in this area.” Luke smiled and replied politely.
When one’s physical fitness is sufficiently high and control strong enough, imitating and learning others’ movements becomes quite simple.
After a moment of silence, Teuchi Ichiraku said: “Then follow me and learn more. After all, you’ll be inheriting this shop in the future.”
These words meant he reluctantly approved of the relationship between the two.
Just reluctantly!
Successfully signed the contract. Here I’d like to thank again the daily recommendation votes from “Sighing Fox.”
Similarly, thanks to all 41 readers up to this point.
As a new author’s first book, there may be many shortcomings. I hope everyone will offer criticism and corrections. Of course, while asking for criticism, please throw in a couple of compliments too.
Seasonal Treasure’s heart is as fragile as a Tarnished entering the Elden Ring DLC for the first playthrough.