Chapter 22: Is Being a Ninja Really This Profitable?

Not having a Jonin instructor really has its perks.

You can take on missions when you want, rest when you don't, and just stay in the village to train.

Easy, breezy.

Mikoto needed to head home to check in, so the two of them split up and went their separate ways.

Hmm...

Just as Takuya got to his front door, he realized he might be in for some trouble.

Because standing right there were Kushina and Minato, both of them eyeing him with obvious displeasure.

Kushina looked alright, but Minato's expression was practically screaming, "You tricked me, didn't you?"

"I made a little extra today, how about we go for some barbecue?" Takuya suggested, trying to change the mood.

"Sure!" Kushina immediately agreed, her mind going blank at Takuya's genuine, heartfelt invitation.

The words left her mouth before she even realized what she was saying.

Once it hit her, though, her face turned bright red as she realized she'd just ditched her team with Minato.

Minato rolled his eyes, giving her a look that said, "I knew this would happen."

Relying on Kushina to keep Takuya in check was a lost cause.

Whenever Takuya was involved, Kushina always ended up siding with him, almost like she couldn't help it.

You've got me beat, Minato thought, slumping his shoulders, his voice tinged with frustration.

"You didn't even tell us something this big. If Jiraiya-sensei hadn't mentioned it today, I wouldn't have known you and Mikoto formed a two-person squad."

It seemed Jiraiya had already made things official with Minato, taking him on as his student.

"I didn't tell you because I didn't want to cause you any unnecessary trouble," Takuya said, his expression turning serious.

"Minato, I've always believed that being under Jiraiya-sensei's guidance is a good choice for you. Just make sure you don't pick up any of his bad habits."

"Bad habits?" Minato echoed in confusion. "Jiraiya-sensei has bad habits?"

Minato had only met Jiraiya that day. They'd spent the morning talking, and it was Jiraiya who had informed him about Takuya and Mikoto's new team.

Since it was their first meeting, all Minato knew was that Jiraiya was a disciple of the Third Hokage. He was clueless about anything else.

But Kushina knew better.

Her face, still slightly flushed, suddenly turned serious, her gaze sharpening with suspicion.

What's with that look?

Minato thought, bewildered. What did I do wrong?

Nothing, I think...

Is this about Jiraiya-sensei?

"Let's walk and talk," Takuya said, draping an arm around Minato's shoulders and leaning in to whisper, "Jiraiya's a bit of a perv. He likes to sneak around and watch girls bathe, using 'research' as an excuse."

Minato's eyes widened in shock, and he choked on air, his face turning red as he sputtered and coughed.

"Jiraiya-sensei really has a hobby like that?" Minato asked, his voice full of disbelief after he finally regained his breath.

"That's not a hobby; it's downright creepy!" Takuya couldn't help but swear.

Kushina, ever the polite one, kindly reminded him, "Takuya, you're cursing."

"That's beside the point," Takuya waved her off, turning back to Minato with a fierce glare.

"It's just plain wrong! Imagine if someone was peeping on the women in your family, your girlfriend, or even your future wife while they were bathing. How would you feel?"

I'd kill them on the spot!

Minato's fists clenched instinctively.

Wait...

But that peeping tom is my teacher...

"I...," Minato stammered, struggling for words before finally mumbling, "I guess I'd try to talk Jiraiya-sensei out of it, convince him to stop doing that."

Takuya found it utterly revolting that both Jiraiya and the Third Hokage had a habit of spying on people while they bathed.

Where did they even pick up such a nasty habit?

If they wanted to watch, why not just pay for it?

There were plenty of places where you could throw down some cash, and they'd cater to your every whim.

Why sneak around like a thief?

Actually, even thieves had more dignity.

I have to help Jiraiya-sensei see the error of his ways. I can't let him keep doing this.

Minato clenched his teeth, determined to help Jiraiya change his ways.

Takuya, meanwhile, was wondering if he should stir up some trouble for the Third Hokage.

Maybe leak his "Telescope Jutsu" to the public and see how he likes it when his little secret is out.

Peeping under the pretense of monitoring the village? Disgusting!

Isn't he worried someone might start spying on his wife... well, never mind, she's too old for that.

The three of them arrived at the barbecue joint.

Minato grabbed the menu and ordered just about everything on it, clearly determined to eat Takuya out of house and home.

"Takuya, what mission did you and Mikoto take on today?" Kushina asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

With Minato about to start his training with Jiraiya, and Takuya forming a squad with Mikoto, Kushina felt like the odd one out.

As a jinchuriki, she was stuck in the village, unable to go anywhere.

Forget forming a team and taking on missions; even getting close to someone meant they'd be put under the watchful eyes of the Anbu.

It was a lonely, frustrating existence, something only Kushina could truly understand.

That's why she was so eager to hear about the outside world.

"We took on a mission to drive away some wild animals," Takuya explained, summarizing the day's events.

When he mentioned that he'd easily captured a large orange cat that would make a great summoning beast and sold it for three hundred thousand ryo, both Minato and Kushina were stunned.

Is being a ninja really this profitable?

Minato was used to being broke, and Kushina didn't really grasp the concept of money.

After all, she owned an entire street in Konoha. She didn't have to lift a finger—just collect her annual dividends, and she'd rake in millions of ryo.

"So don't worry about saving money tonight. Eat to your heart's content."

As it turned out, a barbecue feast didn't cost anywhere near ten thousand ryo.

Even with Minato's vow to bankrupt Takuya, by the end of the meal, he was the one leaning against the wall for support.

Takuya was genuinely worried that Minato might not even make it home before throwing up everywhere.

"Come on, I'll walk you home," Takuya offered.

Minato wanted to walk Kushina home, but she wasn't giving him the chance.

"Okay!" Kushina agreed, happy that Takuya wanted to walk her home. She practically skipped along beside him, chattering away non-stop.

It was like she had an endless supply of things to say.

Takuya just smiled and nodded every now and then, listening quietly as Kushina vented and chatted.

"See you later."

After saying goodbye to Takuya, Kushina hummed a little tune as she walked away, clearly in high spirits.

"Wow, you looked so down this morning, like the world was ending. Now you're all smiles and even humming a tune. Did seeing your crush make you this happy?" Tsunade teased when she saw Kushina's cheerful demeanor.

"Lady Tsunade!!"

Kushina's face turned bright red as she stomped her foot in protest.

"There's no crush! Takuya-kun just explained why he didn't tell us about what happened, and that made me feel better. It's not what you think."

"Oh, sure, sure. Not a crush, not a crush."

Tsunade couldn't help but laugh, teasing Kushina even more, while Kushina, flustered, didn't realize she was being played.

She thought Tsunade believed her and skipped off to her room to change clothes.

Meanwhile, Tsunade was left rolling on the couch, laughing.

This girl is too cute.

"Sis, what's so funny?"