Chp-11: Spar?

Walking through the streets of Konoha, Hyuga Satoru clutched a wad of cash, furrowing his brow as he planned how best to spend it.

His original allowance of 1500 ryo had been tripled to 4500 ryo. It wasn't much, but it wasn't too little either—equivalent to a C-rank mission reward.

Adding his remaining savings from buying the storage scroll, it should be enough to order some custom metal arrows.

The key was to find a suitable ninja tool shop—too high-end, and he couldn't afford many; too low-end, and they wouldn't meet his standards.

Sighing, Satoru lamented his financial woes. If only he could find a wealthy benefactor to support him.

As he searched for a ninja tool shop, he deliberately avoided the area where the shop he previously visited was located. After all, Uchiha Rin had said that the whole street was her family's, and considering he had injured her during the exam, it was best to steer clear.

But as soon as he walked into a new ninja tool shop, the clerk immediately approached him enthusiastically.

"Are you Hyuga Satoru? I've been waiting for you."

???

"Are you sure you have the right person?"

The clerk beamed. "Yes, it's you! Our young lady instructed us to treat you well if you came by."

Young lady? Uchiha Rin again?

Satoru's mouth twitched. He had gone halfway across the village, and it was still her shop?

"How many shops does your young lady's family own?" Satoru couldn't help but ask.

"Not too many. About half of the ninja tool shops in Konoha belong to us."

"..."

"And outside Konoha?"

"Hmm, maybe a few dozen?"

Satoru was speechless.

The clerk continued, "Although our boss is an Uchiha, he's not skilled in combat but excels in business. With the connection to Granny Cat, the business naturally grew."

"Born in such an environment, our young lady has had a strong competitive streak since childhood."

Well... Satoru smacked his lips. It seemed Uchiha Rin's wealthy benefactor and competitive nature were inseparable traits.

"I need custom arrows made of metal. The materials must be metal, preferably..."

Satoru was tired of looking for other shops, so he listed his requirements.

"How much?" he asked tentatively, his confidence shaken by his empty wallet.

"1000 ryo."

"1000 ryo?" Satoru was surprised.

It wasn't too expensive; it was much cheaper than he expected. He had anticipated at least five digits.

"Yes," the clerk smiled. "The young lady instructed us to give you a discount."

"Is that so?" Satoru rubbed his chin. Since she was willing to be generous, he shouldn't refuse.

"Order five more arrows with chakra metal under the same specifications."

"Uh... okay."

...

The custom arrows would take a few days to make. The next day, when Satoru arrived at school, he noticed his classmates looking at him differently.

Shock, envy, admiration, jealousy... a mix of emotions in their gazes directed at him.

He saw Iroha looking at him with a complex expression. When Satoru met his eyes, Iroha quickly looked away, unwilling to make eye contact.

As he sat down, Anko leaned in curiously.

"Hey, Satoru, are you really a double-bloodline limit user?"

"Of course," Satoru rolled his eyes. "Why are you so slow to react?"

"I never thought anyone could have two bloodline limits. I thought one was the limit."

"Are you stupid for eating too many sweets? There have been double-bloodline ninjas in the Mist Village before. Rare, but not extinct. Read more books, will you?"

Normally, Anko would have loudly retorted, but now that she knew Satoru was a double-bloodline genius, she just quietly nodded.

Just then, Satoru noticed someone approaching. Looking up, he saw Uchiha Rin.

"What is it?"

Satoru's voice wasn't loud, feeling a bit guilty about having taken advantage of her the day before.

Uchiha Rin spoke calmly, "Let's have a match after school."

Satoru: ???

Seriously? Is it just about some chakra metal arrows? Is it that serious? Fine, I'll pay the money back in instalments.

Sensing her poor choice of words, Rin added, "I wasn't satisfied with losing last time. I've learned some new jutsus. Let's have a rematch after school."

Satoru sighed in relief, muttering internally, Why say 'have a match'?

"You're a more suitable opponent than Kakashi."

Rin paused before adding, "If you agree, I'll cover all your ninja tool expenses from now on."

Now we're talking!

Satoru's lips curled into a smile. He was developing his electromagnetic abilities, which required a lot of ninja tools. Since the clan was unreliable, if Uchiha Rin was willing to foot the bill, why not?

After confirming the time and place, Rin returned to her seat.

Beside him, Anko leaned in again, whispering, "Satoru, what's your relationship with that Uchiha Rin?"

Satoru thought for a moment. "Sugar Mommy."

Anko: ???

...

After school, Rin followed Satoru to the forest behind the school. A stream flowed through the trees, and the evening sun filtered through the branches, casting dappled light on the fallen leaves—a peaceful scene.

"Is this where you usually train? Why not at the clan's training ground?" Rin asked, looking around.

"There are too many stubborn people in the clan. Training there isn't comfortable," Satoru shrugged.

Hearing this, Rin thought of some elders in the Uchiha clan, frowning and nodding in agreement.

"Indeed, big clans always have many old, stubborn people."

Satoru smacked his lips and looked at Rin. "Honestly, I didn't think you'd actually come."

Rin raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

"Um..."

"Do you know that going to the woods with a boy has a certain... connotation in some places?"

"What connotation?"

Rin's dark eyes filled with confusion as she stared at him.

Satoru pursed his lips. He had to admit Rin had good looks—a slightly cold, black-haired loli.

But a voice echoed in his mind: I'm not into this.

Although in the ninja world, it wasn't uncommon for twelve or thirteen-year-olds to marry, Satoru still held onto his previous life's views, keeping his distance from this wealthy young lady.

More importantly, he feared getting caught up in her competitive nature. Besides being a wealthy benefactor, she was also a top student.

"Forget it, and I don't want to discuss these boring topics."

Rin showed a hint of impatience.

"Let's just start fighting!"