Chapter 9: The Crisis That Came Unnoticed

Three long years... and finally, I've learned to control my chakra!!

It seems that having preconceived notions is not good.

And my chakra volume isn't particularly high, so if I use ninjutsu too much, I quickly collapse from exhaustion.

If only I could use the Shadow Clone Technique, I could do the same kind of training method that Naruto used in the original story. But I don't know the hand seals for it, and my chakra reserves are too low—so that's just out of the question.

However, while I can't increase my chakra all at once, just like muscle training, I can gradually increase it by practicing bit by bit.

As a result, my routine lately has been to use ninjutsu at least once a day, until I run out of chakra.

By the way, after three years, there have been some changes in my daily life. Not that I've made any close friends, but there have been a few changes related to the store...

The most significant changes are mainly two. The first is that A bookstore owner came to my house with a business proposal.

They suggested that I buy some surplus books at a low price, and since I wasn't taking all of them and didn't see any downside, I agreed.

The bookstore owner probably preferred getting some money, even if it was cheap, rather than sitting on unsold stock.

The second change is... a sad one. My first regular customer has become unable to visit the shop as much anymore.

Even so, I'm truly grateful that she still visits once a month.

The reason she hasn't been coming as often is that she was promoted from a Genin to a Chunin. Apparently, it's very impressive to reach Chunin in just three years, so as I secretly hoped, she really might be rising through the ranks.

I also got a piece of information that piqued my curiosity about her.

It turns out she's from a noble family and is called "Princess" by the people of the village.

But the only families I know of around here that might call someone "Princess" are the Uchiha and Hyuga clans.

If she's from the Uchiha... does that mean she's going to die too?

I don't want to think about it too much, but even if that's the case, there's nothing I can do.

If I interfere with that event, I'll definitely get caught up in something dangerous.

I absolutely don't want to get involved!

Sorry, if you are from that clan, I'll have to abandon you.

I really hope you're not from the Uchiha clan.

"Alright then, time to give my best today!"

I announce the start of my work aloud, trying to push away my dark thoughts.

Though, as always, no customers show up immediately.

I sigh quietly and head to the counter, picking up a book I had started reading earlier.

I've read the Academy textbooks so many times that lately, I've been searching through specialized books to see if there's anything about techniques. But of course, it's not easy to find anything... sometimes there's some encrypted stuff, but it's not much.

Why can I read encrypted books? Because I've re-read the Academy textbooks so many times, I've practically memorized them.

After about two hours, I finish reading the book and place it on the desk. I get up to grab a new one when the store door suddenly creaks open.

"Huh... this place is more organized than I expected."

"Welcome!"

"Oh, you're the shopkeeper? Let me take a look around."

"Yes, please take your time."

The customer, a man with a beard, walked around the store. It seems like the new book will have to wait.

This man is wearing ninja tools on his waist, so he's definitely a ninja.

Wait... I feel like I've seen him somewhere before... who is he?

As I try to recall where I've seen him, he seems to find what he wants and is already standing at the counter.

"I'll take this one."

"Oh, yes. That'll be 50 ryo."

He nods and pulls out exactly 50 ryo from his pocket and places it on the counter.

I wonder if it's safe to just carry money like that, especially when it might fall out if he moves too much...?

I keep my concerns to myself and hand him the item.

"Exactly 50 ryo. Here's your product."

"Mm... Good selection, and reasonable prices. I can see why that girl likes this place."

"I'm glad you liked it. Please continue to visit."

"Yeah, I'll stop by occasionally. By the way, shopkeeper."

"Yes, what is it?"

I put the 50 ryo into the drawer and face the man again, who now squints his eyes and places his hand on the kunai at his waist.

Wait, what's going on? Did I do something wrong?!

Just as I'm about to panic, the man continues speaking.

"Who are you?"

"Wha-what do you mean? I'm just a second-hand bookstore owner."

"Yet your body is well-trained, and you don't have a small amount of chakra... I'll ask you again. Who are you?"

I really am just a bookstore owner!!

I might have been reincarnated, have special abilities, and trained my body, but I'm an ordinary person!!

Please don't look at me like that! I beg you!

Though I feel an overwhelming pressure, I can't stay silent, so I force myself to speak.

"I-I'm just a bookstore owner."

"Then why have you been training?"

"I thought it might be good to be prepared in case something happens..."

"And about the chakra?"

"Well... I found an Academy textbook in some second-hand books and got curious, so I've been practicing a little... Was that a problem?"

"Hm... One last question. Do you recognize my face?"

"Well, I pretty much stay inside the store... Sorry, I don't."

When I answer, the man releases his grip from the kunai and stops trying to intimidate me.

I still don't know what's going on, but it seems like the tension has eased.

I let out a long sigh. Honestly, I don't think I've done anything wrong.

The man, sensing the awkwardness, slowly opens his mouth.

"Sorry about that. Even though it's been more than 10 years since the Great Ninja War, I can't afford to be careless.

Especially when it comes to matters involving my student, I have to be extra cautious."

"My student...?"

"Do you know the girl with golden hair who's a regular here?"

"Ah! Is she your student?"

"Exactly. I should've introduced myself earlier. I'm Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage of Konoha."

"I thought there was no one in the village who didn't know me... Guess I was wrong."

"T-The Hokage!?"

The Third Hokage...!?

I only remember the older version of the Third Hokage, so I didn't recognize him at first... But wait, why is the Hokage here in my store?!

Wait, think! What did he just say?

He mentioned "my student" and "the girl with golden hair." There's only one girl like that who comes to my store—her!

That girl is so talented she became a Chunin at that age, and some people in the village call her "Princess." She has a white-haired boy and a reptilian-looking companion... That's Tsunade, isn't it!?

What do I do now?! I've already encountered one of the legendary Three Ninjas after three years!

And now the Third Hokage himself shows up?! What am I supposed to do?!

Realizing that I've unknowingly stepped into the forest of death flags, I feel the blood drain from my face.

What am I supposed to do in this situation...?