Chapter 46

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"Tsunade sought you out?"

"Yeah, she noticed something special about my chakra and wanted me to live with the Senju clan, but I refused. Life here is good."

After speaking, Mina sneaked a peek at Yoichi.

Being told by Tsunade in the morning that she liked Yoichi was laughable. How could she, being two to three years older, harbor such feelings for Yoichi? She was merely grateful to Yoichi for rescuing her from the hands of the Grass ninja.

Though that was her thought, Mina couldn't help but swallow hard when she stole glances at Yoichi, admiring his perfectly defined muscles.

'Would Yoichi-sama's abs look even better without clothes?'

"Mina?"

A hand suddenly rested on Mina's shoulder, startling her into quickly responding, "Yes! Yoichi-sama, what is it?"

Yoichi looked at her and said, "I called you a few times, but you didn't respond. We should be leaving soon; it's almost time for our appointment with Dr. Ikemoto."

"I know."

Mina nodded quickly and took the chance to pat her face with both hands as Yoichi turned to leave. How could she entertain such thoughts? It was utterly embarrassing!

When Yoichi and Mina arrived, Ikemoto had just reached the place. After exchanging greetings, they entered.

Yoichi was keen on persuading Ikemoto to join the Uchiha clan, avoiding the risk of outsourcing drug development. However, lacking the status and the Uchiha clan's appeal to outsiders unless he became the clan head, made this challenging.

Once the sake and appetizers were served, after some pleasantries, Ikemoto asked, "Yoichi-san, what did you want to discuss?"

"I've heard about your expertise in drug formulation, Ikemoto-san. I have a personal request for you to help formulate some drugs."

"Poison?"

Ikemoto's first thought was poison, given its rarity in ninja combat due to few poison specialists. However, it's highly efficient when applied to ninja tools.

"Not poison. I'm talking about supplements for ordinary people, nothing too potent, just effective over long use, and the cheaper, the better."

Yoichi outlined his request for three different drugs, including two health supplements with varying effects and one to rejuvenate men's vigor.

Hearing the last part, Mina's cheeks flushed with embarrassment; she now understood why Yoichi had her sit at a different table. He intended to discuss such matters.

"This is something I haven't researched before, but it shouldn't be difficult. What are you planning with these drugs, Yoichi-kun?"

Ikemoto asked, curious since these drugs posed no harm and didn't require village approval.

"They're needed by the clan. The Uchiha clan lacks expertise in this area, which is why I've come to you, Ikemoto-san."

Yoichi semi-joked, then seriously added, "Ikemoto-san, would you be willing to take this on? I'm willing to pay as if it were an S-rank mission."

"Is that so?"

Ikemoto, tempted by the S-rank mission pay and the feasible request, was about to agree when a voice from behind Yoichi interrupted, "How about I help you with that?"

As Ikemoto turned, his gaze landed on the conspicuous Tsunade sitting across Yoichi, already slightly flushed from drinking.

"What are you doing here, Lady Tsunade?" Mina asked in surprise.

"What do you mean? I come here almost every day for a drink. Drinking at home means cleaning up afterward, which is a hassle."

Realizing she might have revealed too much about her aversion to housework, Tsunade quickly changed the subject.

"How about it, kid? I can work on those for you. You just need to let Mina follow me."

Yoichi was initially tempted by the offer, considering Tsunade's reputation. However, after giving it some thought, he decided against it. The project didn't require someone of Tsunade's caliber, as Ikemoto was more than capable.

"There's no need, Lady Tsunade. Mina has her own choices, and I'm currently discussing with Ikemoto-san. Unless he refuses, I won't abandon him for you."

Ikemoto felt appreciated by Yoichi's statement, glad for the acknowledgment even without intending to compete with Tsunade.

"I didn't mean to overlook Ikemoto. Never mind then. But if you ever need medical ninjutsu advice, you can ask me, as long as I'm in the hospital."

Tsunade, seeing no interest from Mina, dropped the subject. She had considered taking Mina as a disciple due to her Uzumaki lineage and medical talent.

"Carry on with your discussion."

With that, Tsunade returned to her table.

Since developing a fear of blood, Tsunade had stopped performing surgeries and even missions, indulging in gambling and drinking without any ninja ambitions.

Hoping to make Mina her disciple was an attempt to prepare another 'medical sage' for Konoha, allowing Tsunade to leave without concerns.

"Let's get back to our discussion, Ikemoto-san. What do you think about my proposal?"

After some thought, Ikemoto responded, "It's manageable in my spare time. I'll take on the task, Yoichi-san."

"Thank you, Ikemoto-san."

They discussed further details and even signed a contract for formality, providing a basis for any potential disputes.

For the three drugs, Yoichi paid three million ryō, allowing for revisions if unsatisfied. He had thought his millions would last a lifetime, but actual spending showed it might not even last a few months.

Remembering the Second Elder mentioning the Shimura family's external business, Yoichi pondered the potential revenue from their goods and the drugs confiscated from them, though he'd have to share half with the security team.

(End of Chapter)