Chapter 134: An Unprecedented Windfall!

When it comes to summoning jutsu, if you've only contracted a single summon, then things are pretty straightforward. For example, in the original story, the giant lizard at Shukuba Town could be summoned simply by performing the summoning jutsu. The same goes for Tsunade's slugs; how large a slug she can summon depends on how much chakra she has. In fact, the largest slug Tsunade ever summoned was said to be less than one-tenth of its full size.

However, if you've signed a contract with an entire species, things get a bit more complicated. Different members of the species will have different chakra signatures and other variations. For example, in Ryūchi Cave, there's Manda, Aoda, and several other snakes. If you intend to summon Manda but accidentally summon a different snake, that small difference could lead to defeat in battle.

Because of this, if you've contracted with a species, you need to perform reverse summoning and visit the species' home. This allows you to build relationships with certain members, ensuring they're willing to help when summoned. Additionally, you can record their unique chakra signatures to summon them specifically when needed. It's like setting up a personalized password.

The reason Akira was able to summon Manda is that he had copied Orochimaru's summoning technique, essentially "hacking" into Orochimaru's account and using his "password" to summon Manda. This explains why Manda initially thought it was Orochimaru who had summoned him.

Now that Akira has fully mastered the summoning jutsu, he needs to visit Ryūchi Cave. However, his primary goal isn't just to summon snakes for battle—he wants to train in Sage Mode. So, he was planning to visit Ryūchi Cave anyway, and these goals don't conflict.

But since Orochimaru has agreed to return to Konoha, Akira isn't sure how long his trip to Ryūchi Cave will take. After some thought, he decides to return to Konoha first. After giving a brief update on the situation in the Hidden Sound Village, Orochimaru follows Akira back to Konoha.

The journey back doesn't take long—about half a month. When they finally reach Konoha's gates, Orochimaru takes a moment to reflect. Although he had snuck into the village during the Uchiha Clan Massacre, this time he's entering openly, and it feels completely different.

"Jiraiya-sama, Akira-sama!" The Konoha gate guards greet them excitedly as they return. At this time, the gate guards aren't Izumo and Kotetsu, the usual duo. With the successful completion of the mission to deter the other villages, Akira's reputation in Konoha has soared even higher. Jiraiya, as one of the legendary Sannin, is also highly respected.

As for Orochimaru, no one recognizes him, so no one greets him. After nodding in acknowledgment, Akira and his companions make their way into the village.

"Oh, by the way, Jiraiya-sama, Tsunade-sama returned to the village just a few days ago!" one of the guards calls out as they enter.

This news shocks all three of them. Akira is surprised that Tsunade has returned to the village. In the original story, even the death of the Third Hokage didn't compel her to return. Could it be that she's more interested in the fact that a Uchiha has become Hokage?

While Akira is mostly surprised, Jiraiya is overjoyed, and even Orochimaru can't help but feel a bit nostalgic. The disappointment they felt in the Third Hokage had caused the three of them to scatter—one left, one defected, and the other distanced himself. They never thought they'd see the day when all three Sannins would be back in Konoha.

"Come on, let's go see Tsunade! She's probably the same as ever!" Jiraiya, who had originally planned to head to the hot springs for some "research," is now excitedly dragging Orochimaru along to find Tsunade.

Akira, however, decides not to interrupt their reunion and instead heads to the Hokage's office to officially hand in the mission report. After arriving back in Konoha, he also collects the rewards from his Life Simulator.

Despite silently complaining that the multiple high-level simulations had barely improved his strength, Akira admits that they've served as a useful guide, helping him avoid several life-threatening situations. In that sense, they weren't a waste.

After completing the mission handover, Akira has a lengthy discussion with Clan Head Fugaku. Completing this mission should at least be an S-rank accomplishment, right? Surely he deserves a few million ryo as a reward? And what about the capture of Kitsuchi and Kurotsuchi? He should get a significant bonus from the one billion Ryo ransom, shouldn't he?

And what about the Third Tsuchikage's leg? It's a trophy, a symbol of Konoha's strength. Doesn't the Hokage want it?

After some negotiation, Akira manages to secure 12 million Ryo in total from the mission reward, the ransom bonus, and the Tsuchikage's leg.

"Akira, you don't realize how tight the village's budget is until you're in charge. This is the best I can offer," Clan Head Fugaku says, trying to reason with Akira, who still seems dissatisfied.

"Hmph, 12 million ryo is just half the bounty on Asuma's head on the black market," Akira mutters, clearly unimpressed.

It seems Asuma Sarutobi has become Akira's go-to unit of measurement for money.

"You shouldn't talk like that, especially considering your position," Fugaku scolds, exasperated. If anyone heard Akira talking about the price on Asuma's head in the Hokage's office, it would be a huge scandal.

"But with the Third Hokage gone, Asuma's head isn't worth nearly as much anymore," Fugaku adds, unable to resist chiming in.

"Oh, by the way, Hokage-sama, there's something else I need to inform you of," Akira says. "Jiraiya and I took a little trip and brought Orochimaru back with us. He's an old powerhouse, but more importantly, his research skills are invaluable. You'll need to figure out how to handle that. Also, I'll be leaving in a few days—I'm going to reverse summon myself to Ryūchi Cave. I signed the summoning contract with Orochimaru."

With 12 million Ryo now in his pocket, Akira is in a good mood as he updates Fugaku.

"Oh? Is that so? That means all three Sannin are back in Konoha! This is fantastic news!" Fugaku exclaims, delighted by the news. Although Orochimaru's return will remain a secret, Jiraiya and Tsunade's presence can be publicized.

The reason the other villages were eyeing Konoha was because they thought it had grown weak. But with Jiraiya and Tsunade's return, Konoha now boasts two more top-tier fighters—who would dare underestimate Konoha now?

In fact, one could argue that Konoha's overall strength is now greater than it was during the Third Hokage's tenure.

With everything said, Akira doesn't linger and instead heads to the ANBU headquarters. After all, as the head of ANBU, he needs to check in and review the recent activities from the past two or three months.

At ANBU, nothing significant has happened, so Akira simply goes through the motions. After spending about an hour there and handling a few tasks that required his attention, he leaves.

Next, Akira heads to the Hyuga Clan compound. After all, he had just completed the mission to deter the other villages, captured the Third Tsuchikage's leg, and even secured a portion of Kitsuchi and Kurotsuchi's ransom as a reward, totaling 12 million Ryo. But he also won a bet against Hiashi Hyuga, earning him another 10 million Ryo.

So, is it true that becoming Hokage means you have to be more frugal? Is that why Fugaku has become so stingy?

Silently grumbling, Akira arrives at the Hyuga Clan compound, where Hiashi warmly welcomes him. He even has his servants prepare a lavish dinner, saying they must properly entertain Akira.

Given the warm reception, Akira doesn't refuse the hospitality.

During the dinner, Hiashi even has his daughter, Hanabi, join them, suggesting that since she and Akira are close in age, they should get to know each other better.

Akira can't help but feel puzzled. What's going on? He's only seven years old, yet Hiashi seems to be acting like a father eager to set up his daughter.

But when he thinks about it, with his reputation, strength, family background, and status—not to mention that he's the most likely candidate to become the next Hokage—it makes sense that the Hyuga Clan might see him as an exception to their usual rules against inter-clan marriages.

So, maybe Hiashi is thinking of becoming his father-in-law?

However, even though it's clear from the original story that Hiashi places more value on Hanabi's potential, and Hinata is considered more average, who doesn't like Hinata in the anime?

But right now, even Hinata is only seven years old!

After what felt like an agonizingly long dinner at the Hyuga Clan, Akira finally leaves with his 10 million Ryo, practically fleeing the compound.

"Sigh, why do I feel like I sacrificed something for that 10 million ryo?" Akira muses to himself as he returns home.

Then, he spends over an hour talking with his grandfather and Keiko, recounting the events of the past two or three months. With his grandfather's proud gaze suggesting "My grandson is Hokage material," Akira finally retreats to his room for rest.

Next on the agenda is his trip to Ryūchi Cave.

But now that he has a whopping 22 million Ryo in his pocket, maybe it's time to indulge a bit? Perhaps it's worth doing another Life Simulation before heading to the cave.

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Note: If you are interested, you can read up to chapter 186 at patreon.com/Emik01.

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