Chapter 22

The Third Hokage hoped Utatane Koharu and Mitomon Homura would take this matter seriously and not support Shimura Danzo to avoid causing more embarrassment for everyone.

"Don't worry, Hiruzen. We understand the seriousness of the situation, and I doubt he has the audacity to come to me for help," Utatane Koharu said, her frustration with Danzo evident.

Even if Danzo approached her, Koharu was resolved not to assist him.

Only Homura might have been a potential ally for Danzo, but...

"Don't look at me," Homura said, raising his hands. "I won't intervene in this. Danzo's rashness has consequences. He never considers the aftermath of offending Mito-sama. I agree he should rest at home for now."

With that assurance, Hiruzen made the final decision. "Then Danzo will take a break. Tomorrow, I'll go to the daimyo's mansion on Mito-sama's behalf to request an increase in the village's financial allocation."

---

Uzumaki Mito was not one to act frivolously.

The Third Hokage wasn't stripping Danzo of his position without reason; he had the full backing of Mito. With a letter personally written by her, the daimyo would undoubtedly listen to the request.

"Excellent," Koharu said, nodding in agreement.

The village's development required funding, and securing more money was a constant struggle for the leadership. Danzo's misstep had provided the perfect opportunity to gain Mito's support and approach the daimyo openly.

For Hiruzen, this was a strategic win. If stepping on Danzo a few more times could help, he was willing to do it.

Koharu and Homura were silently grateful for Danzo's blunder. Without it, the chance to secure more funds might not have come so easily. His misfortune was, ironically, a boon for the village.

---

Over the next few weeks, Tsunade visited Shinki's house less frequently, choosing instead to spend more time at the Senju ancestral home with Uzumaki Mito. She even adjusted her schedule at the medical department to make more time for her grandmother.

One evening, Shinki stood at his doorstep, key in hand. He paused, noticing the faint light coming from inside. Unlocking the door, he stepped into the house and found an unexpected visitor sitting on his sofa.

Shinki shut the door, flicked on the lights, and regarded the intruder.

"Orochimaru, you could at least wait until I'm home."

"Apologies." Orochimaru stood up, a faint smile playing on his lips. "I timed it close to when you'd finish work and let myself in. I hope there's no misunderstanding."

"This is the first batch of materials."

Door-to-door service was a perk, but finding someone waiting uninvited inside one's home was unsettling.

Shinki picked up the scroll Orochimaru had placed on the coffee table and examined it. He couldn't deny Orochimaru's efficiency. The count matched, and the bill Orochimaru had calculated looked reasonable. Trusting him in this matter was simple enough.

Shinki retrieved a separate scroll containing the payment and handed it to Orochimaru, who took it without counting.

"Shinki-kun, a pleasure doing business."

The two exchanged brief, courteous smiles before Orochimaru departed. Ninjas required both talent and financial resources to grow, a truth Shinki knew well. This single batch of materials cost nearly two million ryo, leaving his personal funds drained.

Thankfully, his income as a skilled medical ninja was substantial enough to cover it. The profession was profitable for those who worked hard and had the necessary expertise.

---

"Goodbye," Shinki said, not bothering with formalities as Orochimaru left. He preferred a strictly professional relationship with someone like Orochimaru. Anything beyond that could lead to complications—possibly as an experiment on Orochimaru's table.

That was one line Shinki would not cross.

Now, with the materials at hand, it was time to start on the puppets.

*Knock, knock, knock!*

The sudden noise interrupted his thoughts. Shinki opened the door to find Nawaki grinning at him.

"Hey there," Nawaki said, bouncing on his heels.

Nawaki had become a frequent visitor ever since Shinki's visit to the Senju estate. Shinki leaned against the doorframe, amused.

"Skipping home after school and leaving Kushina behind? What brings you here? You know if Tsunade finds out, she'll have your head."

"Hmph! I'm not afraid of her!" Nawaki declared, puffing out his chest.

Sure, when Tsunade isn't around, you're fearless, Shinki thought with a chuckle. He opened the door wider to let Nawaki in.

"Alright, tough guy. Come in and tell me what's on your mind."

Nawaki darted inside, shut the door, checked the windows, and pulled a few magazines from his schoolbag like they were prized treasures.

Shinki's brows rose as he recognized the type of magazine Nawaki was proudly holding.

"Check these out! I saved up my pocket money without Tsunade noticing and bought the latest editions. They're Jiraiya's best!"

With Jiraiya away on a mission, Nawaki needed someone else to share his "findings" with, and Shinki seemed like the perfect candidate.

Staring at the scantily clad girls on the covers, Shinki felt his eyebrow twitch.

Kids in the ninja world grew up fast, but Nawaki's taste, fueled by a certain white-haired sage's influence, was... bold.

Most eight-year-olds wouldn't even think of buying this stuff, let alone manage it.

"Really?" Shinki muttered, rubbing his temple. He couldn't decide if he wanted to laugh or lecture.

Nawaki beamed. "This one's my favorite—look at her, isn't she cute? Hehehe..."

The sight of an eight-year-old boy giggling over adult magazines shattered a few of Shinki's notions about childhood innocence.

Jiraiya's legacy, it seemed, had corrupted yet another mind.