Misunderstanding, It's All a Misunderstanding!

Chapter 21: Misunderstandings, All of Them Misunderstandings!

It turned out that Qingyu was the one who had truly cornered himself.

Although Jonin Mikawa had paid for the remaining ten skewers of three-color dango, compared to the eighty ryo saved, the scowling Jonin Mikawa was indeed more terrifying!

After being dragged all the way home, Jonin Mikawa slammed the door shut with a bang, then pulled out a precious treasure and slammed it onto the table.

Qingyu swallowed nervously, looking at the kunai on the table, and gave a dry laugh, "Can't we just talk things out? Why the need for weapons?"

"What did I tell you before I left? Hmm? It's only been a day and you've already caused such a huge mess for me. How am I supposed to explain this to the Hokage-sama!"

Mikawa grabbed the kunai on the table and, getting angrier as he spoke, plunged it through the table. Qingyu felt a pang of heartache; if the table got broken, he wouldn't have money to buy a new one...

"It's a misunderstanding, all of it! Besides, the Hokage-sama wouldn't stoop to the level of a child like me. I promise! It won't happen again!"

When you need to back down, you back down. Qingyu didn't think his little body, even with [Harden] activated, could withstand the kunai in Mikawa's hand. At least, a Level 1 skill definitely wouldn't be enough.

It was clear that Qingyu's thick, unyielding skin made Mikawa's facial muscles twitch frequently, yet he couldn't bring himself to actually hit a child.

But there still needed to be an explanation for the Third Hokage...

"Hmph! If it weren't for the Hokage-sama's broad-mindedness, do you think you'd still have a chance to go out and eat dango? You'd be eating prison food!"

"Tomorrow, you're coming with me to apologize to the Hokage-sama!"

Qingyu visibly relaxed upon hearing this. It was just an apology; it wouldn't cost him anything. Easy peasy!

But before he could celebrate, another sentence from Mikawa clearly wiped the smile off his face.

"Furthermore, given the huge trouble you've caused this time, your relief funds will be halved next month. If you don't want to starve, stay home and behave yourself!"

"If there's a next time, even if the Hokage-sama spares you, I'll smack you to death!"

With that, Mikawa snorted coldly, pulled out the kunai, and turned to leave, completely ignoring Qingyu's crestfallen face.

Apologizing in person was nothing; it would at most waste some time. But halving the relief funds was a major blow. How could he live on one thousand ryo a month? Would he have to learn from Naruto in the future and eat instant noodles and drink expired milk every day?

However, the good news was that including the initial one thousand ryo Jonin Mikawa had given him, and with many days of the month already passed, he could still manage not to starve if he was frugal.

Mikawa probably calculated this as well, which was why he imposed such a penalty. Heh, he's actually a tsundere.

And if all else failed, when Itachi came looking for him, he could still hit up the rich guy. The prestigious Uchiha clan wouldn't possibly quibble over a few thousand ryo, a mere drop in the bucket, right?

Thinking this, Qingyu's mood improved again, and he began contemplating what to eat for dinner, a typical case of not learning from his mistakes.

Meanwhile, the Third and Fourth Hokages were still handing over duties, and incidentally guiding the new Hokage, Minato, to continue shining for Konoha.

Upon seeing the mountain of documents on the desk waiting to be processed, Minato was completely stunned.

The thought of retreating began to drum frantically in his mind!

"Is this all of it?"

"Of course... No! This is just the most urgent part that needs immediate attention. The rest will be organized by a dedicated assistant and brought to you once you've finished these."

Hiruzen smiled kindly, looking like a friendly old grandfather.

However, upon hearing this answer, Minato painfully clutched his hair, wishing he could abdicate right then and there!

Who knew the job of Hokage involved so much work!!!

Hiruzen, on the other hand, chuckled leisurely. Heh, you think I got old so quickly? Now it's time for you young folks to feel this pain. All of you clamoring to be Hokage, do you really think it's that easy!

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

"Please come in," Minato called out weakly.

Mikawa, who walked in, initially intended to greet the newly appointed Fourth Hokage. However, after craning his neck for a long time, he couldn't see Lord Minato sitting behind the mountain of documents, which made him quite awkward.

"Oh, it's Mikawa. Come to inspect the Hokage's work? Heh, you've worked hard."

As soon as he spoke, the Third Hokage's "master of passive aggression" persona was fully revealed. His sarcastic words made Mikawa's face flush red.

"I apologize, Lord Hiruzen! I've already severely disciplined that brat Qingyu. I even halved his living expenses for next month. He knows he was wrong and I'll bring him to apologize to Lord Minato tomorrow."

"He's a potential future Fifth Hokage; you must educate him well. If that brat can't become Hokage in the future, it will be your fault."

The Third Hokage wasn't actually angry at all. He had lived most of his life and wouldn't stoop to bickering with a little kid.

Mikawa, feeling teased, stood there blankly, stammering incoherently.

Such a lack of humor, Hiruzen felt his later years might not be as pleasant as he had imagined.

At this moment, Minato finally emerged from behind his desk and asked curiously, "Jonin Mikawa, is that child your son?"

Mikawa didn't answer directly. Instead, with a troubled expression, he instinctively glanced at the retired Third Hokage.

"Just answer what you're asked. I'm just an old man now. You need to understand who the Hokage is."

After being subtly prompted by Hiruzen, Mikawa started sweating cold sweat and quickly explained everything about Qingyu and their relationship.

Finally, seeing that Lord Minato was still smiling and not angry about his disrespectful actions, Mikawa breathed a sigh of relief.

Mikawa swore that he had absolutely no intention of disrespecting Lord Minato and fully recognized Minato's identity as Hokage. It was just that his subconscious reaction was too inappropriate. If it were someone with a smaller ego, they would probably hold a grudge for a long time.

What rotten luck...

"I see. However, I don't take this matter to heart, so you don't need to punish him further, and an apology isn't necessary. Also, I've just taken over as Hokage and still have many things I don't understand. I need excellent talents like you by my side to help me, so I'll be counting on your guidance in the future, Jonin Mikawa."

PS: The contract has been mailed, but I don't know when the signing status will be updated. Also, I've had someone make a cover. Please be gentle when you comment on it, as it only cost 20 yuan. For these 20 yuan, Old Faceless saved up his pickle money every night. Let me whisper a bit: Old Faceless made some pickles at home today, and even the supermarket outside the neighborhood sold out of sunflower seeds and pickles. It's truly terrifying! For the sake of poor Old Faceless, could you give me some recommendation votes? Also, click on favorites and investments; you definitely won't lose out!