A Slightly Dangerous Job

Chapter 22: A Slightly Dangerous Job

Jonin Mikawa walked out of the Hokage's office in a daze.

He never expected that his disrespectful actions would be so easily forgiven by the Fourth Hokage, who even lowered himself so much and frequently sought his advice.

Honestly, although he was no longer a child acting on impulse, he was still deeply impressed by the Fourth Hokage's demeanor and broad-mindedness.

"Having a Hokage like this is truly Konoha's fortune!"

As Mikawa left the Hokage Tower, he subconsciously glanced up. Unbeknownst to him, another staunch supporter of Minato had just been gained!

Inside the Hokage's office, Hiruzen, who had witnessed the entire scene, couldn't help but sigh. It seemed choosing Minato as Hokage was one of the most correct decisions he had ever made.

"Teacher Hiruzen, shall we begin then?"

"No, there's nothing more I can teach you, because you will be an even more outstanding Hokage than I am, Fourth Hokage."

Hiruzen shook his head, a gratified smile on his face, and then left without lingering.

Only Minato, looking utterly dejected and still bewildered, was left behind with a wry smile...

The following days were calm and uneventful.

No enemy ninja dared to cause trouble in Konoha, or rather, the civilians living in Konoha had very little access to such information.

Mikawa also didn't come to bring him to apologize as promised, nor did he even show his face, which made Qingyu very confused, suspecting that this guy might be having an affair.

Additionally, the situation he had anticipated, where Itachi would invite him to eat three-color dango, did not materialize. He didn't know if Itachi had forgotten about it or if there was some other reason he couldn't come.

However, Qingyu didn't waste these few days. He spent most of his savings to buy some equipment needed for physical training.

He had to admit that such items were more expensive than food.

If it weren't for his sweet talk and the fact that the news of a kid challenging the Fourth Hokage to become Hokage had spread like wildfire, making him a 'celebrity' talked about by everyone, allowing him to get some 'discounts', he would have truly had to eat dirt for the rest of the month!

As for the undisguised mockery in the eyes of some people, he completely ignored it.

True strong individuals don't have the leisure to look down on others. Only losers and weaklings who never had the courage to utter such words would mock others for such things.

And such people were not worth mentioning at all!

One day, Qingyu, as he had been doing for the past few days, began his gradual physical strengthening according to the [Navy Body Tempering Method - Foundation].

To be honest, he always felt that Guy and Rock Lee's extreme training methods were too inhuman.

A normal person following that kind of training would probably have their body collapse from the strain long ago!

Even if they managed to persevere, they would likely end up with numerous hidden injuries.

Let alone achieving Guy's incredible strength, it would be a blessing if their body didn't fall apart during a fight.

On Earth, there were very few martial arts superstars who had a good end; many even ended up living in wheelchairs.

Although many things in the Naruto world couldn't be explained by science or common sense, Qingyu still believed that developing the great treasure of physical potential through more scientific, reasonable, and standardized methods was undoubtedly safer.

Perhaps this training method was slower to show results than those extreme methods of pushing the body to its limits, but it also caused less damage to the body.

After finishing his training for the day, drenched in sweat, he still had some energy left for more training, but he didn't do so. Instead, he took a bath and drank some water to relax his body.

The [Navy Body Tempering Method - Foundation] stated that combining it with medicinal baths and massage would yield even better results.

However, he had neither the money to buy the medicinal herbs mentioned nor the money to hire someone for a massage, so he could only do without for now.

Another thing was that ever since he started training this way, his already considerable appetite had been completely stimulated, to the point where he was hungry every day.

So, after training these past few days, he spent his remaining time looking for work.

Although there was no such thing as 'child labor' in this world, considering Kakashi became a Jonin at 12 years old and started 'working' right after graduating from the Ninja Academy, if there were child protection laws, the Hokage would be the first to be executed!

However, there were very few jobs a 5-year-old could do. Furthermore, he was the renowned 'Fifth Hokage', and many people liked to tease him to pass the time, so how could they 'dare' to give him a job?

But heaven helps those who help themselves. After days of rejection, he finally found a temporary job.

So, his next step was to go to work and earn money!

Hokage Rock, which usually had few visitors, had recently become busy again due to the inauguration of the Fourth Hokage, Minato.

A large number of craftsmen were gathered to prepare to carve the Fourth Hokage's likeness next to the statues of the First, Second, and Third Hokage.

Qingyu, who came to work, naturally couldn't participate in that, but there were always some miscellaneous tasks that needed doing.

For example, clearing fallen rocks from below the Hokage Rock...

This was considered a relatively dangerous job, but the danger was limited. Qingyu's job was to wait until the craftsmen finished their work during the day, and then he was responsible for clearing all the debris that fell to the ground.

It was tiring, but it didn't interfere with his training during the day. As for the occasional falling rocks, they were perfect for training his reaction speed.

Even if he couldn't dodge them, he still had the [Inferior Self-Healing Body] and [Harden] to protect him, and minor injuries healed quickly.

Therefore, after a one-day trial period, his performance successfully convinced the person in charge here, and they agreed to let him work there.

The salary, on the other hand, was paid daily at two hundred ryo per day, not including food or lodging.

Converting that, it was about one hundred and twenty soft dollars per day, which was already quite a lot for a five-year-old child.

If it weren't for the fact that this job was somewhat dangerous, and that it wasn't worth issuing a mission to have a ninja handle it, he wouldn't have been able to earn this money.

"Two hundred ryo a day, that's six thousand ryo a month! I wish this job could last forever."

Qingyu thought this as he exerted himself, pushing a small cart and constantly transporting stones.

After all, with the soul of an adult, receiving relief money was quite embarrassing. It was best to be able to support himself.

But it was clear that this job wouldn't last long. At most, the craftsmen would finish their work in about a month.

However, by then, he might be able to find an easier and more profitable job.

Thinking too much about the distant future wasn't his style. He'd take it one step at a time.

PS: Shamelessly asking for recommendation votes, collections, reading lists, and investments. If you don't give them, I... I... I'll beg every day until you do!