100 Million Ryo

"I'm only guessing. We'll know when the time comes."

Kawafune did not spell it out. He had a feeling that person would definitely come out to stir things up.

Because to the man lurking in the darkness, this was a major variable beyond his control. He would certainly choose to destroy it, perhaps even snuff it out in the cradle.

"I understand."

Hatake Sakumo nodded as though he understood, though no one knew whether he truly did or not.

To avoid clan conflicts as much as possible, Sakumo was fairly familiar with Konoha's various powers. He had indeed guessed who Kawafune was referring to.

It was simply a taboo subject, so he did not directly say that person's name.

"I understand too."

Tsunade refused to be outdone. She was merely putting on a brave front; she was dying of curiosity inside, but forcibly held it down.

After Senju Tobirama ordered the Senju Clan to integrate into the village, Sarutobi Hiruzen had also done his best to keep her out of the village's struggles. He had truly looked after her well.

Without his protection, Tsunade definitely would not have been as carefree as she was now. The Uchiha Clan alone would have been enough to give her a hard time.

"Haha, then we'll just wait for the fish to take the bait."

"If the enemy doesn't move, neither do we."

Kawafune laughed heartily, without the slightest suspicion. He thought everyone already knew.

After lunch, Tsunade left with a bellyful of questions, accompanied by Kawafune.

Even when Kawafune showed off the fact that he had mastered the Flying Thunder God, she did not display much surprise. That person had completely whetted her appetite, and her mind was frantically racing.

That afternoon, Nawaki continued training at the Hatake Clan residence. Orochimaru had yet to begin tinkering with his experiments, and no one knew what he was busy with. He did not even have time to teach his beloved disciple.

However, Kawafune had his own guesses. As one of the hottest candidates for the next Hokage, Orochimaru was probably extremely busy as war approached.

After arranging Nawaki's training plan, he left the Hatake Clan residence and headed to the Weapon Shop.

Business was as booming as ever, with ninjas everywhere.

When he entered the forging room, Old Tie was still bare-chested.

"Second Young Master, the Eldest Young Master's sword isn't finished yet."

"It'll take at least another three days."

When he saw Kawafune, he handed his work over to an apprentice and quickly came over, thinking Kawafune had come to collect Sakumo's new weapon.

"I'm not here for my brother's weapon."

"I want you to forge some Senbon for me."

This damn place was truly hot. Kawafune wiped the sweat from his forehead, flicked it away with a finger, and stated the purpose of his visit.

"What are your requirements?"

Old Tie was quite clever. Ordinary Senbon could be bought directly from the front counter, so Kawafune would not have come to find him personally.

"Lighter and faster."

Kawafune did not expect the Senbon to injure anyone. They only needed to serve as carriers for the Flying Thunder God Technique Formula—easy to carry and fast when launched.

"Then I'll need to study it. Reduce the weight and air resistance, and sacrifice some lethality, correct?"

Old Tie was a professional. He immediately summed up Kawafune's requirements.

"That's right. Send them to the residence once they're finished."

Dealing with smart people was refreshing. There was no need to waste too many words.

"I'll deliver them to the residence within a week."

Old Tie set the deadline. He took the two young masters' affairs very seriously. They were his bread and butter—how could he possibly slack off?

"Alright, I'll be leaving then."

After giving his instructions, Kawafune did not want to stay any longer. The temperature was simply too high, and it was uncomfortable.

When he returned home, Nawaki was still diligently practicing the fundamentals of Sword Art. He did not aim too high and ask Kawafune to teach him anything more advanced.

Kawafune nodded repeatedly at the sight. With that attitude, how had he died in the Second Great Ninja War? He really should not have.

As his future brother-in-law, he naturally had an obligation to help Nawaki escape that tragic fate.

Another day passed. Nawaki did not stay for dinner, saying goodbye to Kawafune and leaving before mealtime.

Nothing happened that night. After washing up, Kawafune sat there dreaming sweetly, drool nearly spilling from the corner of his mouth.

Who knew what delicious Big White Rabbit he was dreaming about this time?

Early the next morning, Tsunade brought Nawaki to the Hatake Clan residence again.

The moment she saw Kawafune, she happily pulled a still-warm document from her clothes.

"Kawafune-kun, the land has been approved."

Kawafune had not expected the Third Hokage to work so efficiently, and he reached out to take it.

"I thought we'd have to wait a few more days."

As he spoke, he opened the document. It clearly stated that the plot covered six thousand square meters and cost 100 Million Ryo.

At the very bottom was Sarutobi Hiruzen's personal signature. The address was not far from the Konoha Police Force.

In theory, the document had already taken effect. However, Kawafune knew this was due to Tsunade's influence, so he would feel more at ease using it once the money was paid.

Kawafune frowned at the address, thinking the Third Hokage had played some sort of trick.

"Is there no other land?"

"Ah, I chose this location."

"I looked at the map. The other places were either too small or too far away."

"After looking around, this plot seemed the most suitable."

"Sensei also reminded me."

"My Senju Clan has already disbanded, so what does the Uchiha Clan still have to hold against us?"

Kawafune could only sigh after hearing Tsunade's words. This woman thought far too highly of the Uchiha Clan's capacity for tolerance.

Even if the Senju Clan were wiped out, there would still be Uchiha who hated them. This was a blood-soaked feud spanning generations, and also a bond of fate.

But since this was the most suitable plot, if Hatake Kawafune did not dare take it, it would only make him seem afraid of the Uchiha Clan.

"In that case, we'll take this plot."

"But I need a few days."

The swift approval had caught Kawafune by surprise. His funds had not yet arrived, and 100 Million Ryo was a fair price. The Third Hokage had not treated the Hatake Clan like fools to be fleeced.

"I still have more than ten million ryo in private savings..."

Thinking Kawafune might be short on funds, Tsunade decisively offered up the gambling money she had saved for a long time.

"No need. I just didn't expect it to happen this quickly."

"Give me two days, and the funds will be ready."

"Then this approval can be used."

Kawafune smiled and waved his hand. More than ten million ryo probably would not last long with Tsunade's gambling losses, but he was touched by the thought.

This spendthrift woman was not completely beyond saving.

"Are you sure you don't need it?"

Tsunade had made a huge decision. This was everything she had.

"Since you're being so sincere..."

"How about I take it after all?"

Seeing Tsunade's conflicted expression, Kawafune ignored Nawaki and approached her with a mischievous smile. Standing before her and looking down, the cleavage before him became even clearer.

Nawaki watched as his big brother's eyes nearly popped out.

Heh. Men.

If he could beat him, he would definitely say a few words to set the scene.

"You said you didn't need it."

Tsunade noticed something wrong with Kawafune's gaze. She stepped back and wrapped her arms tightly around her chest, her face slightly red.

"Haha, keep it for yourself."

"Lose less. If it's not enough, come ask me for more."

Kawafune showed no embarrassment at being caught red-handed. He even took the chance to put on the ugly face of a nouveau riche.

"Who wants your money?"

"It's still not appropriate yet."

Tsunade's voice was noticeably softer for the last sentence, and Kawafune did not hear it.