"Poor Sir!"

Chapter 22: How You've Suffered, My Lord!

"Oyakuro, since we're all on the same side, drop the formalities. Sit down, pour yourself some tea, and read the paper. Let me finish this document first, then we'll have a proper talk."

Hoshino Maki pointed at a seat with his pen, then returned to processing the file.

Having lived two lives hadn't turned Hoshino Maki into a master of internal affairs; he was still feeling his way forward, like crossing a river by touching the stones.

After all, experience was something that, if mechanically copied, would only cause chaos.

As for adapting measures to local conditions, Hoshino Maki had grown up in the village, but as an ordinary civilian ninja, his perspective was certainly different from a ruler's. So there was still much he needed to ask of trusted people like Chiyo and Kojima.

No one knew how much time had passed. Hoshino Maki looked up, rubbed his sore wrist, and found the sunlight outside the window a bit dazzling. Only then did he realize it was already noon.

Oyakuro En was quietly sipping tea and reading the newspaper, showing no intention of disturbing him.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

Hoshino Maki truly hadn't meant to leave him hanging, but now wasn't the time to explain.

Oyakuro En calmly shook his head. "My Lord is focused on the village's governance. Only then can Sunagakure become better. As a member of this ship, I can rest assured and row for you."

Listen to that!

As expected of a merchant who'd traveled far and wide—he knew how to talk. Those rough Suna ninjas couldn't even flatter properly.

Hoshino Maki smiled and waved his hand, humbly saying, "It's all just serving the villagers."

"Since you're here, let's get down to business. Go ahead and continue whatever business you were doing. If you run into any trouble, come find me. Oh, and I heard you don't have a residence yet—"

Hoshino Maki opened a drawer as he spoke and pulled out a deed. "This is the place you're currently renting. I've already bought it. If it doesn't suit you, you can switch. And don't worry about your child—as long as I'm in this village, her treatment won't be any worse than that of the daughters of the great clans."

Oyakuro En bowed respectfully and took the deed. "Thank you, my Lord. Is there anything I can do for you now?"

Hoshino Maki crossed his right arm over his chest, rested his chin on his left hand, and thought for a moment. "If possible, I'd like you to leave Sunagakure and do business in Iwagakure and Konoha, and finally head to the capital of the Land of Lightning."

"As for the specifics, someone will contact you once you reach the capital."

Oyakuro En nodded, rose, and took his leave.

Back at his residence, Jukang saw Oyakuro En and said anxiously, "Master, when I went there, they told me the house was bought yesterday. So we—"

Before Jukang could finish, Oyakuro En pulled the deed from his sleeve and shoved it in his face.

"Master, if you bought it, why did you send me—"

"I didn't buy it. Don't ask. I'm leaving Sunagakure tomorrow. Get the caravan ready; we set out at dawn."

"Understood. I'll pack up right away."

With that, Jukang turned to head inside and pack.

"You're not coming with me. Stay here and take good care of Qiannai."

"Master—"

Jukang stood frozen in shock. Oyakuro En patted his shoulder. "I'm not a good father, and I probably never will be. I'm entrusting Qiannai to your care. If anything comes up, go to Lord Hoshino. He'll help you."

Oyakuro En finished speaking, walked into the inner room, gently opened the door, and approached the crib. He watched Qiannai's little hands grasping at the air and his gaze was filled with tenderness.

Qiannai looked back at him. Their eyes met. Her big, watery eyes were so clear they seemed ready to drip, as if they could wrap around a person's heart.

"Da... Daddy."

The little guy squeezed out the words one by one. Oyakuro En froze, then a wild joy spread across his face.

When Oyakuro En had found little Xiao Qiannai, she was clutched tightly in her mother's arms—she hadn't let go even in death.

Seeing that scene, he had lost all reason and slaughtered every last member of the Jigokudani clan.

That terrifying sight had been witnessed by little Xiao Qiannai, becoming an inescapable nightmare for her. Ever since, her fear of her father outweighed her love, and they rarely communicated.

Oyakuro En never expected to hear the little guy call him "Daddy" before he left.

"Daddy?" Oyakuro En tested the word.

"Da... Da—"

"Daddy?!"

"Daddy!"

"Hahaha!!"

Oyakuro En laughed loudly, lifting little Xiao Qiannai and spinning her around and around, until she burst into loud wails. Only then did he, full of apology, hand the little guy over to Jukang.

Watching Jukang rock little Xiao Qiannai in his arms, Oyakuro En's gaze grew firm. He murmured to himself:

"Changmei, I won't let our child suffer anymore. I swear."

Sunagakure seemed to have returned to its usual calm.

The rationing system wasn't Hoshino Maki's invention. Long before the era of hidden villages, the great clans and families had implemented such policies. It had also been used during wartime, so most people followed it without issue.

Only a few ninjas felt the distribution was unfair and came straight to Hoshino Maki to demand an explanation. But when they saw that even he was eating a bowl of boiled beans, they covered their faces in shame and left.

"What the adults eat is the same as what we eat—what's there to complain about?"

When word of this got out, it pushed Hoshino Maki's already excellent reputation in Sunagakure to new heights.

"Sir, you're still growing. You can't keep eating boiled beans. I've got two dried sea fish at home—please, take this one." A shinobi came to Hoshino Maki's residence, and while reporting on work, produced a half-meter-long dried fish, offering it with both hands in respect.

Hoshino Maki set down his bowl and shook his head solemnly. "Everyone in the village is tightening their belts. No one has it easy. How could I accept your things? Ikeda, I know your family's situation isn't easy either. Your wife injured her right leg in the last Ninja World War and can no longer serve as a shinobi. I'm already drafting some support measures for martyrs and those unable to continue as shinobi due to injury. Once the village's situation improves, I'll submit it to the Elder Council. Those who have contributed to the village won't be let down by it. You've been working hard lately—from six in the morning to nine at night. It's been a while since you've been home, hasn't it?"

Ikeda sniffled, moved. "It's nothing. It's my honor to do something for you, sir, and for the village. I'll take my leave now if there's nothing else. I don't trust those young lads to handle things on their own."

Hoshino Maki nodded. What a fine workhorse. He finally understood the joy his old boss felt when PUA-ing him back in the day.

Two minutes later, Hoshino Maki pricked up his ears. After confirming no one was outside the door, he grabbed the bowl beside him and pushed aside the beans on top. Beneath them lay two plump, beautiful sea cucumbers, glistening with translucent sauce—enough to stir anyone's appetite.

Hoshino Maki took a big bite. The bouncy, gelatinous texture instantly filled his mouth.

The sea cucumbers were devoured in no time. Hoshino Maki let out a burp, savoring the treatment of a national team player. You know what? Not bad at all.

Just as Hoshino Maki was picking his teeth and pondering what to eat tomorrow, the door flew open with a bang.