Countless Little Coins, Fly My Way (Please Bookmark, Follow, and Vote)

Konoha Training Ground.

Two figures darted back and forth across the field, one throwing punches and the other kicks. Every move was imposing and powerful.

Taiichi and Might Guy were the ones fighting. Since the group had begun sparring, they had faced off every day. Their combat experience had also grown by the day.

This fight differed from their previous ones. Taiichi flicked his wrist, sending three shuriken flying toward Guy in a triangular formation, while he charged forward behind them.

Guy remained calm. He sidestepped two shuriken, then swung his kunai to knock away the third. At that moment, Taiichi rushed in with a kunai in hand.

The two stabbed out with their kunai at the same time, and the constant clang of metal striking metal rang out.

After another exchange, neither could gain the upper hand, so they decisively discarded their kunai and switched to hand-to-hand combat. Their fists landed solidly against flesh. Then Taiichi seized an opening, grabbed Guy, and threw him far away with an over-the-shoulder throw.

While Guy was still airborne with his back facing him, Taiichi swiftly formed the signs: Wei—Snake—Yin. With a poof, two more Taiichis appeared on the field.

The three Taiichis charged Guy in a triangular formation as he landed. Unable to tell which Taiichi was real, Guy could only block each incoming attack one by one.

His first block struck nothing. That Taiichi was fake. Guy hurriedly changed moves and blocked the second Taiichi, only for that attack to pass through as well. By then, it was too late to switch again. A fist smashed solidly into his shoulder.

Taiichi seized the opportunity and unleashed a fierce barrage, finally knocking Guy to the ground with a flying kick.

Taiichi stepped forward and pulled Guy up. "How was that? You okay?"

"Haha, I'm fine. Taiichi, you've improved again. I'm almost unable to beat you now."

"You were only caught off guard because it was my first time using the Clone Technique. It won't fool you so easily next time."

"Ahahaha." Guy did not argue, merely scratching his head with a foolish grin. Taiichi was improving, but so was he.

"That's enough for today. Time to head back."

"Okay. See you tomorrow, Taiichi."

The two said their farewells.

Outside Taiichi's home.

Dragging his exhausted body home, Taiichi spotted Tsunade and Nonō standing at the entrance and immediately broke into a smile.

"Ah, sorry. I got back late and kept you both waiting." He hurriedly opened the door and invited them inside.

Tsunade looked over Taiichi's disheveled appearance. "Working pretty hard, aren't you, kid?"

Nonō stepped forward and helped straighten his clothes.

"I have to work hard. My class is full of geniuses, so I can't fall behind!"

Remembering Sarutobi-sensei's evaluation of Taiichi earlier that day, Tsunade smiled. "You're quite modest."

"Enough small talk. I think you can guess why I came today," Tsunade said.

"Yes, Lady Tsunade. I just don't know how the village intends to cooperate." Taiichi answered frankly. Since Tsunade had come, the product must have been verified and she was here to discuss cooperation. Otherwise, whether they had cracked the medicine's effects or used some other underhanded method, Tsunade would not have been the one sent to negotiate.

Tsunade did not hesitate. She clearly explained the terms Hiruzen Sarutobi had previously agreed upon to the two of them.

After hearing them, Taiichi and Nonō were both astonished. Not because the terms were bad, but because they were too good. Fearing the village might try to drive down the price, they had deliberately raised their demands. Although their share had been reduced, they had received a large sum of cash. It could not have been better. It would solve their current shortage of funds, whether for the Orphanage or Taiichi's own training.

Neither of them was the sort to haggle over every last detail, so they immediately agreed to the village's proposal.

Tsunade was delighted to see them agree so readily. She liked decisive people. On the spot, she represented the village in signing the relevant agreements with the two of them.

"Now that everything has been settled, shouldn't you tell me the formula for this medicine?" Tsunade asked.

Taiichi did not stand on ceremony. He went to the study and brought out a sheet he had prepared long ago, detailing the preparation method and every point requiring attention.

Tsunade took the paper and was shocked after reading only the beginning. "You're saying this is made from garlic?"

"Yeah." Taiichi wore an innocent expression.

Nonō could only smile wryly from the side. She knew exactly how much random stuff Taiichi had added to cover up the smell of garlic.

Thinking of that medicine's scent, Tsunade's expression turned strange. "You certainly put a lot of thought into it," she said meaningfully.

Taiichi merely smiled and said nothing. This was not something to discuss openly. They both understood without saying it. After all, he could hardly say that he did not trust the village.

"By the way, Lady Tsunade," Taiichi changed the subject, "it's been over a week. Why did it take so long? The verification shouldn't have taken that much time. Did the village's discussions hold things up?"

This time, it was Tsunade's turn to feel awkward. Could she say that she had forgotten? What was even more infuriating was that the village had not delayed at all. The moment that old man Sarutobi heard her report, he had immediately made the decision.

"Well! There were too many tests to conduct. It's medicine, after all. It can't be approved so casually," Tsunade said unconvincingly.

"That makes sense." Taiichi did not suspect anything else.

To ease the awkwardness, Tsunade rose to leave.

How could Taiichi let Tsunade go so easily? This was such a rare opportunity to draw closer to her. Besides, he was an excellent cook.

"Lady Tsunade, it's already this late. When I got back, I saw you and Sister Nonō waiting outside for so long. You probably haven't eaten yet, right? Please stay and try my cooking."

"Yes, Lady Tsunade. You've helped us so much, so please stay and let us show a little of our gratitude," Nonō added from the side, seeing Taiichi's intentions and helping him out.

"This... all right." Seeing their enthusiasm, Tsunade no longer refused.

"Sister Nonō, please keep Lady Tsunade company. I'll go make dinner."

Taiichi busied himself in the kitchen. Fortunately, he had gone on a big shopping trip yesterday, so the house was well stocked with ingredients. Otherwise, today would have been truly embarrassing.

Listening to the occasional laughter from the living room, Taiichi never stopped moving. Frying, deep-frying, steaming, and stir-frying, all manner of kitchen utensils flew about as he cooked at astonishing speed.

What were they laughing about? Naturally, Taiichi had no idea that Nonō was telling Tsunade embarrassing stories from his childhood. Otherwise, he would have wanted to crawl into a crack in the floor.

In less than an hour, five dishes and a soup were brought to the table.

Looking at the food before her, Tsunade was genuinely amazed. Regardless of how it tasted, the presentation and aroma alone were absolutely exceptional.

The three sat down at the table, each saying, "Let's eat," before beginning their meal.

You never knew until you tried it, and once you did, it was shocking. The flavor truly was extraordinary. Tsunade felt as though everything she had eaten in the first half of her life had been dog shit. How was she supposed to eat anything else after this?

After dinner.

"Lady Tsunade, were you satisfied with today's hospitality?"

"Why call me Lady Tsunade? You call Nonō your sister, so call me your sister too!" Tsunade declared boldly, waving one small hand.

Good heavens, one meal and even the form of address had changed. Taiichi could not have wished for more. He immediately took the hint and called out, "Sister Tsunade."

"All right, it really is late now. I should head back too."

"Then take care, Sister Tsunade. Travel safely."

Taiichi and Nonō watched Tsunade's figure disappear at the end of the road before turning and returning inside.

Once they were back in the house, Taiichi could no longer suppress his excitement. He grabbed Nonō and spun around wildly with her in his arms.

Nonō let Taiichi fool around. After all, she was happy too. The Orphanage would never have to worry about funding again.

The two discussed their future plans for a while longer, then Nonō rose to say goodbye. There was still a pile of matters at the Orphanage waiting for her to handle.

Once Taiichi was alone in the house, he gradually calmed down. Thinking about what came next, he realized that he had money now. He could train more boldly in the future and begin purchasing medicines to assist his cultivation. He had also built a good relationship with Tsunade today, which would bring countless benefits in both his affairs and training.

After thinking through all that, Taiichi resumed his usual training routine. If you did not practice singing for a day, your voice grew rusty; if you did not practice martial arts for a day, your hands grew stiff. Training was like rowing against the current: if you did not advance, you fell behind.