Bathhouse

Hyuga Shinichi specifically asked Namikaze Minato to stay behind, as he wanted to take him to the village's newly constructed bathhouse to enjoy a proper soak.

After all, everyone was usually busy with various matters, and it was a rare opportunity to relax. Hyuga Shinichi also invited Namikaze Minato to stay the night at the Senju compound after their bath.

For Namikaze Minato, this was a rare experience. As for the clothes he would need to change into, Hyuga Shinichi mentioned he could borrow some of his old ones.

Most of Hyuga Shinichi's clothes were loose-fitting green robes. Even though he had grown much taller, some of the smaller ones still fit well, and since Namikaze Minato was only two years younger than him, they would certainly fit.

When Tsunade and Uzumaki Mito learned that a grand, beautifully decorated bathhouse had been built in the village, they were intrigued. It was said that the facilities were fully equipped, allowing people to enjoy a comfortable and cozy bathing experience.

Interested, they prepared their change of clothes and toiletries, and the whole family set off together to experience it.

When they arrived at the entrance, brimming with excitement, they were stunned by the massive, bustling crowd. Tsunade, standing beside Uzumaki Mito, was the first to speak.

"This new bathhouse is certainly popular; look at all these customers."

Hyuga Shinichi, however, didn't notice; his gaze was fixed on the eye-catching sign above the entrance.

"Shanxi Bathhouse."

Hyuga Shinichi froze, a sense of dissonance washing over him. He had never expected to see such a name here; it felt as if he had been transported back to his past life.

Seeing the name "Shanxi," he realized it must have stemmed from his first escort mission for Brother Shanxi. During their chat, he had mentioned how busy the villagers were and how they would love to soak in a bath to relax after a long day.

He had suggested that adding services like professional scrubbing or foot massages, along with fruit platters and drinks, would attract many people.

He even mentioned loyalty programs, like offering free tickets for a certain amount spent, or top-up cards where you get extra credit for every deposit.

He had just been shooting the breeze with the wealthy Brother Shanxi using ideas from his past life, never expecting him to actually go through with it.

Could Brother Shanxi also be planning to build a department store, as he had suggested? Ever since that conversation, and all the way back home, Brother Shanxi had been lost in deep thought.

Forget it, no point overthinking it.

This sense of dissonance didn't dampen Hyuga Shinichi's anticipation or enthusiasm for the bathhouse—or rather, the "bath center," as it should be called now.

He led Nawaki and Namikaze Minato through the main entrance first, followed by Tsunade and Uzumaki Mito, who shared a smile as they stepped into the mysterious establishment.

As they crossed the threshold, a warm, humid breeze washed over them, instantly soothing their bodies and minds.

The spacious and bright lobby was impeccably organized. Various facilities were neatly arranged, including a lounge area and state-of-the-art cooling machines stocked with chilled drinks and fruits.

A price list hung on the wall behind the front desk, clear at a glance. Staff members in uniforms moved through the lobby, patiently explaining the services to confused customers with friendly smiles.

The entire hall exuded a warm and peaceful atmosphere. Children played excitedly while adults admired the surroundings and chatted about their expectations.

Everyone was eager to experience the services the bath center had to offer.

"Hey! Isn't that little brother Shinichi!"

A surprised shout came from the side, and the family turned to look at the man approaching them.

"Shinichi, do you know this person?"

Tsunade leaned in. The man's attire clearly marked him as someone of status. The entire setup of the bath center left her feeling a bit bewildered, and the others were no different; they instinctively looked to Shinichi as their guide. Even Mito remained silent, quietly observing everything around her.

"Yes, I've escorted Brother Shanxi on a few missions. We get along well and have known each other for a long time."

When Shanxi reached them, he gave Hyuga Shinichi a warm hug. Pulling back, he placed his hands on Shinichi's shoulders, his eyes gleaming.

"Haha, little brother Shinichi, it's all thanks to your suggestions! I've been swamped since we opened. Look at this lobby—it's absolute chaos. I was planning to invite you over once things settled down, but I didn't expect you to show up on your own."

"I didn't expect you to actually go through with it, Brother Shanxi. It really surprised me."

"Hahaha, well, your ideas were truly excellent..."

Shanxi paused, his gaze shifting to the people behind Hyuga Shinichi. He asked in a low voice, "Little brother Shinichi, who are these people? That elder... could she be that very person?"

"Yes, they are my family. This is my grandmother, and also my teacher."

"Oh! Greetings, Uzumaki Mito-sama."

Shanxi immediately bowed respectfully to Uzumaki Mito.

"There is no need for that. Did you just say this bath center was Shinichi's idea?"

"Yes, Uzumaki Mito-sama. You truly have a genius for a student. Not only is he powerful, but he also has such a unique understanding of business. I have much to learn from him."

Shanxi soon struck up a pleasant conversation with Uzumaki Mito and Tsunade, and the group was formally introduced.

Shanxi insisted on covering the cost for everyone that night and even called over two attendants to provide dedicated service before excusing himself to return to his duties.

Tsunade led Uzumaki Mito to the women's bath with a female attendant, while Hyuga Shinichi, Nawaki, and Namikaze Minato followed a male attendant toward the men's side.

The first thing that caught their eyes was the spacious and bright changing room, bustling with activity. Adults and children were chatting happily, their laughter echoing through the air.

People were orderly, undressing and carefully placing their belongings into lockers corresponding to their assigned numbers before locking them up.

After finishing, Hyuga Shinichi and the others picked up the clean white towels provided in the changing room and wrapped them around their waists.

Following the attendant into the bathing area, they were greeted by warm, humid steam that felt incredibly comfortable. The area was divided into several sections; they first had to wash off in the shower area before entering the cold, hot, or hot spring pools.

Once clean, the three of them headed excitedly to the hot pool. Many adults were already soaking inside, their faces etched with relaxation. With a bit of sake on the side, it was the height of comfort.

The three of them exchanged glances and jumped into the hot pool without hesitation. However, they immediately scrambled out with a yelp, shouting "Too hot!" in unison, before diving straight into the adjacent cold pool.

Their reaction sent the adults in the hot pool into fits of laughter, and they teased, "You kids have a long way to go before you can handle the hot pool!"

After soaking in the cold pool for a while to soothe their skin, the three of them left the hot and cold section without looking back, having the attendant lead them toward the hot spring area instead.