Chapter 39

She had more chakra than she could ever use anyway, so sending a shadow clone to class would be no problem at all.

"Then I'll just use a shadow clone for class too."

Kushina made up her mind on the spot, then turned to Xunjing. "Tsunade said you're studying sealing arts now too?"

"That's right."

Xunjing nodded. "My mom made a deal with Lady Mito and got quite a few sealing arts scrolls. They're perfect for getting some practice in."

Kushina immediately chimed in. "I was planning to learn sealing arts from Grandma too. Want to join me?"

"Then we can figure things out together and compare notes. What do you think?"

Kushina tilted her head, thinking that having someone like him to study with would definitely make it more motivating.

Even if I don't learn much, getting to look at that face every day would be pretty nice.

She had always had a soft spot for Xunjing's rugged good looks.

Unlike the guy beside him, who looked so soft and delicate. He hardly seemed like a man at all.

"Huh? Would that really be okay? Wouldn't Lady Mito have to approve?"

Xunjing was taken aback by her suggestion.

If Uzumaki Mito would teach him herself, he certainly wouldn't object.

Learning under a master's personal guidance would definitely be much faster than muddling through on his own.

He had tested it before-his skill proficiency really did rise faster when someone taught him.

The better the teacher, the more obvious the effect.

Even if he could learn everything himself with his "heaven rewards hard work" talent, who would complain about having more cheats?

"Of course it'll be fine! I'll tell Grandma when I get home!"

"She actually likes you quite a bit. She even told me to look out for you at school."

Kushina patted her chest, looking completely confident.

"All right, go ask her. It's fine if she says no."

Xunjing nodded without declining.

Beside them, Minato felt a little down when he heard this.

He wanted to learn with them too.

But he also knew that wasn't possible.

Xunjing could do it because Lady Mito had already given him sealing arts scrolls.

Besides, Lady Mito knew Xunjing and had a good impression of him.

Minato, on the other hand, had none of those things going for him.

And he didn't know how to make shadow clones either.

Seeing Minato's dejected expression, Xunjing reached out and patted his shoulder.

"Don't be discouraged. We won't be spending every waking moment studying sealing arts."

"How about we set aside some time every week to practice ninjutsu and taijutsu together?"

He had his calculations all worked out-Minato was someone worth investing in.

While Minato was still young, he would build up his favorability and bring him over to his side.

He would definitely become one of his people someday.

Rather than let someone like him fall into the Third Generation's hands and become an opponent later, it was better to win him over early.

Of course, he would also have to guide him gradually along the way.

He would help him see the true faces of the Third Generation and his crowd, understand what that so-called Will of Fire really was, and see through the Ninja World's **.

He couldn't let the Third Generation brainwash him.

"I don't mind."

Kushina glanced at Minato and gave a small nod.

Although she still thought Minato's mild-mannered demeanor was a little girly, they were friends now. There was nothing wrong with sparing a thought for his feelings.

"Um... would that really be okay?"

Minato raised his head, his eyes slightly red as he stared at Xunjing, visibly moved.

Xunjing really wasn't like those other kids from the big clans.

Not only did he normally put on no airs and willingly make friends with him, but now he was even taking the initiative to help him.

An indescribable wave of gratitude surged through Minato Namikaze. His mouth opened and closed, but for a long while, he couldn't get a single word out.

Xunjing glanced at the system panel. Well, damn. That little gesture had sent Minato's favorability up by ten points, bringing it to 65.

"Why wouldn't it be okay? We're going to train anyway. Isn't it better to improve together?"

Xunjing smiled and waved a hand, his tone utterly casual. "We're friends, aren't we?"

Honestly, even without considering the benefits, he was happy to associate with someone like Minato. At least he didn't harbor any scheming thoughts, so there was no need to worry about him stabbing you in the back someday.

Minato hesitated, then scratched his head sheepishly. "But I don't know the Shadow Clone Technique. The only time I have to practice is after school... would that really be all right?"

"That's no big deal."

Xunjing waved dismissively, his voice carrying a note of certainty. "Minato, I believe in your talent and your future. Consider it an early investment. I can teach you the Shadow Clone Technique, along with other ninjutsu that suit you. Once you've made something of yourself, you can repay me and the village. What do you say? Are you up for it?"

Worried that Minato would keep dithering and turn him down, he simply provoked him a little.

His own thinking was clear enough: by the time this kid truly matured, the village would probably belong to Uchiha Xunjing anyway.

"I am! Why wouldn't I be?"

Sure enough, stirred up by the challenge, Minato nodded decisively.

But once that rush of enthusiasm passed, he rubbed the back of his head sheepishly again, looking at Xunjing with a hint of hesitation. "But wouldn't that... leave me owing you a bit too much?"

He didn't even know whether he would ever be able to repay such a favor.

Xunjing had more confidence in him than he had in himself.

"Then pay me back little by little. I'm not worried about how much you'll owe me, so why are you?"

Xunjing casually patted Minato's shoulder, his tone brisk and decisive. "It's settled."

"Thanks, Xunjing."

Minato's eyes were full of gratitude, and his throat tightened.

In all his life, this was the first time anyone had treated him so well or thought so highly of him.

He silently swore that from now on, Xunjing would be his best friend for life.

At the same time, Xunjing received a system notification: Minato's favorability had soared all the way to 84 points.

Whoa, that high? Doesn't that mean I can form a contract with him right now?

Xunjing kept his expression unchanged, but inwardly, he was startled.

Then again, they had only known each other for a few days. Bringing up a contract right away would be far too calculating.

I'll wait a few more days. First, I'll teach him the Shadow Clone Technique and a few ninjutsu like I promised, solidify his favorability, and bring it up afterward.

His favorability had risen so sharply that it left Xunjing feeling a little uncomfortable.

All he could say was that Minato had a pure heart.

"Come on, head home with me first. I'll teach you the Shadow Clone Technique. The rest can wait."

Xunjing turned to Kushina. "Let's split up here today, then. Go ask Grandma Mito what she thinks, but don't push her if she says no."

"Sure, no problem. You two go on ahead." Kushina nodded, waved, then turned and ran off.

Xunjing patted Minato's shoulder. "Come on. We should head back too."

The two soon entered the Uchiha Clan Compound.

Along the way, quite a few clan members eyed them curiously.

"Back already, Xunjing? Is this your friend?" A middle-aged man approached them and struck up a conversation.

Xunjing replied with a smile. "Uncle Shiyu, how was business at the shop today?"

"Not bad, but today's my last day there. The clan's pharmacy opens tomorrow, and I have to go help run it." Uchiha Shiyu sounded eager.

He had already seen the new medicines ahead of time.

He knew perfectly well that once those medicines hit the shelves, there would be no shortage of customers.

As long as they sold, the clan shouldn't have to worry about funding anymore.

The recent reforms had been burning through money.

The Clan Academy, the Police Force, the new rewards, punishments, and benefits system-every single one cost money.

"Oh? It's opening tomorrow? That's great news." Xunjing's eyes lit up.

Over the past few days, he had only set aside two hours a day to make medicine and had barely concerned himself with anything else.

He hadn't expected his mother to move so quickly.

Looks like I'll have to put in some extra hours and build up more stock, or there won't be nearly enough to sell.

Xunjing mulled it over.

He actually wanted to hand this work over to someone else too.

But at the moment, there was no one both suitable and reliable.

Many of the medicinal ingredients required materials from Sea Kings, or the medicines demanded too high a medicine-making level.