Konoha, Chiba Commercial Street.
Tetsuya walked down the street he had funded and built, with all kinds of shops lining both sides of the bustling thoroughfare.
A third of the shops along the street were run by merchants from their Chiba Commerce Association. The rest were operated by Konoha's various shinobi clans and other wealthy, influential merchants.
As he walked along, quite a few merchants took the initiative to greet him.
"Hello, Young Master Satoru!"
"Young Master Satoru, come try our latest shipment of fruit."
"Long time no see, Young Master Satoru. The last time I saw you at the casino..."
"Hello, everyone! Hope you're all doing well."
Tetsuya cheerfully returned their greetings. He hadn't expected so many people to recognize him.
Still, it wasn't surprising. As Chiba Tetsuya's "grandson," even if he rarely showed his face, anyone who wanted to get to know him would certainly find a way.
Besides, Tetsuya had often gone out under Chiba Satoru's identity. And that kid Chiba Satoru was a force to be reckoned with at the casinos. He had already earned himself the title of the Shinobi World's Gambling God.
How badass was that? He won every time he gambled.
There was no helping it. His grandson's ability was practically cheating when used for gambling. He could hear other people's thoughts and knew exactly what cards they held. Of course he won every time.
A group of children ran past on the street.
They looked only four or five years old, and their noisy racket annoyed Tetsuya, who usually spent his time alone and preferred peace and quiet.
"Don't run! Why won't you play with me, believe it!"
A little blond kid followed behind the group, waving his little hands and shouting loudly, looking rather upset.
"This kid?"
Tetsuya narrowed his eyes