After departing from the Hokage Building, Kirito didn't immediately proceed to meet with Mito to assess his soul qualifications.
Instead, he headed back to school. It was still during school hours, and visiting Mito at this time would likely result in a scolding, making her upset.
Moreover, Mito's health had been deteriorating recently, causing her to spend more time bedridden.
Kirito needed to wait for a more opportune moment when Mito was out of bed.
Kirito had already mastered most of the school's curriculum. Since the upcoming classes were theoretical and didn't require hands-on activities, he left a shadow clone in class to diligently study a pharmacology book given to him by Nara Shisui. Meanwhile, his real self discreetly roamed the village.
"Counting... there are fifteen individuals in total. They appear to be two Anbu squads assigned to follow and monitor me. Quite the elaborate shadowing," Kirito thought to himself as he strolled through the streets. He covertly expanded his sensory abilities to ascertain the number and positions of those who had been tailing him.
These individuals had been tailing Kirito since his departure from the Hokage Building. There was no doubt that they were members of Anbu, although it was unclear whether they were directly under the Hokage or affiliated with the Root.
However, it was evident that he was the target of their surveillance. More precisely, he was being used as bait to lure out certain individuals.
Kirito had anticipated this situation from the moment he used the Magnetic Escape technique. Given its status as the renowned bloodline limit of the Sand Ninja Village and the current Kazekage's possession of the same ability, it was inevitable that Konoha would seek to prevent it from falling into their hands.
To elude a shadow-level powerhouse and the leader of Sand Ninja Village himself was an exhilarating thought.
Indeed, it was exhilarating, but it was accompanied by neither tension nor fear. Kirito recognized that no matter how formidable the Third Kazekage might be, he would never personally venture to Konoha to eliminate a child like him. Kirito was now under the village's protection and therefore quite safe.
While he roamed the village, Kirito indulged in various culinary delights, spending money generously to satisfy his appetite. He made impulsive purchases whenever he encountered food he enjoyed.
Observing Kirito's delighted consumption of various delicacies throughout the village, the Anbu ninja who had been silently tailing him couldn't help but feel envious. They wondered how this seemingly ordinary orphan had amassed such wealth. The Anbu ninja in the cat mask watched as Kirito entered a high-end snack shop, where he promptly ordered twenty skewers of three-color meatballs. The ninja couldn't help but voice her envy.
"Isn't this kid supposed to be an orphan on record? How does he have so much money? Those three-color meatballs at that dim sum shop are delicious but incredibly expensive. Each skewer costs 200 yen, and he just ordered twenty of them."
The Anbu ninja with the cat mask mused with a tinge of jealousy upon witnessing Kirito's extravagant order.
"That was the situation a year ago. This kid isn't an ordinary brat. He's Mito-sama's proud disciple. He joined the sealing class as an intern a year ago and is now the leader of the sealing class. This shows that he has considerable expertise in sealing techniques. In fact, this kid excels at crafting sealing symbols and scrolls. He often creates them privately and sells them, amassing considerable wealth."
The Anbu ninja with the dog-head mask, who had once purchased a seal talisman crafted by Kirito, explained to a newly recruited Anbu colleague with a trace of bitterness in his voice. The sealing class's leader earned a significantly higher salary than regular Anbu members, and the work was less demanding and safer. Additionally, the seal talismans and scrolls created by Kirito were high-level strategic materials that commanded exorbitant prices. A single seal talisman could cost as much as a month's salary.
Kirito's value had risen considerably, making him one of the wealthiest individuals in the village if he refrained from spending money recklessly.
sealing techniques was a complex ninjutsu field mastered by highly intellectual ninja. It was a powerful ninjutsu capable of subduing even Tailed Beasts and Otsutsuki Kaguya, making it invaluable. When ordinary ninja were sealed using this technique, even jounin-level shinobi typically had no means of escape. Undead ninja who had been reanimated using the Edo Tensei were also susceptible to the sealing technique's effects, further highlighting its significance. As such, items like sealing talismans and scrolls, which allowed individuals without knowledge of the sealing technique to utilize its power, were highly sought after and exorbitantly priced.
Nonetheless, no one complained about the steep prices, as these valuable items could be lifesavers in critical situations.
The Anbu ninja with the dog-head mask had once purchased a seal talisman crafted by Kirito, albeit not directly from him. He had no idea how many hands it had passed through before reaching him. The seal talismans and scrolls created by Kirito bore the initials "MITR" on their backs as production labels.
Since his creations were consistently of high quality, Kirito had gained recognition in the market for seal talismans and scrolls. He was affectionately referred to as Konoha's youngest sealing master by many merchants.
"It's so impressive. This kid is only eight years old and already wealthier than me."
Having learned of Kirito's abilities, the Anbu ninja with the cat mask was dumbfounded beneath her mask, expressing her desire to learn the sealing technique immediately.
The other silent Anbu ninja nodded in agreement, contemplating the prospect of diligently studying the sealing technique upon returning.
"Calm down, you two. If you have money, it's a sign of your abilities. Don't forget how challenging it is to learn fuuinjutsu. Without sufficient intelligence, it's futile to even think about it. Don't let your imagination run wild and instead focus on tracking and safeguarding him."
The squad leader of the Anbu team, noticing the wavering focus of his subordinates, reminded them firmly.
Following the squad leader's admonishment, the Anbu team resumed their vigilant surveillance of Kirito.
Kirito continued to wander through the food street, indulging in various culinary delights. Eventually, he arrived at a restaurant named "Yakushi Gourmet House. "
As he entered the establishment, he was warmly greeted by a beautiful blonde woman. She wore a gentle, healing smile and round-rimmed glasses that gave her an intellectual and attractive appearance. It was Nono, known for her adult-like demeanor.
"Why do you have the time to visit today?" inquired Yakushi Nono, her expression reflecting her curiosity.
"I'm here for business," Kirito replied with a mischievous grin.
As Kirito spoke, others began entering the restaurant. They were the transformed Anbu operatives.
Upon seeing these individuals, Yakushi Nono expression subtly changed. Simultaneously, the two middle-aged individuals sitting in a corner of the restaurant, leisurely sipping tea, ceased their conversation and turned their attention to the newcomers who had entered alongside Kirito.
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Over the course of two years, Kirito had transformed from an ordinary orphan into a ninja with the strength of a Chunin. He had also acquired proficiency in an excellent sealing technique and developed his own magnetic ninjutsu. These changes marked significant growth.
Similarly, Kirito's friends from the orphanage had also undergone substantial transformations during these two years.
Among them, the most remarkable change was seen in Yakushi Nono. Despite not attending ninja school, she had diligently trained every day after regular school hours, under Kirito's guidance. Her hard work had turned her into a powerful ninja who had mastered three different body techniques and several water escape ninjutsu. Her chakra control skills were outstanding, and she displayed remarkable talent.
Moreover, Nono had managed the restaurant efficiently over the past two years. She incorporated various hometown dishes taught by Kirito and added local flavors to create special dishes that catered to the tastes of the locals. This had significantly boosted the popularity of the "Yakushi Gourmet Restaurant," making it one of Konoha's most sought-after dining establishments.
Under her management, the restaurant had not only expanded in size but had also opened two additional branches. Today, Yakushi Gourmet House generated substantial daily income, serving as a crucial source of funding for the orphanage and Kirito's various activities.
Nono was a proactive individual who cared deeply about the orphanage's development. As the orphanage grew wealthier, she proposed a plan to Kirito to hire ninja for its protection. By assigning missions to the village, she had hired ninjas to safeguard the orphanage and employed some retired ninjas as pharmacists to protect the Gourmet House.
Her initiative to employ disabled ninjas had received strong support from the Third Hokage. Who had actively promoted the idea throughout the village.
Nono inquired in a hushed tone, "Who are those people?"
She was an astute individual, well-versed in observing people due to her work in the restaurant. With a single glance, she could tell that the individuals accompanying Kirito were not ordinary.
Kirito chose not to answer her verbally but instead donned a mask. Understanding his intention, Nono anxiously asked, "What have you done?"
Kirito didn't provide a verbal response but instead handed her a prepared note. He then turned and left the Yakushi Gourmet House.
The Anbu operatives originally thought Kirito had come for a hearty meal, and they, too, were eager to indulge themselves. However, Kirito left almost immediately, leaving them somewhat frustrated. They were tasked with following and protecting him, so they had no choice but to follow him, feeling somewhat disgruntled.
Once Kirito and the Anbu operatives had departed, Yakushi Nono quickly read the note that Kirito had secretly given her. She swiftly made her way to two disabled middle-aged men who were sitting in a corner of the restaurant, their faces filled with concern.
"Uncle Yun, Uncle Lei, I need your assistance," Yakushi Nono said respectfully.
Yun and Ye Lei were both ordinary ninjas from Konoha's commoner class. Due to injuries sustained on the battlefield that had left them with only one hand each, they had become disabled ninjas and were forced to retire.
Despite their disabled status, they retained the pride of seasoned ninjas. Although they had lost one hand, they compensated with their physical prowess, simple one handed or seal-less ninjutsu, and extensive combat experience, making them elite Chunin-level fighters.
They had accepted employment at the Gourmet House because it offered them a stable source of income, a necessity given their modest pensions. Life had been challenging for them and their families until Kirito and the Senju Clan extended their helping hands.
Nawaki employment proposal was accepted, thanks to Kirito's negotiation with the Hyuga Clan. In return, a female member of the Hyuga Clan had become Kirito's junior sister and joined Nawaki to study sealing techniques under Mito's guidance.
Nono expressed her gratitude, saying, "Thank you both."
She then explained the content of the note that Kirito had handed her.
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That's it. Hope you liked the chapter !
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