[First argument with girlfriend Tsunade: Reward - Earth Release: Earthquake Core.]
[Girlfriend Tsunade's first time acting like a cat: Reward - Harem Technique.]
[First time watching a festival with girlfriend Tsunade: Reward - Wood Release: Multiple Pillars.]
[First time spanking girlfriend Tsunade: Reward - Wood Release: All Encompassing Technique.]
The four consecutive system notifications left Haruki feeling satisfied, but what was the deal with the Harem Technique!
He would never use such a shameful jutsu.
A reward wasted.
Haruki recalled his memories as he walked to the Uchiha district.
He wasn't looking for Uchiha Mikoto or Obito, but for the Cat Granny.
Besides, Obito had been avoiding Haruki since last night's performance.
Such a pity he couldn't share the joy with him.
Haruki shook his head.
He stopped in front of the Cat Granny's weapon shop.
It was only seven or eight in the morning, but the place was already packed with customers.
Haruki raised an eyebrow. He didn't believe people came this early to buy weapons.
Moreover, this shop mainly catered to the Uchiha.
He silently slipped into the store and listened for a while, then smiled.
It seemed he had won the bet with the Cat Granny.
But he shook his head at her approach.
She didn't know how to make money.
Still using the old methods: missions, intelligence selling, or summoning contracts, and rejecting the weak.
"Cat Granny."
Hearing the familiar voice, the Cat Granny saw Haruki.
Her expression became stern.
She hadn't noticed him at all.
If he had wanted to assassinate her, she wouldn't have had time to react.
A medical ninja with such stealth skills, truly remarkable.
"Haruki, can you explain this to me?"
The Cat Granny handed things over to Hina and approached Haruki.
"Are you talking about the current situation?"
Haruki saw her nod and smiled mysteriously. "It's because you don't understand the charm of cats."
"The charm of cats?"
The Cat Granny repeated several times, still not understanding.
"It's hard to explain. Once we open a cat café together, you'll understand."
Haruki pointed at Hina, who was struggling to manage the crowd, but the people weren't angry; their eyes were bright.
"They aren't here for the ninja cats, but for the cats."
The Cat Granny was even more puzzled.
A ninja cat was just a cat, wasn't it?
"Take a look at this."
Haruki handed her a plan for the cat café. "This outlines our joint venture. In short, you provide the cats, I provide the venue, and we split the profits."
"Not a summoning contract? Using cats to entertain guests?"
The Cat Granny quickly read it and, both surprised and curious, asked, "Can this really make money?"
"Of course. We can leverage the momentum from last night's festival to save on advertising."
The Cat Granny thought for a moment. The plan was favorable to her since it required almost no cost.
The ninja cat clan had many idle members. They would just be in a different location.
"I agree to your terms."
The Cat Granny signed the plan, making it a contract. "I'll gather the ninja cats to come to Konoha tomorrow."
"Let's use the ninja cats I hired last night."
"That works too."
"Tomorrow, the Konoha Daily will promote our opening, with free cat petting for the first three days."
Haruki smiled. Free things are the most expensive. Petting cats is addictive. Once they get used to it, it's hard to stop, and then we'll charge.
"One more thing: if anyone wants to buy a ninja cat or sign a summoning contract, don't agree. Change it to a rental agreement."
"Why?"
"Things obtained too easily are not cherished. The harder it is to get, the more they want it, and the more they'll be willing to pay."
The Cat Granny's eyes widened, looking at Haruki's calm expression.
A thought crossed her mind: Are you a devil?
I'm not suited for business after all.
"Happy cooperation." Haruki extended his hand, smiling.
"Happy cooperation."
The Cat Granny shook hands and then addressed the crowd, "Everyone, if you're interested in cats, please come to the new cat café next door at 9 a.m. tomorrow."
"So annoying, meow."
Hina jumped in front of Haruki, scared by the enthusiastic humans.
In just a few minutes, it felt many grubby hands had petted its beautiful fur.
"It's because you're cute, Miss Hina, meow."
Haruki mimicked her speech, handed her a golden ball, and petted her head.
Hina hummed in comfort, not refusing due to the bribe.
Once the customers left, the weapon shop quieted down.
Seeing Haruki petting Hina, the Cat Granny chuckled, "Didn't expect Hina to like you."
Haruki shrugged.
It doesn't like me, just my money.
He withdrew his hand, saying, "Business is settled. I'll leave now. Tomorrow, I'll send someone to manage the cat café."
Since graduating from the Ninja Academy's higher grades, Haruki hadn't taught students anymore.
Too busy.
War ended, then festival preparations began.
Now, he was going to Sunagakure.
No time to play with the familiar kids.
Like Uchiha Obito, Hatake Kakashi, Sarutobi Asuma, and Kurenai Yuhi.
He arrived at the Third Training Ground.
It was almost exclusively used by Minato Namikaze, Kushina Uzumaki, and Mikoto Uchiha.
Haruki squinted his eyes.
He saw Kushina and Minato sparring.
"Teacher."
Mikoto, who was squatting and petting a fox, stood up.
The little fox, missing its massage, nuzzled Mikoto's white socks.
Haruki nodded, watching the sparring. "Minato's progress is beyond my expectations, but Kushina's sealing techniques aren't suitable for direct combat."
"Yes, Kushina mentioned that, but I only know Fire Release."
Haruki pondered.
Kushina has wind, water, and yin chakra nature transformations.
Learning the Rasengan could be a good move.
But her son's Rasengan variants are mostly linked to the Tailed Beast and Sage Mode.
For now, the A-rank Wind Release: Rasengan would be best.
Perhaps it's better for Kushina to learn from Mito Uzumaki.
With that thought, Haruki made his decision.
He was going to Sunagakure, and Kushina couldn't go. Even if he agreed, Hiruzen Sarutobi wouldn't.
So, he'd take Minato and Mikoto.
Haruki raised his head as their sparring ended.
Seeing Kushina's frustrated expression, he waved her over, "Kushina, this afternoon, Tsunade will take you somewhere that can help you defeat Minato."
"Really?"
Kushina cheered, running over to hug him. "Thank you, Teacher!"
Seeing this, Minato couldn't help but look envious.