The golden-haired girl blinked her sparkling eyes in surprise. "Really? That's amazing! Boss, you're incredible! No other store has ever managed such a scale!"
"Haha!" The spring merchant felt elated, thumping his chest confidently. "If you need anything, just let me know! I'll get it arranged right away, and no matter how much you buy, everything's half price!"
"Wow! Boss, I admire you so much!" The girl's eyes lit up as she playfully rubbed against his arm.
While caught up in the moment, she spoke up, "My family runs a farm, specializing in cattle products. I need a thousand sets of various supporting facilities and ten tons of cattle feed."
"I know we don't have it in stock right now, but I need it urgently. Thankfully, you're such a great person! How long will it take for me to receive my order?"
"Not a problem!" The spring merchant calculated quickly, grinning widely. "I'll take care of everything for you! You'll have it all ready in three days."
"Boss, you really are generous! Only you could have such confidence. Thank you! I'll come back in three days to pick up the goods. Can you also arrange for someone to help deliver everything?" She pointed to the pile of items she had previously purchased.
"Of course! Hey, you there! Hurry up! Can't you see what needs to be done?" The spring merchant turned to his staff, suddenly adopting a commanding tone.
"I'll take my leave now. Thank you so much!" the golden-haired girl exclaimed.
"It's the least I could do," he replied, seeing her off with a warm smile.
As she exited, he thought, Hmm, I seem to have forgotten something... Oh well, it doesn't matter. That girl is really something. Once I have the goods ready, heh heh heh, getting the half-price deal won't come without a little effort. The spring merchant chuckled mischievously.
Did she really think he was foolish? Just because his name was Spring Merchant didn't mean he was a simpleton—he never dropped the ball when it came to attractive women.
Not far away, the cashier opened her mouth several times but hesitated to speak. The boss was lost in his daydreams, and if she interrupted, she'd likely face his wrath, risking her job in the process.
But… that woman hadn't even paid a deposit for her order, nor had she settled the bill for her previous purchases. Was that really acceptable?
Forget it, she concluded. The boss is too shrewd to overlook that.
She was just a lowly cashier; better not do anything that would make the boss dislike her.
Moreover, the spring merchant hadn't even given her a chance to speak, quickly leaving with a beaming expression.
Before long, the staff member who would help with deliveries returned.
"Back so soon? Does that woman live nearby?" the cashier asked in surprise.
The delivery staff shrugged. "I don't know. She just told me to drop the items in a deserted alley. It was easier for me, saved a lot of effort."
The cashier blinked, feeling something was off.
But never mind, it wasn't her business.
In the alley outside, the golden-haired girl formed a seal and swiftly transformed back into Naruto.
Naruto clicked his tongue. "What a fool. Just a little show and she's dazzled. I really don't understand how the original fell for someone so dim. There's always someone dumber out there."
He split off several shadow clones and transformed into an ordinary laborer to haul the goods home.
This store was the only one in the village willing to sell supplies to Naruto, and their inventory was quite extensive.
Everything from paints, milk, to instant noodles was bought from this shop.
However, the prices were exorbitantly high.
Not only were the prices marked up several times, but the quality was also subpar.
Either the products were expired, clearance items, or leftover stock no one wanted.
But there was no choice; the original was not very bright, and he was just grateful someone was willing to sell him anything.
As for the current Naruto, he had a score to settle, and grievances to address.
He had just bought everything he needed for living all at once, and the food supplies were sufficient for months.
As for the cattle farm facilities, did they even exist?
In any case, three days later, the leader of the Uzumaki clan, the over-thirty spring merchant, would find himself being chased around the clan grounds by his mother, Uzumaki Kokura, wielding a rattan stick, causing quite the commotion, eventually attracting the attention of the Third Hokage…
Oh wait, the Third was there to mediate, but that had nothing to do with Naruto.
Once he had settled the trivial matters at home, he was still waiting for Uzuki Yuugao's summon. Naruto kept a shadow clone behind while preparing to head to the Land of Waves.
After careful consideration, he concluded that he should also set up a home outside of Konoha.
Given his personality, it was likely that one day, he wouldn't be able to remain in Konoha, and he needed an escape route.
Besides, while Konoha had many beauties, there were plenty throughout the entire shinobi world. He couldn't just bring every girl he fancied back to Konoha.
That would require various excuses and identity arrangements, which would be overly complicated.
Considering all of this, establishing a stronghold was the best option.
The Land of Waves, located at the intersection of the Fire and Water Nations, was geographically secluded and abundant in fisheries—definitely a great choice.
Bringing along Yukimi, they left behind numerous Flying Thunder God seals along the way. After two days of travel, they finally arrived at the Land of Waves.
This was an island nation without military power, under the control of the capitalist Kado.
Once Naruto replaced Kado, the entire Land of Waves would fall into his grasp.
Conveniently, Kado's home was a large manor, perfectly suitable for Naruto and his future partners to reside.
"From now on, I'll be known as Menma!" Naruto declared, customizing an outfit identical to Menma's, complete with a black cloak and mask.
"Naruto… Menma, what do you plan to do?" Yukimi asked, puzzled.
Naruto smiled calmly. "What I intend to do can't remain low-key. To prevent my true identity from being exposed, it's necessary to conceal myself."
This identity wasn't suitable for misdeeds; he would leave that to Menma.
"Should I also disguise myself?" Yukimi asked, already aware of Naruto's circumstances and unfazed by it.
"No need," Naruto replied evenly. "If it weren't for timing, I wouldn't have to hide at all. And as my woman, I'll make sure you never feel wronged."
"I want not only to grow stronger myself but to make the women around me shine, to be noticed and admired by the world."
"However, the current shinobi world is fraught with undercurrents and many unseen threats."
He understood the principle of not sticking out like a sore thumb; being too conspicuous would only draw unwanted attention to him.
No matter how capable he was, it would ultimately be a losing battle.
It was better to let things unfold as they were meant to, so he could maintain control and get what he wanted from it all.
"Naruto…" Yukimi said, her gaze softening. "I want to see a glimpse of your brilliance first."
Damn it, she had stirred something in him!
Both of them silently cursed in their minds, then found a place to study how to unleash that brilliance.
Of course, they didn't forget to seal off the Nine-Tails' external perception in the meantime.