Chapter 3 - Chapter 3: Some work and friends

Mutsuy Sarutobi was throwing a small party for his friends at his home—today, he turned 13.

Beside him, his little flower, Aiko Shimura, smiled radiantly. Holding Mutsuy's hand, she couldn't help but feel safe and cherished.

Jiraiya was busy bothering Kaori Utatane, boasting about how big and powerful he was.

Meanwhile, Orochimaru was engaged in a conversation with Mutsuy, Tsunade, and Kashimoto.

Despite his reluctance, Mutsuy never let his friends feel left behind. Just as it happened with Orochimaru, each of them had awakened a special power. Mutsuy didn't want his friends seeking power outside the village, like the sacred lands of the beasts. He had his own project with Orochimaru and Tsunade, one focused on human potential.

"You want to become a little animal and hop around like a rabbit? Not here! In this Konoha, we are human—the natural predators. How dare a mere beast call itself a Sage? I, Mutsuy, declare myself the greatest Sage! Whoever wishes to challenge that, let's have some tea and settle our differences!"

That was Mutsuy's philosophy—simple and straightforward.

Just like him, everyone had already settled into the house of the Elite Jonin. Each of them specialized in their own field to ensure Tsunade wasn't alone in the often painful path of medical ninjutsu. From the very beginning, Mutsuy had considered that Kaori and Aiko should train to become medical ninjutsu specialists.

With that in mind, he and Orochimaru extensively studied healing techniques, from the most basic to the greatest in history. They even recovered lost medical ninjutsu and developed new ones based on old data.

Since Tobirama's time, Konoha had already established a medical system. But today, thanks to Mutsuy's futuristic ideas and the advancement of sealing jutsu, it had become the most advanced on the planet. Cases of poisoning, cellular diseases, and genetic disorders were now easily resolved.

Mutsuy kept a small research journal with his friends, where they documented every idea from conception to final product. This method became widely used across Konoha, particularly in the medical department and interrogation division. You wouldn't believe the crazy ideas these people had—and how often they worked.

It was said that the most feared place in the interrogation department was the "Pink Room," created by a tiny old woman who resembled a frog and always dressed in pink. Using a mix of seals, she designed a pen that imprinted whatever was written on paper onto the target's arm—every single word.

Feeling a bit warm, Mutsuy realized that puberty was knocking on his door. He couldn't help but glance at Aiko with a bit of frustration. She was right there, all cheerful, but she kept poking him under his clothes. As a good shinobi, Mutsuy wasn't about to fall victim to this psychological torture—he maintained his composure.

Seeing Jiraiya grinning like an idiot, Mutsuy spoke up, "So, Jiraiya-kun, did you finish that hair jutsu you were talking about? What was the name again? Jiho… Jiko… JIZO, right? Needles Jizo."

Jiraiya beamed. "Of course! I, the great Jiraiya, declare myself the greatest hair manipulator in this world!"

Everyone burst out laughing at his pompous declaration. Mutsuy smirked. "Damn it, Jiraiya… that's my line! Are you looking for a wife too?"

He then threw a side glance at Kaori. Realizing Mutsuy was watching her, she immediately buried her face into Jiraiya's clothes, completely embarrassed. Jiraiya, clueless as ever, smiled and said, "See? Little Kaori understands my greatness!"

Patting her head playfully, he added, "Yoshi, yoshi, I'm here for you."

Now blushing down to her toes, Kaori twisted Jiraiya's ear and pouted dramatically.

At that moment, everyone laughed.

Mutsuy then looked at them seriously. "Guys, you must have noticed by now—the war is coming. In the next four years at most, we'll be in the middle of it. I hope all of you prepare yourselves as best as possible."

The atmosphere shifted. Orochimaru nodded solemnly. "I'll work hard."

The others agreed.

Jiraiya, sensing the change in mood, sighed. "I'm in trouble… it's difficult for me."

Mutsuy smiled. "Relax, Jiraiya. Your latent power is about to awaken. Imagine going to sleep and waking up in your full, glorious form as the Emperor of Needles Jizo!"

Jiraiya nodded. "I'll work hard, Ni-san."

Mutsuy grinned and tossed a notebook to him. "When you're alone, read my notes based on your idea. Maybe it'll help you clear your mind and find the right path. I even made diagrams of the human body, mapping how I think chakra should flow for the perfect launch technique. You can test it later."

Jiraiya went completely silent. If you looked at him, he was staring at the notebook like it was the treasure of the Six Paths.

Mutsuy stood up. "Alright, everyone, I'm heading to my room. I have some things to take care of tomorrow. I've already prepared your rooms—just ask the butler to show you the way."

And with that, Mutsuy left, taking Aiko with him to his room.

Once inside, he took off his shirt, lay on the bed, put on his reading glasses to rest his eyes, and started flipping through a magazine. Meanwhile, Aiko, now in her pajamas, was beside him, playfully nibbling on his arm.

After a few pages, Mutsuy spoke. "Aiko, I think I've hit puberty. You know what that means, right?"

Aiko immediately hid under his arm, her face completely red.

He pulled her up gently and asked again, "You understand what that means?"

She nodded. "Yes… Don't worry, I've been waiting for you for a long time."

Without another word, she pounced on him, and they began a session of passionate kissing. (Just kisses—steamy ones, but still just kisses.)

"Anyone who litters or dirties the street will work for two years in the recycling industry without pay. Think it's an empty threat? Ha, rookie. If we go to the industry right now, you'd be shocked at the number of wrongdoers paying for their environmental crimes. Long live the green! Long live the planet! Cough cough cough" Suddenly, Mutsuy got emotional.

Sitting on his stool, shop open, everything automated, a cup of tea beside him, he continued scribbling notes. Soon, a customer entered. At a glance, Mutsuy could see it was an Uchiha.

"Pleasure to meet you. My name is Mutsuy Sarutobi. How may I help you?" He handed over the list of available items and their prices. The Uchiha, acknowledging the efficiency, said, "Sarutobi-dono, I need 2,000 shurikens, 50 katanas, and 1,200 kunai."

"Of course, just swipe your card here for a 10% discount." Mutsuy pulled out a sealing device. "That will be 240,000 ryos, Uchiha-san."

Payment was made promptly, and soon, a member of the Sarutobi clan arrived, placing crates on the counter.

"Have a good day, Uchiha-san." Mutsuy returned to his stool, noting which clan bought what, as his uncle had requested.

Not long after, an older gentleman arrived, claiming to own a shop in central Konoha that conducted international sales.

Mutsuy furrowed his brows. "Sure, but since you're not from Konoha, the prices are 50% higher. Still interested?"

The man nodded. "Of course. Your materials are excellent."

"In that case, you're limited to 30 units of each weapon."

"Very well. I'll take 30 kunai and 30 senbon." He smiled.

"That will be 100,000 ryos due to the surcharge."

The man paid, took his crates, and left.

Mutsuy pressed a button, and a Root operative appeared. "Mutsuy-sama, what's the situation?"

Mutsuy handed over a photo and details of the recent transaction. "I suspect he's an espionage agent probing our metal supply chains. You know what to do. Bring me a final report when it's done. If possible, find out who sent him." He pointed to the insignia on the crate. "You may summon two additional teams to assist. Now go."

Sigh "Thirty senbon... I bet it's Kirigakure. Hmph. They won't wait long."

Mutsuy resumed scribbling in his notebook, filled with seals related to long-distance communication and intelligence gathering. That's right—he was developing a military-grade Sealing Telephone Jutsu. After running calculations, he gathered the necessary components, mindful that radio waves could be intercepted. Instead, each phone was linked to the Hokage's command center. Commanders and infiltration teams would have their own units. The security was simple—if escape was impossible, destroy the device. No need to be dramatic, just quietly get rid of it, understand?

Hours later, he screwed the final panel into place. Testing the device, he called over an ANBU operative working with metal mesh.

"ANBU-san, pick this up."

The operative saw the screen light up, displaying an option to answer without emitting a sound. He pressed the button.

"ANBU-san, please don't overexert yourself, hehe."

The ANBU was stunned. Such a device was actually possible? "Young master, this is incredible."

Packing the prototypes into a secure, chakra-sealed case, Mutsuy headed to the Hokage's office, where a clan leaders' meeting was underway. He stood quietly beside the Hokage, waiting.

Once the meeting concluded, only Danzo and Hiruzen remained.

"Uncles, to improve our communication, I created these babies." Opening the case, two devices resembling compact scrolls with seals covering their surfaces were revealed.

"Now, each of you, take one. Uncle Danzo, press the green button. Uncle Hiruzen, press the green button to answer. Good. Now, Uncle Danzo, say something."

After repeated tests, sighs of realization filled the room.

Mutsuy grinned. "I can set up a network in every department, all linked to the Hokage's office. And—" He pushed open a side door. "Uncle, you don't use this room, right? We could install the intelligence hub here. It'll be right next to you. If something urgent arises, the designated officer can reach you immediately. What do you think?"

Hiruzen glanced at the room. "This... actually sounds like a good idea. Make the arrangements."

"Uncle Danzo, do you need this system in Root as well?"

"Yes, I want a secure network within Root, connected to the Hokage's office."

"Very well. It will be ready in a week."

A week later, Konoha was connected. The medical department, logistics office—each receiving their devices. A logistics officer picked up the black receiver, selected the hospital line, and called.

Soon, a man's voice answered. "Moshi moshi."

"Raito-san, I need a supply order for the hospital. I'll start dictating. Get ready."

Meanwhile, in his office, the Hokage was reviewing paperwork when his phone rang. Only key personnel were authorized to contact him directly—this was one of them. It was the ANBU Commander.

"Lord Third, we have completed our mission on the Grass Country border. However, as we were about to leave, we spotted a convoy from the Land of Earth carrying supplies. Any specific orders?"

Hiruzen pondered for a moment. "Maintain surveillance. Try to determine their final destination, but do not engage. Once you've confirmed, you may return."

Hiruzen, still young but already fond of his pipe, took a slow puff and exhaled. "Looks like preparations are well underway..."