231-235

Chapter 231 Another Gold Explosion! 

Originally, Shindai thought Jiraiya and Hiruzen Sarutobi were loaded, thinking their investment would get his shop more than halfway done. 

But after all that talking, and even making a sample, he only managed to scrounge up 1.2 million ryo. 

That kind of money would barely cover the rent, and he couldn't do anything else with it. The materials for making puppets, especially ones meant to look as real as possible, weren't cheap, you know! 

Jiraiya looked at the downcast Shindai and asked, confused, "1.2 million ryo isn't a small amount! Shouldn't that be enough to open a shop? How big of a place are you trying to open, anyway, to need so much money?" 

Shindai's face was a mess. "I told you, just this one sample costs over 100,000 ryo to make! I'm not exaggerating. When I open the shop, I need to have a few more samples on display, plus research and development costs for new versions, and all the other little expenses. I have to front all that money myself. 1.2 million ryo just isn't enough." 

Hiruzen Sarutobi's jaw dropped. "It really costs over 100,000 ryo? Then how much do you plan to sell the finished product for?" 

Shindai held up three fingers. "For the first generation, I'm planning three tiers. The first tier, with just simple voice interaction, will sell for 250,000 ryo. The second tier is like the Maria No. 1 we have now—it can do voice interaction and simple movements. I'm thinking 350,000 ryo for that. 

And the third tier... you can make requests for things like body type, appearance, and so on. It's completely customizable! Plus, when new versions come out, if new features can be added to your existing puppet, you just pay to upgrade it. If not, you can get a discount on the new version. The first two tiers don't get that service. 

So, the third tier will be a bit more expensive, priced at 600,000 ryo. What do you think? Pretty reasonable, right?" 

Jiraiya and Hiruzen Sarutobi's mouths were slightly agape as they stared blankly at Shindai. "That price... will anyone actually buy them? That's too expensive!" 

Shindai corrected them. "Hey, how can you say that? I told you, this is for emotional support! Can emotional support be measured by price? And I think this price is very reasonable. A bowl of Ichiraku Ramen with char siu is 400 ryo now. If you just eat 625 fewer bowls of ramen, you can buy a first-tier puppet! Doesn't that make sense?" 

Jiraiya and Hiruzen Sarutobi thought about it. 625 bowls of ramen for a puppet... At first glance, it did seem somewhat acceptable. 

Shindai suddenly became righteous. "Also, if my business does well, I'll pay more taxes to Konoha! I'm doing my part to contribute to the village! So..." 

Shindai rubbed his fingers together again. "Old man, spill some more gold!" 

"Uh..." 

Jiraiya and Hiruzen Sarutobi looked troubled. 

Jiraiya's mission rewards usually all went to the red-light district. 

Hiruzen Sarutobi's money was all with Biwako Sarutobi. If she found out he was investing in a shop like Shindai's, Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't even imagine what would happen. 

Jiraiya spread his hands. "I really only have this much. You can't expect me to starve, can you?" 

Hiruzen Sarutobi thought for a moment and said, "As for money, I really can't get any more. But... Shindai, have you picked a location for your shop yet? If you rent a shop from the Sarutobi clan, I can arrange for a cheaper rent." 

Shindai's eyes lit up. "Lord Minato said he'd hold a good spot for me. If the Third Hokage's shop has a good location, then I'll rent it." 

Hiruzen Sarutobi said, "The location is pretty good, it's in the central area of Konoha. How about it? If you want to rent it, I'll go speak for you and put in a good word?" 

Shindai seized the opportunity. "Yes, yes, I'll rent it! But... can't you just waive the rent altogether?" 

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked helpless. "This isn't my shop, it belongs to my clan members. Waiving it is impossible." 

"Alright then, I'll figure out the rest of the money myself." 

Shindai left the Hokage building, planning to go home and figure out how to squeeze more gold out of someone. If he really couldn't, then he'd have to try his luck at the Kannabi Bridge. 

Just as he left the Hokage building, Hiruzen Sarutobi caught up to Shindai. 

Shindai asked, "Third Hokage, is there anything else?" 

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked left and right, making sure no one was around, then pulled out a photo and handed it to Shindai. "Shindai, can you make one for me, based on this photo? I want the gentle type." 

Shindai took the photo and saw it was a picture of a young Biwako Sarutobi. 

Shindai agreed. "Alright, I understand. Leave it to me! But it might take a while. I need to figure out the money situation right now." 

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded with satisfaction. "No worries, just remember it. I'm not in a rush, but it would be great if you could make it a bit faster." 

Shindai blinked. 

Not in a rush? 

He practically had 'urgent' written all over his face. 

Hiruzen Sarutobi left, and just as Shindai was about to move forward, an arm suddenly draped around his neck. 

Shindai looked up and his eye twitched. "Lord Jiraiya, you're not going to ask me to make a puppet for you now, are you?" 

Jiraiya raised an eyebrow. "Hmm? 'Also'? Don't tell me... the old man already came to you?" 

Shindai turned his head away. "I didn't say anything." 

Jiraiya said with a playful grin, "Shindai, you make one for me too, alright? The third tier." 

Shindai held out his hand. "Money, 600,000 ryo. I'll make it for you right away." 

Jiraiya pushed Shindai's hand down. "Didn't I just agree to invest 1 million ryo in you? I'll give you the money tomorrow." 

Shindai was unmoved. "That's an investment for my shop. If you want to buy something, you still have to pay." 

Jiraiya smiled slyly. "Why talk about money, it hurts our friendship, you know? Just make one for me that looks like Tsunade, okay? And make sure she has a gentle personality." 

Shindai remembered the time Tsunade beat him black and blue, and he was still scared. He flat-out refused. "Lord Jiraiya, are you trying to get yourself killed? If she finds out, I'll get beaten too!" 

Jiraiya patted his chest. "That was an accident! I'll be super careful this time, I promise! How about it? If I get rich later, I'll give you some extra investment, alright?" 

Shindai stroked his chin and thought for a moment, a slow smile spreading across his face. "Ahem, I can make one for you for free, Lord Jiraiya. But, you have to promise me one thing later." 

Jiraiya agreed very quickly. "No problem! Anything you ask, but please make it fast! After Minato gets married, I'm going to leave Konoha to find inspiration for my new book. The old man and I were just at Minato's place discussing the wedding details. The wedding is in one week, so please, help me out and get it done within a week!" 

Shindai was a bit surprised. So the wedding date had already been set? 

"Chapter 232: No Need for a Good Luck Charm Anymore" 

Shindai promised Jiraiya he'd have the puppet ready in a week. Jiraiya, with a satisfied grin, took his leave. Shindai, instead of heading home, made his way to the research lab to wait. He was almost dozing off when Orochimaru finally emerged from his lab. 

Orochimaru saw Shindai but pretended not to, reaching for a glass of water. Suddenly, Shindai sprang up, filled the glass, and respectfully handed it to Orochimaru with both hands. Orochimaru's expression was strange as he took the glass, took a sip, and said, "Alright, out with it. What do you want?" 

Shindai's smile was fawning. "Oh, it's just my duty to get you water, Lord Orochimaru!" 

Orochimaru placed the glass on the table. "Is that so? If there's nothing else, I'll go back to my experiment." 

"Whoa, hold on, Lord Orochimaru, there's just a little something~" 

Orochimaru looked at Shindai with an "I knew it" expression. Shindai rubbed his hands together. "Um, Lord Orochimaru, you must have a lot of money, right? Could you lend me some?" 

Orochimaru crossed his arms, looking down at Shindai. "Why would you think I have money?" 

Shindai answered as if it were the most obvious thing. "Because Lord Orochimaru is one of the Sannin! Even a simple mission would net you hundreds of thousands of Ryo, and you don't go to pleasure houses like Jiraiya-sama or gamble like Tsunade-sama! You must have tons of money!" 

Orochimaru didn't say anything, just glanced around the room. Seeing this, Shindai's face instantly went dark. 

"Uh... I just remembered Kakashi told me to go home early today. I'm off now, Lord Orochimaru, see ya!" 

Shindai quickly scurried away, too embarrassed to stay. Compared to Jiraiya and Tsunade, Orochimaru might actually be the one with the least money. Who among researchers is truly wealthy? Research burns through cash like a wildfire. The materials Shindai used for his research came out of his own pocket; it was like throwing money into a bonfire. 

After Shindai left, Orochimaru picked up his glass and took another sip. Money? He had plenty, actually. The funds for his research certainly didn't come from his own personal stash. He just simply didn't want to lend any to Shindai. After all, Shindai had already broken several instruments since coming to do research here and still owed him for them. 

--- 

The moment Shindai arrived at his doorstep, he was dragged inside by Kushina Uzumaki from next door. Shindai straightened his clothes. "What's going on?" 

"Just wait here." 

Kushina went next door and called out Pakura, who then stood beside Shindai. Pakura, looking puzzled, quietly asked, "What's wrong?" Shindai was equally confused. "I have no idea." 

Kushina cleared her throat, unable to suppress her excitement. "I have some great news to announce!" 

Before Kushina could finish, Shindai blurted out, "Could it be that you're going to tell us you're marrying Minato-sama in a week, Kushina-neechan?" 

Pakura gasped. "Really? Congratulations, Kushina-neechan!" 

However, Kushina's smile vanished, and her face turned green. The next second, Shindai rubbed the bump on his head, annoyed. "What was that for?!" 

Kushina huffed. "What for?! You just blurted it out! It completely ruined the surprise!" She sighed. "Anyway, here. Minato and I sincerely invite you, Shindai, and Pakura to our wedding in a week." 

Kushina handed the wedding invitations to Shindai and Pakura. They accepted them. "We'll be there on time." 

--- 

Back at their own house, Pakura asked, "Shindai, what are you planning to give Kushina-neechan and the Fourth's wedding as a gift?" 

"I already have something ready. I'll go get it to show you." Shindai came out of his room with a box. Inside were three chibi-style dolls. 

"Wow, they're so cute!" Pakura's eyes lit up with delight looking at the three dolls in the box. "But I recognize Kushina-neechan and the Fourth's dolls. Who does this third one represent?" 

Shindai replied, "Their child, in the future." 

Pakura was surprised. "Huh? Kushina-neechan and the Fourth just got married, and you've already made a doll for their future child?" 

Shindai chuckled proudly. "Yep! What do you think? Am I not thoroughly prepared?" 

Pakura rested her chin on her hand, puzzled. "Their child might not necessarily be a boy, so why didn't you make a girl's doll too?" 

Shindai's tone was very firm. "No, it's definitely a boy, because... I can tell!" 

Pakura looked at Shindai, bewildered. "You can tell? How?" 

Shindai immediately used his topic-shifting jutsu. "That's not important. What are you planning to give, Pakura? If you haven't prepared anything, I can help you with a gift." 

Pakura smiled. "I've already thought of something." Pakura pulled out a golden amber stone. 

"This is an amber stone I accidentally found during a mission in a desert-like area. The flower inside the amber is a desert rose, symbolizing eternal and steadfast love. I'll give it to Kushina-neechan and the Fourth as their wedding gift." 

Shindai looked at the amber stone in Pakura's hand, marveling, "It's truly beautiful." 

Pakura smiled. "I think so too. That's why I've always carried it as a good luck charm. Since I left Sunagakure, it's the only thing I have left." 

"Is that so? How about we swap it out? Your good intentions are enough." Shindai, seeing how much Pakura cherished the amber stone, suggested a different gift. 

"No, this is it. I don't need a good luck charm anymore." Pakura gave Shindai a dazzling smile. 

Shindai froze for a moment, then felt his face flush slightly, instinctively turning his head. "Whatever you want. Once you give it, you can't take it back." 

Pakura rolled her eyes. "I'm not like you! And I'm telling you, on the wedding day, don't bring plastic bags for food! It's too embarrassing!" 

Shindai retorted, annoyed, "What?! I just said that casually that day, why are you taking it seriously?!" 

Pakura scoffed. "Heh, you have too many previous offenses, and you're totally capable of doing something like that!" 

Shindai was full of complaints. What kind of image did he have in Pakura's mind, anyway?! 

--- 

Over the next week, Pakura and the Uchiha, including Obito, helped Kushina Uzumaki and Minato Namikaze prepare for their wedding. Though they kept things simple, all the necessary traditions were still observed. Meanwhile, Shindai was at Orochimaru's research lab, helping Jiraiya create his puppet. 

Shindai had also decided that after Kushina Uzumaki and Minato Namikaze's wedding, he would take a trip to Kannabi Bridge to see if there was really any treasure there. If there truly was treasure, he wouldn't have to worry about money ever again. 

Chapter 233: The Wedding Proceeds 

In the blink of an eye, a week quickly passed. 

Minato Namikaze's wedding was held as scheduled. 

Since both Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki had no immediate family, the wedding ceremony was officiated by Minato's sensei, Jiraiya, along with Hiruzen Sarutobi and Biwako Sarutobi. Furthermore, Minato's good friends, like Shikaku Nara, were there to help out with the wedding preparations. 

Meanwhile, Shindai, Obito, Kakashi, and Rin Nohara were also assigned tasks. 

Their mission was to greet the guests attending the wedding at the entrance. 

Shindai's job was to collect the monetary gifts, Obito's was to receive the congratulatory presents, Kakashi was in charge of registering the names of the arriving guests, and Rin's task was to assist the guests with the purification ritual. 

The purification ritual meant rinsing their mouths and washing their hands before entering the venue, showing respect for the wedding. 

Shindai was both happy and sad collecting the monetary gifts. 

So much money! 

But it wasn't his. 

Also, Shindai, who usually has social anxiety around strangers, was a thousand times unwilling to do this, but there was no helping it. After all, it was Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki's wedding. 

However, after greeting so many people, Shindai was starting to feel numb, and his social anxiety had temporarily vanished. 

Shindai called out to Pakura, who was already seated and waiting for the wedding to begin, "Pakura, I'm so thirsty~" 

"Coming!" 

Pakura poured a cup of water and walked over to Shindai, handing it to him. 

Shindai gulped it all down in one go. 

He couldn't help it; he had to greet every single person who came to the wedding, and his throat was parched. 

Just then, Fugaku Uchiha and Mikoto Uchiha arrived, bringing their son, Itachi Uchiha, who was only three or four years old at the time. 

"Welcome, all three of you, to Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki's wedding. Please perform the purification ritual before taking your seats." 

After collecting the monetary gift, Shindai greeted the three Uchiha while discreetly observing the tiny Itachi Uchiha. 

Tsk, he's kinda cute. 

Itachi Uchiha seemed to feel Shindai's gaze and looked up at him. 

Shindai couldn't resist, "Oh, he's so adorable~" 

Shindai immediately reached out and pinched Itachi Uchiha's tender little cheek. 

Itachi Uchiha, "attacked" so suddenly, hid behind Mikoto Uchiha. 

Mikoto Uchiha was happy that her child was well-liked and smiled, saying to Shindai, "Thank you for the compliment." 

Fugaku Uchiha, on the other hand, sized up Shindai. 

Shindai's identity was now basically known to everyone in Konoha. 

A former Sunagakure ninja, a magnet release bloodline limit user, now Minato Namikaze's absolute confidant, and someone who was very close to Orochimaru, had a good relationship with Jiraiya, and was also Obito's closest friend. 

Obito greeted Fugaku Uchiha, "Lord Clan Head." 

Fugaku Uchiha, usually so stern, managed a small smile and nodded to Shindai and Obito, "You two have worked hard." 

Obito was about to say, "It's no trouble," when Shindai suddenly started complaining, "Yeah, it's super hard! I had to get up before dawn this morning and stand at the entrance like a doorman for several hours. I had to keep a smile on my face the whole time, and my face is almost stiff from smiling." 

Fugaku Uchiha tilted his head slightly. This Shindai... he's a bit strange. 

Kakashi stepped forward and said to Fugaku Uchiha, "Lord Fugaku, please perform the purification ritual first before taking your seats. The wedding is about to begin." 

"Alright." 

Fugaku Uchiha took his wife and child to their assigned seats. 

Kakashi squinted at Shindai, "Aren't you socially anxious? How are you suddenly so outgoing now?" 

Shindai paused, "Oh right~ Ugh, I'm completely numb. Who cares about social anxiety anymore?" 

Obito said, "It'll be over soon. Most of the guests have arrived, it seems like only Lord Orochimaru is left, and the wedding is about to begin." 

Speak of the devil, and Orochimaru arrived. 

Orochimaru walked slowly, hands tucked into his sleeves, and handed his monetary gift and congratulatory present to Shindai and Obito, respectively. 

Shindai took the monetary gift and grumbled, "Lord Orochimaru, you finally made it." 

Orochimaru asked, puzzled, "What's wrong? Is something the matter?" 

"Nothing, it's just that you were the last guest remaining, Lord Orochimaru." 

Orochimaru's eye twitched. Hadn't the time arrived yet? He wasn't late. 

After performing the purification ritual, Orochimaru sat beside Tsunade, who was also attending the wedding. 

Tsunade glanced at Orochimaru and said casually, "You really should get out more. Your skin has turned an unhealthy pale white." 

Orochimaru was unfazed, "I've been like this since I was little, you know that." 

Orochimaru took a sip of tea from the table and asked, "I heard you're leaving Konoha soon? When are you going?" 

Tsunade replied, "Maybe tomorrow, or the day after, sometime in the next few days. What? Don't tell me you're leaving Konoha too." 

Orochimaru placed his teacup back on the table and said, "I'm not leaving. Just asking, you know, as comrades." 

Tsunade chuckled, "You've really changed a lot lately, actually caring about your comrades." 

Orochimaru said leisurely, "People change with their environment; I have to admit that." 

All the guests had arrived. 

Shindai also took his seat next to Pakura, resting his head on her, "Pakura, I'm exhausted! Why did I end up working like a beast at Kushina-nee and Minato-sensei's wedding?" 

Pakura said helplessly, "Because it's your duty, of course! Kushina-nee is like your sister, and Minato-sensei always looks out for you. It would be rude not to help with their wedding. Alright, the wedding is about to begin, and then you'll finally get that big feast you've been looking forward to." 

Shindai rested his head on Pakura's shoulder, scanning the surroundings. 

Although Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki's wedding was kept simple, inviting only close friends and family, almost all of the Konoha ninja clan heads were present. This was because Minato Namikaze had good relationships with all of them, and if he invited one, he couldn't leave out another. 

Shindai began recognizing them one by one. 

Hmm... Fugaku Uchiha, of course. That's Hiashi Hyuga, Chōza Akimichi, Inoichi Yamanaka... 

Their distinctive features made them quite easy to identify. 

After waiting for about fifteen minutes, the wedding was officially about to begin. 

Jiraiya, as the wedding officiant, began his speech, announcing the start of the ceremony to all the guests. 

Then, Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki, dressed in their wedding attire, walked out from behind the curtain, hand in hand, their faces radiating pure happiness. 

All the guests clapped, and Shindai clapped while also whistling. 

Pakura immediately covered Shindai's mouth, "Can you be serious?! Just clap!" 

Shindai pulled Pakura's hand away, "Isn't this a happy occasion? Why be serious?" 

"Look around, you idiot!" 

Shindai looked around. Since he was the only one whistling, he stood out, and many people were looking at him. 

His previously numbed social anxiety immediately flared up again, and Shindai ducked his head behind Pakura, playing at burying his head in the sand. 

"Chapter 234: Happy Wedding Day!" 

The wedding of Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki had begun. Jiraiya, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and Biwako Sarutobi, acting as elders to the couple, began to preside over the ceremony. 

First was the Ritual of Purification, where all guests stood to receive the purifying vows. After this, the Offering Ritual commenced. This involved offering delicacies from the mountains and sea to the deities, a gesture of respect to the spirits. Minato and Kushina received the offerings from Hiruzen and Biwako, placing them before the divine tablets. 

Next was the Recitation of Blessings. Jiraiya read out blessings before the divine tablets, and all guests stood to offer prayers, wishing Minato and Kushina's marriage great happiness. 

Following that was the Vow of Cups. Jiraiya presented sacred sake to Minato and Kushina, who then exchanged cups before the deities, vowing to be husband and wife. 

Minato smiled, handing his cup to Kushina. "From now on, in our future life, I look forward to your guidance, Kushina." 

Kushina took his cup, then handed her own to Minato, smiling. "Yes, I look forward to your guidance, Minato." 

Minato and Kushina then drained their cups. The guests applauded, congratulating them in unison, "Happy wedding day!" 

With that, the wedding ceremony concluded, and the guests could now enjoy the feast. Shindai immediately grabbed his chopsticks and began to devour the food. 

"I haven't eaten all morning, I'm starving!" he muttered. 

Pakura, still immersed in the beautiful atmosphere of the wedding, heard Shindai's grumbling and rolled her eyes, speechless. At such a touching moment, this spoilsport could only think about eating. 

After the wedding, Shindai and Pakura were about to head home when Jiraiya suddenly appeared, blocking their path. He chuckled, asking Pakura, "Could I borrow this brat for a bit?" 

"Brat?" Shindai grumbled, annoyed. 

Jiraiya, realizing he needed Shindai's help, quickly corrected himself. "Uh... I mean, this handsome young man." 

Pakura agreed. "Alright, I'll head home first." 

Shindai nodded. "Okay, I'll be home after I chat with Jiraiya-sama for a bit." 

After Pakura left, Jiraiya led Shindai into a deserted alley. Shindai knew exactly what Jiraiya wanted. "It's already finished, but... do you really want to inspect it here?" 

Jiraiya shivered, remembering an unpleasant experience. "Come with me to a more private location." 

Once they reached a small grove of trees, Jiraiya eagerly urged Shindai, "Show me, quickly!" 

Shindai pulled out a scroll and summoned the puppet. It was, as expected, voluptuous and sexy. 

However... 

"Huh? Didn't you say to make it look like Tsunade? Why isn't it?" 

Shindai then produced another scroll and summoned an old-fashioned camera. 

Shindai grinned. "Jiraiya-sama, do you remember? You promised me before that you'd grant one of my requests. My request is just for you to take a photo with this puppet." 

Jiraiya's brow furrowed. "Take a photo? That's it?" 

Shindai nodded. "That's it! Once the photo's taken, I'll replace its face with Lady Tsunade's face, and then you can take it, Jiraiya-sama." 

Jiraiya had a nagging feeling, as if there was a trick, but it was just a photo. What kind of scheme could there be? Jiraiya agreed. "Alright, let's do it." 

"Put your arm around its shoulder, and make a pose like you're about to kiss its cheek. Yes, exactly like that! Hold it!" 

Shindai pressed the shutter, the flash went off, and the photo was taken. Shindai checked the film. Perfect. 

"Now I'll just swap it out." 

Shindai directly removed the puppet's face and then summoned the prepared Tsunade face from a scroll, replacing it. Jiraiya looked at the puppet with immense satisfaction. "Wonderful, absolutely wonderful! It's an exact replica! This is a work of art!" 

Shindai warned him, "Whatever you do, don't let Lady Tsunade find out. If she does, you can't sell me out... Wait, no, if she sees it, she'll definitely guess it was me who made it. Anyway, Jiraiya-sama, you find a good excuse and don't betray me, or I'll block you!" 

Jiraiya retorted, "Can't I just avoid getting caught? Don't worry, I'll be extra careful!" 

Shindai handed the puppet to Jiraiya. "Alright, the handover's complete. That's it, I'm heading home now." 

Shindai received the 1,200,000 Ryo investment from Jiraiya and Hiruzen Sarutobi the very next day. Jiraiya's puppet was done, but Hiruzen's would have to wait a bit. Money was hard to come by, so Shindai planned to visit Kannabi Bridge in a few days to check for treasure. After he returned from Kannabi Bridge, Shindai would then start on Hiruzen Sarutobi's puppet. 

Walking home, Shindai suddenly stopped. He frowned, remembering something. When Kannabi Bridge was destroyed, Shindai had noticed a specific area with peculiar markings that caught his attention. These markings were quickly buried by rubble, but Shindai had committed them to memory. 

Shindai immediately took out paper and a pen and drew the markings. "It looks... like some sort of sealing jutsu. Today... no, I'll ask Kushina-neechan about it tomorrow. If it really is a sealing jutsu, maybe the treasure is hidden within that seal!" 

Today was Minato and Kushina's wedding day, and disturbing their sweet time wouldn't be right. 

The next day, around noon. 

Shindai arrived at Minato and Kushina's house next door. Since they had just gotten married, Minato wanted to spend some quality time alone with Kushina, so he asked Hiruzen to help out for a few days and took some time off. 

Shindai raised his eyebrows at Minato and Kushina. "Minato-sama, Kushina-neechan, did you have a good time yesterday?" 

Minato smiled. "Of course, it was the most important moment for me and Kushina, so of course we were very happy." 

Kushina, clinging to Minato's arm, said sweetly, "That's right~" 

Shindai pouted. Why did he even bother asking? He just got a mouthful of mushy romance. 

Shindai pulled out the scroll with the suspected sealing jutsu markings and handed it to Kushina. "Kushina-neechan, you're skilled in sealing jutsu. Can you take a look and tell me if this is a sealing jutsu?" 

Kushina took the scroll and looked at it. She gasped, then sat down on the sofa to examine it closely. Seeing Kushina's reaction, Shindai felt sure that this special marking was most likely a sealing jutsu. 

After a moment, Kushina told Shindai, "This is indeed a sealing jutsu. And what's more, I see traces of our Uzumaki Clan's sealing techniques within it. Also, it's a double-layered seal." 

Chapter 235: For a Dream! 

Kushina Uzumaki looked at the pattern Shindai drew on the scroll and immediately recognized it as a sealing jutsu, and a double-layered one at that. 

Shindai thought to himself, 'As expected of my cunning and clever self, I knew from the start this was a seal!' 

Shindai then asked, "Kushina-nee, do you know how to undo this double-layered seal?" 

Kushina pinched her chin, pondering. "Hmm... you'll have to give me a few days to study it. This double-layered seal looks pretty complex. But, Shindai, where did you see this double-layered seal?" 

"I just stumbled upon it when the Kannabi Bridge was blown up. I was curious, so I asked." 

Shindai didn't mention the treasure, after all, there was no guarantee it was even real treasure. 

Kushina's eyes remained fixed on the scroll as she replied to Shindai, "I'm quite interested in this double-layered seal myself. Give me two days, and I should be able to analyze and break it. However, this double-layered seal must be from a very long time ago. The jutsu formulas on it are too intricate. Our Uzumaki clan has improved sealing jutsu over time, simplifying many unnecessary formulas." 

"Then I'll leave it to you, Kushina-nee!" 

Shindai had absolute confidence in Kushina Uzumaki. 

After all, the Uzumaki clan was renowned for their mastery of sealing jutsu, and under Kushina's guidance, her 'disciple' Minato Namikaze had become proficient in it as well. 

Suddenly, Shindai felt a wistful gaze. 

Shindai looked in the direction the feeling came from... it was Minato Namikaze. 

Minato was looking at Shindai with pursed lips. 

He had finally taken a few days off, hoping to spend some quality time alone with Kushina, and with one sentence, Shindai had directly taken up two precious days of their time. 

Shindai gave a dry laugh, feeling guilty and avoiding Minato's gaze. 

Minato said to Kushina, "Kushina, let me study this double-layered seal with you." 

Since Kushina had already agreed to Shindai, Minato could only try to find a way to shorten these two days, ideally solving it in five minutes. 

After all, Minato had a whole list of plans he wanted to complete with Kushina. 

"Then I'll leave it to Kushina-nee and Minato-sensei. I won't disturb your lovely time together. I'm out of here!" 

Shindai made a quick escape, slipping back to the house next door. 

Shindai saw Pakura seemingly about to leave and asked, "Pakura, where are you off to?" 

Pakura replied, "Didn't I tell you before? I'm going to be the manager of the shop that Director Nonō's orphanage opened. It's opening today, so I have to go to work now." 

"Oh, right. Okay, well, I'm going to leave the village in a couple of days to get some money to open my own shop. If... never mind. By then, if you don't beat me up, I'll thank the heavens." 

Shindai was originally going to ask Pakura to work for him but quickly dropped the idea. 

Hearing that Shindai was leaving the village to "get some money," Pakura assumed he was going on a mission to earn bounty. She looked at Shindai strangely, "So you're already prepared to get beaten? It must be some shady shop then. But if you know that, why are you still going through with it?" 

Shindai shrugged, "Because it was planned from the start! This is my dream, and getting a beating is nothing for my dream to come true." 

"Well, you won't tell me now anyway. In that case, I'll just wait and see what kind of shop you open later. It's getting late; I'll be late if I don't go now. I'm off." 

Pakura decided not to press the issue. After all, once the shop opened, she'd know exactly what kind of establishment Shindai had. 

After Pakura left, Shindai sat alone on the sofa, starting his brainstorming session. 

However, this brainstorming was very chaotic and disorganized, with thoughts about experiments, opening a shop, and everything in between – essentially, just random thoughts. 

"It's boring with Pakura gone. Never mind, I'll go to the lab and do some research to pass the time~" 

Shindai also left his house and headed to Orochimaru's research base. 

Pakura arrived at the shop opened by the orphanage. 

The orphanage's shop sold small handicrafts, and Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru were all there. 

After all, they had promised that if the orphanage opened a shop, the Legendary Sannin would make an appearance, proving that the shop was under their protection and also to attract more people. 

Jiraiya nudged Orochimaru with his elbow, "Orochimaru, give us a smile! There are so many people here, and your grim face doesn't look too good." 

Orochimaru remained expressionless and said, "Speaking of which, are you and Tsunade leaving today?" 

Jiraiya smiled, "That's right! Minato's wedding is over, and Konoha is stable now, so we don't need to stay in the village all the time. Mainly, Tsunade plans to leave today with Shizune, so I thought I'd travel with them for a while. Don't miss us too much, Orochimaru." 

Jiraiya winked at Orochimaru. 

Orochimaru gave Jiraiya a very cold look and said nothing. 

Jiraiya awkwardly rubbed his nose. It would have been better if Orochimaru had just yelled at him. 

The silent treatment is really tough. 

After the orphanage's handicraft shop opening ceremony, Pakura officially started working. 

Orochimaru returned to his research base alone and heard 'clanking' sounds. His brow furrowed, and he entered his laboratory, closing the door to continue his experiments. 

Jiraiya and Tsunade arrived at the Hokage's office. 

"Old Man, we're heading out." 

Hiruzen Sarutobi took a puff from his pipe, sighed, and shook his head, "You two really can't stay put. Send a message back every now and then, don't just disappear without a trace." 

Jiraiya smiled, "Don't worry, Old Man, we will. Right, Tsunade?" 

Tsunade nodded, "Mm-hmm, I will." 

Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand, "Alright then, go. You can come back when you've had enough of your travels." 

After leaving the Hokage's office, Jiraiya said to Tsunade, "You still need to pick up Shizune, right? I'll go say goodbye to Minato, then we can meet at the main gate of Konoha." 

Tsunade snorted, "If you make me wait too long, I won't wait for you." 

"Don't worry, I definitely won't make you wait long." 

Jiraiya headed to Minato Namikaze's house. 

Upon arriving at Minato's house, Jiraiya looked at Minato and Kushina with a subtle expression and asked, "So... you two just got married yesterday, and instead of having a sweet time together today, you're both researching sealing jutsu? Are you always this dedicated?" 

Minato spread his hands, "Shindai asked, and Kushina was very interested in this double-layered seal." 

"Alright, alright. I came to tell you, Minato, that I'm leaving Konoha now to gather some material for my research. If anything comes up, you can send a contact toad from Mount Myōboku to find me." 

Minato already knew about Jiraiya's plan to leave Konoha, so he nodded, "Okay, Sensei Jiraiya, I wish you a safe journey." 

"Mm, see you next time." 

Jiraiya waved and left Minato's house, heading to the main Konoha gate to meet up with Tsunade and Shizune, and then they left the village.