226-230

Chapter 226: Asuma, the Delinquent 

Kushina Uzumaki suddenly performed a sealing jutsu on Shindai, leaving him unable to move and falling stiffly to the ground. Shindai lay there, bewildered for a moment, then shouted emotionally, "What the heck?! Why'd you use a sealing jutsu on me?!" 

Kushina squatted in front of Shindai, smiling sweetly. "Sorry, Shindai, but we can't let you mess things up. What you're doing is basically fraud, you know, and it's our duty to stop you." 

Shindai retorted, "Fraud? That's slander! I was being so sincere!" 

Pakura also squatted in front of Shindai and said, "Sincere, I'll give you that, but was there even one truth in there? As your older sister, I can't let you go down the wrong path, you know~" 

Shindai tried to struggle, but he couldn't even move a finger. He flared up in anger, "Sister, my butt! Release me, now! Or you'll regret it!" 

Pakura reached out and patted Shindai's face, teasing, "I'll regret it? But... you can't even move right now. How are you going to make me regret it? On the contrary, if you keep provoking me, you'll be the one regretting it first." 

Kushina stuffed a piece of cloth into Shindai's mouth, then stood up and said, "Pakura, let's stop wasting time with him. The charity event is about to start; we need to hurry." 

Kakashi remarked sarcastically, "Don't worry, Shindai. After the charity event, I'll give you a full, detailed account of everything that happened." 

Obito grinned cheekily and said, "We'll watch it for you, too, including your part, Rin! Let's go~" 

"Mmph! Mmph!" 

Shindai watched helplessly as Pakura, Kushina Uzumaki, and Obito left. Shindai felt incredibly frustrated. What was the big deal? He wasn't even asking them to donate! Why were they treating him like this?! 

At the charity event site, Minato Namikaze, Hiruzen Sarutobi, Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Tsunade were all present, along with many clan heads. After all, this charity event was spearheaded by Minato Namikaze and Hiruzen Sarutobi, so they had to show up and join the crowd. The open-air venue was surrounded by ninjas and villagers. 

Kabuto Yakushi spotted Pakura and the others and immediately went over to them. "Excuse me, did Shindai-nii not come?" 

Pakura smiled and shook her head. "No, Shindai had a bit of a stomachache, so he's resting right now." 

Kabuto looked a little disappointed. "Oh, I see. I wanted to thank Shindai-nii." 

Kushina Uzumaki ruffled Kabuto's head. "You can thank him next time." 

Minato Namikaze and Hiruzen Sarutobi were on stage, giving a speech about the history of the orphanage and the parents of these children, aiming to inspire respect and sympathy for the kids. Once the emotions were sufficiently stirred, it was Nonō Yakushi's turn. 

Nonō Yakushi's speech didn't try to evoke pity as Shindai had suggested. Instead, she spoke truthfully, sharing everyday anecdotes from the orphanage. Though her words were plain and simple, they resonated more deeply with the audience. People looked at the children behind Nonō Yakushi with eyes full of tenderness. 

Finally, Minato Namikaze spoke, "I hope everyone, to the best of their ability, can donate to the orphanage, allowing these children to live better lives. On behalf of the orphanage, I thank everyone who has shown their kindness." 

Rin Nohara looked at Minato with starry eyes. "Wow, Minato-sensei looks so cool right now!" 

Kushina Uzumaki puffed out her chest proudly. "Of course, he does!" 

Obito muttered under his breath, "I'm pretty cool too, why doesn't anyone praise me?" 

Obito was dying inside, wanting to get closer to Rin Nohara but not knowing how to make a move. Shindai had promised to help him pursue Rin, but now he was nowhere to be seen. Looks like he had to rely on himself! 

After Minato Namikaze finished speaking, the villagers began to donate one after another. Nonō Yakushi and the children stood by the donation box, thanking every donor. Pakura, Kushina Uzumaki, and Obito also took out their wallets and donated money to the orphanage. 

However, the villagers' money was small change. The real money came from the ninja clans. They were donating millions of ryo each. Soon, half of Asuma's bounty... ahem, no, it was well over 17 million ryo. 

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at the scene with satisfaction. "Minato, this is a testament to Konoha's unity as well." 

Minato Namikaze smiled. "Indeed. By the way, Shindai said he wanted to give a speech too. Where is he?" 

Jiraiya scoffed, "If that brat were to give a speech, it definitely wouldn't be for a good cause. Right, Orochimaru?" 

Orochimaru didn't say anything, but the mocking curl of his lips said it all. 

At this very moment, Shindai was inching his way towards the charity event venue, wriggling like a worm. The sealing jutsu Kushina Uzumaki had placed on him wasn't very strong, so Shindai could move a little, but only just a little. Shindai was incredibly frustrated. This was his plan, he had to get something out of it! 

"Well, well, well, who do we have here?" 

Shindai looked up and saw Asuma Sarutobi, who already had a cigarette dangling from his mouth. 

"Tch, how annoying!" 

Shindai knew his current posture was embarrassing, so he had deliberately chosen a deserted area. He hadn't expected to run into anyone. Asuma Sarutobi had been at the charity event earlier, but after a quick glance, he entrusted his donation to Kurenai Yūhi and then came here alone for a smoke. Asuma Sarutobi didn't want to see Hiruzen Sarutobi at the moment. Their relationship was strained as Asuma was currently in his rebellious phase. As the Hokage's son, everything Asuma did was linked back to Hiruzen Sarutobi, making it seem like any success he achieved was only because of his father, effectively denying his own efforts. He had initially planned to attend the charity event with Kurenai and others to clear his head, but since Hiruzen Sarutobi was there, Asuma asked Kurenai to donate on his behalf and came here alone to smoke. At this moment, Asuma Sarutobi was the epitome of a delinquent. 

Hearing Shindai say, "how annoying," Asuma immediately retorted, "Who's annoying? I was here first, so I should be the one saying that!" 

"Too lazy to bother with you!" 

Shindai rolled his eyes at Asuma Sarutobi and continued to inch towards the venue. But after only a few movements, a coin landed in front of Shindai. 

Asuma Sarutobi mocked, "You're welcome, Shindai, with your crippled legs~" 

Asuma Sarutobi then quickly scurried away after saying that. 

A vein throbbed on Shindai's forehead as he tightly clutched the coin in front of him. Looking at the coin in his hand, Shindai was so angry he laughed. 

"Good, very good. I still haven't settled the score for you cutting in line last time. It's time to settle both the old and new debts together!" 

Chapter 227: Revenge 

Feeling utterly humiliated, Shindai finally managed to crawl his way to the charity event venue. However, the event had already ended and people were dispersing. 

"Shindai-nii!" 

Kabuto Yakushi spotted Shindai immediately and ran to his side, helping him up. "Shindai-nii, if you had a stomachache, you should've rested. Everything here went smoothly, no need to worry." 

Kabuto, with his vivid imagination, thought Shindai was worried about the charity event's progress and had dragged his sick body there. Kabuto was incredibly touched. Where else could you find such a good big brother?! 

Hearing Kabuto's call, Pakura, Kushina Uzumaki, and Obito, who hadn't left yet and were helping clean up, all turned to look at Shindai in unison. Shindai now looked even more miserable, glaring at them with bloodshot eyes. 

Shindai gritted his teeth and said, "Oh, this is just great. You guys actually did this to me!" 

Obito and the other two were a bit embarrassed and turned their heads away from Shindai. Shindai's current appearance might make them burst out laughing at any moment. 

Kushina Uzumaki said in surprise, "Oh, you broke free from my sealing jutsu so quickly? Not bad~" 

Extreme anger caused Shindai's inner chakra to erupt. Although he still couldn't use chakra, his body's movement finally returned. Shindai stormed forward, neck stiff. 

"Take this headbutt!" 

As Shindai was about to reach Kushina Uzumaki, who was standing closest, he suddenly jumped, aiming his head at her. Pakura, Obito, and the others' eyelids twitched. Was Shindai really that bold today? He must be seriously angry. 

Kushina Uzumaki's expression became very strange. Facing Shindai's headbutt, she wasn't flustered at all; instead, she seemed a little excited. Kushina rubbed her wrist, swung her arm in a circle, then opened her palm and delivered a swift, precise, and hard chop to Shindai's head. Shindai was instantly dazed by the slap and fell to the ground. 

"Hiss..." 

Several gasps of cold air reached Shindai's dizzy ears. Kushina Uzumaki "hmph-ed" and said, "Getting bold, are we? Daring to attack me? Pakura, he's all yours." 

Pakura lifted Shindai from the ground and poked the large bump on his head. "Does it hurt?" 

Shindai glared at Pakura, full of resentment. "What do you think?! My whole plan was ruined!" 

Pakura sighed helplessly. "Take it easy, why are you in such a hurry? I've already spoken with Director Nonō. I'll be working at the orphanage, and Director Nonō said that once the orphanage's store opens, she'll make me the manager. When I start getting paid, I can invest in your shop, can't I?" 

Shindai scoffed. "Paid? The orphanage's salary can't be high. You'd be better off waiting for me to open my shop and work for me. I'll definitely pay you well then." 

Pakura's mouth twitched. "I'm not working for you. Every time I ask what kind of shop you're opening, you refuse to say. I know you too well. I bet it's not a legitimate business, right?" 

Now it was Shindai's turn to feel a little guilty. "It's not an illegitimate business at all! You can't look at it with prejudiced eyes. I'm also helping to nurture male psychological health... and not just male, female psychological health too!" 

Kushina Uzumaki stepped forward, asking curiously, "Then tell us, what kind of shop are you opening? If you tell us, and it's a legitimate business, I can invest in you. Just between us, I'm quite rich, you know." 

Shindai broke free from Pakura's grasp and said stubbornly, "I don't need your investment! Even if I didn't get anything from this charity event, I can manage it myself." 

Shindai would be crazy to tell them. He was certain that if he did, Kushina Uzumaki and Pakura might tag-team him. So, Shindai planned to present them with a fait accompli, opening the shop first. Even if he got beaten up, they couldn't do anything about it once the shop was already open. 

Pakura and Kushina Uzumaki narrowed their eyes at Shindai. They were now both equally certain that the shop Shindai was opening was definitely not a legitimate one. 

Behind Shindai, Kabuto Yakushi's eyes had turned into dead fish eyes. So that's how it was. He wasn't worried about the charity event's progress at all; he just wanted to make a quick buck. His big brother truly had no shame! 

Shindai turned to Kushina Uzumaki. "Kushina-neesan, quickly release my seal! I'm going for revenge!" 

Kushina Uzumaki asked, confused, "Revenge? Who are you seeking revenge on?" 

Shindai thought of Asuma Sarutobi's hateful face and gritted his teeth in anger. "Just some punk!" 

Kushina Uzumaki released Shindai's seal and warned him, "Don't cause any trouble." 

"Hmph, cause trouble? I won't cause trouble. I just want him to know what happens when he messes with me!" 

Shindai turned and left. There was no point staying here. He didn't get any money, and he might have to help with cleanup later. Pakura watched Shindai's departing back. Once Shindai was completely out of sight, Pakura decisively told Obito, Kakashi, and Rin Nohara, "Please keep an eye on him. He's very petty, and that 'punk' he mentioned is probably in for a world of pain. Try to stop him if you can." 

Obito thumped his chest. "Leave it to us, Pakura-neesan! Kakashi, Rin, let's go!" 

Asuma Sarutobi walked alone on a forest path in the Konoha forest. Asuma grumbled unhappily, "Dad is willing to sacrifice for Konoha, and I can too! Why do they say I'm not ready to stand on my own? Why do they say my resolve isn't enough? They never even say a good word, they just scold me every time we meet, darn it!" 

Asuma Sarutobi angrily kicked a nearby tree trunk. 

And Shindai had already found Asuma Sarutobi. Shindai was standing on a tree branch some distance away, just watching Asuma Sarutobi. 

Meanwhile, in another location: 

"The punk Shindai mentioned was Asuma?" "But... how did Asuma tick off Shindai?" "Remember before we went to the Land of Rōran? After we forcefully dragged Shindai away, Asuma took his spot in line. Didn't Shindai make a big deal about remembering Asuma then?" "No way? Shindai's holding a grudge about something so small from back then? Just how petty is he?" "It's Shindai, so being petty is normal. In fact, if he acts magnanimous, that's when we should be worried, because he's definitely planning something nasty." 

Obito, Kakashi, and Rin Nohara were observing from another location, analyzing the situation. Rin Nohara asked, "So what do we do? Stop Shindai?" 

Kakashi immediately dismissed the idea. "Absolutely not. Shindai's already furious with us right now. If we try to stop him again, we'll be in big trouble." 

Obito echoed, "Yeah, with Shindai's petty nature, we'd become his next targets for revenge." 

"Then what do we do?" 

Kakashi thought for a moment and then said, "Let's just wait and see what happens. Asuma's not some weakling anyway." 

Chapter 228: What Do You Want to Do? Do It! 

Kakashi decided to wait and see, to observe the situation first. After all, Asuma Sarutobi wasn't someone who would take a beating without fighting back, or insults without replying, and he was quite strong. 

Rin Nohara agreed with Kakashi's plan to observe. 

Meanwhile, Obito looked at Asuma Sarutobi, who was still grumbling, with a subtle expression. 

Asuma Sarutobi was indeed strong, but it wasn't guaranteed that Shindai would fight him head-on. 

Shindai was also known for his cunning. 

Shindai, observing Asuma Sarutobi from a tree branch, let out a sinister chuckle. 

After performing hand signs, a mass of Iron Sand floated up and drifted towards Asuma Sarutobi. 

Asuma Sarutobi had finished his grumbling and was preparing to head home. 

When Asuma Sarutobi turned around, he strangely saw a dark mass floating towards him. 

"A bug?" 

The dark mass fell onto Asuma Sarutobi's shoulder. 

Asuma Sarutobi frowned, touched the dark substance with his finger, and rubbed it. "Hm? Iron Sand?" 

Shindai, with a sinister expression, performed hand signs again. 

"Magnet Release! Iron Sand Mark!" 

The Iron Sand infiltrated Asuma Sarutobi's body, and Asuma Sarutobi instantly lost the ability to move, collapsing to the ground. 

"Who, who?!" 

Asuma Sarutobi only now realized he had been ambushed. 

Shindai jumped down from the tree branch and leisurely walked over to Asuma Sarutobi. 

Asuma Sarutobi strained to turn his head and clearly saw Shindai. 

"It's you, you bastard!" 

Shindai said with a smile, "Yes, I, with my crippled legs, found you, completely paralyzed. We truly have a connection, don't we?" 

Asuma Sarutobi snorted coldly. "Let me go, now!" 

Shindai said in a strange, mocking tone, "Oh, oh, oh, is that how you ask for help? And... I didn't even touch you, you know. I didn't do anything at all, so you can't falsely accuse a good person like me." 

Asuma Sarutobi angrily asked, "What exactly do you want?" 

Shindai squatted in front of Asuma Sarutobi and tossed the coin in front of him. "Here, since I pity you. Take it and keep it. Go on, pick it up." 

Asuma Sarutobi's mouth twitched. 

The revenge came so quickly. 

Asuma Sarutobi painstakingly turned his head away, refusing to look at Shindai or the coin on the ground, adopting a 'don't care' attitude. 

"Oh, what's wrong? You don't like this coin? This is the one you gave me. If you don't pick it up and keep it now, you're disrespecting me. If you disrespect me, I can't eat or sleep well, and if I can't eat or sleep well, my emotions will become unstable, and unstable emotions might lead to violence, you know." 

Asuma Sarutobi sneered, "Heh, you think I'm scared of you? If you've got guts, release me, and let's have a proper fight!" 

"Oh ho? Are you challenging me? Alright!" 

Shindai directly released the Iron Sand Mark on Asuma Sarutobi, and Asuma Sarutobi, regaining his mobility, immediately stood up. 

Shindai took a few steps back and provocatively crooked his finger at Asuma Sarutobi. "Come on." 

Asuma Sarutobi cracked his neck. "Good, I'm pretty annoyed right now. I'll take it out on you." 

Asuma Sarutobi charged towards Shindai. 

Shindai's smile stretched almost to the back of his head. 

Just as Asuma Sarutobi was about to reach Shindai, he stumbled and fell straight to the ground again. 

Obito, Kakashi, and Rin Nohara, who were secretly watching, simultaneously slapped their foreheads. 

They knew this would happen. 

Shindai's words were like a cheating spirit. 

Believing him would only lead to big trouble. 

Asuma Sarutobi roared in fury, "You shameless bastard!" 

Shindai said sarcastically, "Me, shameless? Isn't it you who's shameless? You said you wanted a one-on-one fight, and I agreed. Is it not allowed for me to use my abilities then? I gave you a chance, but you're useless. Your skin is so thick, how did you train it? Teach me. 

I'll give you one more chance: surrender, then pick up the coin on the ground. How about I, being the magnanimous person I am, let you off the hook?" 

The veins on Asuma Sarutobi's neck and forehead bulged. "Dream on!" 

Shindai chuckled sinisterly. "I was waiting for that! We're still in the middle of a one-on-one fight. If you don't surrender, then the fight continues. I'll make sure to give you a good 'welcome' now." 

Shindai used Iron Sand to form a rope and hung Asuma Sarutobi upside down. 

Asuma Sarutobi currently had no strength in his body and couldn't break free at all. "What do you want to do?!" 

"Do it!" 

Shindai punched Asuma Sarutobi squarely in his left eye. 

"Mph!" 

Asuma Sarutobi grunted. 

Shindai asked with a radiant smile, "Last chance, begging for mercy?" 

Asuma Sarutobi was full of backbone. "Absolutely not!" 

Shindai's sinister laughter echoed through the woods. "I love your stubbornness. I'm also full of pent-up frustration right now, and I want to take it out on you too." 

"Mmm Oh Ah Ee Sss~" 

Shindai began to beat Asuma Sarutobi creatively. 

"Should we stop him?" 

"Shindai's in the zone right now. If we try to stop him, he might play some dirty tricks on us and hang us up and beat us too." 

"Then what do we do? Just watch Asuma get beaten by Shindai? Sister Pakura told us to stop him!" 

Obito's eyes darted around, and he suddenly had a great idea. "Watch this!" 

Obito pinched his voice and yelled, "Third Hokage? What are you doing here?" 

Shindai immediately stopped at the mention of the Third Hokage. He was beating Hiruzen Sarutobi's son; if he got caught, that would be terrible! 

Shindai glared fiercely at Asuma Sarutobi. "Calling your parents when you're fighting, how shameless!" 

Shindai promptly slipped away. 

Obito and the other two sighed in relief when they saw Shindai leave. 

Asuma Sarutobi was saved. 

Because of Shindai's departure, the Iron Sand rope dispersed, and Asuma Sarutobi fell to the ground. 

Asuma Sarutobi, bruised and swollen, took a long time to recover enough to stand up. 

Asuma Sarutobi wiped away the nosebleed streaming down his face and angrily stormed off. 

However, Asuma Sarutobi wasn't looking for revenge on Shindai; instead, he went home to find Hiruzen Sarutobi. 

"Why are you doing something so unnecessary? Do you really look down on me that much?" 

Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was drinking tea with Biwako Sarutobi, was bewildered. 

What unnecessary thing had he done? 

Biwako Sarutobi looked at the bruised and swollen Asuma Sarutobi with concern. "Asuma, what happened to you?" 

Asuma Sarutobi, still fuming, snapped, "Even if I get beaten until I can't get up off the ground, I don't need your help!" 

Hiruzen Sarutobi put down his teacup and said gravely, "Although I don't know what happened, Asuma, you are truly immature. This is shameful!" 

Asuma Sarutobi clenched his fists tightly. "I am immature, and I know you have strong opinions about me. No matter what I do, I can't satisfy you. I'm leaving Konoha. I'll grasp the Will of Fire on my own; I don't need your help!" 

Asuma Sarutobi stormed out of the house and ran towards the Konoha gates. 

Biwako Sarutobi wanted to chase after him but was stopped by Hiruzen Sarutobi. "Perhaps, letting him go out on his own for a while might be a good thing." 

Biwako Sarutobi sighed. "You two stubborn people are exactly alike, both so dishonest." 

Chapter 229: Maria No. 1 

Shindai was walking aimlessly through the streets, doing some calculations in his head. He had planned to get some investment from Jiraiya, plus whatever he could "borrow" from the charity event, which should have been enough to open his shop. But now, with all the chaos, even with Jiraiya's investment, things might still be tight. 

Minato Namikaze had promised him a good shop location, but good locations probably came with high rent. Plus, he'd have to front the money for the puppets he planned to sell. If that were the case, he wouldn't have enough funds. 

Speaking of which, Shindai pulled out a scroll from his pocket. He unrolled it and saw "Treasure at Kannabi Bridge" written on it. The handwriting was clearly his own, but Shindai couldn't for the life of him remember when he'd written it. Treasure at Kannabi Bridge? The bridge was already blown up; what treasure could there be? It felt somewhat inexplicable. 

Shindai sighed. "Looks like I'll have to think of another way. Kushina-neesan said she's quite rich, but I just said I didn't want it. It's a bit hard to go back on my word now... Oh well, I'll get Jiraiya-sama's investment first." 

Just as Shindai was about to head home, he suddenly saw Asuma Sarutobi, whose head was swollen like a pig's, not far behind him. Shindai narrowed his eyes at Asuma, provoking him, "What's up? Coming back for revenge? Go on, I'm ready for you. But don't call your parents, you hear?" 

Asuma Sarutobi retorted angrily, "You're full of it! I didn't call my parents! I was being strung up and beaten by you at the time; when would I have had time to call for help?!" 

Shindai paused, surprised. Huh? He has a point! So it was just a coincidence? Feeling vaguely guilty, Shindai avoided Asuma's furious gaze and asked, "So, you're blocking my way now because you want another fight?" 

Asuma Sarutobi said with resentment, "You're the one blocking me! I'm leaving Konoha, move aside!" 

Shindai was surprised. "Huh? You're leaving Konoha? To do what?" 

Asuma Sarutobi shot back, "None of your business!" 

Shindai's expression became subtle. "I say... from the looks of it, you're not planning to run away from home, are you? How old are you, still playing these games?" 

"Mind your own business!" 

Asuma Sarutobi walked past Shindai, gritting his teeth as he passed. "When I return to Konoha again, I'll make sure you know how amazing Asuma Sarutobi is!" 

After finishing his menacing declaration, Asuma Sarutobi quickly departed. Shindai rubbed his nose. Oh well, why bother arguing with a kid who's running away from home? 

In a pavilion in Konoha, Tsunade sat on a bench, drinking from a sake bottle, her gaze unfocused on the water. Tsunade's vision suddenly sharpened, focusing on her right. "Why are you here?" 

Jiraiya leaned against a pillar and asked, "The Old Man told me you're planning to leave Konoha? Why is that?" 

Tsunade said concisely, "I'm tired." 

Jiraiya asked, puzzled, "The war's over, isn't this a good time to rest?" 

Tsunade's gaze returned to the water. "Staying in Konoha, I'm constantly reminded of them. I want to go out and travel." 

Jiraiya sighed helplessly. "Looks like I can't persuade you. Minato's wedding is coming up soon. How about you attend that first before leaving? Maybe we can even keep each other company then." 

Tsunade asked, confused, "Minato is your disciple. Aren't you, his master, going to stay in Konoha to assist him after he became Hokage?" 

"Of course I'll assist him, but you know me, I'm a wanderer; I can't stay in one place for too long. So I'm thinking that after Minato gets married, I'll go out and gather some inspiration for my writing. Oh, right, this is my newly completed book, it hasn't been released yet." 

Jiraiya pulled out a book and handed it to Tsunade. Tsunade took it and saw the title: The Tale of the Utterly Gutsy Ninja. 

Tsunade flipped through the book. "Oh? I heard you mention this before. I didn't realize you had already finished it." 

Jiraiya smiled. "Yes, you're my first reader, you know." 

Tsunade put the book away. "Alright, I'll give it a good read." 

Days passed. Orochimaru's Scientific Department base was already under construction. However, because it was still being built, Orochimaru and Shindai were still conducting experiments at the old research facility. 

In one of the laboratories, Shindai looked at the beautiful puppet in front of him, with fair skin and a voluptuous figure, and nodded in satisfaction. "Mmm, this is great. It's definitely Jiraiya-sama's type." 

Shindai pressed a button, and the beautiful puppet struck a stunning pose, its voice sweetly saying, "Master I'm here to serve you wholeheartedly" 

"Tsk, tsk, tsk, I don't believe Jiraiya-sama will be able to resist when he sees this beautiful puppet." 

Since this puppet didn't need to fight, Shindai only needed to focus on its realism. Shindai had improved it, giving it an extremely realistic touch and adding a constant temperature heating system so it wouldn't feel cold to the touch, just like human body temperature, making it very lifelike. Shindai also installed a smart system that allowed for simple conversations and actions based on verbal commands. At the same time, he increased the electrical capacity, so a one-hour charge would last for six hours. Since this was just a prototype, Shindai didn't make it too complex. For official sales, the smart system would need to be much more refined and human-like. Shindai wasn't a crooked businessman; his business philosophy was to give customers the best experience. 

"What should I name her~ Hmm, I'll call her Maria No. 1!" 

After sealing Maria No. 1 into a scroll, Shindai rushed out of the base with the scroll to find Jiraiya. 

"Minato-sensei!" 

Since he didn't know where Jiraiya was, Shindai decided to go directly to the Hokage Residence to ask Minato Namikaze. He was well-connected now, so no one would stop him from seeing Minato Namikaze at the Hokage Residence. 

When Shindai entered the office, besides Minato Namikaze, both Hiruzen Sarutobi and Jiraiya were there. Minato Namikaze asked, "Shindai, why have you come to see me?" 

Shindai saw Hiruzen Sarutobi was also present, and after his eyes darted around, he said, "It's nothing now. I came to see Jiraiya-sama and Third Hokage-sama. I have something I'd like to discuss with Jiraiya-sama and Third Hokage-sama privately. Could you two come with me for a moment?" 

Jiraiya, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and Minato Namikaze exchanged glances. Jiraiya and Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded, agreeing to Shindai's request. 

In an empty conference room, Jiraiya asked, "Shindai, what do you want to talk to me and the Old Man about?" 

Shindai said mysteriously, "Don't blink!" 

Shindai unrolled the scroll and summoned Maria No. 1. The summoning smoke enveloped Maria No. 1, adding a misty beauty to her. Shindai pressed a button, and Maria blew a kiss to Jiraiya and Hiruzen Sarutobi. 

"Master You can command Maria to your heart's content" 

Jiraiya and Hiruzen Sarutobi's pupils instantly dilated, their faces turned beet red, their nostrils flared to their limits, and then... nosebleeds gushed out. 

Chapter 230: Maybe It's Real? 

Shindai summoned his meticulously crafted Maria Unit 1 using the Summoning Jutsu. 

Jiraiya and Hiruzen Sarutobi instantly had nosebleeds, their eyes glued to the sight. 

Shindai puffed out his chest and asked proudly, "Well, what do you think?" 

Jiraiya, with a perverted grin, gave Shindai a thumbs-up. "Spot on!" 

Hiruzen Sarutobi, trying to save face, cleared his throat. "Dressed so scantily, it's improper." 

Shindai slyly nudged Hiruzen Sarutobi with his elbow. "Don't pretend, Third Hokage! Your reaction and Lord Jiraiya's are exactly the same. And I know about your Telescope Jutsu, too! You must have done a lot of peeking, right?" 

Hiruzen Sarutobi froze, his gaze shifting to Jiraiya. 

Jiraiya quickly said, "I didn't tell anyone! Shindai is with Orochimaru now; it must have been Orochimaru who told him!" 

Hiruzen Sarutobi grumbled, "Seriously, why does Orochimaru spill everything?" 

Jiraiya slung his arm around Shindai's shoulder, acting chummy, and said with a smile, "Shindai, be honest with yourself, have I been good to you or not?" 

Shindai tilted his head, thinking. "So-so. When you sold me out, Lord Jiraiya, you were pretty quick about it. I ended up lying in a tent for days after Lady Tsunade beat me up." 

Jiraiya awkwardly scratched his chin. "Let's not dwell on the past. How about you give this puppet to me?" 

Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a stern face, "Jiraiya, you can't handle it." 

Jiraiya pouted. "Old man, I can't handle it? I'm not married. If you get caught... tsk, tsk." 

Hiruzen Sarutobi's face immediately darkened. 

Jiraiya tightened his arm around Shindai's shoulder. "What do you say, Shindai? Give it to me, and I promise you won't lose out!" 

Shindai rubbed his fingers together, asking greedily, "In that case, how much are Lord Jiraiya and Third Hokage planning to invest in me?" 

"Invest?" 

Jiraiya and Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Shindai, puzzled. 

Shindai replied, "I want to open a shop in Konoha, specifically to sell these puppets." 

Jiraiya exclaimed in surprise, "Huh? Specialize in selling these puppets? Can that even work?" 

Shindai began to describe his idea to Jiraiya and Hiruzen Sarutobi. "Lord Jiraiya, Third Hokage, imagine this: many people are single. They work hard all day, come home, and are all alone. How pathetic is that? 

But what if, at that moment, a super beautiful woman said to them, 'You've worked hard'? The effect would be more potent than a Military Ration Pill; they'd be fully revived! 

Later, I'll improve them further so these puppets can do housework, cook meals. Will there still be no market for them? These aren't just puppets anymore; they're a sanctuary for the soul, they're family! 

Lord Jiraiya, as a bachelor, you have the most say. Imagine: after finishing a mission and coming home, a beautiful woman says to you, 'Lord Jiraiya, you've worked hard,' and then cooks you a table full of delicious food. Wouldn't you be happy?" 

Jiraiya's mouth twitched. Was this a personal attack? 

But... he did have a point! 

Hiruzen Sarutobi, listening nearby, also felt his heart stirred. 

Shindai continued, "I believe my puppet shop will be a huge hit! And not just the male market, I want the female market too! A super handsome guy, always doting on you, providing high emotional value. 

And the puppets' personalities can be customized: aloof and mature, youthful and sweet, stoic and handsome, cheerful and kind... anything! Aren't your hearts racing? You must be super excited!" 

Jiraiya nodded repeatedly. "Excited, super excited!" 

Jiraiya was now lost in his own fantasies. 

After a tiring day, he returns home, and 'Tsunade' massages his shoulders, gently telling him, "Jiraiya, you've worked so hard." 

Wow! 

Jiraiya felt like he was a winner in life! 

Huh? Wait, something's not right. If they can be customized, why is it still Tsunade? 

Hiruzen Sarutobi was also lost in similar fantasies. 

Biwako Sarutobi had always been quite strict, so Shindai could customize a younger, gentler version of Biwako Sarutobi for him... 

That would be too blissful! 

Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly remembered something and pulled Shindai aside. 

"Shindai, do you remember your promise from back then?" 

Shindai asked, confused, "Promise? What promise?" 

Hiruzen Sarutobi whispered, "You said you'd customize one for me." 

Shindai recalled. "Oh, right! Don't worry, Third Hokage, I remember! But... it'll have to be after my shop opens, okay?" 

Hiruzen Sarutobi understood Shindai's implied meaning. 

He needed money to open the shop. 

Hiruzen Sarutobi was in a bit of a predicament. Although he had been Hokage for many years, he didn't have much money; it was all with Biwako Sarutobi. 

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Jiraiya. "Jiraiya, you should invest. I think Shindai's idea is indeed good." 

Jiraiya asked, "So, Shindai, how much money do you need to open your shop?" 

Shindai excitedly said, "A few tens of millions of ryo should be enough." 

Jiraiya's eyes widened. "What? Tens of millions of ryo? Do you think I'm a fool? Even if you sold me, I wouldn't have that much money!" 

Shindai's excitement instantly dwindled by half. "Then how much can you spare, Lord Jiraiya?" 

Jiraiya held up one finger. 

Shindai looked at Jiraiya's finger and asked, "Ten million ryo?" 

Jiraiya shook his head. "One million ryo at most. I can't spare any more." 

Shindai immediately panicked. "What? That's barely anything! One of these puppets alone costs over a hundred thousand ryo!" 

Jiraiya's mouth twitched. "Do you think I have a lot of money? I earn a lot, but I spend a lot too." 

Shindai was utterly puzzled. "Lord Jiraiya, what about the royalties from your books? Did you spend all of them?" 

Jiraiya looked surprised. "Royalties? You already know about my Tale of the Utterly Gutsy Shinobi? I haven't even officially published it yet, so where would I get royalties?" 

Shindai scratched his head in frustration. 

So, Jiraiya's Make-Out Paradise hadn't been released yet. 

He thought Jiraiya was rich. 

Shindai looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi. 

Hiruzen Sarutobi grit his teeth, stomped his foot, and decided to pull out his secret stash. "I can give you two hundred thousand ryo!" 

Shindai looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi with dead fish eyes. 

Two hundred thousand ryo? 

What could that possibly be enough for? 

He wanted to attract investors, but he only managed to get 1.2 million ryo in investments. It was truly frustrating. 

Shindai was now feeling overwhelmed. It seemed he had to think of other ways. 

Shindai remembered that scroll. 

[There's treasure at Kannabi Bridge] 

Maybe... he should find a chance to look for that treasure? Maybe it's real?