pertwk Chapter 104 Women
Chapter 104 Women
Chapter 104 Women
When they returned to Konoha, it was already winter.
The first snow fell.
The fighting on the front lines has temporarily come to an end, but the control of supplies has not been relaxed; on the contrary, it has become even more stringent due to the heavy snow blocking the roads.
The price of charcoal has risen to a level that is unaffordable for ordinary people, and many families are forced to huddle together behind thin walls for warmth.
The Kikyo Pavilion is different.
This former field hospital, located in the northwest corner of the village, radiates an enviable warmth.
In the lobby on the first floor, the fireplace was burning brightly.
Sawtooth sat on the floor, holding a piece of deerskin in his hand, wiping his large knife.
"This awful weather, this is the only place that feels like a human being."
The serrated teeth muttered, revealing a set of sharp teeth.
"Do you know how frozen it is outside right now? I went to buy some seasonings just now and saw two homeless ninjas fighting over a sunny corner of the wall."
In the shadows of the corner, Ryoma Aburame adjusted his sunglasses. Countless tiny parasites crawled in and out of his sleeves.
For the insect keeper, the low temperatures of winter reduce the insects' activity and can even lead to death. But here, his insect swarm is in a state of extreme activity and excitement.
This room is Longma's best insect nest.
"Dinner is served."
Sosuke came down from the second floor. He was wearing loose home clothes and twirling the two iron shards in his hand.
Today's lunch is a seafood hot pot.
In this inland village, during the winter months of the blockade, seafood is rarer than gold.
However, the Takaya Trading Company still managed to ship a box of chilled crabs and scallops from the Land of Waves.
"Glug glug".
The broth in the pot was bubbling and sizzling, filling the air with a delicious aroma.
Knock, knock, knock. A knock on the door.
The heavy wooden door opened, and a gust of cold wind carrying snowflakes rushed in.
The newcomer shook off the snow, revealing a signature pineapple-shaped hairstyle.
Nara Shikaku. He's gone back to the village too.
"Ah—it's so warm."
Shikaku sighed, his eyes becoming languid.
"I originally just wanted to grab the things and leave, but now it seems I'm planning to stay."
"Welcome, Captain Shikaku."
Sosuke pointed to the empty seat.
"Better late than early. The pot just opened."
Without any hesitation, Shikaku took off his snow-soaked vest and sat down.
"Then I won't stand on ceremony. You can't usually get to eat something this good."
He picked up a scallop, dipped it in vinegar, put it in his mouth, and looked satisfied.
"I'm here to fulfill my contract."
After taking a few bites, Lu Jiu took out a list from his pocket and placed it on the table.
"We have these remaining stock at the Nara Pharmacy that we can deliver to you. Also, the promised discount on purified water."
"20% off." Sousuke glanced at the list. "No problem. We'll have it delivered to your residence shortly."
Purchasing medicinal herbs on a large scale from the Nara clan is not an easy task now, but Sosuke only mentioned it to Shikaku, and the matter was settled.
The Nara clan now also needs the clean water from the Takaya Trading Company.
"How's the situation at the front?"
Sosuke poured him a cup of warm sake.
This is the real point.
Shikaku took a sip of his drink, his eyes becoming deep.
"The situation has stabilized for now."
"In addition, your ceramics factory has already obtained the license. It is the first ninja tool factory in the ninja world to produce tools specifically for Magnet Release ninjutsu."
"Thank you. Once the ceramic ninja tools are produced, I will send the first batch to the Nara family."
The meal was very enjoyable.
The two tacitly exchanged benefits.
After eating and drinking his fill, Shikaku left satisfied.
"What a smart person."
Watching Shikaku's departing figure, Sawtooth commented.
"Dealing with this kind of person is much more comfortable than dealing with those brutes who only know how to kill."
"yes."
Sosuke closed the door, shutting out the wind and snow outside.
"He provided us with a lot of convenience."
After lunch, the snow lessened a bit.
Sosuke put on a thick coat.
"I'll go to the store and take a look."
"Boss, do you need someone to accompany you?" Serrated wiped his mouth and reached for the guillotine.
"No need. It's in Red Fan Street, that's Uchiha territory, no one dares to mess with me there."
Sosuke pushed open the door and stepped out, disappearing into the wind and snow.
Red Fan Street, [Ganwei Place].
Even with heavy snowfall, business here remains incredibly good.
For the Uchiha clan, who are under immense pressure, sweets are a necessity. Especially on a cold winter night like this, a bowl of hot red bean soup can soothe their tense nerves.
Sosuke walked into the store, and a wave of heat hit him.
"Mr. Sosuke, you've arrived!"
Maki was busy behind the counter when she saw Sosuke and immediately came over to greet him.
"Has that thing really grown out?"
'
"certainly."
Sosuke took an exquisite box out of his pocket and placed it on the counter.
Open the box.
Six bright red fruits, strawberries, were neatly arranged inside.
In this season of heavy snowfall, fresh strawberries are simply a miracle.
This was grown in a basement in Chiba, at a high cost by Sosuke, who had Chiba build a greenhouse environment for it.
The cost of each strawberry is as high as three thousand taels.
"Oh my god—" Maki exclaimed, "It's so beautiful."
"Put it on a plate of daifuku and display it. Price: 10,000 ryo per piece," Sosuke said.
"Ten thousand taels?!" Maki exclaimed in surprise. "Would anyone buy this?"
"Of course, there are plenty of rich people." Sosuke smiled.
Soon, six plump, round glutinous rice balls appeared on the counter. On top of each ball was a strawberry.
Limited-edition new product—[Strawberry Daifuku]
The moment the strawberry daifuku was placed in the window, it attracted the attention of every Uchiha in the store.
However, the price of 10,000 taels still made even the wealthy Uchiha clan feel the pinch.
Just then, the wind chimes at the door rang.
A cold wind blew in, and a figure walked in.
Minato Namikaze.
He had just finished reporting to the Hokage Building and looked a little tired. But his deep blue eyes remained gentle and bright.
"Welcome, Jonin Minato."
Sosuke stood behind the counter and nodded slightly.
"Boss Takaya."
Minato patted the snowflakes off his shoulder and revealed his signature smile.
"Still in the store so late?"
"Some fresh goods just arrived."
Sosuke pointed to the strawberry daifuku in the shop window.
Minato's gaze was instantly drawn to it.
He was stunned for a moment, clearly shocked by the out-of-season fruit.
"This is... a strawberry?"
Minato walked closer and took a look.
"Kushina has been complaining these past few days that winter is too boring and she wants to eat some sweet and sour fruit—and I didn't expect there actually is."
"Boss, could you please pack two for me?"
Minato took out his wallet.
"This stuff isn't cheap, Jonin Minato," Sousuke reminded her. "Ten thousand ryo per pill."
Minato paused for a moment, then gave a wry smile.
"He really is a shrewd businessman, Sosuke-kun."
Although he said that, he still counted out 20,000 taels of banknotes and placed them on the counter.
Sosuke packed it himself.
He packed it in the most exquisite gift box and handed it to Minato.
The moment it was handed over, Sosuke's snake-like pupil, hidden beneath the eyepatch over his left eye, contracted slightly.
He saw the water gate's fingers.
On those slender fingers, there were subtle chakra burn marks.
Those are traces left by the intense use of Flying Thunder God Technique, or by the development of some new technique.
"Rasengan——or Flying Thunder God 2nd Stage?" Sousuke thought to himself.
Minato seemed to have noticed Sousuke's gaze as well.
He glanced meaningfully at Sosuke's left eyepatch.
In that instant, Sousuke felt the white snake in his left eye shrink slightly.
It's the feeling of being watched by a top predator.
"Your aura has changed, Sousuke-kun."
Minato took the box and said softly.
"He's become more profound since the last time we met."
People always change. Especially in these times.
Sosuke remained expressionless and responded calmly.
"That's true."
Minato didn't investigate further. He put the box away and resumed his sunny smile.
"Thank you for your hospitality. I'll come back to try something else next time."
Minato turned and left, his figure disappearing into the wind and snow.
Sosuke breathed a sigh of relief.
Minato Namikaze's keen insight made people feel uneasy.
"He discovered it."
Sosuke touched his blindfold.
He noticed the abnormality in my left eye, but he chose to ignore it.
This is Shuimen's philosophy of life. As long as it doesn't harm the village, he always maintains the utmost tolerance.
"Boss, who was that just now—"
Maki looked at the doorway with a hint of admiration.
"That's Jonin Minato."
Sosuke put away the 20,000 taels of banknotes.
"They are also one of our major clients."
The strawberry daifuku was indeed priced too high. Even after the last few groups of customers left, no one else came to buy any.
"knock off."
Sosuke wrapped up two strawberry daifuku.
"Maki, there are two more strawberry daifuku. You and Jin can eat them."
"Thank you, Mr. Sosuke." Maki was wiping the counter.
Sosuke pushed open the door, and the wind and snow rushed in.
Get some rest.
"Yes, Mr. Sosuke, take care!"
Back to the Kikyo Pavilion.
"The boss is back!"
Sawtooth was lying on the sofa with his feet propped up on the coffee table, holding a book in his hand—"Basic Anatomy" that Chiba had thrown to him, so he could learn how to chop people more efficiently.
Yu Nu Longma sat in the corner, pruning a pot of orchids.
"Um.
""
Sosuke changed his shoes, brushed the snow off his shoulders, and went upstairs to the second floor.
The second-floor corridor is covered with thick carpet.
He stopped in front of a door at the far end.
dong dong.
Sosuke knocked on the door twice.
"Please come in."
Sosuke pushed open the door.
A wave of warmth washed over me. The room was warm and dry, with a fireplace burning.
Kaori Uzuki hasn't rested yet.
She was wearing a loose-fitting kimono and sitting at the table maintaining her sword.
A white cloth, damp with maintenance oil, was used to wipe the blade.
On the other side of the room, on the large bed covered with a thick quilt.
Xiyan was lying there, holding a picture book in her hand.
The little girl's face was still a bit pale, but much better than before, and she was not far from recovering.
"The boss?"
Upon seeing Sousuke, Kaori immediately put down her sword and stood up.
"It's so late, is there anything I can help you with?"
"No mission."
Sosuke entered the room and closed the door behind him.
"I brought some of the store's newest snacks."
He placed the gift box on the table.
Xi Yan lifted her head from the bed, her big eyes looking at the box with curiosity.
"Uncle Sousuke."
Her voice was soft and gentle, conveying a sense of closeness. She was very sensible and understood that her current happy life came from Sosuke.
Good evening, Yugao.
Sosuke untied the rope from the gift box.
The lid is opened. Two strawberry daifuku lie quietly on the white paper backing.
On top of the pure white glutinous rice skin, two bright red strawberries exude an enticing sweet and sour aroma.
Kaori was stunned.
"This is... a strawberry?"
In this season, fresh fruit is more precious than meat.
"This is a new product."
Sosuke picked one up and handed it to Yugao.
"Try it. It's sweet, and it's sour too."
Xi Yan took it. Her hands were small, and the large "Fu" (福, meaning good fortune) almost filled her palm.
She glanced at her mother.
Kaori nodded, her eyes softening.
Xi Yan opened her small mouth and took a bite.
The strawberry juice bursts in your mouth, mixing with the soft, chewy texture of glutinous rice and the sweetness of red bean paste.
The aroma of fruit instantly filled my taste buds.
"Hmm!"
Xiyan's eyes lit up.
"Delicious! So sweet!"
She laughed happily, her two little feet swinging on the bed.
"You eat too."
Sosuke handed the remaining one to Kaori.
Kaori picked up the strawberry daifuku.
White glutinous rice skin, red strawberries. This dessert seems so unreal, like a beautiful dream.
She took a small bite.
The sweet and sour juice bursts on the tongue, and that fresh taste washes away the bitterness of the past.
"Is it tasty?"
"Um----"
Xiyan had finished hers and was licking the frosting off her fingers with lingering satisfaction.
"Mom, will we be able to eat strawberries every day from now on?"
Kaori paused for a moment, then smiled wryly. How could she possibly eat something so precious every day?
"As long as you behave and follow Chiba-nii's instructions for treatment."
Sosuke patted Yugao's head.
"Uncle promises you'll get to eat it often."
"Yay!"
Sosuke sat in the chair, watching the mother and daughter.
Warm.
If someone who didn't know the situation saw this, they would probably think it was a happy family of three.
But Sosuke's left eye was seeing a different scene.
Within the snake's field of vision.
On Xiyan's chest, the golden halo representing natural energy was pulsating with her breath.
That was a gold mine.
It is the key source that enabled Sousuke's left eye to evolve and to develop Sage Mode in the future.
"Has Yugao been coughing lately?" Sosuke asked.
"Very few."
Kaori replied that she had no idea what her boss was thinking.
"Chiba's treatment is very effective. She can now sleep through the night."
"That's good. Get some rest, Yugao."
Sosuke's voice was very gentle.
"As long as you obediently get treatment, Uncle will buy you whatever you want to eat in the future."
"Thank you, Uncle!"
Late at night.
Xiyan fell asleep in the warm blankets, her breathing steady and no longer making any unusual noises.
Only Sosuke and Kaori remained in the room.
The fire in the fireplace gradually dimmed, leaving only the glowing embers.
Kaori sat at the table and poured Sosuke a cup of tea.
Her loose-fitting kimono had a slightly open neckline, revealing a breathtaking glimpse of her fair skin.
"Boss."
Kaori held the teacup in both hands, her eyes appearing exceptionally gentle in the firelight.
Why are you so good to me?
This is more than just an employment relationship.
Countless prepayments, exorbitantly priced medicinal herbs, and strawberries on this winter night.
"This is an investment."
Sosuke took a sip of tea and spoke frankly.
"Kaori, I'm a businesswoman. I only do things when it's advantageous."
"Your swordsmanship is excellent, your loyalty is high, and your past experiences make you cherish your current life more than anyone else."
"In my eyes, you are a valuable asset."
"Assets 1————"
Kaori murmured to herself.
In the past, she would have felt humiliated to be referred to as an asset.
But now, she only feels at ease.
Being treated as an asset means it has value and will be maintained.
"Since it's an asset—"
Kaori stood up.
She walked up to Sosuke and slowly knelt down. A faint scent of shower gel, mixed with her natural fragrance, entered Sosuke's nostrils.
She looked up, her eyes burning with passion.
"Then please—use me to your heart's content."
26
Not just as a guard.
She offered her entire being, soul and body, to demonstrate her loyalty.
"very good."
Sosuke put his arm around Kaori's waist.
He didn't refuse. To refuse such a top-tier female ninja's advances would be hypocritical.
More importantly, it's a ritual.
In the ninja world, simple monetary employment relationships are not secure.
Only when such a deep physical relationship is established, mixed with emotions, dependence, and possession, can a woman truly be deeply bound to him, forging an unbreakable contract.
Sosuke glanced at the sleeping Yugao.
"Go next door."
He whispered in Kaori's ear.
Kaori blushed and nodded shyly.
Sosuke picked her up and carried her to the more private master bedroom.
That night, the wind and snow were kept out of the window.
Inside the house, the contract had already been signed.