"Haha, did Akaba get beaten up today?"
Someone greeted him with a question early in the morning while walking down the street.
Needless to say, he must've read the manga and seen Tsunade waiting idly at the entrance of Sakuma Akaba's clan compound that morning.
"Impossible! Do you really think Tsunade is that kind of person?"
Akaba snorted contemptuously.
No one believed him naturally, and one after another, the passersby let out friendly laughs.
On his way to the manga shop, he noticed a newly opened store undergoing renovations. At first, Akaba didn't pay much attention — Konoha was prospering, and considering the recent war, opening one or two new stores wasn't particularly surprising.
The problem was, the store was operated by the Aburame clan!
Could the Aburame clan really run a shop?
Akaba felt extremely shocked and couldn't help but walk inside. The person managing the renovation inside was unfamiliar to him at first, but gradually he recognized him — it was Aburame Daisuke, a fairly average Chunin within the Aburame clan.
He glanced around. Judging from the interior layout, it seemed like a food establishment, yet wouldn't there be bugs if the Aburame ran such a place?
"This store isn't open yet, Akaba."
Aburame Daisuke wore sunglasses, and given the strange attire of the Aburame clan, it was impossible to discern his expression just from looking at his face.
Curious, Akaba couldn't resist asking, "What kind of shop is this going to be?"
"Insect cuisine, plus some rare insects with considerable abilities."
Aburame Daisuke explained.
Insect cuisine? Had the insect-breeders finally turned on their own kind?
As he walked around, Akaba realized it wasn't quite what he'd expected — the interior looked nothing like the usual Aburame style; instead, it bore a striking resemblance to Mount Myoboku architecture.
Could it possibly be a shop opened by the toads of Mount Myoboku?
Akaba froze for a moment.
The next second, he spotted a small toad lounging on the counter. It had chosen a good spot, right beside some decorations; an inattentive observer would easily overlook it.
The toad wasn't big, but judging from its appearance, it likely carried the bloodline of Mount Myoboku.
"Kid, sleeping on the job isn't allowed!"
Akaba walked over and reached out to grab the little toad.
Aburame Daisuke urgently shouted to stop him, "Akaba, this one is from Mount Myoboku!"
"I know."
Akaba poked the back of the toad.
The small toad immediately woke up, raised its head, looked dazed for a moment, then blinked blankly, asking, "Who are you?"
"Sent here on a mission from Sage Fukasaku and you're already taking a nap? Not very professional, kid."
"You know Sage Fukasaku? Are you Sakuma Akaba?"
The young toad startled initially, then quickly became excited, hopping energetically across the counter like a fan boy.
It would've jumped right onto Akaba if its legs weren't so weak.
"You recognize the toads from Mount Myoboku?"
Aburame Daisuke sounded surprised.
"Just minor stuff. I've got friends everywhere — some even call me the Ninja World's wandering noble."
Akaba casually remarked.
"Akaba, Akaba! Recently Jiraiya hasn't bought us any books. Is your manga not updated yet?"
The little toad anxiously asked.
Jiraiya hadn't brought them any books in ages, leaving the group of toads waiting endlessly, bored out of their minds.
"The manga keeps getting updated, but apparently Jiraiya's wallet hasn't gotten the memo."
Akaba said indifferently.
Jiraiya still hadn't returned Kaihime yet - at a price of 100 per day, accumulating costs had already consumed most of his stipend and mission earnings.
He was so broke he had to draw portraits on the street for extra cash. No way he could afford new manga with his budget.
"That despicable Jiraiya! Instead of earning money for manga, he just peeks secretly, disgracing our Mount Myoboku!"
The little toad sneered in disgust.
After being publicly humiliated last time, Jiraiya's bad habits were no longer a secret. Everyone at Mount Myoboku knew he spent his days loitering at bathhouses without doing any missions.
Now that's what I call a close relationship!
Listening to their conversation, Aburame Daisuke couldn't help feeling envious.
If the Aburame clan could befriend the toads from Mount Myoboku, their insects would have become much stronger by now, without needing to trade valuable resources with Mount Myoboku.
"Are you toads planning to settle permanently in Konoha for business?"
"Yeah, currently the summoning circle hasn't been developed yet. Once we create it, we can store some of Jiraiya's blood and stay here permanently."
The young toad answered honestly, hiding nothing.
Akaba hadn't expected this - suddenly the toads had brought their business to Konoha. He wasn't sure about the reason, but found this quite interesting.
Thinking about delicacies like bullfrog hotpot and spicy frog dishes made him drool uncontrollably.
"With so many toads at Mount Myoboku, do you have some species with more meat?"
"Frog meat? More meat..."
Images of big toads like Gamata and Gamaken surfaced in the small toad's mind, followed quickly by thoughts of the strongest Great Toad Sage on the mountain.
There seemed to be quite a few large ones of that type.
It nodded and boasted, "We've got tons of big meaty toads! Just wait till I grow up - I'll be huge too!"
"No, I mean those edible frogs specifically bred for consumption, not those powerful ones like Gamata."
Trying to guide the conversation, Akaba clarified.
What's the point mentioning Gamata-level toads? Our pot can't even cook them.
"We don't sell living creatures!"
The young toad immediately got angry.
Suddenly it felt cold all over, sensing an icy murderous intent emanating from the idol's gaze that had previously seemed friendly.
"Akaba, you're asking too much. If you really want to eat frog meat, go catch some in the wild instead of troubling Mount Myoboku."
Aburame Daisuke awkwardly stepped in to mediate.
They still needed the toads' help cultivating insects, so couldn't allow Akaba to ruin the peaceful relations between their clans.
"Toads are our family members - don't even think about it!"
The small toad sternly shouted while its actions completely contradicted its words - seconds later, frightened by itself, it had already scurried back to Mount Myoboku.
Looking at Akaba, Aburame Daisuke's eyes filled with grievance: "Where am I supposed to find another toad now?"
We were peacefully renovating, why did you have to come bother us?
"Just find Jiraiya then. I'm leaving first. See you. Keep busy."
Akaba felt embarrassed.
When hunger strikes, self-control becomes impossible. Originally thinking Mount Myoboku might develop this kind of business, turns out they only came to promote insect cuisine.
Who else besides Jiraiya actually enjoys that stuff anyway?
Aburame Daisuke felt terrible.
Hold on, why the rush? The toads have already scattered! What if the renovation ends up not being to her liking? We'd just have to tear it all down and start over!
This is all coming out of the Aburame clan's funds!
Stepping out of the newly renovated shop, Akaba couldn't stop thinking about one thing—he hadn't eaten any frog meat since arriving in Konoha.
"Might as well make a frog hotpot today. I'll treat Tsunade and everyone to dinner."
Akaba chuckled.
Although wild frogs weren't as tasty as those nurtured with Natural Energy, he figured they could still manage a decent frog hotpot somehow. As for who would catch them—
Snakes are expert frog hunters. Naturally, Orochimaru could handle that part.
Akaba grabbed the scroll meant for Danzo, bought some snacks from the market, then headed toward Anbu headquarters.
The prologue of the Anbu Code contained only a few words spoken by Danzo. Other than that, Akaba didn't remember much else. But Danzo didn't seem to mind—he probably didn't even recall what nonsense he'd babbled out back then anyway.
Still,
After reading that single page of introduction, Danzo set aside his papers and stared at Akaba for a moment before speaking. "Since you're back safe and sound, I suppose you've managed to win Tsunade over. But remember, she's my niece—I hope you're not planning on making up some story just to fool her."
"Oh come on, there's no way I'd do that," Akaba replied, wiping a bead of cold sweat from his brow.
They acted like it was all a done deal or something! It felt like everyone thought tomorrow was going to be the final chapter where we get married or something. Didn't they know how hard Tsunade was to win over?
Just look at Dan. Back in the day, he went through incredible trouble—even sacrificing his life trying to win her.
Let's hope I live long enough.
"Hmph. Just keep that in mind. Also, Anbu needs some more powerful ninjutsu."
Danzo left his sentence hanging.
He hadn't said it outright, but the message was loud and clear.
Akaba grinned. "Understood. Like Rasengan? Sure, we can train together on that. Although the technique itself is pretty tough—it does require a fair bit of chakra too."
"Good. Your Preparatory Division has been wrapping things up lately, so in the beginning, I'll assign several Anbu to assist you. One purpose will be guarding your students; another will also help teach them some key techniques."
Danzo was satisfied, and casually offered Akaba an additional benefit along the way.
Both of them left feeling rather pleased. After finishing one report, Danzo was about to pick up the next message scroll when he glanced at it briefly, then looked up. "I heard the Yumekuma clan has a pretty good relationship with you?"
"In recent times, I've helped them expand their business, mainly in dream-based training. It's not quite as effective as True Illusion, but at least it's scalable."
Akaba explained.
"Excellent. Later on, have them train the Anbu as well. They'll definitely receive plenty of spiritual energy in return."
Danzo remained calm outwardly, but inwardly he felt somewhat sour.
Isn't the contract scroll mine originally?
Why wasn't he able to command influence anymore among the Yumekuma clan? Why did every summon end up being some dumb brute? Yet Akaba seemed to fit right in everywhere, getting smooth sailing no matter where he went.
Didn't I arrive first?!
He cast a sidelong glance at his disciple, emotions stirring in a complex mix.
"I'll try my best to talk to them..."
Akaba found himself in a difficult spot too. The Yumekuma were rather picky eaters—inclined toward certain tastes—and weren't necessarily going to agree to every deal, especially when dealing with another contractor like Danzo.
"You might as well go look up Orochimaru if you're going to. In a few days, the base should be completed, and you won't need to bother coming to Anbu anymore."
Guessing that Danzo was in a bad mood, Akaba didn't dare to stay and bother him. With permission, he turned around to look for Orochimaru.
It was almost noon already. If he waited any longer, there might not be enough time to prepare a whole cauldron of Toad stew.
Arriving at the laboratory, Akaba discovered Jiraiya was also there.
What embarrassed him most was that Jiraiya used the [Sexy Technique], transforming into a female form and acting flirtatious, changing forms occasionally and adjusting sizes.
What a pervert!
Akaba felt completely out of place with these two, so he began pulling shut the door he'd just cracked open slightly.
"Did you need something?"
Orochimaru glanced sideways, keenly noticing Akaba lingering outside.
Hmm?
Jiraiya turned around too, catching sight of the visitor through the crack in the door. In an instant, he vanished and reappeared in a different form.
Akaba pretended not to recognize him. He coughed lightly and said, "Just checking if you're busy. If so, I can come back later."
"Jiraiya has developed cultivation techniques from your manga, so I invited him to demonstrate them to assist my research. In return, I taught him the one-handed Rasengan."
Orochimaru answered openly and honestly.
Beside him, Jiraiya's face flushed red with embarrassment, indignantly protesting, "Orochimaru, we agreed not to tell anyone!"
"You weren't the only one watching—you know, when you were peeking, Akaba was behind you watching too. And when you got beaten up, both of us were behind you watching as well."
Orochimaru gave him a strange look.
"What!?"
Jiraiya's eyes nearly popped out, feeling like hiding under a rock right then and there.
Another embarrassing exposure?
"Erm... never mind. It's all a misunderstanding. You two please continue with your research."
Now that Jiraiya was here, it wasn't the right time to mention eating the Toad just yet.
"Get lost!"
In his anger, Jiraiya "shouted"—although still in his transformed state, his voice came out unusually girlish.
Then, with a sudden burst of Earth Release, he disappeared.
Well then, looks like luck's on my side.
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