"Hokage-sama!" A Konoha ANBU Jonin knelt on one knee and reported, "The Uzu-nin have left."
"Hmm." Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded lightly and asked, "Did anything strange happen?"
"Nothing." The ANBU Jonin replied. "But that Uzumaki Jun gave a child a scroll about chakra refinement."
"A child?" Hiruzen frowned. "Just a chakra refinement scroll?"
"Yes." The ANBU Jonin nodded. "He is an orphan from Konoha, and he trains in the mountains every day."
"A very persistent child."
"Then..." Hiruzen furrowed his brows. Could it be that the gift was given simply because the child was hardworking?
That didn't seem likely.
After all, no matter what, that child was still an orphan of Konoha.
"Bring that child here," Hiruzen said, taking a puff of his pipe. "Do not harm him."
Perhaps...
He was overthinking it?
...
Land of Whirlpools...
"This is the last batch." A Uzu-nin respectfully addressed the Uzumaki Clan Head. They had been busy with maritime transport for the past month, and now it was finally coming to an end.
"You've worked hard." The Uzumaki Clan Head smiled as he took the documents listing the information of the refugees. "Has Jun and the others returned yet?"
"Jun-sama and Kai-sama have not returned yet," the Uzu-nin replied respectfully. "But they should be back soon."
"I wonder how things will go in Konoha." The Uzumaki Clan Head frowned slightly. "I hope nothing unexpected happens."
"It won't. Jun-sama is very strong."
"Haha! True." The Uzumaki Clan Head laughed. "Jun is a Kage-level shinobi!"
"And he knows space-time ninjutsu!"
"By the way, there are actually thirteen shinobi in this batch." The Uzumaki Clan Head flipped through the refugee records in surprise. "There's even a Jonin among them!"
"Have they all been properly informed?" The Uzumaki Clan Head looked at the Uzu-nin seriously. "And their chakra has been sealed, right?"
This matter couldn't be taken lightly.
The Land of Whirlpools had very strict policies regarding the admission of shinobi, as they wanted to avoid unnecessary dangers.
"It's all been sealed." The Uzu-nin nodded solemnly. "We've also explained the laws and regulations of the Land of Whirlpools to them, and they've promised not to cause trouble."
"Good." The Uzumaki Clan Head nodded in satisfaction. "After this is over, you can rest. For now..."
"Please endure a little longer."
"Yes!"
...
"Kakuzu-sama, the amount of money you've given is really not enough." Gato looked at the man sitting behind the desk, chin resting on his hand as he reviewed documents, with a pained expression.
"Back then, Jun-sama also..."
"Enough, enough." Kakuzu waved impatiently. "I've been in trade and assassination for many years. I know the market prices. This amount is sufficient."
"But the war just ended, and everything is expensive now!" Seeing Kakuzu's impatience, Gato could only complain further. "And the quantity you need is far too large."
"Didn't you take a batch of goods with you?" Kakuzu raised his head, puzzled. "After selling those, the money should be enough."
"..."
Gato stared speechlessly at the Land of Whirlpools' Finance Minister. Did he not understand that goods had to be sold gradually?
He needed so much, and he wanted it done quickly!
How was that possible?
"There's no other way. You'll have to bear with it." Kakuzu sighed. "The food reserves are depleting quickly. If we don't replenish them soon, chaos could break out."
"But the time..."
"Take some Uzu-nin with you and transport them in batches." Kakuzu suggested.
"But Jun-sama!"
"Ah..." Kakuzu sighed helplessly upon hearing Gato's words. "Then take your time. I'll discuss this with the Uzumaki Clan Head."
They were already at Kage-level, and peace had been achieved.
What was there to fear?
Even if other villages wanted to steal, they wouldn't start a war now. At most, they'd act in secret.
"Then..."
"Fine, fine." Kakuzu waved his hand. "Do as you see fit. Just make sure the Land of Whirlpools doesn't descend into chaos."
"Thank you, Kakuzu-sama!" Gato bowed gratefully before leaving.
"Sigh..." Kakuzu exhaled deeply and shook his head. "I don't know if becoming the Finance Minister was the right decision..."
He had almost spent all his personal savings to cover the expenses.
Opening a drawer, he took out a piece of paper and wrote:
"Year X of Konoha, the Land of Whirlpools borrows funds from the Finance Minister—Kakuzu-sama..."
Then, he carefully tucked it away.
Looking at the pile of documents before him—all funding requests—Kakuzu rubbed his temples wearily before continuing to review the reasons for each application...
"Research on the scrollization and reusability of the Light-Weight Boulder Technique requires a batch of..."
"Request for a batch of clothing..."
"..."
There were all kinds of requests. What a hassle!
But...
"This feeling isn't bad at all!" Kakuzu narrowed his eyes slightly.
...
Namikaze Minato was utterly confused as he was escorted back to the forest. He didn't understand why the Hokage wanted to see him or why he had to inspect the gift that red-haired child had given him...
"How strange!"
Was that child not just an ordinary kid?
Well, it didn't matter. It had nothing to do with him, and...
The boy had given him a gift.
And today...
"I'm so excited!" Minato grinned. The Hokage himself had summoned him!
Hah!
"Wait!" Minato suddenly smacked his forehead and pulled out the gift from the red-haired child—a scroll.
Chakra Refinement Manual.
"Huh? Why did it disappear?" Minato flipped the scroll back and forth in confusion, muttering, "I remember there was a sentence written here."
"It was something like..."
"East of the tree with a cross, the third tree to the left, behind another tree to the left. Remember, don't tell anyone."
"Ah, that's it!" Minato frowned in thought. "But what is it? And why can't I tell anyone?"
He had even lied to the Hokage earlier!
Why would that child ask him to keep it a secret?
How odd...
Minato stared at the scroll in his hand. "Should I..."
Go take a look?
The thought popped into his mind and refused to leave.
Well...
Maybe later??