When he and the genin squad were initially allocated to Kushina, they were astonished by their fortune. Her wardrobe change had made her the center of attention in the tower, and being assigned to her was like living a dream. On the initial day, while following her, he caught the genins muttering about her physique. He believed she must have heard them as well; a kunoichi of her level would not overlook that.
His worries were validated later when Kushina, with an intense stare, tasked the trio with the department's toughest job: cleaning the entire archives. This assignment was typically assigned to newcomers to help them get to know the department, but for the three, it was unmistakably a punishment. Finishing the mission in a single day usually necessitated six or seven genin squads. On the positive side, this made Ryoichi her only assistant for the time being.
"-oichi-san?"
He was pulled from his musings by the sound of Kushina's voice.
"Ah, Kushina-sama, would you mind restating the question?" Apologies, I got absorbed in the forecasts you provided. He rapidly thought of an excuse and breathed a sigh of relief when she indicated the figures on the papers.
"I mentioned that the figures computed by your team are accurate, correct?"
He agreed. "Certainly, Kushina-sama." Once we received the final figure, we verified it again and even inquired with the chunin in charge of submitting the data to confirm there were no errors. All documents have been sealed and authorized by Hokage-sama personally. He gave her multiple supporting documents.
Kushina examined them closely. "Ah, it appears this is truly accurate, yet it remains difficult to accept." Over the last four years, we've directed approximately 45 million ryo to Hot Springs Country.
Setting the documents aside, she gazed at him. "We'll also need to determine where and how Hot Springs utilized these funds." Next, locate and gather all the reports they provided. I want to know what services they have offered us for this large amount.
Just as he was preparing to depart, he faced another interruption.
"Additionally, bring those three along." I believe they will be a great assistance to you. When you've finished, return with them. I have a few extra assignments for them. "I'll see everyone in the archives post-lunch."
He wasn't certain, but he unmistakably felt a shift in tone at the conclusion of her words. This woman was pushing his buttons, even if she didn't realize it. Having recently ended a relationship, he discovered he was attracted to dominant women. He rapidly departed the tower, shaking his head.
The primary archives section was situated at the rear of the Hokage Tower. Indeed, it was among the limited departments that had its own facility. Upon arrival, Ryoichi inquired with the chunin by the entrance regarding the location of the genins. Upon getting confirmation, he explored different areas of the department. He ultimately located them outside the clan taxation archives of Konoha on the second floor.
The group looked annoyed and restless. As Ryoichi got closer, he listened to their discussion.
"Curse you and your loud mouth, Baicho." "Had it not been for your lack of finesse, we wouldn't be in this situation," grumbled Shinsuke, the person on the left.
"Yes, I apologize once more." How much longer will you keep complaining, Shinsuke? "I'm finding your ranting more frustrating than this damn mission," Baicho shot back from the shelf.
The third member, Haihuen, interjected, "While I find your quarrel amusing, it's starting to become dull." If I were uncertain about your preferences, I would confine you both in a room together. However, Shinsuke, you shouldn't hold Baicho solely responsible. "We all messed up by speaking so loudly about her when she wasn't around."
Haihuen went on, "Yet I have no regrets. We were simply stating the facts—Kushina-sama truly is a warm bundle. "If given the opportunity, I wouldn't let any part of her go to waste."
Baicho chuckled. "Indeed, my friend." For the last couple of days, she has occupied all my thoughts and dreams. I felt the urge to slap her backside that day or, even better, fulfill my fantasies by bending her over in the archive library and savoring every moment with her.
Shinsuke let out a sigh. "Why are you all envisioning something unachievable?" She's far beyond our reach. Even if she wasn't the Yondaime's spouse or the deputy Hokage, she remains an S-ranked kunoichi. "Just her ki would have us shitting ourselves."
Haihuen sighed. "Why do you always ruin the fun, Shinsuke?" Isn't a guy allowed to dream? Moreover, ultimately, she remains a kunoichi, and I possess the ideal kunai to match her sheath.
The three of them erupted in laughter.
"That's boring, Haihuen." "However, if any kunai heads in that direction, it's certainly mine," Baicho said, ready to proceed when Ryoichi's voice interrupted them.
"I would be quite interested in hearing about your kunai and Kushina-sama's holster, but let's be grateful it was me who caught this and not her." "Otherwise, the three of you would be given an even lower-status task than this."
The three of them feigned disapproval by shaking their heads. Haihuen responded, "We're simply stating the facts, Ryoichi-san. And it's not as if we're unaware of how you or everyone else here perceives her. Certainly, we erred by speaking in her presence. Yet, you cannot argue that if the opportunity arose, you'd allow your kunai to locate her holster.
The three of them chuckled once more.
Ryoichi nodded negatively. "That isn't the issue." Additionally, I've been given a new assignment, so I'm here to pick you up. "Should fortune smile upon you, you will have the chance to report to her once it's finished." He hurriedly departed, making his way to the section for foreign archives. He heard the three of them hurriedly putting the scrolls back on the shelves behind him.
In the meantime, oblivious to the discussions regarding her, Kushina was deep in contemplation. The '45 million ryo' designated for Hot Springs Country over four years for upkeep appeared ridiculous to her. *What are they spending this money on? This seems like broad daylight theft. I need to consult Sandaime on this matter. He approved it, so he should have more information.*
Realizing it was nearly lunchtime, she closed the documents in her folder. This sealing technique was among her innovations for simplifying archive management. She suggested it to Sandaime, who noted that similar concepts had been brought up before but were never carried out because of the insufficient sealing skills among both civilians and shinobi.