Konoha's back mountain.
Training Ground 106.
Normally, early February should still feel like winter.
But ninja-world logic didn't follow modern seasons—Konoha suddenly shot back to a pleasant 16°C like nothing happened.
During wartime, missions consumed almost every available shinobi.
Only last year's Team One had the luxury of training at a time like this.
Shinku Senju:
Grandson of the First Hokage
Grandson of the current Nine-Tails jinchūriki
Younger brother of the Hokage's student
Disciple of the Hokage's student
Heir to the Senju clan
No one dared send that many titles to die on a battlefield.
Even C-rank missions during war were tightly restricted unless Orochimaru could personally supervise him.
Might Duy:
The eternal genin (technically 10+ years of it).
Unlike Maruboshi Kosuke—who could casually defeat chūnin—Duy had:
Low chakra
Barely usable Three Basic Techniques
Pure taijutsu
And crippling internal injuries from overtraining and self-developing the Eight Gates incorrectly.
As for Kaito…
"Lightning Release: Ground Walk!"
Bzzzzzzz—!!
"Damn! I failed again! Why does this keep happening?!"
High above Training Ground 106, a brown-haired boy poked his head out from behind a tree, trembling as he peered down at the scorched grass.
Lightning crackled across the ground…
Not where Kaito aimed, which was the target post.
No.
The innocent lawn was now charcoal black.
And clearly, not for the first time.
"K-Kaito… you're terrifying…"
Below, Kaito knelt in dramatic exhaustion.
As a 'genin,' after three C-rank jutsu he should look dizzy and fatigued.
He looked at the charred ground.
Sorry, grass. To stay a genin, sacrifices must be made.
"You— you're way too ridiculous."
When Nawaki arrived earlier, he meant to "help Kaito train."
Ten seconds later, Kaito nearly electrocuted him via accidental friendly fire.
Thus, Nawaki fled to a tree for safety.
"You learn fast, sure. But sometimes your jutsu works, sometimes it randomly tries to murder us. As your teammate, I fear for my life."
Kaito shrugged.
"Okay, Young Master. Why'd you come find me today?"
Ever since his "licensed doctor trial card" expired, Kaito obediently resumed D-rank missions with the boys:
Two missions every two days.
Yesterday was moving construction materials—Duy almost died of exhaustion.
"Actually," Nawaki said, "I need you for something important."
"No money."
"???"
Shinku stared blankly.
"H-how did you know I came to borrow money?!"
Kaito leaned lazily against the untouched training post.
"Guess. I just ordered a custom ninja blade—I'm broke. Absolutely not lending money."
"And Duy still hasn't paid back the 200,000 he borrowed."
"My wallet…"
"Has 200,000 left total. I'm starving to death over here."
Shinku: "..."
"But why are you broke? You're a Senju heir. You do missions with us. You get clan allowance."
He paused.
"…Why is the wealthy prince of the Senju clan borrowing money from a poor genin like me?!"
Shinku scratched his cheek awkwardly.
"…I lent it to my sister."
Kaito froze.
Ah.
He remembered Nonō telling him Tsunade had borrowed 50,000 ryō from her and never paid it back.
Then borrowed again.
Nonō asked Kaito for advice—
His advice: "Reject her immediately."
"…How much did she borrow from you?"
"Um… around 240–250 thousand ryō."
Kaito inhaled sharply.
"So today you're borrowing money for equipment?"
"No, actually… she needs the money today. She said she'll pay me back after she gets her salary next month—"
Kaito covered his face.
This was word-for-word what Tsunade said to Nonō.
"…No."
"Why not?! I'll pay you back after my next mission!"
Kaito stared deeply at him.
"Do you know what 'gambling' is?"
"Gambling? What's that?"
Kaito nearly collapsed onto the ground.
"It's an entertainment activity where money goes in…
And never comes back out."
Meanwhile… at Senju Residence
Doctors need rest too.
But Tsunade, instead of resting, had woken bright and early—
To find Nawaki.
To ask him for "a little gambling money."
Her wages were already gone.
Her savings? Gone months ago.
"Why isn't Nawaki back yet…?"
"I heard his teacher is a mission freak. He must have lots saved~ Heeheehee~"
In her bedroom, Tsunade sat at the window, fantasizing about dominating the casino.
Click.
Someone opened the front door.
Tsunade turned—
And froze.
Standing in the doorway was a graceful woman with red hair tied in a bun.
Beautiful.
Elegant.
Smiling…
Yet her smile was murder.
Anger veins pulsed on her forehead like she was about to erupt.
"Little Tsunade~♡"
"M-Mito Grandma?! Why didn't you tell me you were coming— I would've greeted—"
Something felt wrong.
Terribly wrong.
Behind Mito stood:
Shinku (traumatized)
Kaito (yawning)
Kaito bowed politely.
"Mito-sama, I believe Tsunade-sama was simply… momentarily overwhelmed."
"Otherwise she wouldn't have borrowed 50,000 from her student… and still not repaid it after two months."
"And then borrowed 240,000 from her little brother."
"I beg you not to be angry~~"
"G-GRANDMA LET ME EXPLAIN—!!"
Mito's smile widened.
"Oh? Borrowing from your brother is one thing. But even disciples? You truly lack shame."
WHIP!
"OW! OW OW!! GRANDMA!!"
Tsunade screamed as Mito thrashed her with a willow switch.
She couldn't fight back.
Not against this grandma.
Meanwhile—
Kaito smiled quietly.
That's what you get for disturbing my students' finances.
Mito paid off Tsunade's debt to Nonō on the spot.
She then returned Nawaki's 50,000 allowance.
As for Tsunade?
Mito ordered her to repay Nawaki the moment her salary arrived.
Shinku: "Thank you, Grandma!"
"Good boy."
Then Mito turned to Kaito.
"You and Nawaki are both Orochimaru's disciples, correct?"
"Yes, Mito-sama."
"No need to be formal. Call me Grandma when we're in private."
Behind them, Tsunade—forced to face the wall in punishment—glared absolute murder at Kaito.
I will make you pay for this someday.
Kaito smiled warmly.
"Mito Grandma is too kind. I only didn't want Tsunade-sama to fall any deeper."
"After all…"
He looked back at her, eyes glinting mischief.
"Gambling is ten losses out of ten."
"Better not start."
"…Mind your business," Tsunade muttered.
"Tsunade!"
Mito snapped, and Tsunade instantly froze.
But inside—
I WILL DESTROY YOU ONE DAY, KAITO!!!
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