Chapter 142: I Want This Girl
In the following days, Haruko returned to his usual rhythm.
During the day, he acted as a competent slacking counter clerk at the Ichiraku Ramen Shop, dealing with all sorts of customers.
At night, he guided the Training of Kin and Tayuya, or helped Karin deal with her old bite marks.
Then at night, he dealt with Kaede, who wanted to get physical.
"Sigh, a life of lying flat is just so simple and unadorned."
Haruko was currently lying on a rocking chair in the Ramen Shop's lounge, rubbing his somewhat aching waist.
"Has Kaede's physical fitness improved?...Well, she absorbs Natural Energy around me every day; I just don't know if she'll eventually evolve the Shikotsumyaku."
Poof.
"Lord Haruko." A palm-sized Slug suddenly appeared along with a puff of white smoke.
"Lady Tsunade has arrived at FUNFUN Street on the outskirts of Konoha. She wants you to bring that girl to see her."
"Tsk, she just doesn't want to return to the village, does she? Fine, I got it."
The Slug didn't answer, only disappearing into the white smoke.
Haruko sighed, stood up, and went home to pick up Karin.
After a few days of recuperation, Karin's complexion had improved significantly. Her black hair made her look much gentler than before.
However, those red eyes would still flash with a certain persistent light from time to time.
"Karin, pack up. I'm taking you to see a real 'backer'." Haruko pulled out a high-collared coat and tossed it to her. "Put it on, and try not to show your face."
...
When Haruko pushed open the door to the agreed-upon room, it was empty, with only the little pig Tonton lying on the tatami.
"Yo, Tonton, where are my master and senior sister?"
"Oink, oink."
"Yeah, I knew it."
Karin felt like she was hallucinating, actually seeing Haruko communicating with a little pink pig.
"Can you understand it?!"
"No."
"Uh..."
"But I can guess where they are..." Haruko formed a hand seal. "Shadow Clone Technique."
Ten minutes later, the Shadow Clone returned, dragging a woman with blonde twin tails and an "ominous chest."
"Let me go! Haruko, you brat! I was just about to turn the tables!"
Tsunade brandished her fists. Although she looked like a hot beauty in her twenties, her shrew-like aura left Karin completely stunned.
Karin pushed up her glasses, looked at Haruko for help, and whispered, "Is this... the Ninja World's number one medical Ninja, the legendary Sannin, Lady Tsunade?"
"What? Kid, you got a problem?" Tsunade was in front of Karin in an instant, a huge shadow looming over her head.
"N-No..." Karin's eyes went wide. "So amazing... May I ask what you ate to grow up like that?"
"Huh?" Tsunade looked confused, then turned to Haruko. "Hey, brat, is this the girl you abducted from Hidden Grass Village?"
"Yes..."
Haruko suppressed a laugh and briefly recounted the events of the Chunin Exams and Karin's situation.
After hearing this, Tsunade frowned. "You brat, you really have some nerve. Aren't you afraid of getting into trouble?"
"I already have." Haruko shrugged. "I originally planned to hide her until the Chunin Exams were over and then arrange a livelihood for her."
"Haruko, you were right to save her." Tsunade gave a rare compliment, then grabbed Karin. "Come on, follow me inside. I'm going to examine your body."
As the door closed, Haruko turned to Shizune, who had been watching with a smile.
"Senior sister, long time no see."
"Long time no see, Haruko. Congratulations on making it to the finals of the Chunin Exams."
"Sigh, don't mention it. If the old man Third hadn't forced me, I wouldn't have even planned to participate. Even if Master restricted my moves, wouldn't me fighting Genin still be bullying?"
The two chatted idly.
"Lady Tsunade, please don't!"
"Be good, let me see!"
The sounds coming from the room were both funny and awkward; the two could only pretend not to hear.
"...By the way, senior sister. Itachi was conditioning his body with Master before; how is he?"
"Itachi-kun? He went on a mission after his body was mostly adjusted. His body has recovered well, but he can't overuse his eyes. He might need eye transplant surgery in a few years."
"I see..."
Thud.
The door opened.
Tsunade walked out with a flushed face, followed by Karin, whose clothes were slightly disheveled and whose face was bright red.
???
"Master, what are you two..."
"Haruko, you've really found a treasure. Do you know how precious this child's body is?"
Tsunade slapped Haruko on the back, making him stumble.
"The bloodline of the Uzumaki Clan. For such a physique to be used as a 'blood pack' by Hidden Grass Village is a complete waste of a heavenly gift."
Tsunade looked at Haruko. "I want this girl."
"Uh... you shouldn't be asking me, right?" Haruko scratched his head.
"I wasn't asking you anyway."
Tsunade turned her head to Karin. "Hey, kid. I'm short of a gopher to run errands, and I can also teach you a few tricks so you won't get bitten by men. You in?"
Karin was stunned. She looked at Haruko, and seeing him nod slightly, she pursed her lips tightly and bowed deeply. "I'm willing! Please teach me, Lady Tsunade!"
"Alright, Shizune, take her to have a bath and change into some decent clothes." Tsunade waved her hand.
After the two left, Tsunade raised her hand and hooked her arm around Haruko's head.
"Hey, brat, I've done you this favor. Shouldn't you do me one in return?"
The snowy peaks right in front of him made Haruko's head spin, and he subconsciously replied, "Uh... let's hear it?"
"You see, there are always plenty of bad guys coming to ask me for money. How about you help me deal with them?"
"Time, place, got any photos?"
Haruko's bloodthirsty response left even Tsunade stunned.
"Are you crazy?! I'm asking you to help me send the debt collectors away! Are you playing dumb with me?!"
Boing!
Tsunade raised her hand and flicked Haruko on the forehead. It hurt so much that he grimaced, and his head was ringing.
"Wasn't I just solving the problem at its source..."
"Sigh... forget it, forget it. Just pretend I didn't say anything. Don't you dare actually do it."
Considering Haruko's background in the Taketori Clan, Tsunade really wasn't sure if he was joking and didn't dare mention it again.
"Hiss... Master, why don't you hide in Konoha?" Haruko used the Mystical Palm Technique to treat the swelling lump. "Debt collectors shouldn't easily chase you into Konoha, right?"
"No. I don't plan to enter the village before the finals start." Tsunade rejected Haruko's proposal instantly.
"Konoha doesn't have any public casinos either, so I'll just wait here."
"Fine, I got it." Haruko stood up to leave. "Then I'll leave Karin to you. I should head back; I snuck out this time."
...
After leaving the inn, Haruko didn't go straight home. Instead, he put on a cloak and walked toward a hidden black market at the end of FUNFUN Street.
He needed to buy some materials for setting up Barrier Ninjutsu—mainly for Tayuya to practice with.
The little girl's talent for Barrier Ninjutsu wasn't bad, but she also needed practical experience, which meant spending money.
Business at the black market was as booming as ever, and all sorts of strange things could be found.
While Haruko was picking out chakra metal, he suddenly noticed several burly men with dark skin.
Although they wore civilian clothes, their clearly trained posture and the occasionally revealed aggressive glares allowed Haruko to identify their origin at a glance—Ninjas from the Land of Lightning.
Most likely from the Hidden Cloud Village.
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