Chapter 239 The Tale of Guts-Sporting Ninja
Chapter 239 The Tale of Guts-Sporting Ninja
The Konoha headquarters in the capital of the Land of Fire.
"vomit--"
Nishikawa Tetsu skillfully leaned against the wall, his face turning pale as he dry-heaved.
Beside him, Jiraiya, despite his formidable strength, stumbled a couple of steps due to the sudden spatial jump.
But he immediately adjusted his posture, supporting himself on his knee with one hand and shaking his white hair.
"Is this the Flying Thunder God Technique? It's certainly fast, but it's a bit bumpy, Minato."
"I'm sorry, teacher, I'm still working on it."
Minato Namikaze glanced at the time and gave an apologetic smile.
"Now that I've delivered it, I'll head back now. I have a lot of things to do. Please give my regards to Yahiko and Konan for me."
After saying that, a flash of golden light appeared, and the dedicated driver vanished instantly.
"What a busy person!"
Jiraiya sighed, then looked at Nishikawa Tetsu with a hint of anticipation in his eyes.
"Let's go, take me to see Yahiko and the others. It's been so long, I wonder how the little ones are doing."
……
Half an hour later, at a high-end restaurant in the capital.
The private room was steaming hot and filled with a table of delicious dishes.
However, as the host, Yahiko didn't have much time to enjoy the food.
He was wearing a slightly dusty work uniform, his hair was a bit messy, and there were faint dark circles under his eyes, clearly a sign of long-term sleep deprivation.
"Teacher, Che, please eat first, don't be shy."
As Yahiko put food into his mouth, he mumbled something indistinctly while flipping through a stack of construction drawings on the table with his other hand.
"Yahiko, eat slowly, no one's going to take it from you."
Jiraiya never expected that his energetic and somewhat handsome disciple would turn out like this. A hint of heartache flashed in his eyes, but what remained unchanged were his energetic eyes.
However, this appearance of a starving ghost reincarnated is very similar to when I first met them.
"I have to be in a hurry, teacher."
Yahiko swallowed his food, took a big gulp of water, and said with a wry smile:
"The deadline for the first phase of the project is at the end of the month. The construction of the State Grid Corporation building and the laying of the power grid in the core area of the capital are both major projects that need to be completed by the end of the month. The renovation of Daming Mansion is also underway at the same time."
"The deadline is too tight. If I don't keep a close eye on things, I'm afraid things will go wrong. This is a crucial moment for Akatsuki to establish its reputation, and we absolutely cannot afford to let things fall apart."
As Nishikawa Tetsu said, this is an opportunity to gain international recognition and prove the Akatsuki's capabilities.
"I told you the construction period could be extended a bit. We estimated the power grid building would take three months, and it's only been less than two months. You're pushing yourself too hard."
Nishikawa Tetsu picked up a piece of fish and gave it to Yahiko, saying, "Health is the foundation of everything."
"It's alright, youth is our greatest asset. Besides, the sooner we finish, the sooner we can take on other projects."
Yahiko stood up, wiped his mouth, and bowed deeply to Jiraiya.
"Teacher, I was supposed to have dinner with you, but I really can't leave the project for too long."
"I've already paid the bill for this meal. You and Che, Xiao Nan, please enjoy your meal. Once I'm less busy, I'll definitely spend more time with you!"
After saying that, Yahiko grabbed his helmet and rushed out of the private room.
"This kid..."
Jiraiya looked at the still-shaking door, shook his head helplessly, but a relieved smile remained on his lips.
"I've matured, become more sensible, and grown up. Although I'm busy, I feel very fulfilled."
Only Nishikawa Tetsu, Jiraiya, and Konan remained in the private room.
Konan wasn't as anxious as Yahiko. She was in charge of overall planning and logistics, and although she was also very busy, at least she could still have a peaceful meal.
However, Nishikawa Tetsu noticed that Konan looked a bit haggard. Her originally fair and delicate skin now appeared somewhat dull, and even had a few pimples.
"Minami, you must be having a tough time lately, right?" Nishikawa Tetsu asked.
"It's alright, I'm used to it."
Xiao Nan smiled faintly, put down her chopsticks, and said, "The main problem is dealing with that endless pile of accounts and dealing with businessmen and powerful people. It's a bit mentally exhausting."
"Staying up late is a major enemy of your skin."
Nishikawa Tetsuya took out an exquisite gold-embossed card from his pocket and handed it over.
"What's this?" Xiao Nan asked, puzzled as she took it.
"A membership card for the Yanjiu Institute."
Nishikawa Tetsu pointed to the sign above.
"This is the beauty salon that Nono opened in the capital. As you know, it uses the techniques of Director Orochimaru and Lady Tsunade. Go there for a treatment when you have time to relax."
"This... is too expensive." Xiao Nan subconsciously wanted to refuse.
"Take it."
Nishikawa Tetsu waved his hand, "You are Akatsuki's chief steward, and also the image representative we need to present to the Daimyo. You can't go to negotiations with dark circles under your eyes; this is a job requirement."
"Moreover, those who frequent the Yanjiu Institute are mostly nobles and dignitaries from the Land of Fire, which will be beneficial to your work."
Xiao Nan hesitated for a moment, but looking into Nishikawa Tetsu's sincere eyes, she finally accepted the card with a gentle smile on her face.
"Thank you, Che-kun."
After finishing her meal, Xiao Nan hurriedly left to check the supplies list.
Only the master and apprentice remained in the private room.
"These kids have all grown up."
Jiraiya held his teacup, gazing at the bustling night view of the capital city outside the window, and sighed.
"Yes, they all have their own careers and goals." Nishikawa Tetsuya poured himself a cup of tea. "Teacher, you didn't come to the capital just to see them, did you?"
Although Jiraiya is somewhat unreliable, he would never do something like having his disciples pay for all his food, clothing, and lodging. He wouldn't be so easily fooled by Tetsuya's words.
"Hehe, you found out."
Jiraiya put down his teacup, took out a thick, tightly wrapped brown paper envelope from his pocket, and placed it mysteriously on the table.
"This is……"
"My book!"
Jiraiya puffed out his chest, looking proud.
"The Tale of Genjitsu Ninja is a masterpiece I poured my heart and soul into, written after traveling to various countries and incorporating my real-life experiences!"
Nishikawa Tetsu looked at the thick manuscript, and the corner of his mouth twitched slightly.
This is the masterpiece that was so unsold in the original work that it could only be used as a table leg, but which profoundly influenced Minato Namikaze and Naruto Uzumaki.
"So, you've come to the capital to...?"
"Submit!"
Jiraiya patted the envelope. "The headquarters of the largest bookseller in the Land of Fire is in the capital. I think this book is bound to be a huge hit! The protagonist's never-give-up spirit will definitely move countless people!"
"and……"
Jiraiya glanced at Nishikawa Tetsu and chuckled.
"Although I'm not as good at making money as you guys, I've saved up quite a bit over the years from carrying out missions and writing books. Even though Yahiko treated me to that meal, I didn't intend to eat and drink for free."
"I also have some old friends in the capital, and I'm just taking this opportunity to visit them."
"Teacher, you're being too polite."
Nishikawa Tetsu poured Jiraiya a full cup of tea.
"However, since you're so confident in this book, I wish you... great success?"
"Thank you for your kind words!"
Jiraiya drank it all in one gulp with gusto.
"Once I get my royalties, I'll treat you all to a big meal! I'll invite Minato and Fugaku too!"
"Okay, it's a deal."
Nishikawa Tetsu sighed inwardly; it seemed this grand meal was off.
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