Yamanaka Shinno, still simmering with frustration, forced himself to check on the remaining nine crows, as well as the newly arrived hawks and falcons from the day before.
Seeing that the young crows were still living comfortably without any issues, and that the falcon had already found two former mates from the summoning island and was now happily bonding with them, Shinno finally bid farewell to the caretakers and turned to leave.
He had arrived brimming with anger, only to leave feeling... stuck.
Who could have predicted this boomerang effect would hit him so hard?
What was this? Karma? Divine retribution?
Bullshit!
Danzo had committed countless atrocious and despicable acts. If karma was real, that old bastard would've been dead long ago!
Still annoyed, Shinno walked through the streets of Konoha, making his way toward the sweet shop Ganrikigan, where Kurenai Yuhi, Might Guy, and Genma Shiranui were waiting.
Ganrikigan, one of Konoha's oldest confectionery stores, had been around since the days of Tobirama Senju. The shop's signature yokan—jellied sweets made from simmered red beans or chestnuts mixed with other ingredients—was a favorite among the younger crowd.
Since joining Shinno's team, Kurenai, Guy, and Genma had already completed two D-rank missions, easing their financial burdens considerably. On top of that, thanks to the ongoing training, their strength had improved significantly, and their teamwork had become much smoother after a week of working together.
Originally, the three had planned to train at Training Ground Four today, but due to the weather, they had to change their plans at the last minute.
"You guys hear about the summon beasts from that auction? Apparently, they were all knocked out by some genjutsu."
Genma, chewing on a senbon between his teeth, leaned against the window, casually chatting as he watched the rain pour outside.
"Yeah, over a hundred summoning beasts, all different sizes… Even if they were packed together, they'd still take up more space than the school's training ground. Sensei is really something."
Kurenai propped her elbows on the table, resting her cheeks in her hands. Her slightly round, youthful face was full of admiration.
She also wanted to become a genjutsu master—someone who could send enemies into endless nightmares with just a flick of the wrist.
"That kind of battle record really gets the blood pumping!"
Might Guy, ever energetic, threw a series of punches in the air beside them.
It seemed like no matter when or where, he was always full of spirit.
"I hear someone singing my praises."
A familiar voice sounded behind them.
The three turned in surprise, their faces lighting up with excitement.
Standing there, holding a black umbrella, was Yamanaka Shinno, wearing his usual warm smile.
"Eh?! Sensei! Good morning!"
Genma reacted first, immediately standing up and bowing in greeting.
Beside him, Guy quickly followed suit, his expression so serious one might have thought he was preparing for battle.
Kurenai, however, froze the moment she saw Shinno's black umbrella. Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly circled around him, scanning him up and down.
Seeing no bloodstained bandages or the scent of medicine on him, she finally let out a breath of relief.
In the ninja world, unless someone used an umbrella as a weapon, most shinobi didn't carry one. It was impractical for high-speed movement and could hinder combat.
The moment she saw her teacher with an umbrella, she had feared he was injured and couldn't get wet.
"Thanks for the concern, but I'm fine. I only brought an umbrella today because… well, let's just say someone insisted I should."
Shinno easily picked up on Kurenai's unspoken worry and reached out to ruffle her hair.
He had to admit, this kind of student concern was quite heartwarming.
Of course, warmth aside, their fates for today had already been sealed.
Still, if they worked hard...
Hmm, maybe a small reward was in order.
"Ahh, Kushina-senpai is so caring~"
Kurenai quickly pieced together who had reminded Shinno about the umbrella. Her ruby-red eyes sparkled with admiration.
Kushina-senpai's reminders were taken so seriously by their teacher—it seemed like such a sweet relationship!
Guy and Genma nodded in agreement. During Shinno's recent mission, Kushina had been the one looking after them, taking care of their daily needs, answering their questions, and even helping with their training.
Of course, sometimes her personality was just like their teacher's—she had a bit of a mischievous streak.
Like the time when they had just adapted to the Four Limbs Sealing Technique… only for her to "gift" them another upgrade, increasing the restraint all at once.
Still, she was undoubtedly an excellent and kind senior.
"Want to come over to my place today? I'm planning to make something different. Tomorrow, I'll need some taste-testers."
Seeing how much they admired Kushina, Shinno's mood brightened, and he casually set up his trap.
"Sensei's place? Hehe~ Then we'll help too! I've been practicing my cooking at home!"
Kurenai jumped in without hesitation, completely unaware of the massive workload ahead.
"I guess Guy and I can lend a hand too."
Genma scratched his head and pulled Guy along into the 'assistant' category.
At their age, they weren't particularly interested in learning to cook—but they definitely couldn't resist good food.
Kushina-senpai had mentioned more than once that their teacher had been an exceptional cook since his Academy days.
Who wouldn't want to eat something delicious?
Braving the light rain, the group made their way to Shinno's house.
The luxurious three-story residence, spanning over 200 square meters per floor, left them in awe.
However, when they stepped inside and saw the piles of ingredients and kitchen supplies taking up most of the living room, the three fell silent.
Damn it!
They got played!
There was enough food here to open a restaurant!
Click—
"Haah~ I'm heading to the hospital. Save me some lunch."
A drowsy-looking Tsunade, still dressed casually, yawned as she opened the bedroom door. She barely glanced at Shinno as she casually called out, before adding her lunch request.
"Tsunade-sama! Good morning!"
Kurenai's eyes sparkled as she saw Tsunade.
One of the legendary Sannin! An idol to every kunoichi!
Genma and Guy quickly snapped out of their daze and stiffly bowed in greeting. They knew Kushina-senpai and Tsunade were related, but… living together like this?
Was this some kind of boyfriend-girlfriend cohabitation setup where you could even bring a friend along?
"Going to the hospital at eleven?"
Shinno raised an eyebrow. He had assumed Tsunade had gone out with Kushina earlier—but it turned out she had just slept in until now?
"As long as I make it in time for the condolences, it's fine."
Tsunade clicked her tongue in annoyance and headed for the bathroom.
After all, she was only going because of the old man. There were certain people she couldn't stand—there was no way she'd actually heal them.
"…Wait, you're not going to treat Danzo, are you?"
Shinno immediately caught on to her mood.
There were only a handful of people in Konoha who could irritate Tsunade this much.
And among them, only one had been feeling under the weather lately.
"Not bad, your intel's sharp. Coming to watch the show?"
Tsunade smirked, knowing full well that Shinno and Kushina had no love for Danzo.
"Ahem~ Mostly worried about you."
"Tch. That damn brat tells you everything."
Clicking her tongue again, Tsunade disappeared into the bathroom.
Meanwhile, Shinno's grin was growing wider by the second.
Danzo! Bet you didn't see this coming!
I'm on my way~!
----------------
Pls Drop some Power Stones
+100 chapters and support me on Patreon(.)com/Jixo