Chapter 419: Innately Vast Evil!

Chapter 419: Innately Vast Evil!

Lu Ke lifted the two leg attachments and, facing the starry-eyed gazes, sized them up.

Two years might make an adult feel a bit more worn and tired, perhaps a little older, but for kids in their developmental years, it was a world of change.

His foolish little brother had grown taller and more robust, while Naruto, besides the same changes, had a bit more whisker-like marks on his face, making him look even more like a fox spirit.

"You two have really grown up well."

Lu Ke smiled, placing his hands on the boys' heads and ruffling their hair.

"Of course, I've been helping out at home."

Qian Chuan Guang puffed out his chest in pride, as if to emphasize that he was already a little man.

"I... I have too! I've been working hard to get stronger!"

Naruto's reaction was even more intense, his eyes welling up with tears, probably because he rarely heard such caring words from an elder.

Kakashi stood to the side for a moment, then spoke in a serious tone:

"Sorry to interrupt this touching moment, but Lady Tsunade is waiting for you at the Hokage Office. We can catch up later."

Before returning to Konoha, he had already organized the details of the mission and had Pakkun deliver them ahead of time. Now, they needed to head straight to the Hokage Tower to report.

"Understood."

Lu Ke glanced around the house, which looked much better than it did two years ago, and ruffled his brother's hair again.

"Today, we won't open the shop. Wait for me to come back, and we'll celebrate."

"Okay!"

Qian Chuan Guang nodded vigorously, watching Lu Ke leave with a wistful gaze.

Once they were out of sight, Naruto, who had been watching with the same longing, wiped his cheeks and pumped himself up.

"Alright! I've decided, I'm going to pass the graduation exam and become a ninja this year!"

"Big talk from a dead-last. The one who will pass the exam is me."

Sasuke, maintaining his dignified demeanor as a member of a prestigious clan, sneered as usual.

To his surprise, Naruto didn't retort this time. Instead, he ignored Sasuke, waved goodbye to Qian Chuan Guang, and ran off on his own.

Sasuke was taken aback, a sense of annoyance rising as he watched Naruto's retreating back. Being ignored made him particularly irate.

"What's up with that dead-last? He's just following my lead in taking the exam..."

"Actually, while there is a bit of not wanting to lose to you, Naruto has always wanted to become a ninja sooner. He thinks being a ninja will make him more popular in the village."

Qian Chuan Guang glanced at the seemingly upset Sasuke and explained.

Although he thought the real reason was that his older brother's return had sparked Naruto's determination. Naruto had especially admired and respected his brother after he attended his school enrollment ceremony.

Ah, the blonde fox spirit is definitely someone to watch out for!

"Wanting to be popular... such a shallow reason?"

Sasuke's voice was laced with confusion, his face scrunched up.

For someone who had been pursued by a horde of fangirls since a young age, the idea of wanting to be popular was completely foreign to him.

"Sure, the young heir of the Uchiha clan wouldn't understand."

Qian Chuan Guang rolled his eyes and counted on his fingers, "You have a wealthy background, you're cute, and you're always at the top of your class, always surrounded by people. Naruto is the complete opposite."

"...Naruto is the kind of guy who can make the shop owner raise prices just by standing there, the one everyone dislikes and avoids, the 'Nine-Tails.'"

"Hmph, a dead-last in the ninja academy has nothing to do with the Nine-Tails who nearly destroyed Konoha. It's just a bunch of rumors."

Sasuke turned his head, clearly dismissive of such idle talk.

"Who knows? Maybe it's because they lost loved ones and possessions in the Nine-Tails' attack, or maybe they just need an outlet for their frustration, or perhaps a legitimate reason to bully. Don't assume the villagers are all that smart."

Qian Chuan Guang yawned lazily, "Not everyone has a good education or the ability to think critically and resist the mainstream."

"Short-sighted, self-important, and unable to prioritize. That's the masses, that's the villagers—despicable and pitiable, innocent and guilty..."

Sasuke found these complex words hard to digest, remaining speechless for a long time.

"To add, everything I just said comes from my brother's wisdom. It's too profound for me to fully understand."

Qian Chuan Guang raised his head proudly, feeling a sense of honor.

Sasuke: ...

Trouble, he might have found a kindred spirit.

...

Hokage Tower.

Lu Ke followed Kakashi, impressed by the reconstruction of the tower, which had been destroyed two years ago but now looked almost the same. The Konoha engineers had done a great job.

Reaching the office, Kakashi stopped and knocked lightly on the door.

"Come in."

A brisk female voice answered.

Lu Ke and Kakashi entered the office, where they saw Tsunade, seated at her desk, quickly processing documents. Wait, what was he thinking? It was Tsunade, not some other woman.

Man, with those assets, how can she even walk?

Although he had seen her many times in anime, fanart, and 3D models, seeing her in person still made him inwardly marvel.

He had thought Mei Terumi was already quite impressive, but now he realized what it meant to be outclassed. Mei's combat power was 5000, but Tsunade's must be at least 10000!

So big... not only big, but also beautiful, without a hint of excess, just making one want to admire.

Ahem, he meant the Hokage Office, not anything else.

Look at the vast space, the simple yet practical layout, the towering... furniture.

No wonder Jiraiya, despite his many conquests, couldn't forget this youthful excitement. Only a scientific madman like Orochimaru could remain indifferent to such a formidable woman.

Truly, Tsunade is innately vast and evil.

"Good work, Kakashi. You completed the mission beautifully."

"Shizune has prepared your reward. Go and rest after you collect it."

Tsunade, seeming a bit tired, rubbed her temples and glanced at Kakashi and Lu Ke.

"Understood."

Kakashi hesitated for a moment, probably thinking Tsunade wouldn't be hard on Lu Ke, then left the office.

The office was quiet for a few seconds.

Tsunade stood up from her chair and carefully examined the young man in front of her. He looked to be in his early twenties, handsome, tall, and exuded a warm, approachable aura and the vitality of youth.

"Qian Chuan Lu Ke, is it?"

She mused, recalling his file.

A native of Konoha, his father, Qian Chuan Tuo Wu, was an ordinary blacksmith, and his mother, Qian Chuan Nai Xue, came from a samurai family that had fallen into obscurity over the past three generations. The only exception in the family was Qian Chuan Lu Ke.

Despite not having exceptional ninja talent, he was resourceful and had a keen business mind. At a young age, he had pioneered promotional tactics like "Group Purchase", "Price Slash", and "Unconditional Return", dominating the low-end market for a time.

When other merchants tried to block him, he stepped back, ceding most of his profits, and sought protection from his friend Kakashi Hatake. During Asuma Sarutobi's reforms, he chose to study forging in the Land of Steel and recently gained fame for developing Scientific Ninja Tools.

Overall, she found him to be a clever, broad-minded young man with strong business and learning abilities.

"Yes, Lady Tsunade."

Lu Ke bowed slightly, smiling warmly and answering calmly.

"No need for formalities. I'm just temporarily in this position. If there's a suitable successor or the village's crisis is resolved, I'll step down."

Tsunade spoke as if reciting a disclaimer, but she looked at Lu Ke with a hint of admiration.

"You're quite impressive, Lu Ke. From the intelligence I've received and Kakashi's reports, several forces, including Kirigakure, have tried to recruit you, yet you chose to return to Konoha."

Lu Ke responded humbly, "It's what I should do."

Tsunade nodded in satisfaction, "Don't worry, the village isn't run by those stubborn traditionalists anymore. Konoha will not let you down for your contributions."

"Whatever conditions Kirigakure offered, Konoha will double them!"

"Ah?"

Lu Ke was taken aback, recalling the offer from Mei Terumi, and made an embarrassed expression, waving his hands.

"No need, Lady Tsunade. I have deep feelings for Konoha, and I returned voluntarily. Besides, their conditions were a bit special, and Konoha might not be able to... match them."

Tsunade raised an eyebrow, feeling a mix of relief and annoyance. As the leader of one of the Five Great Shinobi Villages, what could Kirigakure offer that Konoha couldn't?

"Tell me, what conditions did Kirigakure offer you?"

Lu Ke rubbed his hands awkwardly, his face turning red, but he still didn't speak, clearly hesitant.

"Go ahead, speak freely!"

Lu Ke made a reluctant, embarrassed face, "It's just... Lady Mei Terumi said that if I joined, I would be the Fifth Mizukage's partner."

Tsunade: ...

Tsunade's mouth twitched, surprised by Kirigakure's bold move. She fell into an awkward silence.

After a moment, she composed herself and spoke in a deadpan voice.

"The Shinobi Equipment Division has absorbed most of the village's weapon shops and is a crucial and powerful department. If you show your capabilities, I can appoint you as the head of the Shinobi Equipment Division."

Lu Ke nodded eagerly, "Thank you, Lady Tsunade. I also think Kirigakure's conditions were too demanding... it's normal that Konoha couldn't match them..."

Tsunade's fingers tightened, her knuckles cracking, but she pretended not to hear and continued, "With enough merit and support, you even have the potential to become the next Hokage."

"Of course, being Hokage is better than being the Mizukage's partner."

Lu Ke smiled innocently, "Please don't take it to heart that you said you'd double Kirigakure's offer. You didn't know about that condition..."

"Get some rest today. Tomorrow, bring your Scientific Ninja Tools to the training ground for a demonstration. The heads of the major clans will be there, so be well-prepared."

Tsunade took a deep breath, forced a smile, and spoke in a rapid, uninterrupted stream, not allowing Lu Ke to refuse.

"Alright, you're dismissed."

"Understood."

Lu Ke left with a smile, feeling a sense of amusement.

Teasing Tsunade, who is innately vast and evil, was really entertaining!

Click—

The office door closed softly, followed by the sound of Lu Ke's footsteps fading away.

Tsunade walked to the window, watching Lu Ke's figure until it disappeared. She then returned to the chair symbolizing the Hokage's authority and fell into silence.

After a few seconds, her face twisted in anger, and she slammed her hand on the table.

Bang!

The poor desk shattered under her monstrous strength, causing the entire Hokage Tower to shake.

"That brat! He must have been deliberately mentioning it! He must have been!"

"If his Scientific Ninja Tools disappoint me tomorrow, I'll kill him!!!"

...

Qian Chuan Weapon Shop.

Returning to his long-absent home, Lu Ke looked around, feeling a sense of nostalgia.

Two years had passed, and the old place still felt warm and familiar.

It brought back memories of the hard times before he awakened his Golden Finger, learning blacksmithing from his father, the scorching chest from the furnace, the aching body from forging, the bland meals, and the need to greet customers with a smile...

Sigh, why were all these memories so painful!

Lu Ke walked out of the forge, his face dark, and saw Qian Chuan Guang looking at him expectantly.

"Brother, since you're back, let's go eat some barbecue!"

"No, let's go to Ichiraku Ramen."

"Eh? But I eat Ichiraku Ramen every day! I want to try something different!"

Lu Ke: ...

How to explain that he wasn't there for the noodles?

"Be a good boy, we'll do it next time."

Qian Chuan Guang mumbled, "You always say 'next time.'"

But, seeing his brother after two years, he obediently followed Lu Ke to the ramen shop next door.

Ichiraku Ramen was the same as always, with a wind chime at the door and a warm, cozy ambiance. The few tables were simple and well-arranged, and the place was unusually quiet, not being lunchtime.

"Welcome!"

As soon as they entered, a gentle female voice greeted them. Ayame, who was wiping the tables, smiled in recognition.

"Lu Ke!"

Seeing Lu Ke, Ayame's smile turned to one of disbelief and joy, her eyes welling up as she rushed forward to hug him.

"Who? Who did you say?!"

Teuchi burst out of the kitchen, his face darkening upon seeing Lu Ke, and even darker when he saw his daughter hugging him.

"Long time no see, Teuchi. A bowl of ramen, please."

Lu Ke smiled at his future father-in-law, hinting, "You wouldn't let a customer go hungry, would you?"

Teuchi gritted his teeth and stormed back into the kitchen.

"Alright, Guang, stay here and eat slowly. Order more if you need it."

Lu Ke patted his brother's head, hugged Ayame, and quickly left.

Forgot the beginning, forgot the middle, forgot the end.

In short, he felt the stock market was doing well and(End of Chapter)

Chapter end