Though Shizune hadn't specified the urgent matter, her expression suggested something significant.
Otherwise, she wouldn't have sought him out personally.
"Very well, let's go," Richard replied.
Shizune nodded, turning toward the Hokage's office.
Following her, Richard entered the Hokage's office conventionally for the first time, finding Tsunade with a furrowed brow.
Before he could get a word in, Tsunade cut in. "Yesterday, you said if I allowed you that private office, you'd help me three times—within reason."
"Well, I'm calling in one of those favors now."
"What do you need?" Richard asked directly.
"Have you heard of Pain from Amegakure? I'd like you to investigate him," Tsunade replied without hesitation.
Investigate Pain?
Richard regarded Tsunade with surprise.
A thought immediately crossed his mind—could she somehow know he'd visited Amegakure and acquired one of Nagato's Rinnegan?
Though it seemed improbable that Tsunade, who'd only recently become Fifth Hokage, would possess such information, Richard couldn't help entertaining the possibility.
After brief consideration, he responded carefully: "Of course I've heard of him. He defeated Hanzo of the Salamander—the man who bestowed the title 'Three Legendary Sannin' upon you, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru. Pain then became Amegakure's leader and established an oppressive regime there."
"What do you want to know?"
Hearing Richard's response, Tsunade continued: "I've learned he possesses the Rinnegan and secretly plans to destroy Konoha."
"While I lack concrete evidence, I believe this information isn't unfounded."
"As a precaution, I'd like you to confirm whether this is true."
Though uncertain of Tsunade's intelligence source, Richard responded directly: "If that's all you wish to know, I can tell you now—he does indeed harbor intentions to destroy Konoha."
Tsunade and Shizune simultaneously frowned, regarding him with confusion.
"How do you know this?" Tsunade inquired.
"Quite simply, I visited Amegakure three months ago, confronted him, and confirmed this information myself," Richard explained.
"But rest assured, I successfully 'persuaded' him."
"As long as I live and haven't given him cause, he won't dare trouble Konoha."
Richard maintained a confident expression as he addressed them.
Though his account was truthful, Tsunade and Shizune remained skeptical.
After several seconds of silence, Tsunade remarked: "I know you left the village three months ago, but that alone doesn't convince me of your claims."
"Unless you can provide evidence."
Richard wasn't surprised by Tsunade's skepticism.
Under the watchful gaze of both women, he retrieved the specimen jar containing the Rinnegan from his system space and presented it to Tsunade.
"This is his right Rinnegan—a trophy from our confrontation," Richard stated calmly.
Examining the specimen jar, Tsunade's expression shifted dramatically.
Though she'd never personally observed a Rinnegan, she recognized the eye within the jar as genuine.
She sensed powerful chakra and life force emanating from it.
He actually extracted Pain's Rinnegan?
How did he accomplish this?
Does he intend to transplant it himself?
Numerous questions raced through her mind.
After a moment, she returned the specimen jar to Richard and asked: "You extracted his Rinnegan and preserved it carefully. Do you intend to take it yourself?"
Hearing Tsunade's question, Richard smiled and shook his head.
"I have no interest in incorporating others' body parts into myself."
"As for the Rinnegan, I don't require a transplant—I already possess it."
As he spoke, Richard activated his silver Rinnegan before Tsunade and Shizune.
How is this possible?
Witnessing Richard's eyes transform into silver Rinnegan with concentric patterns, Tsunade and Shizune simultaneously displayed disbelief.
The same hypothesis occurred to both—could this explain his extraordinary abilities?
Though they didn't fully understand the Rinnegan's capabilities, they recognized it as not only the most powerful among the three great dōjutsu, but also the rarest.
Taking a deep breath to compose herself, Tsunade addressed Richard: "Since you've already determined Pain's intentions toward Konoha and persuaded him to abandon them, I won't trouble you with visiting Amegakure."
"Consider this matter resolved—you may go."
Rather than departing immediately, Richard raised his right hand, extending two fingers. "It can't be that simple," he stated.
"You've obtained the information you sought, so I still owe you two more favor."
Tsunade rolled her eyes, the gesture more youthful than her years. "You're awfully fussy for a man," she remarked dryly.
"This isn't about being particular—it concerns integrity in our arrangement," Richard countered with a smile.
"Tsunade-sama, as the Fifth Hokage and one of the Legendary Sannin, you wouldn't deny this, would you?"
Though he'd expended no effort beyond sharing existing knowledge, he had nonetheless fulfilled Tsunade's request.
"Relax—my reputation's still solid. I'm not about to back out on a deal," Tsunade said coolly.
"Now then, this Hokage has work to do. If you've got nothing else, you can see yourself out."
With that, she glared pointedly at Richard before returning to her desk.
Observing her response, Richard merely shrugged, approached the window, and departed using his flight ability, soaring toward his residence.
Soon, he arrived home to find Yugao preparing dinner.
"You're back!" she greeted him, wearing an apron with her purple hair tied in a high ponytail as she emerged from the kitchen, her expression gentle.
"Yes, I've returned," Richard nodded.
Though neither had explicitly addressed their feelings, both Richard and Yugao had discerned each other's sentiments.
Yugao recognized Richard's attraction toward her.
Similarly, Richard understood that Yugao wouldn't object to a relationship with him.
Otherwise, she wouldn't have relocated from her apartment to live with him.
They simply hadn't found the appropriate moment to acknowledge these feelings openly.
"Dinner will be ready shortly—please wait in the living room," Yugao continued.
"Certainly, thank you for your efforts," Richard replied.
Hearing his response, Yugao returned to the kitchen to complete dinner preparations.
Within twenty minutes, she'd finished cooking and brought steaming Japanese dishes to the dining room.
Richard and Yugao sat facing one another, engaging in casual conversation.
After dinner, they washed the dishes together before settling in the living room.
"I...have something to tell you," Yugao, seated beside Richard, said softly with flushed cheeks.
"Sure, go ahead" Richard encouraged.
Yugao hesitated briefly before continuing: "Before Hayate died, I knew you had feelings for me."
"I've always sensed it, but wasn't sure how to address it."
"I thought after moving in, you might find an opportunity to express yourself, but you never did."
"I don't know your thoughts, but I believe we can't continue this way forever."
"If you truly care for me, then perhaps we should live together as a proper couple."
Richard regarded Yugao with mild surprise.
He knew she'd detected his attraction, but hadn't anticipated her taking initiative to broach the subject.
Though somewhat surprised, he responded without hesitation: "Sure."
Yugao nodded, then took Richard's right arm and rested her head against his shoulder.
Richard remained still, allowing Yugao to embrace him as they enjoyed this peaceful moment together.
Before retiring for the night, Yugao, having bathed, entered Richard's bedroom wearing a white translucent nightgown.
What followed was an intimate evening between the new couple.
By noon the following day, Richard, who had been occupied until late, slowly opened his eyes and observed Yugao sleeping beside him, her pale shoulders visible.
Whether due to his more striking appearance compared to Hayate Gekko, or perhaps because Yugao wished for a different experience than her previous relationship, she had demonstrated remarkable enthusiasm the previous night.
Though somewhat inexperienced, her passion and initiative had been unmistakable.
Watching the still-sleeping Yugao, Richard gently pulled back the covers, rose, and proceeded to the bathroom.
After freshening up and donning clean clothes, he went to the kitchen.
Opening the refrigerator to survey its contents, he selected ingredients and began preparing a late breakfast.
Given the hour, lunch might have been more appropriate, but the available ingredients didn't support a proper midday meal.
Without difficulty, he assembled a simple breakfast.
Though not particularly elaborate, Richard's preparation certainly qualified as a respectable morning meal.
Just as he brought breakfast to the dining area, Yugao emerged wearing her white nightgown, which revealed her slender legs.
"You should have woken me—I could have handled this," she said softly, her expression tender.
"It doesn't matter who prepares it," Richard replied. "Since you're awake, let's eat together."
"Yes, of course," Yugao nodded, taking a seat across from Richard.
After their late breakfast, Richard, who had originally intended to supervise the store's renovation, altered his plans to remain home with Yugao.
Likewise, Yugao, who had intended to complete her Jonin registration procedures, abandoned her plans to enjoy domestic life with Richard.
Time passed swiftly.
Before they realized it, a week had elapsed.
After enjoying seven days of domestic bliss, Richard and Yugao resumed their respective responsibilities.
Richard visited the downtown store to inspect the decoration company's renovations.
Meanwhile, Yugao, dressed in her black uniform with green flak jacket and carrying her vibranium katana, departed for the Hokage's office to meet with Tsunade.
Following her promotion to Jonin, she should have immediately reported to the Hokage's office to receive S-rank and A-rank missions befitting her new rank.
However, at Richard's suggestion, she had temporarily set aside her duties to enjoy a week of companionship with him.
Upon arriving downtown, Richard quickly located his transformed establishment—converted from a ninja tool shop into a private office.
Though he hadn't supervised a single day during the past week, the decoration company had completed the renovation admirably.
The office door now displayed a sign.
Richard hadn't given the establishment an elaborate name, instead simply using his own.
Given his reputation in Konoha, naming the office after himself provided optimal publicity.
As designed, the space divided into two sections: the office proper and a reception area.
The reception area featured a small desk, a seating arrangement with sofas and tables, and several potted plants in the corners.
Both areas maintained simple layouts—the office contained only the essential furniture: desk, bookcase, chairs, sofa, and coffee table.
Though not luxurious, the office presented a neat, clean appearance.
After inspecting the premises, Richard paid the remaining balance with satisfaction.
As the decoration company manager departed with a pleased expression, Richard didn't immediately commence business operations. Instead, he contemplated where to find a suitable secretary.
More precisely, he sought a female employee who could function both as an assistant and receptionist.
Yugao represented an excellent candidate and had offered her help, but Richard preferred to hire someone else rather than involving her in his business.
After consideration, he decided to post a recruitment notice directly on the office door.
Without hesitation, he entered the office, retrieved a sheet of white paper, and quickly composed the notice.
Within moments, he completed the recruitment announcement:
"Due to business requirements, this office urgently seeks an assistant."
"Requirements: 1. Female, aged 18-30; 2. Genin rank or higher; 3. Previous assistant experience or team leadership; 4. Presentable appearance, no undesirable habits."
"Excellent compensation offered. No overtime required. Room and board provided. No combat participation necessary."
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