As someone who admired strength, Yugito was never afraid of snakes.
On the contrary, ever since she had witnessed Kurohebi last time, she had been filled with curiosity about snakes.
After all, as top-tier predators, snakes possessed considerable strength — perfectly in line with her pursuit.
"Tsk tsk, little brat, hello there."
"I've seen you before, though you haven't seen me."
Tagitsuhime slid down from Gekko Chizan's body, slowly coiling herself up.
Her crimson body was indeed beautiful — but the more beautiful a creature, the more dangerous it was, especially when it came to snakes.
"You've seen me? When?"
"But even though you're pretty, you don't look as impressive as that big green snake from before."
Yugito stared at the snake before her, racking her brain but failing to recall who she was.
This left Tagitsuhime somewhat displeased. Was she seriously being compared to Kurohebi?
Their strength and status were completely different!
"Tch, Kurohebi? You think she can compare to me?"
With a twist of her body, Tagitsuhime instantly transformed — her serpentine form shifting into a human figure, floating in midair, looking down at Yugito from above.
The sudden change left Yugito stunned.
Gekko Chizan shook his head helplessly at the sight of the brat and the snake princess, then directly interrupted them.
"Alright, come over here and help me tidy up."
"Yugito, you've really opened my eyes. I was only gone a few days, and you've already turned this place into a mess?"
Yugito stuck out her tongue, quickly stepping forward to help clean up the piles of trash.
Once everything was cleared, Gekko Chizan sat down cross-legged.
"Yugito, training must never stop. Here, take this."
He casually tossed three books to her.
They were basic ninjutsu manuals. Although he had whisked Yugito away, he still needed to teach her what was necessary.
The three books bore the characters for Genjutsu, Taijutsu, and Ninjutsu — the basics for each discipline.
Yugito accepted them, a smile forming on her face.
"I'll study hard!"
"Tagitsuhime, you'll stay here with her for the time being. After all, she's alone here — your company will keep her from getting bored."
"And you can keep an eye on her training at the same time."
Tagitsuhime was dumbfounded, then dumbfounded again. What kind of plot twist was this?
Wasn't she sent by the White Snake Sage to keep watch on Gekko Chizan?
How had she suddenly become a babysitter?
She was just about to speak when Gekko Chizan raised a hand to stop her.
"I know what you're going to say, but since you're here, you'll do as I say."
"My current situation isn't suitable for learning Sage Arts. Once this mission is over and I return to Konoha, I'll begin Sage training — but not now."
"So during this period, I need you to help take care of Yugito."
At that moment, Yugito was flipping through the basic ninjutsu book, while Tagitsuhime fell silent.
After a long pause, she finally spoke slowly:
"Two baskets of snakeberries a week. Otherwise, I'm gone."
"Deal. I'll have them sent to you regularly."
Gekko Chizan smiled faintly. He wasn't worried about her refusing — for a foodie, as long as the food was good, she would help without question.
"Alright then. In that case, I'll be heading back."
"What? You bastard! You brought me here just to dump me off, didn't you?!"
Tagitsuhime was quick-witted. Realizing what had happened, she floated right in front of him and spat in protest.
"Hahaha, I'm counting on you, Tagitsuhime!"
"Oh, and make sure you really help Yugito with her training."
"I want to see her progress every time I visit. In fact, I'm planning to pass the Ryūchi Cave contract on to her."
"Who knows — she might one day become a disciple of Ryūchi Cave herself. So, Tagitsuhime, you know what to do."
Hearing this, Tagitsuhime glanced at Yugito. She had to admit, Gekko Chizan was right.
As a snake princess, she could roughly sense someone's nature through natural energy — and Yugito's heart was filled with a strong desire for strength. Someone like her was a perfect fit for Ryūchi Cave.
Thinking of this, she accepted it, glaring viciously at Gekko Chizan before shooing him away.
"Go on, get out of here!"
"And don't forget to bring food regularly. Otherwise… hmph!"
...
By the time Gekko Chizan returned to the daimyo's mansion, the sky had already brightened, and he was wearing a broad smile.
After all, sending Tagitsuhime to Island Turtle not only rid him of her surveillance, but also ensured Yugito's training — two birds with one stone.
"Chizan-sensei, you're back?"
Suddenly, Kakashi's voice rang out. The boy was shirtless, training hard.
"Oh, Kakashi — up training this early?"
"Yeah, I'm used to it. If I skip training, my body gets sluggish."
"Not bad. Keep it up. By the way, did anyone from the daimyo's side come by last night?"
"Yes, it was the same Yukimura from before. But we told him you were exhausted from battle and sleeping. He just said he'd come back tomorrow and left."
That Yukimura was looking for him — something Gekko Chizan had already guessed.
After all, he'd already shown impressive strength. There was no way the daimyo would pass up recruiting him — on the contrary, they'd be even more eager to have him join the daimyo's mansion.
"I see. Alright, keep training. I'm going to get some more sleep."
After staying up all night, Gekko Chizan was utterly exhausted.
He slept straight through to the evening.
If Rin hadn't come to call him, he probably would've slept until the next day.
At dinner, Yukimura arrived again. This time, when he saw Gekko Chizan, he immediately smiled.
"Chizan, you're awake."
"Yo, Yukimura-san, have you eaten yet? Want to join us?"
"No need. Chizan, I wanted to discuss something with you — if that's alright?"
Gekko Chizan nodded, and the two went to a room.
"Chizan, the daimyo is offering you five million ryō a month to join the daimyo's mansion and serve His Excellency."
"What do you think?"
Yukimura got straight to the point.
Five million ryō a month to hire a shinobi — tsk tsk, only the daimyo could make such an offer.
But this was Gekko Chizan — a man with five hundred million to his name. How could he possibly sell himself to the daimyo's mansion for a few million ryō?
"Heh, Yukimura-san, no offense, but the daimyo's being a bit stingy."
"Five million? I could earn that from a few missions. Why would I sell myself to the daimyo's mansion?"
"Or do you think Konoha's shinobi can be swayed by money?"
Yukimura wasn't offended. Instead, he chuckled and spoke again:
"Then how about beauties instead?"
"You should know, the daimyo's mansion lacks nothing in wealth or women. If the money's not enough, how about beautiful women?"
"I guarantee your satisfaction!"
Gekko Chizan: Damn… this old fox is making a tempting offer.
It's just… I wonder about these women… maybe… a brush.