After finishing his meal at Obito's house and listening to him share some of the advice his beloved Minato-sensei had given him, Tsukasa said goodbye and left.
Tsukasa and Obito had met because Obito's grandmother lived next door and often visited to say hello, and they had become close friends.
Unlike other characters from the original story, Tsukasa could maintain a relationship with Obito with complete confidence.
After all, everyone understood Obito's nature.
Even the deepest bond with him wouldn't prevent him from eventually turning dark and betraying you.
After leaving Obito's house, Tsukasa strolled through the streets of Konoha, wallet in hand.
At this point, the shadow of war hadn't yet fully spread among the civilian population, and Konoha Village still appeared peaceful and tranquil.
However, some signs were beginning to emerge.
Tsukasa parted the shop curtains and walked into a ninja tool store.
"Hey, Tsukasa, buying explosive tags again?" the bearded shop owner asked with a wide grin.
"No, I'm here to buy shuriken this time."
"Unfortunately, the prices of shuriken and kunai have increased by 20%, and special steel wire by 30%. However, I still recommend stocking up. According to reports from the Ninja Cat network, these essential supplies will increase in price soon."
"Alright, give me six complete ninja tool sets with wire guides, two large spools of steel wire, and a storage scroll. I have about 200,000 ryo left—exchange it all for explosive tags." Tsukasa touched his wallet and grinned, not feeling the slightest regret.
D-rank missions usually paid between 5,000 and 10,000 ryo, with some worth only a few hundred, but Tsukasa avoided those. Besides, he completed missions solo, so no one else shared the profits. This year's hard work had left him with a seven-figure savings account.
And he had saved it all for this moment.
"Wow, Tsukasa-kun, you're spending like a jonin!" The shop owner was slightly stunned. Tsukasa's purchasing power exceeded even some exceptional chunin.
Tsukasa smiled faintly. He didn't have to support a family—he only needed to fund his own departure from this world. This was certainly different from those shinobi who saved carefully for retirement.
Ninja tool prices in the shinobi world varied wildly. Explosive tags cost 2,000 ryo each, while basic shuriken were cheapest at around 50 ryo. Kunai ranged from 200 to 30,000 ryo depending on quality, with a significant price difference between throwing and blocking variants.
A high-quality complete ninja tool set, including projectiles, close-combat weapons, and protective gear, could cost nearly 200,000 ryo.
Katana and ninja swords were even more expensive, with the cheapest practice blades starting at 30,000 ryo. Chakra-conductive metal tools were astronomically priced and rarely for sale.
Why was Tsukasa buying so many ninja tools and explosive tags?
The reason was simple: Tsukasa was going to die, but he couldn't do it intentionally.
It was complicated, but that was the truth.
Intentional suicide would be deemed insurance fraud by Heaven's Law. Not only would he receive nothing, but his life would be lost in vain.
But if a shinobi, full of fighting spirit and determination, risked everything and dedicated the finest skills he had developed, fighting valiantly for justice, only to perish in such a battle—who could say it wasn't a worthy death?
Isn't this the shinobi world's version of a hero falling before achieving their dreams?
I'm completely prepared!
Why won't they just hand me my insurance payout?
Soon, the shop owner emerged carrying a massive pile of equipment. The weight of six complete ninja tool sets was enough to make him sweat profusely.
With a heavy thud, he placed the tools on the counter and arranged the stacks of explosive tags in a fan pattern for easier counting.
"Tsukasa-kun, buying so many tools at once—are you going on a dangerous mission?"
At this point, the owner realized Tsukasa wasn't buying these just for practice.
Tsukasa looked up, meeting the shop owner's concerned gaze.
"Don't think I'm being nosy. I understand the shinobi code of confidentiality, but I work with the Ninja Cat Clan in the tool business and also handle some intelligence."
"The only dangerous missions within the clan right now are those two—the Land of Rain battlefield and Hell Valley in the Land of Hot Water." The shop owner's expression grew serious. "Neither of those is suitable for someone of your current level."
The owner didn't mince words, speaking bluntly.
Then he frowned and gave Tsukasa a somewhat awkward look.
"In recognition of your long-term patronage of the Ninja Cat Clan, I'll give you a little bonus."
He produced a piece of parchment and placed it before Tsukasa.
"This is a one-time summoning contract with the Ninja Cat Clan. After signing, you can summon a Ninja Cat through summoning jutsu."
Ninja Cats were the elite operatives of their clan, often working in chaotic regions with their headquarters in hidden, ruined cities.
However, unlike traditional summoned creatures, ninja cats possessed distinct personalities, making them virtually impossible to control against their will.
This clan operated the ninja tool business and maintained close partnerships with the Uchiha clan, known for their mastery of weaponry.
Tsukasa knew that the Ninja Cat Clan's leader, Granny Cat, was fond of children and generously helped them whenever possible, especially Uchiha children.
The shop owner presented this one-time summoning contract as aid for Tsukasa, but he was actually trying to dissuade him from the mission.
"You understand what I mean, don't you?" The shop owner stared intently at Tsukasa, his pupils quietly shifting to vertical slits. His tone grew grave.
Tsukasa smiled and accepted the one-time contract.
The Ninja Cats were a neutral clan, refusing to interfere in shinobi conflicts unless paid.
Therefore, the contract's greatest benefit was actually replenishing survival supplies and combat tools on chaotic battlefields—again, for a price.
However, for Tsukasa, who had spent all his money tonight, this was just a piece of paper—no obstacle to his legitimate insurance claim.
With this thought, he turned and walked out of the ninja tool shop, leaving only a few words:
"Uncle, thank you."
"But I have something I must do, and I won't fear even death itself."
"That's my ninja way!"
After making this declaration, Tsukasa left the shop. He checked his remaining funds and headed toward Konoha's entertainment district.
Facing the possibility of death tomorrow, Tsukasa felt a surge of excitement mixed with slight apprehension.
So he decided to spend his final night without any regrets.
End of Chapter 6
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