Chiriku was silent for a long time, then finally turned toward Kakashi.
"Kakashi… how long did it take you to learn sealing techniques?"
"Uh… I didn't study them when I was young," Kakashi replied casually.
"Later on? Not very long. You know how it is."
He didn't elaborate.
But everyone knew how the Copy Ninja learned things—
Sharingan + books = fast-forward learning mode.
Even so, high-level seals were still beyond Kakashi. He only mastered what he needed, no more.
Chiriku exhaled deeply, then glanced at the two girls.
Comparing himself to Kakashi was already humiliating…
Comparing himself to Genin would be unbearable.
But in truth, Kakashi was also quietly shaken.
Souma had separated the absorption effect from Earth Release: Earth Dome Prison purely to refine his own jutsu—
and then, within a single day, he managed to fuse it with the Binding Array and even optimize it enough to activate without hand seals.
Kakashi sighed inwardly.
If I'm a "genius," then this kid is… something else entirely.
Luckily he had copied enough jutsu in his life to barely maintain dignity as a "teacher."
Probably.
…Hopefully.
The side hall remained quiet.
Souma was still thinking about how to refine his hands-free Binding Array—
while everyone else was questioning their life choices.
A few seconds later, they all arrived at the same conclusion:
This boy is not human.
There's no point comparing yourself to him.
The moment they accepted that, everyone felt strangely relieved.
Chiriku's expression softened, and he bowed slightly.
"Souma-dono, regarding Fire Temple's barrier techniques, we will follow up with Konoha formally.
When that time comes, we hope you will lend us your aid."
"No problem." Souma nodded, secretly pleased.
Things were going far more smoothly than he expected.
He didn't believe he could immediately access Sennin Clan Talent, but impressing Chiriku was the first step.
After all—the Iron Wall Seal could detect the presence of Sennin chakra.
Once he could discuss its principles openly, he might uncover a crack in the wall.
A crack meant opportunity.
Kakashi glanced at Souma from the corner of his eye.
This brat… actually pulled it off.
And Kakashi didn't stop him.
Souma approached fire-temple secrets using legitimate, cooperative methods.
There was no reason to oppose him.
If he truly deciphered the nature of Sennin-style chakra…
Fire Temple might end up being the ones begging him.
"Thank you, Souma-dono."
Chiriku bowed deeply.
Having witnessed Souma's skill firsthand, he understood:
This young man could break their barrier if he wanted to.
Such talent, regardless of age, deserved respect.
More importantly—Souma wasn't arrogant.
He carried himself with calm courtesy, which only raised Chiriku's impression of him.
Then—
Chiriku seemed to recall something.
"By the way… Konoha's recent demand for medicinal supplies has increased greatly, has it not?"
Kakashi blinked.
"Yes. That's right. Why do you ask?"
Chiriku nodded thoughtfully.
"Since you all should know… Lady Sakura-ba was hoping I would serve as a temporary guardian for the Sakura-ba family."
He explained.
Souma listened—and only had one thought:
What a coincidence. Or rather… fate.
It turned out the Sakura-ba clan operated a large medicinal trade.
The division managing rare herbs belonged to Sakura-ba Jōrō's branch.
Konoha's swelling demand came from the strength-enhancing medicinal baths—
which Souma himself had invented.
And many required herbs came from the Sakura-ba supply chain.
Because of this sudden market shift, the medicinal world in the Land of Fire had become turbulent.
Rival noble families were attacking the Sakura-ba supply lines.
Even inside the family, factions were warring.
Hence Sakura-ba Jōrō's desperation.
Chiriku sighed.
"I fear I can only drive away attackers. Whether Lady Jōrō can stabilize her family's business… is beyond me."
Kakashi nodded.
"This is indeed complicated."
He might not understand business, but family politics?
The Hatake clan had plenty of that.
He looked toward Souma.
The medicinal bath was Souma's creation, and the joint business involved the Medical Corps, the Nara clan, the Akimichi clan, and Souma himself.
So Souma had a voice in the matter.
Chiriku sensed this immediately.
He turned toward Souma, startled.
"Souma-dono… is this matter also related to you?"
"Mm." Souma nodded awkwardly.
Tenten stepped in to explain,
"Souma invented a medicine that's extremely popular in Konoha now. So the demand for herbs skyrocketed."
Chiriku suddenly understood.
He froze for a moment.
Then quickly bowed again.
"If Souma-dono wishes, I can deliver a message to Lady Jōrō on your behalf."
Souma thought for a moment.
"I don't manage the business directly.
Just tell her this:
If she wants to stabilize her situation, she should establish contact with the Nara clan.
If her herbs are truly high quality, the Nara clan will support her."
Chiriku nodded seriously.
"Understood. I will deliver that message."
"Nothing to thank me for." Souma waved his hand.
"We need stable supply too. If your family collapses, we suffer as well.
It's just mutually beneficial."
Chiriku felt even more respect.
This boy was terrifyingly mature for his age.
Chiriku excused himself.
Moments later, word came from Jōrō's side—
They were leaving immediately.
Now that she had direction, she couldn't wait another minute.
Souma's team resumed escort duty.
On the road, Lady Jōrō seemed far more active than before—peeking out from the carriage often, watching Kakashi, Souma, Tenten, and Hasuka.
Finally—
near noon the next day, as they paused for rest—
She stepped off the carriage, approached them, and bowed gracefully.
"Thank you, all four of you, for your protection."
Kakashi shook his head.
"You hired us. Protecting you is our responsibility. No need to thank us."
Jōrō's gaze softened.
Then she turned to Souma and bowed deeply.
"Souma-dono… I will never forget yesterday's kindness.
I, Jōrō, will repay it—no matter how long it takes."
Souma smiled lightly.
"Don't worry about it.
Konoha needs a stable supply of herbs.
If your side collapses, we'd suffer too.
It's just a mutual benefit. Whether you succeed depends on you."
Jōrō shook her head.
"Without me, others may still manage the business.
But only if I survive can I control my own fate.
The meaning is not the same."
She bowed once more—
and returned to her carriage.
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