The Third Hokage ultimately failed to completely swallow the Nara clan's share.
It was simply too ugly to eat alone.
So, with "great generosity," the old man allocated ten percent of the profits to the Nara clan.
When Nara Shikaku learned of this, he felt dizzy, as if a massive cake had fallen from the sky and smashed him on the head.
Ten percent!
That was no small amount.
He had heard Kantsuki say it at the drinking table: Ten percent means one hundred million ryo a year!
Consequently, the moment Shikaku returned home, he immediately summoned the heads of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio for an emergency meeting.
Currently, the leaders of the three clans were:
Nara Clan: Nara Shikaku.
Yamanaka Clan: Yamanaka Inoichi.
Akimichi Clan: Akimichi Choza.
Generally speaking, these three clans were bound together by fate. If one suffered, they all suffered; if one prospered, they all prospered. Even their ninja squads were fixed three-man cells. Among them, the Nara clan acted as the brain, formulating strategy.
At this moment, Nara Shikaku was still buzzing with excitement.
Old friends!
It's time to rake in the money!
"You two, you know about it, right?"
"Know about what?"
Akimichi Choza asked blankly, munching on snacks.
Yamanaka Inoichi, however, showed some interest. He knew the Nara clan had been active recently, though he didn't know the specifics. He had only heard it involved the Hokage.
Shikaku didn't waste words. He slapped the contract onto the table.
Pointing at the ten percent clause, he stared at them with burning eyes.
"Ten percent profit. One hundred million ryo. Every year."
At these words, Inoichi let out a sharp "Ah," his mouth hanging open in shock. His brain buzzed.
Choza's hand trembled, dropping his bag of chips onto the floor.
He stared blankly at Shikaku, then at the contract, and pointed a shaky finger at the paper.
"One… one hundred million?"
"Yes!"
"Every year?"
"Correct!"
Choza instinctively touched his own clothes. Old fabric, patched on the inside. Even his snacks were the cheap, mass-produced kind.
Of course, there was nothing wrong with that. Everyone in the village was living frugally these days. He had seen other villages; they were far worse off.
But suddenly…
Inoichi and Choza grabbed Shikaku's hands with fervent intensity.
Brother!
My own brother!
You can't eat this meal alone!
"I didn't eat alone!"
Haruno was very dissatisfied with Mrs. Yukinoshita's accusation.
"Watch your attitude!"
She, Yukinoshita Haruno, was now the "Head Wife"!
What? You're my mother?
So what if you're my mother?!
Does being my mother give you the right to question the Head Wife?
Mrs. Yukinoshita tried to twitch the corner of her mouth but failed.
"You should wipe that 'milk' from the corner of your mouth before you speak," she retorted dryly.
Speaking of which…
With a man backing her, Haruno has really grown bold.
She even dares to bare her fangs at me.
Haruno quickly licked away the evidence.
Then she stuck out her chest, trying to look righteous even if she was guilty.
Mrs. Yukinoshita expressionlessly pointed to another spot.
"There's still a drop. There."
Haruno hurriedly wiped it away, feeling a bit guilty.
She had heard her man say that "that stuff" contained chakra and was good for her complexion. So recently, Haruno had developed a certain… obsession.
Mrs. Yukinoshita had a headache dealing with this rebellious daughter who used to be obedient but now repaid every slight with interest. She knew Haruno's personality: shrewd, black-bellied, and vengeful. But she never imagined she would be this audacious.
There was no helping it.
Haruno was very open.
With Kantsuki, she was always willing to "open up her layout." She consciously postured herself to please him.
And because the clothing business was booming, Haruno had gradually figured out her man's specific preferences.
Black silk. White silk. Garters.
This made Haruno extremely favored by Kantsuki. Even her mother, the mature beauty, was being outshined.
In the end, Mrs. Yukinoshita never thought she would see the day where she had to compete for favor with her own daughter.
Kantsuki walked out of the bedroom just in time to see Mrs. Yukinoshita scolding Haruno.
He couldn't help but chuckle.
Reaching out, he pulled Mrs. Yukinoshita onto his lap to spoil her properly. Stroking her smooth legs, Kantsuki admired the refined upbringing of the Yukinoshita matriarch.
"Mmh… No, Haruno is still here…"
Face flushed crimson, she tried to push his hand away.
Stop playing.
Have some tea first.
Drink!
Tea ground by Mrs. Yukinoshita's own hands naturally had to be drunk.
He kissed her deeply, tasting her tongue before sipping the tea.
"The clothing business. You two have done very well."
Haruno grinned and leaned in close.
"Is there a reward?"
"There is."
Since they had helped him secure a massive rise in status with the Third Hokage, Kantsuki wouldn't be stingy.
"I will teach you the Chakra Refining Method."
Hearing this, joy lit up both their faces.
So soon? They could touch the supernatural so quickly?
It seemed their contribution was even greater than they imagined. More importantly, his willingness to teach them proved they held weight in his heart.
That was what mattered most.
Haruno and her mother understood deeply that to survive in this world, they relied entirely on him.
So, Haruno waved her small hand dramatically.
Watch me!
Tonight, I'll help push Mother from behind!
Rest assured! Even if Mother cries for her parents, I won't stop!
We must make sure Master enjoys himself to the fullest!
Mrs. Yukinoshita's face went black instantly.
Only in this regard was her rebellious daughter so enthusiastic.
"No rush. Let's talk first."
"But I'm wearing black silk," Haruno interrupted.
She lifted the hem of her pleated skirt slightly.
Looming. Just visible enough to itch the heart.
Truly a Great Fairy. She understood men too well.
With a cunning grin, her fair hand reached out, brushing intentionally against his lower abdomen, her fingers hooking the thin string of her waistband.
Just a gentle pull, and the view would be magnificent.
Hiss…
She was really good at this.
Forget it.
Daylight debauchery it is.
Fill Haruno up first.
As for what happens after she's full?
Mrs. Yukinoshita slapped Haruno's hand away with a dark expression.
Rebellious daughter!
Kantsuki, ever loyal to his desires, picked them up—one in each arm—and headed for the bedroom.
He was a pure carnivore.
Consequently, the Yukinoshita women suffered.
Bedroom, kitchen, windowsill, tatami, bed, sofa, tabletop.
Everywhere bore the traces of their three-person battle.
Since Kantsuki was the hidden boss of the clothing empire, he had plenty of clothes.
So tear them. Ruin them. Play however you want.
Mrs. Yukinoshita silently picked up three band-aids, turning her flushed face away.
This one… no.
Absolutely not.