Why had Yukino's mother and Haruno appeared in the shinobi world?
Shimizu Kanzuki knew the answer.
According to the warning issued by his system, a purely mundane, no-magic modern world had collided with—and was now fusing into—the shinobi world.
And the shinobi world held the overwhelming advantage.
Which meant the other world was doomed.
Modern civilians were not only being transported into this world in batches—their fates here would not be kind.
Each wave of arrivals marked another stage in the gradual devouring of their original reality.
Yukino's mother and Haruno had arrived early.
They were among the first batch.
Many more would follow.
As for what would ultimately happen to the majority of that mundane world's population—
That was not Shimizu Kanzuki's concern.
He cared only about his two-dimensional wives.
Like now.
Yukino's mother lay flushed and trembling, her cheeks dyed crimson, saliva slipping uncontrollably from the corner of her lips.
Her eyes were unfocused.
On the verge of rolling back.
Haruno's slender hands were shaking.
She stared, dumbfounded, swallowing hard as she realized her mother was nearly being played to ruin.
All night long, her legs had been pinned skyward, never once lowered from that humiliating angle.
Soft white breaths puffed out in irregular bursts.
She couldn't even close herself properly anymore.
There was an unfortunate resemblance to dumpling skin turned inside out.
With a soft pop, something flicked against Haruno's face, making her shudder violently.
Um…
She actually hadn't bathed yet.
Maybe she could be used tomorrow instead?
Shimizu Kanzuki had no interest in that argument.
Fragrant and sweet—yet claiming she hadn't bathed?
Lift your hips.
Such fine natural shock absorbers—what a waste not to test them.
Haruno swore she had never hurt this much before.
Not even after food poisoning.
Fortunately, Kanzuki's chakra flowed through her body, soothing the worst of the strain. She managed to endure.
"Just once! Just once, okay?"
"Mmph—"
Her protest was swallowed by a kiss.
Clearly, her man had not agreed.
Humiliation burned through her.
This isn't right!
He already did Mother—how can he do me too?!
For several consecutive days, Shimizu Kanzuki was lost in gentle indulgence.
Even when sleeping, he remained inside warmth.
It wasn't until the Third Hokage finally assigned him a mission that Kanzuki reluctantly pulled himself away.
Haruno had serious doubts.
At this rate, it wouldn't be long before both she and her mother were carrying swollen bellies.
Still, Kanzuki wasn't simply neglecting duty for pleasure.
Every time he indulged the pair, it was after exhausting his chakra through ninjutsu training.
And strictly speaking, such activity counted as taijutsu conditioning.
If you didn't believe it—
[Basic Konoha Taijutsu: LV4 (31%) → Basic Konoha Taijutsu: LV4 (34%)]
He studied the updated panel with satisfaction.
An unexpected bonus.
Taijutsu reflected physical strength.
And greater physical strength meant Yukino's mother and Haruno would eventually be left crying "Daddy" without coherent words.
Perfectly reasonable.
—
Walking through Konoha's streets, Kanzuki drew many glances thanks to his handsome features.
When passersby noticed the chūnin flak vest on his shoulders, their looks shifted subtly to respect.
A shinobi's status was different.
He observed the lingering signs of hardship.
People moved quickly, their faces sallow and thin.
The aftermath of the Third Shinobi World War weighed heavily on the village, just as he had anticipated.
He tightened his grip on the documents tucked under his arm and quickened his pace toward the Hokage Tower.
A light knock at the office door.
"Enter."
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, was waiting for his diligent workhorse.
A gentle smile rested on his face.
He appreciated shinobi willing to give themselves for Konoha.
"Kanzuki, how have you been? My apologies—manpower is tight, otherwise I wouldn't have called you back so soon."
"You overpraise me, Lord Hokage. Contributing to Konoha is only natural."
Yes.
Hiruzen liked hearing that.
Combined with Kanzuki's earnest demeanor, it pleased him even more.
"Good. You're already experienced in ANBU matters. This mission isn't difficult—escort several traveling merchants. You'll lead the team."
Experienced.
He had been in ANBU for half a year.
Yet that was Konoha's reality.
Every department lacked personnel.
Lacked money.
Lacked supplies.
Lacked circulation.
Which was precisely why Kanzuki had brought good news today.
"Lord Hokage, before that—please take a look at this."
He presented the organized proposal.
Hiruzen raised a brow in mild surprise but accepted it carefully.
Anything submitted by a trusted ANBU subordinate deserved attention.
As he read, his heartbeat quickened.
Business?
Clothing business?
Wait—
Konoha shinobi had business acumen?
He wasn't boasting—but he would wager the entire village lacked such talent.
If they didn't, why would everyone rely solely on missions for income?
Even the village's own reserved lands were poorly managed. Hiruzen and his peers knew only to hoard land, mark territory, and let others operate businesses in exchange for a cut.
To them, owning land and collecting percentages was already "good business."
Now a promising young shinobi stood before him claiming Konoha could run its own enterprise?
Hiruzen's eyes gleamed.
But he remained composed.
He lit his pipe, inhaled deeply, and exhaled a slow plume of smoke.
"Kanzuki. Are you confident?"
Kanzuki offered a self-deprecating smile and waved a hand.
"Lord Hokage, you know my heart. I only wish to contribute to Konoha. This is merely an attempt. I cannot guarantee success.
We may even lose money."
A lie.
The idea had originated with Yukino's mother and Haruno.
He was merely pushing it forward.
And he knew with certainty it would generate profit.
He was here to secure backing.
And to play the pitiful card.
Old man.
Time to drop some gold coins.
Would you really let such a devoted young man lose everything?
"I see…"
Hiruzen cooled slightly.
No guarantees.
He disliked uncertainty.
Uncertainty often meant loss.
In truth, Kanzuki was not the first to attempt private business ventures in Konoha.
Others had tried.
They lost so badly they couldn't afford underwear.
Some tried again.
Lost again.
Repeated until Konoha collectively concluded they simply lacked the knack.
Yet—
Hiruzen noticed the expectation in Kanzuki's eyes.
He hesitated.
Fine.
Let the boy try.
Even if he suffered losses, it would teach him pragmatism.
"Kanzuki. Very well. I will personally sponsor you with one million ryō. I'll also secure a trade route for you. Whether it succeeds or fails—that will depend on you."
One million ryō in exchange for long-term loyalty from a capable workhorse.
Hiruzen considered it a worthwhile investment.
…