Steward Uesugi frowned slightly. Thinking of Jiraiya’s character, she said with evident disgust:
"It seems that after all these years, that idiot Jiraiya has only become even more insufferable."
"This... this milady, these aren't Master Jiraiya's books. But you two honored guests can buy them, of course. The outfits inside will soon be on sale right here in Tanzaku Quarter, so if you buy them now, you can stay ahead of the latest trends."
The bookstore owner knew how to talk to people according to what they wanted to hear. Seeing two women, he immediately changed his tune.
Shizune curiously picked up a copy and flipped through it, her eyes suddenly lighting up. The style of the clothes inside really suited her taste.
Seeing Shizune engrossed, Tsunade picked up a copy and began browsing as well.
When she saw the swimsuit image of Chiyo from her youth, a wave of discomfort rose in her chest. She quickly flipped past it. Seeing so many beauties from the village depicted within, her mood remained relatively calm.
Flipping rapidly to the back, she read:
*The outfits in this book will soon be on sale in Tanzaku Quarter.*
*Lady Tsunade is my future wife; she is for my eyes only.*
...
She flipped back to the page featuring her own image, looked at it closely, and saw her physical measurements noted right there...
Tsunade's anger flared. She felt as though a pair of eyes were secretly watching her.
*Bang!*
With a deafening crash—amidst Shizune's panic and the bookstore owner's terror—the ground shattered into a massive crater.
Good heavens, who in this small town had ever witnessed such a display?
The owner collapsed to the floor, shivering too hard to speak.
Realizing she had terrified the innocent, Tsunade felt a touch of awkwardness.
Shizune let out a long sigh of relief. Thank goodness she hadn't smashed the book stall, or the compensation would have been even higher.
*Life isn't easy,* Shizune sighed inwardly.
She immediately stepped forward to grab Tsunade's arm.
"Lady Tsunade, calm down! We're already out of money."
Then she hurried over to help the owner up.
"Tsunade... are you, are you Lady Tsunade?"
The owner's eyes widened in sheer astonishment.
"Ahem! Shizune... Never mind. As for the repair costs, owner, you can go find the publishing house yourself and deduct it from the author's royalties—just say Lady Tsunade said so. I'm taking this set."
With that, Tsunade's expression darkened once more.
She let out a cold laugh and said,
"Shizune, didn't you say we're out of money? Let's go make a bundle."
Looking somewhat bewildered, Shizune asked,
"Lady Tsunade, where are we going now?"
Tsunade paused at the question, then slowly started walking forward.
Though she couldn't figure out where this voyeur was hiding for the moment, he was bound to show up eventually.
Seeing Lady Tsunade depart, the surrounding men immediately broke into smiles and rushed forward to snap up the newest issue.
Meanwhile, in the Land of Tea.
Wu Ying waited at home for a few more days.
Instructor Yamada finally returned and sent him off to prepare the first batch of clothes for sale, with instructions to rendezvous in Konohagakure.
When Wu Ying asked if there was any news of those three troublemaking youths, Instructor Yamada merely shook his head.
Wu Ying could only feel a slight sense of helplessness.
He also instructed the old steward to take a few servants ahead to Konohagakure to find a temporary residence and get settled.
The truth was, among that batch of guards, not a single one reached the level of true genius.
At the thought of this, Wu Ying felt as though his heart were being scratched by a cat, a dull ache throbbing within. But reality was reality, and there was nothing he could do about it.
Then he turned to Huimei to discuss whether they should walk or ride horses.
Huimei shot Wu Ying a strange, sidelong glance.
That look was like a sharp sword piercing straight into his heart.
Annoyed, Wu Ying flicked her on the forehead, earning himself a resentful glare from her.
He couldn't help remembering how, just a few days ago during a sparring match, this girl had suddenly awakened the Sharingan.
Wu Ying had been genuinely startled back then.
*Sigh!*
He just hoped this girl wouldn't become increasingly unhinged mentally.
For now, though, there were no obvious signs of mental instability—she was simply growing more lively and no longer treated him like an older brother.
There were some things he hadn't planned on telling her so soon, but it seemed he would have to bring them up sooner rather than later.
In the end, they chose to take a carriage because Wu Ying didn't know how to ride a horse.
After finalizing the arrangements, Wu Ying lingered at home for another two days while diligently grinding his experience points.
When the people from the clothing workshop delivered two boxes and a few sets of clothes, Wu Ying was finally ready to set off.
He separated the two boxes, leaving the rest of the clothes for Huimei to try on.
Just as Wu Ying returned to his room to store the two boxes inside a storage scroll, Kaoumi came rushing over in a panic.
It turned out there were some clothes she simply had no idea how to put on. Wu Ying was utterly speechless at this.
Still, it was a legitimate problem; those flowing immortal-style dresses consisted of layer upon layer.
Following Kaoumi to her room, Wu Ying didn't say a word and set to help her dress.
He could clearly feel her emotional fluctuations—like a small boat in a storm, ready to capsize at any moment.
He lightly tapped her on the forehead and said,
"We'll leave after lunch. I'll explain some things to you slowly along the way."
The little girl froze for a moment before quickly regaining her composure.
Wu Ying knew a thing or two about what was going on in her head; he just hadn't known how to broach the subject.
Once she finished trying on all the clothes, he let her pick out a few of her favorites and directly stored them away in the scroll for her.
After a meal, Wu Ying led Huimei into the carriage, bringing along only a single accompanying coachman.
Wu Ying finally had some free time and the opportunity for a heart-to-heart talk with the little girl.
He cleared his throat, successfully capturing her attention.
"You've grown up quite a bit now, but you're at a crucial stage for gathering knowledge and improving yourself. Don't put too much energy into puppy love."
Hearing her brother start lecturing again, Kaoumi's lips twitched, but she obediently nodded.
"Feelings in puppy love are often immature and unstable. I hope you can protect your own heart. Trust me, once you become an independent, confident, and outstanding version of yourself, a wonderful romance will definitely be waiting for you ahead."
Kaoumi nodded at times and let out a soft huff at others.
Wu Ying lightly flicked her forehead again.
"Women hold up half the sky. Strive to pursue your own dreams and don't rely too much on others."
"I know, Brother," Kaoumi said, wrinkling her small nose and gritting her teeth in vexation.
In this disjointed fashion, Wu Ying talked to the little girl about a great many things.
By evening, they had reached the outskirts near the border of the Land of Tea.
They casually found an inn to rest for the night.
For the little girl's safety, he still had her stay in the same room with him.
Which earned him another inexplicable look from her.
Over the next few days, Wu Ying finally managed to relax a little, enjoying the scenery along the way together with Kaoumi.
Finally, they were about to reach the Konoha Forest. They were not far from Konohagakure now.
Wu Ying took out a wide-sleeved immortal-style dress in tea-green, bright yellow, and creamy white, and handed it to her.
Unable to find an inn after searching around, they had to find a spot with clear mountain spring water for Huimei to bathe.
To wash away the fatigue of the past few days, Wu Ying stood guard nearby, using his spiritual perception.
After bathing, Huimei took a long time to properly put on the wide-sleeved dress.
Appreciating the sight with an admiring gaze, Wu Ying stepped closer to her.
The girl really had grown; she was close to one hundred and sixty centimeters tall.
He helped adjust her lapel and belt, fished a pair of jade bracelets from his luggage to put on her wrists, and fastened a jade pendant at her waist.
Then he pulled Huimei down to sit and meticulously combed her hair.
This moment of peace caused Huimei to close her eyes slightly, enjoying Wu Ying's thoughtful gesture with a happy smile blooming on her face.
Wu Ying's fingers gently threaded through her hair, every stroke filled with deep affection and care.
He divided her hair into two parts, styling them into butterfly-wing hair buns on either side of her crown, letting her showcase her beauty and playfulness.
Time seemed to stand still in that moment, preserving this wonderful instant.
After a brief rest, they resumed their journey.
The road was lined entirely with trees, and no bold bandits or robbers dared to show their faces anywhere near Konohagakure.
Growing tired of all the green, Wu Ying transformed once more into a stern teacher and began instructing Huimei in *Ode to the Gallant*.
...
*They shed their cloaks and depart,*
*hiding their bodies, fame, and art.*
...
*Who can study the ancient books till old,*
*and master the profound Tai Xuan text untold?*
Seeing the resentful glance Huimei threw his way, Wu Ying reached out to pinch her swollen little cheek, telling her to concentrate on reciting.
Meanwhile, Wu Ying's own thoughts drifted away. Back in the day...
When he was taking the exam for his college diploma in Chinese Language and Literature, he was mocked every day for chanting scriptures while trying to memorize those ancient poems...
Damn it!
Since he couldn't blend into this cruel world, he would just make this world into the shape of his own imagination.
At that moment, Wu Ying straightened his posture, his gaze burning with a determination that brooked no rivals.
Sensing his mood, Huimei raised her head and stared quietly at Wu Ying, her eyes flashing with a strange light.
Wu Ying glanced at her, flicked her on the head, and resumed lecturing her about how a head full of romance was no good...
Only when she looked somewhat exhausted did he stop nagging, pick her up, and leap into the carriage to pick up the pace slightly.
It was midday when they caught sight of the familiar yet unfamiliar gates of Konoha.
Looking at Konoha's two gate guards, Kotetsu Hagane and Izumo Kamizuki, Wu Ying recalled the internet jokes from his past life—saying that even Uzumaki Nagato wouldn't dare walk through the front gates...
As the images from his memories slowly took on a three-dimensional reality, it finally felt real.
Huimei woke up from Wu Ying's arms. After completing the registration together, they walked straight into the village.
After grabbing a casual meal at a diner, they headed to the residence arranged by Steward Uesugi.
Leaving Huimei to rest, Wu Ying went to wash up.
With his current strength, going a few days without a bath wasn't a problem, but it still felt repulsive.
Afterward, he asked for directions to the mission assignment desk and requested Might Guy's squad for a C-rank mission.
Fortunately, they were currently on their way back from completing a mission.
Even so, Wu Ying remained slightly baffled as to how Tenten had already graduated.
He simply wanted to catch a glimpse of the legendary Guy-sensei and have some contact with him. It wasn't driven by idol worship, nor did he carry any burden of being a hero.
And then there was the Chinese-style loli, Tenten...
On his way back to the residence, Wu Ying actually saw Uzumaki Naruto graffitiing everywhere with paint.
Curious, he paused to watch for a moment before quietly walking away.
Naruto certainly looked thinner and more frail than the children he had seen along the road.
*Heh, beneath the guise of peace lies nothing but filth and darkness.*
Once he managed to trade with Tsunade and Orochimaru for what he wanted, then *heh*...
Shaking his head to clear away these thoughts, he returned to his lodgings and began practicing the Hunyuan One-Qi Formula.
Evening approached.
When Wu Ying woke up from his meditative trance, Huimei was sitting nearby writing something.
"Stop working for now, let's go get dinner. How about some of Konohagakure's specialty ramen?"
Hearing this, Huimei put down her pencil and nodded her little head.
Holding her hand, he headed out the door.
Huimei looked around at Konoha's environment with curiosity.
Wu Ying also cast a few casual glances.
In the anime, Konoha Village always felt somewhat dilapidated.
As for the architectural style... it was hard to comment on.
"Sigh!!!"
Wu Ying let out a long sigh.
It suddenly occurred to him whether he should hire a few waitstaff.
With that thought in mind, he decided he would recruit people right here in Konoha Village tomorrow.
The streets were much wider than he had imagined.
All sorts of ordinary people and ninjas bustled back and forth; it could already be considered a fairly substantial town.
Walking along the spacious street, he paid attention to the villagers' conversations.
It wasn't as backward as he had imagined, nor was it as prosperous.
After asking about the location of Ichiraku Ramen, he quickened his pace.
Looking at the humble little one-story shop before him, with the words "Ichiraku Ramen" written on the white curtain, he could already smell the aroma of ramen from outside.
Relaxing his mind, he led Huimei inside.
When he saw that the small figure sitting there had a head of yellow hair, Wu Ying's gaze tightened.
He was quite surprised.
Although he had simply wanted to come check out the famous Ichiraku Ramen, he hadn't planned on intentionally interacting with Naruto.
At that moment, Wu Ying released his spiritual perception to scan the surroundings.
*Heh,* there were two ninjas watching this place from a nearby rooftop.
He stepped forward and took a seat two spots to the right of Uzumaki Naruto.
Noticing two newcomers beside him, Naruto looked up at Wu Ying and returned a smile, then glanced curiously at Huimei and nodded as well.
Huimei politely smiled back.
Naruto turned his head back with a thoughtful expression; he was definitely plotting his Transformation Jutsu or Sexy Jutsu in his head.
Wu Ying was two hundred percent certain of it.
Especially since Huimei looked even more playful and adorable dressed in that flowing immortal-style gown.
After all, this was a little guy who had invented that kind of ninjutsu by the age of ten, and when he grew up, he even helped Jiraiya write novel plots...
He truly hadn't taken his mother Kushina's dying words to heart—though of course, that was just a joke.
Naruto did indeed think to himself in admiration: *What a cute girl, though she's still not as cute as Sakura.*
Then, scanning his memory for any strangers matching them and coming up blank, he lowered his head and went back to eating his noodles.
Had Wu Ying known what was going on in his mind, he wouldn't have done a thing about it.
Mr. Ichiraku came out and, seeing customers, said,
"Welcome! You look unfamiliar—is this your first time here?"
"Yes, we just arrived in Konoha today."
"Oh! Do you have a preferred flavor?"
"Do you have anything spicy?"
Wu Ying searched his memories and couldn't recall what flavors they offered.
"How about the Spicy Mustard Cabbage Ramen? Eating it makes you feel like your HP has been fully restored. The toppings include bamboo shoots, chashu pork, narutomaki fish cakes, soft-boiled eggs..."
"Then I'll take the Spicy Mustard Cabbage Ramen, with an extra soft-boiled egg and narutomaki."
After placing his order, Wu Ying asked Huimei, who indicated she wanted the same.
"Two of the same, please."
Hearing this, Naruto chimed in noisily, making a fuss:
"Why is an ingredient named after me?"
"The future Hokage's name is gonna turn into a food item?"
Ichiraku smiled warmly and said,
"Sorry about that, Naruto! The other day when I was slicing fish, I came up with a new presentation. Since I noticed you really like eating ramen, love fish, and are always saying you're going to be Hokage, I just used the name."
"Aw! It's fish! I'm not really a fan, I'm kind of sick of eating it all the time anyway."
"So your name is Naruto? Want to be Hokage? I'm sure you'll achieve it. My name is Wu Ying, a merchant from out of town, and this is my younger sister, Huimei."
Wu Ying said to Naruto with a trace of emotion.
"Dattebayo! I definitely will!"
As Naruto spoke, tears welled up in his eyes because a strange adult had just affirmed his dream.
Looking at the tears in Naruto's eyes, Wu Ying knew he was moved simply by being acknowledged.
Still, a tiny pang of guilt lingered in his heart—little Hinata was so cute; should he just trick her—ahem, semi-adopt her instead...