Chapter 17: Buying a Steed in the East Market, a Saddle in the West Market
Haruko slipped into the Konoha Ninja Academy with practiced ease.
It was class time, but there were always a few students who were well-versed in the art of slacking off.
Sure enough, on the school rooftop, he immediately spotted the familiar fat-and-thin duo—Choji and Shikamaru.
One was eating potato chips, while the other was gazing at the sky.
"I figured you two would be here," Haruko greeted them.
Shikamaru responded lazily, "Haruko? Why did you run back to the Academy?"
Choji quickly handed over a bag of chips. "Brother Haruko, want some?"
Haruko waved his hand and sat down beside them without standing on ceremony. "Choji, do you have any of those special Soldier Pills? You know, the really effective ones?"
Choji's eyes lit up. "Yeah! Our Akimichi clan's special Soldier Pills. One is worth several ordinary ones, and they take effect faster. But they're very expensive. Brother Haruko, what do you need them for?"
"I'm about to head out on a mission—border patrol. I heard it's pretty tough, so I want to stock up on some good stuff."
Shikamaru opened his eyes slightly, his narrow gaze sweeping over Haruko. "You're usually the type who pinches every penny, yet now you're willing to buy high-end goods? It seems this mission is no small trouble."
"Sigh, don't even mention it. It's a total pain," Haruko complained. "It's the border, after all. Who knows if something will go wrong? I just have to be prepared for anything."
Choji scratched his head, not thinking much of it. "Brother Haruko, how many do you want? I can ask my family and see if I can get a few for you."
Haruko patted Choji's shoulder. "I'm going all out this time. Get me three... no, five of the best ones. Money is no object!"
"Five?!" Choji and Shikamaru exclaimed in unison. Carrying even two was considered a luxury. Was Haruko planning to eat them like regular meals?
Shikamaru's gaze deepened. He said nothing more but pulled a folded slip of paper from his pocket and handed it to Haruko. "Take this and go to the " Medicine Master Hall " in the Village's west district. They collaborate with our Nara clan, so you can buy things that aren't easily found on the market."
"...Thanks, Shikamaru."
Haruko tucked the note away, inwardly praising Shikamaru. As expected, he couldn't hide anything from him.
"When I get back, I'll treat you both to BBQ!" Haruko waved grandly and turned to leave.
"BBQ!" Choji's eyes sparkled at the mention of BBQ.
Shikamaru merely snorted, the corners of his mouth curling slightly.
Haruko left the Academy and headed straight for "Medicine Master Hall" in the Village's west district.
"Welcome. What would you like to buy?" A middle-aged shop assistant approached him.
Haruko took out Shikamaru's note and handed it over. "I want to buy some uncommon items."
The assistant was taken aback, but upon seeing the note, he immediately became respectful. "So it's a distinguished guest of the Nara clan. Please, let me know whatever you need..."
...
After leaving Medicine Master Hall, Haruko rushed to Tenten's family's Ninja tool shop without stopping.
"Eh? Senior Haruko? Not staying cooped up in the Ramen Shop enjoying life today?" Tenten teased with a smile when she saw him.
She and Haruko were essentially regular customers of each other.
Haruko spread his hands, looking utterly dejected. "I have no choice. I'm going on a business trip to the border, so I came to prepare some gear."
As he spoke, he scanned the shelves.
"Hmm... shuriken, Kunai, steel wire, flash bombs, smoke bombs, exploding tags... I need to prepare some of these consumables..."
"Oh... in that case, I recommend this—" Tenten took down a Ninja tool bag from the most prominent spot on the shelf. "The Deluxe Ninja Tool Set! It includes..."
Tenten introduced the items as she took them out of the bag and lined them up.
They were indeed practical tools; this one bag was enough to handle most missions, but it was also quite expensive.
"Give me two..." Haruko grit his teeth. "No, three bags."
"Three bags? Brother Haruko, are you going to war?"
"It might actually come to that," Haruko sighed. "Better safe than sorry."
'If I hadn't come into a windfall, and if this mission didn't feel so off, I wouldn't buy this much even if it killed me."
Then, his gaze fell on an inconspicuous set of Camouflage combat gear in the corner. It had a high collar, sturdy fabric, and came with a pair of windproof goggles and a matching bandana.
"Let me try on that outfit."
Tenten took down the clothes, her expression a bit odd. "This set is for reconnaissance Ninja who need to remain in hiding for long periods."
Haruko didn't explain and walked straight into the fitting room.
A few minutes later, when he stepped out again, his appearance had completely changed.
His originally eye-catching medium-length white hair was neatly tied back and tightly wrapped in the camouflage bandana.
A pair of large goggles covered nearly half of his face.
The high-collared camouflage suit made his entire aura seem capable and grim.
If she hadn't seen Haruko go in, Tenten would have almost thought he was a different person.
"The effect is good." Haruko looked in the mirror and nodded with satisfaction.
This way, as long as it wasn't someone very familiar with him, they definitely wouldn't recognize him at first glance.
Even if he encountered Hidden Mist Ninja, it would be difficult for them to associate him with that white-haired genius kid from back then.
After buying a few more odds and ends, Haruko left the shop with a pained expression under Tenten's beaming gaze.
'As expected of a little rich girl, she really knows how to do business. Maybe I should have Qin come over and learn a thing or two..."
...
By the time Haruko returned to Ichiraku Ramen Shop, it was already getting dark.
Once he shared the news that he was going to be stationed at the border, the atmosphere in the shop suddenly became somber.
"Are you going somewhere so far away? Will it be dangerous?" Ayame stopped wiping the table and looked at him with a face full of worry.
"Don't worry, it's just a regular patrol mission. What danger could there be?" Haruko waved his hand, feigning nonchalance.
On the other hand, Teuchi quickly regained his composure after his initial shock. He patted Haruko's shoulder, his gaze warm and steady. "Since it's a mission for the Village, go and complete it well. Don't worry about home; take care of yourself and stay safe."
"I know, Old Man." A warmth spread through Haruko's heart.
"I'll go prepare some rations for your journey. They're our shop's specialty, much tastier than Soldier Pills," Teuchi said, turning to head into the kitchen.
Ayame also snapped out of it and hurried after him. "Father, I'll help!"
Qin ran to Haruko's side with small steps, her little face tilted up, eyes filled with admiration. "Brother Haruko will definitely return in triumph!"
In her heart, Haruko was omnipotent.
"Return in triumph? I'm not going to war," Haruko ruffled her hair. "Listen to the Old Man while I'm gone, okay?"
That night, Teuchi made a table full of Haruko's favorite dishes, and the family sat together.
'It's precisely to protect this everyday life that I have to face those troublesome matters."