"So," Ruichi said with a half-smile, "you're here to be my nanny?"
"…You could put it that way," Taketori Kaede replied calmly. "I was trained for that purpose—to ensure the continuation of the bloodline."
Trained…?
So she'd been raised as a tool—for reproduction and service alike. She'd even said before that she was the first choice. This Taketori Clan in the Land of Fire was really something else.
Unpleasant as it was, Ruichi understood one thing clearly: the Taketori Clan would never give up on him.
If he drove Kaede away, there was no telling what other methods they might resort to. Keeping her close—where he could watch her—was safer.
Besides, even after being knocked out by him earlier, Taketori Kaede was still a shinobi, at least Chunin-level.
The clan already knew how important Teuchi and the others were to him. As long as they wanted to maintain a working relationship, they'd have to ensure the safety of Ichiraku Ramen.
And with Kin Tsuchi and Tayuya still young, Kaede counted as immediate combat strength.
"You can stay," Ruichi said. "But we're setting three rules."
He leaned closer, his voice soft—almost gentle—yet it made Kaede's scalp prickle with fear.
"First: put away all those shinobi schemes. If I ever find out you've had even a single twisted thought about the people in the shop, I'll dismantle your bones one by one and make soup out of them."
Kaede shuddered violently. She didn't doubt his words for even a second.
"Y-yes! I understand! I absolutely won't!"
"Second: for now, do not expose my relationship with the Taketori Clan—or your identity as part of it."
"Uh… actually…" Kaede hesitated.
"…You've already exposed it?"
"Yes…" She pulled a Konoha forehead protector from her chest. "I registered as a Genin under the Taketori Clan's name. But your existence hasn't been mentioned to anyone."
"Tch… fine. Then keep it quiet."
"And third—keep a low profile in Konoha. Things here are far more complicated than they look. Don't get involved."
"Yes." Kaede let out a long breath of relief, then suddenly remembered something and pulled out an envelope. "Um… the Clan Leader also wants me to visit the Hyuga Clan."
Ruichi raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
"The letter is addressed to Hiashi Hyuga. It says you're a candidate for clan leadership, and asks the Hyuga Clan to look after you—for the sake of friendship between the two clans."
"Heh. How thoughtful."
Ruichi sneered inwardly. Looking after him was just a way to manufacture a fait accompli—first the Hyuga, then Konoha, and finally turning fiction into reality and tying him firmly to their ship.
He didn't reject cooperation with the Taketori Clan—but he had no interest in becoming a clan leader and carrying the burden of an entire clan.
Right now, he was already caught in the conflict between the Uchiha Clan and Konoha.
At present, he was merely a civilian Genin—still within Konoha's "acceptable range."
If he suddenly became the heir of an outside clan possessing a Kekkei Genkai, the nature of everything would change. Forget Danzo Shimura—even the Hiruzen Sarutobi might not tolerate it.
"The visit still needs to happen," Ruichi said slowly, "but we'll change the wording."
"Just say the clan wants me to gain experience. Tell the Hyuga they don't need to give me special treatment—and keep it secret from Konoha as well."
Kaede froze for a moment, then nodded. "Understood. That is safer."
Ruichi waved her off. "Alright. If that's all, go handle the Hyuga matter. I'll head back and tell Dad."
"Um…"
"Hm?"
Kaede leaned in close, her eyes alluring. "You did say… that if it was just a normal approach, you wouldn't refuse…"
Ruichi's scalp tingled. "You—cough—handle your business first. I still need to submit my mission report."
---
After informing Teuchi that the misunderstanding had been resolved—and that Kaede would continue staying at the shop—Ruichi headed to the mission office.
Reports still had to be filed.
He kept it brief:
Encountered members of the Evil God cult. Targeted as a living sacrifice. Enemies eliminated.
Regarding the cult's intelligence, he only described the effects and activation conditions of Curse Technique: Death Controlling Possessed Blood, matching what he had already told Jiraiya.
As for immortality, he merely wrote that the enemy possessed "abnormally tenacious vitality," claiming no further knowledge.
No way I'm writing that in detail.
People like Danzo or Orochimaru would definitely try it—and he didn't want to know how many lives that would cost.
Better to let that kind of crooked path rot in his own stomach.
---
When Ruichi returned, it was already dinner time.
"…Isn't this a bit crowded?"
The shop now had six employees, while the counter only had nine seats—even after expansion.
Another problem surfaced immediately: where would everyone sleep?
Kin Tsuchi had his old room. Now Tayuya was here. Add Kaede, and there simply wasn't enough space.
Not to mention his bachelor apartment—one guy living with three girls was asking for trouble.
"What a headache…" Ruichi rubbed his temples.
Grabbing his money pouch, he turned and walked out.
Ayame noticed him leaving again.
"Brother Ruichi, where are you going?"
"Buying a house—no, renting one!"
If people were the problem, then he'd solve the house instead.
Problems that could be solved with money weren't problems.
---
That night, Ruichi stood in front of a detached building, casually twirling a brand-new brass key.
It wasn't far from Ichiraku Ramen. It had a small courtyard—and most importantly, plenty of rooms.
He paid three months' rent upfront and took the keys.
When he returned, he ran into Kaede, who had just come back from the Hyuga compound.
"How did it go?"
"Lord Hiashi expressed understanding and agreed to keep it secret for now."
At that moment, Teuchi stepped out of the shop.
"Oh, Ruichi, where did you go? There's something I wanted to discuss with you—"
"Dad, I rented a bigger place," Ruichi said. "It's too crowded for Kin Tsuchi and Tayuya here. There are lots of rooms—do you and Ayame want to move in too?"
Teuchi shook his head. "We'll stay here. We're used to it. A big house must be expensive—do you still have enough money?"
"No problem, Dad. This mission paid well." Ruichi patted his chest.
"Alright. I'll have Kin Tsuchi pack. Let me know if you need help."
Kaede suddenly leaned forward eagerly. "Me too! I want to move in!"
"You?" Ruichi glanced sideways. "Where have you been staying?"
"At an inn… paying by the day is really expensive…"
"Then stay in my old apartment."
"That won't do!" Kaede protested. "I'm your personal bodyguard! And—"
She leaned close and whispered, warm breath brushing his ear.
"If your bloodline illness flares up, only I know the secret technique to suppress it. If we don't live together, what if something happens?"
Ruichi felt a shiver run down his spine.
This fox… If we actually live together, I'm not sure I can keep myself in check.
He wasn't uninterested—but he had no intention of touching her until she truly became one of his own.
Besides, this body was still too young. And with a storm approaching, the last thing he wanted was to become a father.
Teuchi looked between them for a moment, then spoke thoughtfully.
"Ruichi, it is inconvenient for a young man to take care of two little girls. With Miss Kaede helping out, I'd feel more at ease."
"…?"
You too, Dad?
But thinking about it, it made sense. Kin Tsuchi and Tayuya were growing girls—there were plenty of things it wouldn't be appropriate for him to handle.
Fine. The house is big enough anyway. I'll just treat it as hiring a free nanny and bodyguard.
"…Alright." Ruichi waved his hand helplessly.
"Everyone—let's move."
------
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