Chapter 135: Chapter 135
"Take it; just think of it as a loan," Shinki said nonchalantly. "When you grow up and can earn your own money, you can pay me back."
Minato hesitated, but Shinki continued, "Boys should always have a little money with them. What if you want to grab a bite to eat or go to a hot spring with friends and don't have the cash?"
"But—"
"No more buts. Just keep it," Shinki said firmly.
Reluctantly, Minato accepted the wallet, silently vowing to work hard, listen to his teacher, and repay this kindness one day.
"Oh! Why don't I get one?" Nawaki, with his sharp eyes, spotted the wallet Shinki had given Minato. Judging by its thickness, it was substantial. Forgetting his argument with Kushina, he rushed over excitedly.
"Go ask your own teacher," Shinki said, pushing Nawaki away with a smirk.
"..."
Ask my teacher? Nawaki thought bitterly. I don't even know where my teacher is most of the time. How can I ask him?
Seeing Nawaki's crestfallen face, which was getting more and more pitiful, Shinki finally relented. "Alright, here, take this. Just save it and don't waste it on silly things, or I won't give you a penny in the future."
If Minato got pocket money, Nawaki had to get some too. But Shinki knew Nawaki had a tendency to splurge recklessly, just like his sister, so he needed to keep a watchful eye.
"Hehehe..." Nawaki, who had been on the verge of tears, beamed with joy.
"And me!" Kushina chimed in, stepping forward with her hands on her hips.
The "little rich woman" wanted in on the fun too. Shinki chuckled, shaking his head. "Alright, you get some too."
Kushina wasn't after the money itself; it was the thought that mattered. Seeing Minato and Nawaki receive something, she would have felt left out otherwise. With a smile of satisfaction, she took her share and lifted her chin, shooting Nawaki a triumphant look. *Hmph, I have it too.*
Nawaki's grin faded as quickly as it had come.
"Teacher, about Sakumo-senpai..." Minato said worriedly. He couldn't understand why the news of Sakumo's victories spread so rapidly, while Shinki's own achievements seemed understated by comparison.
Shinki laughed as Kushina, ever supportive, nestled into his side. "You're always a hero to me, Shinki! Better than anyone, even Sakumo-senpai!" she declared fiercely.
Ruffling her hair, Shinki smiled. "I'm not bothered by it, really. Sakumo-senpai deserves the recognition. He's earned it. Don't worry about these things; it's not for kids to fret over."
Before Kushina could argue, an Anbu operative with the codename Tiger appeared in the room, kneeling respectfully. "Sir, the Hokage's office has summoned you for a meeting. You're requested to come at once."
"Understood. I'll head there immediately."
With Tsunade at the front lines, it was now Shinki's role to represent the Anbu at such gatherings. This was a significant change from before, when the Anbu was often uninvolved in village meetings.
"Yes, sir." Tiger disappeared as swiftly as he came.
Shinki set Kushina down and stood up. "Stay here and behave. If you get bored, do your homework or train in the yard. Don't run off, especially you, Kushina."
The memory of Cloud Village's attempt to kidnap Kushina during the war haunted Shinki. It baffled him how the Third Hokage's administration could allow such a breach of security.
After leaving instructions, Shinki made his way to the Hokage office building.
"Shinki, over here!" Akimichi Chōza waved him over to sit beside him in the meeting room.
Shinki approached and took a seat, greeting Chōza with a smile.
"How's it going with the Anbu? Is it overwhelming?" Chōza asked, chuckling.
"It's manageable. I'm not dealing with most of the day-to-day stuff myself. Senior Shukako is taking care of that, so I'm relatively free," Shinki replied. "I mainly focus on personnel selection. It's not too hectic, but not as relaxed as your position, senior."
"Are you teasing me?" Chōza laughed. He had been busy in the past, but now, as Hokage's assistant, he had a more ceremonial role. If he vacated his spot, the Third Hokage's faction would place someone loyal to them.
Chōza's presence was perfect; he disliked meddling in politics and only needed to show up occasionally.
Suddenly, Shinki noticed two notable figures entering the room. Chōza, seeing his curiosity, explained, "Didn't Shukako tell you? The Uchiha and Hyuga patriarchs haven't been well, so their young heirs have started representing them."
"Ah, no, I didn't know." Shinki sighed. It seemed he needed to pay more attention to the little things in the Anbu.
The Uchiha and Hyuga clans were pillars of Konoha, and their young leaders taking over indicated a generational shift. Although the Anbu compiled intelligence on such changes, Shukako hadn't mentioned it, considering it minor for their current focus.
Both Uchiha Fugaku and Hyuga Hiashi looked slightly nervous at their first appearance representing their clans but maintained stoic expressions. Noticing the empty seats, Hiashi made his way to sit next to Shinki, and Fugaku followed, taking the spot beside Hiashi.
These meetings were critical for large clans, as they held seats in the Elders' Council. However, having seats didn't mean they had actual power in decision-making.
Shinki acknowledged their presence but returned to chatting with Chōza, their conversation soon shifting to shared interests.
"Really? You think it tastes better that way?" Chōza asked, intrigued.
"Definitely. Try it out next time. The kids at home love it," Shinki said, smiling.
"Then you'll have to come over for my special barbecue soon."
"If you're inviting, I'll be there for sure."
"..."
Listening to the pair swap cooking tips, Hyuga Hiashi's serious demeanor cracked slightly, struggling to keep a straight face.
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