33 CH - 33 Financial Problem Again?

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Jiraiya paused momentarily, realizing that his suggestion to prolong his punishment might be viewed as unconventional. However, he quickly regained his composure, letting out a soft chuckle and sheepishly scratching the back of his head.

His intention was simply to spend more time in the cell, allowing him to further discuss and refine the plan.

Unfortunately, Jiraiya's modest request for an extra day was promptly rejected without consideration or hesitation.

"You have been entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing this area! Remember, if you fail to complete it, your punishment will be extended! The Hidden Village in the Grass and Konoha share a close relationship. Do not bring shame upon Konoha!" emphasized the shinobi from the Hidden Village in the Grass.

As Jiraiya watched the shinobi from the Grass Village walk away and surveyed the vast expanse of land before him, he couldn't help but let out a sigh.

Why had he come to the Land of Grass in the first place? Wasn't it simply to visit Ekinu-sensei?

And what had happened? He couldn't find Ekinu-sensei, and now he was being punished for hindering the Land of Grass' vital cultivation plan, forced to work in the fields!

What kind of predicament was this? In the brief two weeks he had spent in the Land of Grass, he had already encountered so much.

Especially at the beginning, he had nearly become a fugitive just for purchasing a book from another country.

Reflecting on all this, Jiraiya couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret. The only solace now was the prospect of acquiring a limited edition novel personally signed by Ekinu-sensei.

"Forget it, why am I dwelling on these matters now? I should quickly finish the task and wait for Mubuki's release. With his position in the Land of Grass, we can locate Ekinu-sensei!" Jiraiya shook his head, firmly grasped his hoe, and confidently declared, "It's just plowing and tilling the land, right? The ninja world is still awaiting the intervention of the Toad Sage! I'll get this done in no time."

However, as soon as those words left his lips, after laboring in the fields for a while, Jiraiya stood still, sighed, and shook his head.

Truly, as the Legendary Toad Sage, the future renowned author of the ninja world, and the master of the Child of Destiny, Jiraiya was not meant for this kind of menial labor.

However, noticing the occasional glances from the Grass shinobi, Jiraiya forced a strained smile and muttered to himself, "Seems like I can't leave until I finish this!"

He couldn't just walk away like this! What if news of this incident reached Konoha from the Land of Grass?

With this thought in mind, Jiraiya's determination surged once again. "Since I've committed to completing it, I must follow through! Actions speak louder than words, and as the Toad Sage, I must embody the true essence of the ninja way."

As he finished speaking, his expression turned serious, and he swiftly performed hand seals before slamming his hand onto the ground.

"Summoning Jutsu!" A cloud of smoke billowed, revealing a colossal figure standing before him.

"Jiraiya, why have you summoned me so suddenly? Is something wrong?" inquired the giant toad.

"Gamabunta," Jiraiya addressed the Giant toad with a grave tone, "are we partners?"

Taken aback, Gamabunta lowered his head, furrowed his brows, and scrutinized Jiraiya. "It seems you've gotten yourself into some serious trouble! Where are the enemies? Why can't this Chief toad see them?"

"Enemies? There are no enemies here!" Jiraiya clarified, indicating that Gamabunta had misunderstood the situation.

"Then why did you summon me out of the blue? Are we going on a journey?" questioned Gamabunta, trying to understand the purpose behind Jiraiya's summoning.

"Not that! It's just..." Jiraiya gently patted his body, looking at Gamabunta with hopeful eyes and a slight smile. "I need a small favor from you."

Confused, Gamabunta held a tiny hoe in his hand, no larger than a toothpick for him. He glanced at Jiraiya, who pleaded silently with his eyes, filled with anticipation. What in the world is happening here? How did this absurd situation come to be?

…..

"Jiraiya should be working now, right?" Akihiko set aside the task he was handling and stretched lazily, speaking in a relaxed tone. "Just make sure to keep an eye on him and ensure he doesn't slack off."

"It's all taken care of, Takeshi and the others are monitoring him. Nothing will go wrong," Kana assured, smiling softly. She glanced at the tired Akihiko, her cheeks slightly flushed, and offered some advice. "Akihiko, you should take a break... you look exhausted."

Akihiko was taken aback but nodded earnestly. "You're right, I am tired. My apologies for the inconvenience..."

However, before he could finish speaking, a knocking sound echoed from the door.

Helpless, Akihiko momentarily paused and clasped his hands, resting them against his chin. With a serious expression, he said, "Come in!"

As the words left his lips, the door creaked open. Under the watchful gaze of Akihiko and Kana, an elderly man with gray hair entered the room. It was Yoshinori Uzumaki, the third elder of the Uzumaki Clan. But why was he here now? Could there be progress in the experiment?

Yoshinori Uzumaki approached, looking at Akihiko seated at the desk with a grave expression. He spoke, addressing him as "Leader."

"Elder Yoshinori, what brings you here?" Akihiko inquired.

"My apologies for the interruption, Leader," Yoshinori apologized before presenting a document in his hand. "Both the research institute and the academy are running low on funds for this quarter."

Akihiko nodded, examining the financial statement handed to him. It seemed reasonable. After all, research required funding, and with the academy about to commence, financial resources were necessary.

"I..." Akihiko began, about to give his approval.

Suddenly, he felt a discreet touch against him. It was undoubtedly Kana. But what did it mean? Should he refuse to allocate the funds? Was something amiss?

Caught off guard, Akihiko glanced between the two applications, then at Kana, his expression filled with a mix of helplessness and contemplation. Gradually, he started to understand the message conveyed to him.

We find ourselves in a precarious financial situation once again... Yes, considering the circumstances, it seems our funds have been entirely depleted.

Akihiko contemplated his response, his gaze fixed on Yoshinori Uzumaki, who awaited his decision. What course of action should he take? Admitting that there was no money left would be immensely embarrassing.

At that moment, Kana observed the leader's internal struggle and hesitated briefly before speaking up. "Akihiko..."

"I understand," Akihiko snapped back to reality, intertwining his hands once more and resting them against his chin. His expression turned serious as he continued, "Both of these requests are valid and necessary."

Yoshinori began to respond, but Akihiko swiftly interjected.

"However, as you are well aware, our current situation poses significant challenges. The Land of Grass has just been established, and we are in the early stages of development. Every aspect requires financial resources," Akihiko explained earnestly. "In this arduous and demanding environment, the true spirit of the Land of Grass and its shinobi will shine!"

He raised his fist, his tone resolute. "We will persevere! We will work diligently, striving for greatness! I firmly believe that with our unwavering dedication, we can overcome any obstacle... When faced with difficulties, we must seek solutions!"

Yoshinori looked at Akihiko, his initial doubt replaced with admiration for the leader's unwavering determination.However, He hesitantly inquired, "What exactly does the Leader mean to say?"

Akihiko's declaration resonated throughout the room. "We are currently facing a shortage of funds!"

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