With a chest that had yet to develop, she declared loudly:
"I've decided! I'm going to wear this dress every day from now on!"
"Silly girl."
Kazuki chuckled at Tenten's never-before-seen enthusiasm. He couldn't help but ruffle her little head and smile.
"It's not just this Sky Feather Robe—there's more. Come take a look. I guarantee you'll love it."
Tenten nodded excitedly and began exploring the other items.
"Wow! These boots look amazing! Pure white with subtle dark patterns… Wait—they actually make me faster?! This is incredible!"
"This ring… It has a storage space?! This is way better than a weapon storage scroll!"
"Wait a second—this… isn't this a Kusanagi sword?! Brother, are you finally giving it to me?! I've been eyeing this for so long!"
Tenten's mouth fell open in an 'O' shape, big enough to fit an egg. The shock in her eyes said it all.
She never imagined her brother had created so many incredible things. He was simply a genius! And now, he was giving all these treasures to her!
Overcome with joy, she felt like she had discovered a hidden trove of riches. Her entire being buzzed with excitement.
"My dear brother, I must be your sister. No, even if we're not blood-related, I have to be your sister!" Tenten declared with a determined face. "If not, then let me be your sworn sister! Brother, let me hug your thigh!"
"Are you hungry? I'll cook for you! Or do you want something special? I'll go buy it for you! Brother, please give me a chance to show my gratitude!"
"You little rascal, what goes on in that head of yours all day?"
Kazuki watched Tenten's exaggerated display, caught between laughter and exasperation. He flicked her forehead lightly before continuing in a serious tone.
"Alright, listen up. I'm explaining something important here."
"Yes!"
Tenten straightened up immediately, as if receiving a direct order from a superior.
Kazuki cleared his throat and continued.
"Ahem. These items are all for you. I made them, and they should last you a long time."
"These are special kunai—clone kunai, substitution kunai, and transformation kunai. You've used them before."
"You also know about the Robe and the boots. I crafted all of these myself, so you should be familiar with their functions…"
Kazuki continued explaining the various items.
As he spoke, an idea suddenly popped into Tenten's mind. She couldn't help but ask, "Brother… can we sell these in our ninja shop?"
Her eyes sparkled like a merchant spotting a fortune.
Just one of these kunai could sell for more than three times the price of a regular one. And the Robe and boots? If those hit the market, they'd become instant bestsellers! Everyone in the village would want them!
If all these ninja tools were sold…
That would be a fortune!
Way more profitable than taking on ninja missions!
But before she could get too carried away, Kazuki shook his head.
"Sis, these things can't be sold—not yet. They're for you alone."
Tenten blinked, confused.
"But even if you're away for a long time, I can't possibly use all of these by myself. Wouldn't it be a waste to keep them here?"
As if reading her thoughts, Kazuki explained,
"A person with a treasure invites trouble."
"If word got out about these ninja tools, it would attract unwanted attention from people with ill intentions."
"Our family doesn't have strong ninja to protect us, and both Mr. Guy and I will be leaving the village to train. If these tools were openly sold, it could lead to trouble beyond your control."
"Even with my current strength… I'm still far from strong enough."
Tenten's eyes widened in realization.
"So that's why… You've been making all these ninja tools, but never once mentioned selling them."
She understood immediately.
Kazuki had only given her a brief explanation, but she already grasped the risks involved.
Nodding firmly, she said, "I get it now, Brother! I'll use these ninja tools to get stronger. You can count on me!"
Kazuki smiled warmly.
"Anyway, while I'm away, Sister, you have to take care of our parents and manage things at home. I'll write often, and I'll tell you all about the interesting things I encounter during my training. Don't worry, Brother and I will definitely be back before the graduation exams."
As the moment of farewell arrived, Tenten's eyes welled up with tears.
She threw herself into Kazuki's arms, her voice trembling as she clung to him.
"Brother, you have to take care of yourself out there! And you promised—you must come back before the exams! You can't lie to me!"
Kazuki chuckled.
"When have I ever lied to you?"
Three years passed.
Konoha Calendar Year 59
At the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Water, near the Land of Waves, Kazuki and Might Guy were on their way back from training.
Now twelve years old, Kazuki had grown significantly. His once round, youthful face had lost its baby fat, replaced by sharper, more defined features. His body had grown taller and stronger, making him look far more mature than before.
As they walked through town, Kazuki's appearance naturally drew attention.
"Look! What a handsome boy!"
"He's so good-looking! But… he's a little young. What a shame!"
"What does it matter? Are you afraid of being called an older woman chasing a younger man? I hear younger guys love confident, charming sisters like us~"
"Oh, stop teasing me!"
"Heehee, but seriously, he's adorable!"
The whispers trailed behind them.
Both Kazuki and Might Guy, highly skilled shinobi with keen senses, heard every word.
Kazuki remained indifferent. He had heard comments like these far too often and had grown used to them.
But for Might Guy…
It was a devastating blow.
The expression on Guy's face became stiff and lifeless, his entire aura darkening. A deep depression settled over him.
He was Might Guy, an elite Jōnin of Konoha, the Proud Green Beast of the Leaf! A man who had trained his body relentlessly, standing at an impressive 1.8 meters tall, built like a powerhouse, and in his prime.
And yet…
Not a single one of those women had even noticed him.
They only talked about Kazuki.
No one so much as mentioned him!
Am I really less attractive than a twelve-year-old?
The realization struck Guy like a kunai to the heart.
It wasn't until they left the town and the voices faded into the distance that Guy finally started to recover.
"Where are we headed next?" Kazuki asked.
"We should be receiving our next mission soon," Guy replied, sighing. "Konoha's mission distribution efficiency has been kind of slow lately."
Just then, a small burst of white smoke appeared in front of them with a soft puff.
A small green turtle materialized, a mission scroll strapped to its back.
This was Ningame, Might Guy's summoning companion—a reliable messenger.
Kazuki barely reacted, already used to this sight.
Over the past three years of training with Guy, neither of them had returned to Konoha even once. However, they had always maintained close contact with the village.
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