Konoha : Life in the Leaf

The evening air in Konoha was crisp, the sunlight filtering through the leaves in soft, golden streaks. Daichi trudged toward the Hokage's office, toolbox in hand, still annoyed from the scene at Maya's tea house. The words of that smug salesman, Keronu, echoed in his mind. "You look like someone without any luck." Daichi gritted his teeth.

"What does he know? I have all the luck I need," he muttered, ignoring the amused glances of passing villagers.

By the time Daichi reached the Hokage's office, his mood hadn't improved. The imposing building stood tall, bustling with shinobi and administrative workers. Daichi hesitated at the entrance, his gaze lingering on the painted Hokage Monument visible from the street. The bright orange vandalism was still there, mocking him.

A chunin with a clipboard greeted him at the door. "Daichi-san, thanks for coming. The issue's in the western wing."

"What happened?" Daichi asked curtly as he followed the chunin inside.

"A break-in attempt this evening. Someone thought they could force their way into one of the record rooms. They damaged the door pretty badly, and—well—you're the best carpenter in town."

Daichi scoffed, rolling his eyes. "Of course. When ninjas fail to keep things together, it's always us 'regular folks' who have to clean up their mess."

The chunin chuckled nervously but said nothing, leading Daichi to a wooden door splintered down the middle. Deep gouges marred the frame, and the lock hung loosely, barely attached.

Daichi knelt down, running his fingers over the wood. "Looks like someone tried to pry it open with kunai. Amateurs," he muttered.

"You can fix it, right?" the chunin asked, shifting nervously.

Daichi smirked. "Of course, I can fix it. Just keep the area clear. I don't want anyone hovering over me while I work."

As Daichi pulled tools from his box and got to work, the rhythmic sound of his hammer striking nails filled the hallway. For a moment, he found peace in the familiarity of his craft. The chaos of the village, the frustrations of the morning—none of it mattered when he had a task at hand.

But peace never lasted long in Konoha.

"Oi, Daichi!" A loud voice echoed down the hall.

Daichi froze mid-swing, his patience already wearing thin. He turned to see Keronu swaggering toward him, holding a bag of trinkets.

"What are you doing here?" Daichi snapped.

"Business!" Keronu replied with a grin, gesturing to the bag. "Lucky charms for the hard-working folks of Konoha, especially those who could use a little… help."

Daichi stood, glaring at him. "I don't need your fake ninja nonsense."

"Oh, come on," Keronu said, pulling out a small wooden talisman carved with the kanji for "prosperity." "This one's perfect for you. Keeps your tools sharp and your customers generous. Only 500 ryō!"

"Get lost before I test how sharp my tools are on you," Daichi growled, stepping closer.

Before Keronu could respond, the door to the Hokage's office opened, and two Jonin emerged, deep in conversation. Both stopped when they saw Daichi looming over Keronu.

"Is there a problem here?" one asked, his tone cold.

"No problem!" Keronu said quickly, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Just offering my friend here some help with his… attitude."

Daichi muttered a curse under his breath and returned to his work. Keronu, sensing the growing tension, backed away, shouting, "I'll be at the tea house later if you change your mind!"

As the day wore on, Daichi completed the repairs and packed up his tools. The chunin thanked him profusely, handing him payment along with a small token of appreciation—a warm rice ball wrapped in seaweed.

Daichi headed back to his shop, hoping for a quiet evening, but as he turned the corner onto Market Street, he spotted a familiar figure darting into the tea house. Keronu.

The bell jingled as Daichi entered, and Maya greeted him with a warm smile. "Back so soon?" she asked.

"I need tea. Lots of it," Daichi grumbled, setting his toolbox by the door.

"Coming right up," Maya said, her voice cheerful as ever.

From the corner of the room, Keronu's voice rang out. "Daichi! You missed me already?"

Daichi ignored him, sitting at his usual spot by the window. Maya brought over a steaming cup of green tea, and for a moment, Daichi allowed himself to relax.

But, of course, peace was fleeting.

"Daichi, my man," Keronu said, sliding into the seat across from him. "You need to lighten up. Life's too short to be angry all the time."

Daichi glared at him. "And you need to learn to shut up."

Keronu laughed, undeterred. "Tell you what—one of these days, I'm gonna prove to you that my charms work. And when I do, you'll owe me an apology."

"Don't hold your breath," Daichi muttered, sipping his tea.

From behind the counter, Maya chuckled. "Maybe you two are more alike than you think."

Both men turned to protest, their voices overlapping.

"Me? Like him? No way!"

Maya simply smiled, pouring herself a cup of tea and leaving them to their bickering.