Naruto: Binding Uchiha Sasuke, Hundredfold Return

No one expected that by sheer chance, Kawano would manage to open the mechanism. It was equally surprising to discover that this wealthy merchant was a devoted fan of Jiraiya.

In the hidden chamber, however, there were no shameful secrets — only some ninja tools and items. These were collections from various countries: headbands of rogue ninjas, weapons from renowned shinobi, and so forth. Although the rich man had never become a ninja, he was a true ninja enthusiast, fascinated by the ninja world. Unfortunately, as a middle-aged man weighed down by family responsibilities and his wealthy status, he had long since lost the luxury of dreaming about a wandering ninja's life.

…

After leaving the Hokage building, Kazuki now held ten thousand ryo. He handed three thousand ryo to each of his three students, considering he hadn't really done much and wasn't lacking in funds anyway. Kawano, like Kazuki, was indifferent to money, having never lacked it. He pocketed his three thousand ryo without a second thought, while Rika carefully counted her share before placing it into her wallet with satisfaction. This was her first income earned through her own efforts, and she planned to save it!

"Ha ha ha! I've struck it rich!" Soryu counted his money repeatedly, drooling at the sight.

Kazuki laughed and lightly smacked Soryu's head. "Look at you! Have some dignity!"

"Hehe, it's just...I've never seen this much money before." Soryu scratched his head, smiling sheepishly.

"Oh, Kazuki-sensei, are we taking on more missions tomorrow? I'm ready!"

With the lure of money, Soryu was energized, but Kazuki's response disappointed him.

"No missions tomorrow. We'll be training."

"Eh? Why?"

"Has money really clouded your mind?" Kazuki rolled his eyes. "Being a ninja isn't just about making money. Of course, if all you want is wealth, that's up to you. But once you graduate from me, you can do as you please."

Kazuki didn't plan to train them indefinitely. One or two years at most, then he'd part ways with them. Soryu, although a bit disappointed, didn't argue back. He had two goals as a ninja: make Grandma Ryu proud and earn enough to give her a good life.

After Team 7 disbanded for the day, each went their own way. Soryu navigated the alleys until he arrived at a small, slightly rundown apartment. Although the building's exterior showed signs of wear, with peeling paint and rusted stair railings, it was clean and devoid of trash, spider webs, and even rodents. Clearly, the residents here valued what little they had.

Stopping at door 602, Soryu knocked firmly. "Grandma Ryu, I'm back!"

"Coming!" Her voice drifted through the door as she quickly shuffled to answer it. When she opened it, Soryu proudly waved his earnings.

"Look what I've got, Grandma!"

"Money? That much? Where did you get it?" Her brows knitted in concern. "Listen, don't get any bad ideas just because you're a ninja now! No stealing!"

"Who's stealing?" Soryu exclaimed, face reddening. "This is my reward from a D-rank mission I completed with my mentor and teammates!"

"Oh, my apologies, Soryu," she said, smiling apologetically. Soryu waved away the misunderstanding, passing her the money.

"What's for dinner? I'm starving!"

Her eyes glistened with unshed tears as she looked at the cash. Her grandson had grown up, finally! She wiped her eyes and replied,

"The usual, seafood noodles. I hope you're not tired of them."

"Never! But since I'm making money now, how about adding two eggs?" he teased.

"You little rascal," she chuckled. "Alright, I'll add two eggs just for you."

Meanwhile, on the rooftop, Kazuki sat perched at the edge, engrossed in Tales of a Gutsy Ninja. Moments later, he vanished without a sound.

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The fanfic is finished on p@treon/tambeerg