Chapter 176: Chapter 176. Asuma and the Computer
Chapter 176. Asuma and the Computer
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Why was Asuma here?
It's a sad story!
He originally thought that since his old man had gone off with Danzo to film movies, he wouldn't have to keep spending his meager salary paying for his dad's 648 and internet bills.
But then—
Ever since the Land of Water and the Land of Rain got connected to the internet, wars had become even more intense. Asuma, the son of the Third Hokage, the Hope of Konoha, and one of the most handsome men in the ninja world… how could he possibly lose to the other villages?!
So, there was only one solution—
Konoha was counting on him to carry the mantle!
Thus, in order to become stronger—
He stayed up late every night grinding dungeons, farming gear, and stacking EXP!
And not long ago, he had spent quite a bit on the latest in-game event… plus the lucky draws… it was a painful lesson!
That thing was a scam! Just a single spinning wheel, yet no matter how many times he pulled, he never landed on what he wanted!
Absolutely rigged!
That said—
The results were also impressive.
The people from Kirigakure were beaten by him and screamed in pain. They were blocked at the entrance of the village, couldn't get out, and kept calling him "dad"!
But then he heard… they were about to start spending money too!
So—
In the end—
Even though his old man was gone, life hadn't gotten any easier. His money was also running out. On top of that, he still owed Kakashi a lot from all those lucky draws.
At first, he planned to sell his dad's treasured Will of Fire calligraphy scroll.
After all, he heard that it was worth a fortune!
However—
No one bought it!
No one at all?!
Wasn't it supposed to be priceless?!
Why wasn't anyone interested?!
So, with no other choice, to avoid losing to those Kirigakure guys, he had no choice but to take on some missions during his breaks to earn extra cash!
He was fully prepared!
Once he got back, he'd buy himself a computer!
That way, he could game even more from home.
"You've got it rough too." Yuto looked at Asuma with a complicated expression.
The once-proud Twelve Guardian Ninja had turned into an internet addict. Would the future calm and mature, cigarette-loving Asuma… ever exist at this rate?
"That's right~" Hearing someone actually acknowledge his struggles, Asuma sighed. "Not only do I have to help my old man recharge, but I also have to level up his account for him! It's exhausting! I haven't even had a milk tea in ages!"
As he spoke, he suddenly looked expectantly at Yuto. "Dad Yuto! Since you're Obito's dad, that makes you my elder too! So… can I get a discount on my computer?"
"…"
How did this carefree kid… turn into such a calm man later?
Was it the power of love?
Yuto's mouth twitched as he stared at Asuma's eager face. After a moment, he sighed and shook his head. "I'll give you a 10% discount, plus a free gaming mouse and keyboard."
"Thank you, Boss Yuto!" Asuma nodded in satisfaction. Rushing here with Konoha's forces to rescue him was totally worth it!
"By the way, why did you bring a Suna ninja back with you?"
He looked at Yuto curiously.
"I was in the Land of Wind expanding my business and ran into some bandits and rogue ninjas, so I hired a local Suna ninja for security." Yuto said casually.
As for the other details—
He wasn't about to spill.
"Boss Yuto's business is really getting bigger and bigger! He even opened a business in the Land of Wind!" Asuma praised him. Then, after a moment, as if he thought of something, "Dad! The first time I saw you, I felt like you were just like my own dad! So why don't you adopt me too? Just like Obito! I don't ask for much—just an opportunity to inherit your fortune!"
"...No. I don't want the Third Hokage to kill me."
"Actually…" Asuma's expression turned heartfelt. "Ever since I was little, my old man never cared about me. His heart was always with the village, never with me. He never gave me a shred of fatherly love. And when I grew up, he even scammed me out of my money and made me top up 648 for him! It's miserable!" Asuma looked deeply into Yuto's eyes. "So… I long for a father's love!"
"…"
This guy is even more shameless than me!
Yuto's mouth twitched again, unsure of what to say.
He was such a good son of the Hokage… how did he become like this?
Was it the internet's influence?
If he actually agreed to this, Asuma would probably start plotting to inherit his fortune tonight!
Yuto patted him on the shoulder. "20% off! Don't say anything more, this is already the lowest price! And I'll throw in a glowing mousepad!"
"Thanks, Dad Yuto!"
"No! Just call me Brother Yuto! I'll give you this activation code: VIP888888! A huge exclusive gift pack is inside!"
"Thanks, Brother Yuto!" Asuma's eyes sparkled. "Don't worry! I'll definitely make sure Obito calls me Uncle!"
After getting the discount he wanted, Asuma immediately shook his body and showed an excited smile. "I'm heading in to buy my computer first!"
"…"
This guy wasn't simple either!
Yuto watched Asuma's departing figure, smiled slightly, and shook his head.
At that moment—
The ninja at the entrance had already completed the registration.
After Asuma and his team had "rescued" him, Yuto followed the main group back to the village, making the journey much quicker.
Turning around, he saw Pakura walking toward him. "Have you registered as well?"
"Yes," Pakura nodded with a sigh. "Fortunately, Sunagakure and Konoha are allies now. Otherwise, things could've been troublesome for me."
At this point, she looked at the young Konoha ninja leaving. "Your son?"
"…No! That's the son of the Third Hokage!"
"?!"
"Don't let your imagination run wild! I have nothing to do with him!" Yuto snapped impatiently. "He's just here to take advantage of a discount!"
"Konoha's relationships sure are complicated," Pakura sighed. "Unlike us in Sunagakure—things are much simpler!"
"That's because you guys barely have any people left!"
Yuto retorted without hesitation.
By the end, Sunagakure's younger generation was practically non-existent. Gaara hadn't even become an adult before being made Kazekage, and later, when his village's rogue ninja attacked with a group of underlings, the only thing his people could do was stand behind him and cheer:
"Kazekage-sama, you got this!"
That said it all.
Ignoring Pakura's mix of anger and disappointment, Yuto strolled down Konoha's familiar streets. Just as he stretched lazily, ready to enjoy the moment—
"Yuto!" A soft, sweet voice called out.
Yuto instantly tensed up. Lowering his head, sure enough, he saw Suzune walking toward him with a bright smile.
"Suzune!"
However—
Just as he greeted her—
She didn't run up happily or cling to him like before.
Instead—
Suzune stood there, tidily dressed, smiling gently, and glanced at Pakura beside him. Then, she straightened her back, nodded slightly, and spoke with a poised demeanor:
"Hello, I'm Yuto's secretary. I've been by his side for many years. And you are…?"
She seemed much more composed and mature.
"???" Pakura blinked in confusion, looking at Suzune. "Hello! I'm Pakura."
This woman… why does she seem hostile?
"Yuto's hired ninja!"
"Oh, is that so? Thank you for taking care of him during this time!"
"???"
Yuto's face went completely blank.
What's this little girl up to now?
Without hesitation, he flicked her forehead.
"Ouch~!"
…
Meanwhile—
Asuma got a discount and bought a computer at 30% off. He was walking home with the computer in his hand, feeling refreshed.
It was supposed to be 20% off.
But—
After running into Suzune-senpai and casually mentioning Brother Yuto and his "unclear" relationship with a certain female ninja…
It became 30% off!
"Suzune-senpai is so generous!" Asuma shook his head with admiration.
As for what would happen to Brother Yuto…?
What did that have to do with Asuma?
He was just asking questions!
A ninja never ignores suspicious details!
Whistling cheerfully, Asuma swaggered forward. Once he set up his computer, he'd call someone to install the internet. With the leftover money, he could pay for internet service for years!
Now, he was officially a PC gamer!
However—
At that moment—
"Bought a computer?"
A kind and gentle voice sounded behind him. The arrogant and confident Asuma instantly froze, shivering. He turned around slowly and looked at the smiling old man staring at him.
"O-O-Old man?!"
He—
Asuma.
Konoha's most handsome ninja.
Suddenly had a very bad feeling.
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