In the end, Hattori sold the reincarnated puppet named *Mist Demon* to Hanaki at a friendly discount of 30 million ryo.
With that, adding the 19.5 million ryo Hanaki had promised earlier, Hattori's earnings totaled 49.5 million ryo.
Earning so much right after arriving in the Wind Capital, Hattori thought it was time to set a small goal for himself—like making a hundred million!
By then, he not only wanted to build his dream mecha but also spend lavishly. Weren't the nobles of the Ninja World all riding ox-drawn carts?
Then he'd do the same!
He'd buy a hundred oxen all at once, ride in an ox cart three times a day, feast on beef nine times over three days, and enjoy the smell of dung, just to get a taste of what it's like to be filthy rich. That would definitely feel amazing!
The thought made him chuckle to himself, a "hehehe" escaping his lips, which touched Hanaki's heart.
"To sell such a valuable puppet at such a low price and still be so happy, he must genuinely care about me! I'm so lucky!"
With this thought, Hanaki grabbed Hattori's hand.
"Hattori, let's be best friends forever!"
Hattori: "╭(°A°`)╮"
What's with this weirdness?
While Hattori was still in shock, the sound of a guard's voice suddenly came from outside.
"Your Highness, we've arrived!"
"…."
Hearing this, Hanaki released Hattori's hand and opened the carriage door.
As the door swung open, a magnificent courtyard came into view, making Hattori's eyes light up.
"White walls, green tiles, pavilions, and towers, with lush grass and flowing streams—what a great place! Where is this?"
"My private villa!"
Hanaki smiled and looked at Hattori with newfound admiration.
"I didn't know you could compose poetry, Hattori. You must come from a distinguished family, right?"
"Sorry, but you're mistaken!" Hattori shrugged. "Besides, that wasn't a poem, just a string of parallel phrases. Here's what a real poem sounds like!"
He took a deep breath and solemnly recited:
"A man sets his ambition beyond Kikyo Pass,
Vowing not to return without defeating invaders.
Why bury bones in a home village grave,
When life is full of mountains far and wide!"
"Clap, clap, clap…"
Hanaki enthusiastically applauded.
"What a great poem… true heroism! But who are these invaders? A minor nation, not one of the Five Great Countries?"
Hattori: "(ω`)"
How was he supposed to explain that?
While Hattori was contemplating his response, a cheerful, youthful voice called out.
"Big brother, you're back! Huh?"
Hattori turned to see a cute little girl in a luxurious robe standing in front of the carriage, staring at him in surprise.
"Who are you, and why are you in my brother's carriage?"
"Uh…"
Hattori was about to answer, but Hanaki spoke first.
"Hana, this is my friend Hattori, a powerful ninja from Sunagakure!"
"Ninja?"
Hearing this, the little girl's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"If you're a ninja, can you do ninjutsu? Wind Style? Water Style? Fire Style? Earth Style?"
Hattori: "(ω`)"
What was he supposed to say? Fortunately, Hanaki intervened again.
"Hana, Hattori isn't an ordinary ninja. He's a puppet master from the Land of Wind, stronger than a regular ninja!"
"Puppet master?" The girl's eyes widened even more. "Can you control wooden puppets?"
Hattori: "(ω`)"
Should he say he was preparing to pilot a mecha instead?
Faced with this chatty little girl, Hattori was at a loss for words and remained silent. Hanaki misinterpreted his quietness, scolding Hana.
"Hana, don't disturb Hattori. He fought off assassins at the city gate to protect me and is exhausted. Leave us be!"
"Oh…"
The little girl pouted but obeyed, bowing politely and retreating, glancing back at Hattori several times as she left.
Watching her go, Hattori couldn't help but smile.
"Your sister is adorable!"
"Sorry if she embarrassed you," Hanaki said, glancing lovingly in Hana's direction.
"Since our mother passed away, Hana's been under my care and spoiled. I hope when she marries in a few years, her husband treats her as well."
"Wait!"
Hattori raised his hand in disbelief.
"Did you just say she'll get married in a couple of years? How old is she now? Isn't that too young?"
"No, not at all!"
Seeing Hattori's stunned expression, Hanaki blinked.
"Hana turns ten this month. Two years from now, she'll be twelve—perfectly suitable for marriage! Isn't that how everyone does it?"
Hattori: "(ω`)"
How could he even respond to that?
Seeing Hanaki's serious face, Hattori was speechless for a moment. Finally, he patted his friend's shoulder.
"As a friend, I feel obliged to tell you: if you don't want your sister to die young from childbirth, delay her marriage by at least six more years!"
"╭(°A°`)╮"
…
Whether Hanaki took his advice or not, Hattori felt he had done his part. He was here to make money, not to interfere in noble family matters. Offering some advice was just a courtesy.
Besides, he had more important things to do.
Like counting money!
He earned 4.5 million ryo from selling the information on the Mizukage's death,
5 million for helping Hanaki defeat the assassins,
10 million for acting as Hanaki's bodyguard,
And 30 million for selling the *Mist Demon* puppet.
Total: 49.5 million!
Thankfully, Wind Country currency came in large denominations. Otherwise, counting it all would have taken all night!
With large bills, the counting was quick: one 10,000-ryo bill per note, one stack of 100 bills for a million, and only 49.5 stacks to count—done in minutes!
So satisfying!
Seeing Hattori's contented smile, Hanaki couldn't help but laugh.
"Hattori, you really love money, don't you?"
"It's alright," Hattori replied, sealing the cash into a scroll and locking it securely in his belt. Then he turned to Hanaki.
"I'm not into fancy things, just two simple pleasures."
He held up one finger.
"First, money. My teacher always said, 'Money isn't everything, but without money, you can't do anything.'"
"And the second?" Hanaki asked curiously.
"The second," Hattori grinned, "is women!"
Talking about women made Hattori's eyes gleam.
"They say heroes can't resist beauty, and cowards weep without a wife. What hero wants to be alone? The brave are fearless, with great ambitions spread across the world…"
Hanaki: "╭(°A°`)╮"
Why was he singing now?
Watching Hattori get into the mood, Hanaki noticed Hana peeking from behind the door and scratched his chin thoughtfully.
Suddenly, he slapped his thigh and turned to Hattori.
"Hattori, do you like my sister Hana? How about I have her marry you?"
"Pfft…"
(End of Chapter)