Chapter 25
Chapter 25
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 1
Chapter Title: Gato Arrives in Konoha
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"Is this the Hidden Leaf Village?" When the merchant caravan arrived at the Konoha gates, Gato curiously poked his head out from the sedan, carefully scrutinizing the entrance to this ninja village.
This was his first time coming to Konoha.
Thinking of the task assigned by "that lord," Gato didn't dare slack off in the slightest. He urged his caravan to enter the village quickly.
The ninjas at the Konoha gates weren't strict when checking ordinary merchant travelers—just routine registration and a simple interrogation.
After all, the mysterious infiltrator from before absolutely couldn't have entered through the main gate.
After entering the village, Gato first followed procedure. He headed to the administrative district with the Hokage Building and registered at the mission desk, directly stating his intentions to Konoha.
Gato Company would open a branch in Konoha, mainly dealing in specialty goods from various countries.
And the company's location was chosen right on Konoha's busiest commercial street.
"Additionally, I see that Konoha is blessed with talented people and fine land. I'd like to purchase some property here," Gato said to the Konoha chunin handling his reception.
"Oh~ You're very welcome!" The chunin immediately lit up with enthusiasm and began introducing the village's real estate.
Although Konoha was a ninja village at its core, it was equally dependent on merchants and nobles.
Ninjas weren't skilled at commerce or economics. Even merchant ninja clans mainly dealt in ninja tools, ninja beasts, or industries related to ninjas.
Gato looked at the districts on the Konoha map and pointed to a street bordering the Hyuga Clan lands. "How are the housing prices in this area?"
"As expected of a great merchant—excellent eye! This area borders the Hyuga Clan lands. The surrounding security is famously top-notch, very suitable for living, and the prices aren't expensive..." The Konoha chunin launched into his sales pitch.
He even personally took Gato to view the houses.
After all, this was a major investor!
"Mm, the environment here is indeed nice." Standing on the porch under the eaves, Gato nodded in satisfaction as he surveyed the courtyard.
The small pond in the courtyard was filled with stacked rocks. A bamboo spout knocked against stones with each surge of flowing water. Stocked with ornamental fish, it promised considerable charm.
"This residence has a serene environment and a spacious garden. You and your wife would surely live very comfortably!" The Konoha ninja smiled with flattery.
"Actually..." Seeing that the groundwork had been sufficiently laid, Gato suddenly grew somber and let out a soft sigh. "Due to certain reasons, I've never been able to have a child of my own."
"Ah—!" The Konoha ninja panicked. How had he gone and poked at the man's sore spot?
"Hey? If I adopt a Konoha orphan, could he attend your ninja academy?" Gato suddenly thought of something. He clapped his hands, beaming with joy as he asked.
"An ordinary merchant like me lost any ninja talent long ago, but I still yearn to be part of the ninja world. If I could adopt a child—even if he's just an ordinary ninja!"
Gato grew more excited as he spoke.
"Adopt a Konoha orphan?" The Konoha ninja was stunned by the sudden request.
Such a whimsical idea would raise suspicions anywhere else.
But this was the shinobi world!
This was Konoha!
The application from Fire Country's great merchant Gato—seeking to adopt a Konoha orphan as his foster son—quickly landed on Sarutobi Hiruzen's desk.
"Great merchant Gato..." Smoke curled lazily from the pipe in Sarutobi Hiruzen's hand. He eyed the application, then glanced at the background check from the intelligence division.
Though Gato was merely a merchant, he had Fire Country nobles backing him—possibly even subtle ties to the Fire Daimyo himself. Hiruzen had no reason to refuse either the request to settle or to adopt.
Moreover, it involved selecting a war orphan from Konoha to attend the Konoha Ninja Academy.
This meant Gato's foster son would grow up in the village from childhood, steeped in the Will of Fire's education. His playmates, classmates, and friends would all be Konoha ninjas.
After careful deliberation, Sarutobi Hiruzen stamped the Hokage office seal on the application.