Chapter 374: 374. Chapter 366: You Probably Won't Be Able to Freeload for Long

374. Chapter 366: You Probably Won't Be Able to Freeload for Long

"Huh? This young lady only drinks boba milk tea with taro paste."

Hearing a familiar voice, Tsunade turned her head and looked at the white-haired brat waving a straw at her from the corner of the lobby. She rolled her beautiful eyes in a massive display of annoyance.

"Besides, I always pay the full price. Only a stingy guy like you would split the bill with others."

"Little Tsunade, are they friends?"

Uchiha Gin, who was waiting in line, patted the haughty-looking little Tsunade. His dead-fish eyes swept over the faces of the few children in the corner, a hint of amusement in his expression.

"They're just classmates from the academy."

Little Tsunade, arms crossed over her chest, pursed her lips and explained.

The Konoha Academy was a school jointly invested in and established by the Land of Whirlpools and Konoha. The Land of Whirlpools was responsible for the funding, while Konoha provided the personnel. Every child of age in the village could attend for free.

These four- or five-year-old children, if they lacked ninja talent, would be sent to general classes to learn to read and write and receive basic education. Those with ninja talent, however, would be assigned to ninja classes for systematic ninja training.

Although attendance at the academy wasn't mandatory, whether they were from prestigious clans or humble families, everyone chose to send their children there for education.

For no other reason than that the Hokage and the Village Secretary would regularly visit the Konoha Academy to give public lectures, tailor future plans for talented children, and patiently answer their questions regarding cultivation.

How could anyone miss out on such a good thing?

Five-year-old Tsunade had joined the Konoha Academy's ninja class not long ago, becoming a glorious first-year student. Her personality was naturally very active, and since the class was full of peers, she quickly hit it off with a few like-minded little friends.

"Since they're classmates, go say hello~"

"Fine."

Ruffling little Tsunade's hair, Uchiha Gin led her over to the children.

"Mister, who are you?"

Seeing Tsunade, who was usually so cocky, acting so timid in front of this curly-haired man who reeked of "middle-aged uncle," Jiraiya asked in surprise.

"Jiraiya, be polite in front of adults."

Kato Dan, with his blue hair, hurriedly tugged at Jiraiya's sleeve. Although Uchiha Gin looked harmless, the man wore a shining forehead protector; one had to remember that ninjas couldn't be judged by common sense.

What if this curly-haired guy was a ruthless pervert?

"That clan emblem..."

Orochimaru, who had been quiet on the side, had been secretly observing the details of Uchiha Gin's attire. Upon spotting a familiar fan emblem, his body subconsciously tensed up. He had heard his father mention that the Uchiha clan were not easy people to deal with.

"Uchiha?"

Hatake Sakumo, who had also identified Uchiha Gin, narrowed his eyes, his mind beginning to analyze the relationship between this man and Tsunade.

As a member of the Senju clan, why would Tsunade be walking with an adult Uchiha, and even coming here to drink milk tea?

Could it be...

Hatake Sakumo's gaze suddenly sharpened. His mind instantly conjured up countless inappropriate images, and his whole body emitted an inexplicable aura that made Uchiha Gin, who was sizing them up, feel a sudden sense of familiarity.

Why does this gray-haired brat have the same vibe as Brother Erlang?

"Tsunade, is he your dad?"

After his wide eyes darted back and forth between Uchiha Gin and Tsunade for a while, the honest and simple-minded Might Dai asked something shocking.

"Dai, are you an idiot? Tsunade has straight hair~"

Orochimaru covered his face in resignation. According to genetics, curly hair would likely only produce curly hair.

"Exactly, how could an uncle like this be Tsunade's father?"

Jiraiya nodded in deep agreement.

"Although I'm indeed not, are you being polite, kid?"

Uchiha Gin didn't usually get angry easily, unless he was truly provoked. Sure enough, only white-haired people could disturb his Dao heart, so he raised his hand and gave the white-haired brat a flick on the forehead.

"Thump~"

"Ouch~ What are you doing?"

"Sorry, my hand just can't control itself when I see white hair."

After pulling his hand back, Uchiha Gin said he was "sorry," but there wasn't a hint of apology on his face.

"Then, Mister, who are you?"

Seeing the large bump rising on Jiraiya's head, Kato Dan swallowed nervously. Ninjas really were such temperamental people. Worried about offending Uchiha Gin further, he hesitated before asking.

"He's my grandfather~"

No longer wanting to watch her little friends continue to act like fools, Tsunade took the initiative to reveal Uchiha Gin's identity.

"Huh?" *5

The five little ones immediately opened their mouths wide in surprise, their eyes filled with disbelief.

"Don't lie to us. Even though he's an uncle, he shouldn't be that old, right?"

Jiraiya rubbed his eyes, his suspicious gaze sweeping over Uchiha Gin's smooth, fair face, which was full of collagen. You're telling me someone this tight-skinned is your grandfather?

"Yeah, Tsunade, aren't your grandfathers the Hokage and the Village Secretary?"

Kato Dan blinked in confusion. As a model student, he had grown up reading the Will of Fire; he naturally knew the founders of Konoha better than anyone.

Orochimaru and Hatake Sakumo nodded secretly to themselves upon hearing this. The curly-haired man before them was an Uchiha; how could he possibly be related to someone from the Senju clan?

"It's hard for me to explain the reasons behind this to you, but I am indeed Little Tsunade's grandfather."

Uchiha Gin shook his head. His gaze fell on the cup of lemonade the little ones were sitting around. Seeing the poor Snow King mascot with a straw stuck through it, still forced to "smile," he couldn't help but feel a bit heartbroken.

"Since you're Little Tsunade's classmates, then Grandpa will treat you. Whatever you want to drink, just order it~"

These little ones didn't look like bad kids. Uchiha Gin, feeling generous, waved his hand and declared that he would pay for everything today.

"Really?"

Jiraiya's eyes widened, and he forgot to continue questioning Uchiha Gin's identity. His peripheral vision couldn't help but drift toward the "Three-Mix Milk Tea" on the wall menu. Its price of 1,000 ryo was something a child of his special status could only dream of.

"I love telling the truth, buddy~"

"But..."

"Stop nagging. If he tells you to order, just order. Grandpa Gin is a famous philanthropist; what's a little money like this?"

Seeing someone dare to question her grandfather's financial power, Tsunade immediately went up and elbowed the white-haired brat. She kicked Jiraiya, who was rolling on the ground, with a look of annoyance, then raised her head to say to the others, who were trembling in fear,

"Follow me!"

"Then we won't be polite."

The little ones looked at the groaning Jiraiya, took a step back in unison, exchanged glances, bowed to Uchiha Gin, and hurriedly followed Tsunade.

"Hello, boba milk tea with extra taro paste, please. Thanks~"

After expertly ordering her own, Tsunade turned her head to her uneasy classmates and asked,

"What do you guys want to drink?"

"Please give me a cup of Yangzhi Ganlu."

Kato Dan replied cautiously, not daring to meet Tsunade's eyes for more than a second.

"I want the Fresh Orange Smash!"

Might Dai clenched his fists, looked around, and chose the drink that sounded the most powerful.

"Iced Americano."

Orochimaru was very curious about the legendary Americano that only adults could drink. It was said that all the adults who drank it praised it as "too cool~"

"Peach... Four Seasons Spring~"

This name didn't sound very proper, so Hatake Sakumo chose it.

"Do I... deserve a cup of... Three-Mix Milk Tea?"

Enduring the sharp pain in his ribs, Jiraiya crawled over like a maggot, raising his hand tremblingly.

A moment later, the little ones returned fully loaded, holding their favorite drinks, their faces wearing the smiles children should have.

Except for that gray-haired brat, why is he panting with a flushed face? Is he imagining something?

"Thanks for the treat!"

The children were quite polite, bowing in unison to thank Uchiha Gin.

"It's nothing. I should be the one thanking you for looking after my Little Tsunade~"

"We wouldn't dare!!"

The little ones' expressions changed instantly, their hands waving like helicopters.

"Little Tsunade, how do you usually get along with your classmates?"

Uchiha Gin frowned, looking at little Tsunade, who was sipping her milk tea and looking away.

"Just the usual way~"

"Which way?"

"Grandpa taught me: a normal punch, a normal kick..."

With no other choice, little Tsunade had to demonstrate in the air, her fist glowing with a faint blue light, suspected to be innate super strength.

"Uh... you guys have worked hard. If you want anything else, go order some more."

Scratching his curly hair in resignation, Uchiha Gin understood why these little guys were so terrified. However, being able to survive under little Tsunade's fists, one could only say they were worthy of being the famous characters in the future plot.

"Really?"

Jiraiya, who had taken a huge gulp of milk tea, instantly had eyes that lit up. Before he could swallow the toppings in his mouth, he immediately asked. As a result, the moment he opened his mouth, a black pearl hit Tsunade squarely.

"JI! RAI! YA!"

"Ahhh! I didn't mean to!"

"A normal punch!"

Thump!

"Tsk... Next time you want to drink, just report my name. You can put it on my tab."

Watching the white-haired brat spiral into the sky, Uchiha Gin felt a great sense of guilt. He turned to the children, who were like frightened little chicks, and promised,

"Can we do that anytime?"

Kato Dan gathered his courage and asked.

"As long as you're in Konoha and still alive, you can keep drinking."

"Yay! Thank you, Grandpa Gin!"

The little brats didn't have a direct grasp of life and death yet; they just felt they could freeload on drinks for a long time, and were incredibly happy.

You guys are happy too early~

Uchiha Gin looked at the jubilant little brats and shook his head thoughtfully.

The farce ended, and the world where only Jiraiya was injured was achieved. Tsunade glared at the disheveled white-haired brat and turned to Uchiha Gin.

"Grandpa Gin, they are the ones I told you about before, the ones who worship foreign things!"

"Oh?"

Sipping his triple-sugar lemonade, Uchiha Gin looked with slight surprise at the little brats before him, who were dedicated to Konoha. If it came to the Will of Fire, shouldn't they be the strongest batch?

"Tsunade, what are you talking about? I'm a red-blooded Konoha person!"

Jiraiya bared his teeth, ignoring the sharp pain in his body, stood up, and retorted.

"Then why don't you like the Nine-Tails Knight?"

"Huh?"

The little ones looked at each other, not expecting that the matter of "fan-girling" would be elevated to such a height by Tsunade.

"We didn't say we don't like the Nine-Tails Knight? It's just..."

"Just what?"

"Compared to the other knights, the Nine-Tails Knight hasn't walked the Ninja World for a long time~"

Orochimaru stuck out his tongue and explained with a bitter expression. Afterward, looking at the Iced Americano before him, he regretted his attempt. So the adults who drank this weren't saying it was "too cool," but "too bitter"~

Uchiha Gin suddenly realized. It was all his cousin's fault. Thinking that as the acting Hokage and the only designated successor of the Second Hokage, he couldn't continue to show his face, he rarely went out on official business as a knight in recent years, which led to his reputation being buried.

"That's not it!"

"Grandpa Gin, you be the judge. Who is the strongest Tailed Beast Knight!"

Tsunade, huffing with anger, tugged at Uchiha Gin's sleeve, her little face full of grievance.

"It must be Grandpa Madara, right?"

"The Hunter Knight Sword is..."

"Hmm?"

Jiraiya just wanted to open his mouth to vindicate his idol, but seeing Tsunade glare, he hurriedly covered his mouth in fear.

"Alright, alright, don't dwell on this problem anymore. Who is stronger among the Tailed Beast Knights is not something you or I can decide, unless..."

"Unless what?"

The little ones raised their heads, their small eyes looking at Uchiha Gin in unison. Following his voice, they didn't even dare to breathe.

"Fight! Isn't the final winner the strongest Tailed Beast Knight?"

"Sigh~"

They had expected Uchiha Gin to have some profound insight, but it turned out to be nothing but crude words. They lowered their heads in disappointment and continued to savor their drinks.

"Your Three-Mix Milk Tea, please take it~"

The short gathering came to an end. Jiraiya shamelessly packed a cup of milk tea with extra toppings. Uchiha Gin didn't mind, but Tsunade rolled her eyes in anger.

"You guy, eating and taking, your skin is really thick."

"Yeah, Jiraiya, doing this is really a bit too much."

The other little ones also sided with Tsunade, condemning Jiraiya's greedy behavior.

"..."

Jiraiya, pointed at by everyone, lowered his head. For once, he didn't argue. He silently put away the packed Three-Mix Milk Tea, bowed deeply to Uchiha Gin, and ran out of the shop without looking back.

Only Uchiha Gin, watching Jiraiya's thin back, had an inexplicable light in his eyes. Then, he flashed and disappeared from where he stood.

"Huh?"

The remaining little brats, seeing Uchiha Gin suddenly disappear, all had expressions of confusion.

Holding the warm milk tea, Jiraiya was running hard on the path when suddenly, a large hand pressed onto his shoulder, scaring him so much he almost stumbled.

"Who!?"

"Kid, if you want to drink in the future, just put it on my, Uchiha Gin's, tab. And your friend who didn't come, too."

Looking at Jiraiya, who was showing a look of shock, Uchiha Gin ruffled his prickly hedgehog hair and said softly.

"You... how did you know?"

Not expecting Uchiha Gin to know why he had packed a cup of milk tea, Jiraiya felt a sourness in his nose. His eyes, which hadn't moistened even when Tsunade beat him up, were now overflowing with tears.

"Alright, go on. Milk tea doesn't taste good when it's cold."

Uchiha Gin had also heard some faint muttering when Jiraiya was packing, the gist of which was that his good friend hadn't come, so he must let him taste the milk tea he liked.

"Thank you, Grandpa... Gin."

Jiraiya bit his lip, bowed to Uchiha Gin, and then turned and disappeared into the small alley.

"Grandpa Gin, what did you just go do?"

Beside the Snow King mascot, Tsunade, who had been waiting for a little while, looked at Uchiha Gin, who was strolling over slowly, and pouted her little mouth in anger.

"Just went to send some warmth to the lonely." (End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 375 =====