Konoha Notes

Chapter 23 Ninja Tools
Aoki Ninja Tool Shop

The store was not brightly lit, and various ninja tools were neatly arranged on the shelves against the wall.

Behind the counter sat an elderly man with gray hair and a lean build, wearing a single-lensed spectacle. Under the light of the desk lamp, he was patiently sharpening the edge of a kunai with a small file.

Hearing the curtain rustle, he raised his eyes, his gaze lingering for a moment on Shuji's headband, then sweeping over Itachi and Anko behind him, before finally settling back on Shuji's face, and he nodded slightly.

"Two sets of combat suits." Xiu Si walked to the counter. "They need to be made of thicker, more durable material, with built-in cushioning layers at the joints."

The old man put down his file, got up, and took out several rolls of thick fabric in different colors from deep inside the shelf.

"Dark gray, indigo, and dark green. Indigo and dark green are new products, mixed with better fibers, with more than 30% stronger stretch and protection, and the price is also 50% higher."

Shuuji looked at Anko and Itachi, "You two can choose the colors yourselves. Anko, you also need new weighted leg wraps and arm guards; the old ones are badly worn out."

He added to the old man, "Give her a standard Chunin-level suit."

"For Itachi, the protective gear should be lightweight to ensure his mobility."

In theory, genin don't specifically purchase combat uniforms like vests, since these things are expensive. Genin generally don't need protective gear for their missions, but Itachi has now joined a team that handles high-level missions.

Hongdou glanced at the dark fabrics, pursed her lips, but her gaze was involuntarily drawn to a dark purple hooded trench coat hanging on the nearby shelf.

The trench coat features a unique matte fabric, a clean cut, and reinforced shoulder and elbow areas, exuding a rebellious and sharp feel.

"That... can also be considered protective gear, right?" she asked tentatively, pointing to it.

The old man followed her gaze and said, "Combat windbreaker, the outer layer is specially treated to be lightweight and breathable, and its protective power is slightly weaker than that of a vest."

"That's it, purple, and my size!"

Hongdou's eyes lit up. The previous dejection was greatly relieved by this dress, as if the vibrant purple could pierce through the gloom in her heart.

Itachi quietly pointed to the roll of indigo fabric and then gestured to show his own height.

The old man noted down the requirements and turned to go to the back warehouse to retrieve the goods.

While waiting, Itachi's gaze fell upon the rows of specially made shuriken displayed under the glass counter. One of them had fine, reverse-serrated edges that gleamed with a cold blue light under the lamp. He stared intently at it.

"Want it?" Shuuji followed his gaze. "The new Fuma Shuriken has increased armor-piercing and tearing effects, requiring a higher level of throwing technique. With your current wrist strength, you can barely use it, but you won't be able to unleash its full power, and you'll easily hurt yourself."

"Next year, when you've gained some strength, you can switch."

Itachi silently withdrew his gaze and nodded.

The old man soon came out carrying clothes and several sets of brand-new protective gear. Hongdou eagerly took the dark purple trench coat, her fingers stroking the fabric.

Itachi also received his indigo combat suit.

"Thank you, 178,000 taels." The old man announced the price in a steady voice.

Hongdou's arm holding the new trench coat stiffened almost imperceptibly, and her gaze towards Xiu Si instantly turned to surprise and doubt.

She was well aware of the enormous expense of ninja tools, but this price... she couldn't help but mutter under her breath, "Captain... you're not some kind of hidden tycoon, are you? Not only did you treat me to dinner, but this gift..." She weighed the exquisite paper bag in her hand.

Xiu Si took out his money pouch from his pocket, counted out a thick wad of banknotes, and handed them to the old man with a swift movement. He glanced at Hong Dou sideways and said in a flat tone, "If you feel guilty, I don't mind if you pay for it yourself... I made quite a bit extra from the last mission."

Hongdou gave an embarrassed smile, tightened her grip on the trench coat, and remained silent.

The old man finished counting and nodded.

The three walked out of the ninja tool shop; it was completely dark outside. Red Bean's face was a little tense as she draped her new trench coat over her arm, while Itachi clutched his own. The lights of the commercial street shone even brighter. "Since we're talking about money," Shuji's voice rang out clearly amidst the noise, "it's time to set some rules for the distribution of mission rewards." He didn't stop walking, his gaze sweeping over the two. "Forty percent of the proceeds from subsequent missions will be kept as team funds to replenish ninja tools, medicines, and other supplies."

"The remaining 60%," Shuji continued, "I'll take 40%, and you two will each take half. Any questions?"

Itachi nodded almost immediately, his youthful face showing no objection. Shuuji was the captain and the strongest of the three; it was only natural for him to take a larger share.

Moreover, the team's public funds will probably not be spent on Shuji in the end, as the captain's fighting style does not consume much ninja tool.

Hongdou visibly breathed a sigh of relief, and a smile returned to her face: "In that case, I won't stand on ceremony today! Thank you, Captain!"

The three of them reached a fork in the road leading in different directions. Red Bean, clutching her new gear, casually waved to the other two before disappearing into the flow of people heading towards the apartment complex.

Shuji looked at Itachi: "Do you need me to escort you to the entrance of the clan compound?"

"No need to trouble you, senior." Itachi, holding the indigo paper bag, bowed slightly.

"Hmm." Xiu Si said no more and turned to walk towards the west of the village.

The weasel, carrying the paper bag, walked steadily in the middle of the road.

Just as he rounded a bend, and the iconic outline of the clan's high walls, which appeared particularly solemn in the night, came into view, a clear, cheerful voice, seemingly without warning, rang out from the deep shadow cast by an old tree by the roadside:
"Itachi, you're back."

Itachi didn't pause for a moment. He raised his head and looked into the shadows: "Shisui."

The shadows of the trees swayed, and a figure, as if emerging from the night, silently took a step forward and stood at the edge of the dim yellow glow of the streetlight.

Uchiha Shisui wore a dark blue high-necked clan robe, with a short sword slung across his back and a headband neatly tied to his forehead. He wore a gentle smile, the corners of his mouth naturally turned up, and his gaze was fixed on the paper bag in Itachi's arms.

"How was the team practice today?" Shisui walked to Itachi's side, and the two naturally stood side by side.

Itachi, holding the paper bag, calmly recounted, "Shuji-senpai is very strong. After training, he treated Anko-senpai and me to sukiyaki and even bought us ninja tools as gifts."

He added, "Combat uniform."

“What a kind and generous senior.” Shisui said gently, with a hint of surprise. “Generally speaking, the captain is not obligated to provide equipment for the team members.”

As one of Konoha's top Jonin, he was well aware of the village's practices. Equipment upgrades were usually paid for by the ninja themselves or by their clan.

Itachi knew this. His previous Jonin instructor was good, but he had never cared for his subordinates like Shuji did.

“Shuji-senpai is a kind and gentle person,” Itachi said softly, his gaze fixed on the road stretching out beneath his feet.

"Does Itachi like him a lot?" Shisui turned his head, his smile deepening slightly.

Itachi paused almost imperceptibly for half a second, as if he were seriously considering the question.

After a moment, he nodded, his voice still steady but carrying a sense of confirmation: "Yes. Being with Shuuji-senpai," he seemed to be searching for the right word, "felt very relaxed." There was none of the heaviness of the family gathering, none of the tension on the training field, and none of the invisible pressure he felt when facing his father.

Being able to eat in peace, receiving clear guidance, and... a seemingly predictable daily routine.

"Oh, I see," Shisui said with genuine relief. "That's wonderful to have met such a companion."

"Originally, I wanted to ask the Hokage to let me become your captain."

Itachi didn't reply, but simply walked on quietly. Only the soft sound of their footsteps and the faint chirping of insects in the distance remained in the air.

The silence lasted for a few moments before Itachi's voice rang out again, tinged with a barely perceptible hint of confusion: "However, it seems that Shuuji-senpai has another identity, which Father is very concerned about." He raised his head and looked at Shisui, who was both his brother and mentor, with a questioning gaze, "Shisui, is there any special clan in the village? One without a surname."

(End of this chapter)