Konoha: Starting with Sage Mode.

Chapter 37 Development

In two years, Kirito transformed from an ordinary orphan into a ninja with Chunin-level strength, mastered excellent sealing techniques, and created his own unique Magnet Release ninjutsu. The changes he underwent were undoubtedly enormous.

Similarly, over the course of two years, Kirito's friends at the orphanage also changed a lot.

The person who changed the most was undoubtedly Yakushi Nono.

Despite never having attended the Ninja Academy, through Kirito's daily after-school tutoring and his own hard work, he has become a powerful genin who has mastered the Three Body Techniques and several Water Release ninjutsu, and possesses considerable talent in chakra manipulation.

In addition, after two years of running the restaurant, Nono has grown into an excellent chef and owner.

She integrated the various hometown dishes taught by Kirito, and then added local characteristics to them, processing them into special dishes that satisfied the local tastes, thus making Yakushi Gourmet House a well-known brand and one of the most popular restaurants in Konoha.

In the past two years, under her management, Yaoshi Meishiju has not only expanded its scale, but also opened two additional branches.

Nowadays, the daily income of the Pharmacist's Gourmet Restaurant is quite considerable, and it is an important source of funding for the orphanage and Kirito's biological research.

Pharmacist Nonou is a very opinionated person who cares deeply about the development of the orphanage.

As the orphanage gradually became wealthier, in order to ensure its safety, she took the initiative to propose a plan to Kirito to hire ninjas. She issued missions to the village to hire ninjas to protect the orphanage, and also hired some retired ninjas due to injuries and illnesses to serve as guards at the Yakushi Gourmet House.

Her decision to employ disabled ninjas received strong support from the Third Hokage, who even used it to promote his ideas in the village.

"Who are these people?"

Yakushi Nonou asked Kirito in a low voice.

She was at least a genin, and having worked in a restaurant, she had seen all sorts of people. She could tell at a glance that these people who followed Kirito in were not simple.

Kirito didn't answer, but simply made the gesture of putting on a mask.

Yakushi Nonou immediately understood and asked anxiously, "What did you do wrong?"

Kirito still didn't answer, but instead handed her a small note he had prepared beforehand, then turned and left Yakushi Gourmet House.

The members of the Anbu had assumed Kirito was coming to have a big meal, and since they were also hungry and wanted to enjoy a good meal there, they were disappointed when Kirito left before they could even sit down. They were cursing under their breath.

There was nothing they could do; their mission was to track and protect Kirito, so they could only reluctantly follow along.

After Kirito and the Anbu left, Yakushi Nonou quickly opened the small note that Kirito had secretly given her, and immediately understood the cause and effect. She then walked quickly to the two disabled middle-aged men in the corner and respectfully said, "Uncle Yun, Uncle Lei, I need your help."

Maki and Norai were both commoner Jonin of Konoha. They lost one hand due to a battlefield injury and could no longer use ninjutsu by forming hand seals, becoming disabled ninjas and having no choice but to retire.

The two became disabled ninjas. Due to a lack of life skills, they found it difficult to find satisfactory jobs. Coupled with meager pensions, the family struggled to make ends meet until Yakushi Nonou started working as a maid, at which point their lives began to improve.

Even though they became disabled ninjas, they still retained their pride as former Jonin. Moreover, even with one hand missing, they still possessed the strength of elite Chunin thanks to their taijutsu, some simple ninjutsu that did not require hand seals, and rich combat experience.

The reason the two accepted Yakushi Nonou's job was because Kirito, a disciple of Mito, stepped in and promised them a reward they couldn't refuse.

"Those people were from the Anbu. Kirito-sama must be in some trouble. Ono, just give the orders. For Kirito-sama's sake, the two of us will do everything we can to help you."

Juanyun said politely.

Ye Lei nodded in support.

Both of them saw hope in Kirito to become ninjas again, and had already chosen to entrust their lives to him.

Now that their families all work at the pharmacist's restaurant, their worries are gone, and they are naturally at his beck and call.

"Thank you both."

Yakushi Nonou expressed her gratitude, and then told the two of them what Kirito had left on the note.

. . .

Kirito left Yakushi Gourmet House and headed straight for the Senju clan's residence.

Kirito has been to the Senju clan's territory countless times and is very familiar with the people there.

Compared to two years ago, the Senju clan's territory is much quieter, and many familiar faces are no longer there.

The old folks who followed the First Hokage to establish Konoha have all passed away one after another.

The large base was deserted.

"Squad leader, should we go in? The Senju clan's territory is just ahead."

As the ANBU ninja following Kirito entered the Senju clan's territory, one of the male ANBU ninjas wearing a fox mask asked his class leader a question.

"According to the regulations, the clan territory is managed by the clan's ninjas. Anbu ninjas are not allowed to enter without permission. Besides, that lord is here, so that kid is perfectly safe inside. Let's stay here and wait for him to come out."

The ANBU squad leader was silent for a moment, then glanced at a snake-faced female ninja who had suddenly appeared in front of him, and answered.

"ha."

Upon hearing this, the other ANBU ninjas readily accepted the order and dispersed to find places to hide.

"Finally, I've gotten rid of these annoying guys, Lady Momoka. Thank you so much."

In the Senju clan's territory, Kirito breathed a sigh of relief when he realized that the Anbu members had stopped following. He then turned around with a smile and spoke to the suddenly appearing Senju Momoka.

"Lord Mito is still resting. You can do whatever you like for now, just don't cause any big commotion."

Senju Momoka said to Kirito with a cold face.

After saying that, she turned to leave, but just before she left, she added, "Come stay here for a while. If you don't want to, go find Yun Shou yourself. He knows what to do. Also, if you have time, help Mito-sama tutor that child."

Cold on the outside but warm on the inside—that's Senju Momoka's personality, something Kirito already knew.

Upon hearing Momoka's words, he immediately smiled and said to Momoka, who was already walking away quickly, "Yes, Momoka-sama, take care. Please tell Mito-sensei that I will go find her later."

After Momoka left, Kirito went to an unused training ground in the north of the Senju clan's territory and began to practice his physical skills on his own. First, he put on weights and ran a hundred laps around the entire training ground to warm up.

After Kirito finished his warm-up exercises, a man with the white eyes suddenly appeared on the training ground, dressed in training clothes.

It's tough for a new author to get ahead, so I hope all my fellow readers will visit often to increase the readership. After you finish reading, I hope you'll vote for this book and invest in it. If you could give me some monthly tickets and rewards, I would be extremely grateful. It's so hard for a new author and a new book.

(End of this chapter)