Chapter 20: A Business plan

"Uh… Can we talk about that?" Naruto asked nervously, flashing his best innocent smile, hoping—praying—that it would soften Tsunade's resolve.

But Tsunade only cracked her knuckles, a mischievous smirk playing on her lips. "Oh no, no. There is nothing to talk about. Just some well-deserved punishment."

Before he could react, she effortlessly scooped him up as if he weighed nothing and carried him outside.

Naruto squirmed slightly but knew resistance was futile. Instead, he tried a different approach.

"Tsunade…" he called, his voice softer now, almost pleading.

But she wasn't fazed.

Seeing that, he hesitated for a second before trying one last trick. He took a deep breath, and with the gentlest, most endearing voice he could muster, he whispered—

"Then… Tsunade-chan…"

Tsunade paused for a fraction of a second. Her grip loosened ever so slightly as her eyes twitched. "What… did you just call me?"

Naruto, sensing an opportunity, put on his best pleading face. "Tsunade-chan~," he repeated in an almost melodic tone, his blue eyes shining with fake innocence.

Kushina, watching from the doorway, covered her mouth to suppress a laugh. She knew Tsunade's weakness—flattery, especially when it came from adorable little brats like Naruto.

Tsunade's expression twitched between frustration and amusement. She let out a deep sigh, her lips pressing into a thin line. "Brat…" she muttered, finally setting him down with a small thud.

Naruto quickly stepped back, knowing he had barely escaped disaster. "See? No need for violence! Love and respect solve everything!" he declared, puffing his chest out.

Tsunade crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes. "Hmph. You're lucky you're cute."

Naruto grinned. "I know."

Kushina finally burst out laughing. "Tsunade, I think he just played you!"

Tsunade scoffed, turning away. "Tch. Whatever. Next time, you're not getting away with it."

Naruto smirked. I'll take my chances.

"Hinata will be joining training from tomorrow", Naruto said.

Kushina, Tsunade, and Shizune stood frozen as Naruto's words sank in. The Hyuga clan was known for its strict traditions, rarely allowing outsiders to be involved so closely—especially someone from outside their lineage. 

Kushina blinked, her disbelief evident, but she trusted Naruto more than anything. "When… when did that happen?" she finally asked her voice a mix of surprise and curiosity. 

"Today," Naruto replied casually as if it wasn't a big deal. "I asked Hiashi-ojisan for permission, and he accepted." 

The room fell silent again. Tsunade leaned back, arms crossed, looking at Naruto with an unreadable expression. 

"Hiashi agreed?" she murmured, more to herself than anyone else. "That's… unexpected." 

Shizune, who had been quietly observing, smiled softly. "Maybe times are changing," she said. 

Kushina's lips slowly curled into a smile. "You have a way of making things happen, huh, Naruto?" 

Naruto grinned. "Of course! It's me, after all." 

Tsunade sighed, shaking her head. "Just don't go causing too much trouble, brat." But there was no mistaking the warmth in her voice. 

Kushina stepped forward, ruffling his hair. "Well, if Hiashi agrees, then we'll support you all the way." 

Naruto beamed. He knew he wasn't alone—he had a family that would stand by him, no matter what.

Then, all four entered the house, and soon dinner time arrived.

As they settled around the table, the warmth of family surrounded them. The aroma of Kushina's cooking filled the air, and despite her past struggles, she had improved significantly. Naruto had even started learning, eager to help whenever he could. The only one who remained hopeless in the kitchen was Tsunade. 

No matter how many times they tried to convince her to learn, she always brushed it off. "I save lives, not burn food," she would say stubbornly. 

Tonight was no different. As they all gathered, Kushina playfully nudged Tsunade. "You know, Tsunade, if you ever decide to learn, I promise I won't make fun of you." 

Tsunade scoffed, crossing her arms. "Yeah, right. I know you too well, Kushina." 

Shizune giggled while Naruto smirked. "Come on, Tsunade-chan, even I can cook now. If I keep improving, I might have to start making your meals too." 

Tsunade narrowed her eyes at him. "Don't push your luck, brat." 

Kushina clapped her hands together. "Alright, enough teasing. Let's eat!" 

"Ittadakimasu!" they all said in unison, bowing slightly before picking up their chopsticks. 

The atmosphere was warm, filled with laughter and the occasional bickering, but in the end, it was moments like these that made everything feel like home.

As they were eating Naruto interrupted the dinner," I have decided to start a business. What do you think?"

The room fell silent for a moment. Tsunade, Kushina, and Shizune all paused mid-bite, their chopsticks hovering over their plates as they processed Naruto's words. 

Kushina was the first to respond, setting her chopsticks down. "Naruto… that's a bold idea. But why the sudden thought?" 

Naruto leaned forward, determination shining in his eyes. "I've been thinking about it for a while. Shinobi rely too much on missions for income, but the way clients treat us—like disposable tools—just doesn't sit right with me. If we had our source of money, we wouldn't have to bow our heads to anyone. We could choose our battles, not be forced into them." 

Tsunade crossed her arms, her golden eyes narrowing slightly. "Hmph. That's not a bad idea, brat. The Senju had wealth and influence outside of being shinobi, but over time, that faded. If we had maintained that power, things might've been different." 

Shizune nodded thoughtfully. "If shinobi weren't completely dependent on the mission system, they wouldn't be so easily controlled by feudal lords or corrupt officials." 

Kushina smiled, her gaze softening. "You're thinking ahead, Naruto. That's good. But starting a business isn't easy. Do you have an idea of what kind of business?" 

Naruto grinned. "That's what I wanted to talk about! I have a few ideas, but I wanted to hear what you all think first." 

Tsunade smirked, leaning forward with interest. "Alright, kid, you've got my attention. Let's hear what you've got." 

The conversation shifted from a simple family dinner to something far bigger—something that could change the shinobi world forever.

"Then, what about we start our own gambling houses, as it will be easier as Tsunade who has been gambling for ages" 

The room fell into dead silence again.

Tsunade, who had just taken a sip of sake, nearly choked. She coughed violently, her eyes widening as she processed Naruto's words. "W-What?!"

Kushina's face twitched. "Naruto, absolutely not!" she said, slamming her hands on the table. "Do you even know how much trouble gambling brings? Look at Tsunade! She's the worst gambler in history!"

"Oi! Watch it, Kushina!" Tsunade protested though she didn't deny the accusation.

Naruto chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his head. "Well, yeah, but that's exactly why it could work! Tsunade has been around gambling houses for years—she knows how they operate. And think about it! Gambling houses always make money, no matter what. Even if she loses, the house always wins."

Tsunade's lips twitched. "Hmph. Kid's got a point."

Shizune, however, looked horrified. "Naruto! Do you know how dangerous running a gambling business can be? The underworld controls most of them. We'd be dealing with criminals, loan sharks, and who knows what else!"

Naruto's expression grew serious. "I know. But that's why we should do it. If we control it, we can make it clean—no cheating, no rigging, no exploitation. Just fair play. And we could use the profits to help shinobi, support the village, and make sure people don't fall into debt traps like so many do."

Tsunade leaned back, crossing her arms. A slow smirk spread across her face. "Hah… you're something, kid."

Kushina sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "I can't believe I'm hearing this."

Shizune shook her head. "This is insane…"

Tsunade suddenly clapped her hands together. "Alright, fine! Let's do it!"

"WHAT?!" Kushina and Shizune shouted in unison.

Naruto grinned. "See? She gets it!"

Kushina groaned, realizing this was a battle she might not win.

Shizune simply slumped in defeat.

And just like that, the craziest idea Naruto had ever proposed was suddenly in motion.