Chapter 18: Doubts and Confusion

Back at home, Rinjin was aware that someone had their eye on him. What he didn't know, however, was that a certain woman had spent the entire night thinking about him.

And not just thinking—she was practically out of breath from it.

But for now, Rinjin had more pressing matters to attend to.

On Hatake Sakumo's side, it appeared that Hiruzen Sarutobi had finally given his approval for Sakumo to join the plan. However, the Third Hokage had one condition—Rinjin needed to give him a hint about what kind of business he was planning.

Rinjin, ever humble, replied, "The general manager of my company is one of your ANBU. Isn't everything already open to you?"

Within a single night, hundreds, if not thousands, of shadow clones materialized.

Like a swarm of locusts, they descended upon the Land of Iron.

It was clear that the country's pig iron exports were about to take a significant hit.

These shadow clones would transport a continuous stream of iron ore to the underground warehouse in the Land of Hot Water's Yugakure, ready for Hatake Sakumo to sell.

At last, the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu and Flying Raijin Jutsu were being used to their fullest potential.

With mining and logistics combined, the first department of Konoha Unlimited Liability Corporation—the Mining Division—was officially established.

Though there were some hiccups along the way, the outcome was a success.

Rinjin couldn't help but recall the motivational speech he gave to his countless shadow clones the night before.

"Fellow Rinjin-sans, good evening! I am Rinjin," the original stood on a makeshift stage, his face brimming with enthusiasm as he introduced himself.

Below, a sea of identical faces crowded together, shoulder to shoulder.

"Rinjins, tonight marks the founding of Konoha Unlimited Liability Corporation!

First, congratulations to all of you for standing out among countless clones to become the company's first employees.

Second, with your tireless efforts, I'll be able to achieve my dreams:

A BMW tomorrow!

A villa next year!

And two mistresses the year after that!"

The shadow clones responded with enthusiastic curses, collectively questioning his ancestry and demanding, "Why don't you dig the mines yourself instead of bossing us around?!"

The original Rinjin shrugged and replied, "If you could create shadow clones of your own, you wouldn't have to do it either."

In the end, the shadow clones were left speechless, muttering, "This guy is shameless. We're disgusted with ourselves for even being his clones."

After a busy night, Rinjin returned to his home as Lemuyi, satisfied. Sitting on the toilet, he began his day in the most relaxing way possible.

Just as he was enjoying the blissful moment, a sudden knock came at the door.

"Hold on, I'm in the bathroom!" Rinjin shouted through the door.

The knocking paused for a moment, only to resume with even greater urgency.

"Sigh!" Rinjin let out a heavy sigh, quickly finished his business, and reluctantly got up to answer the door.

Standing outside was Amai, dressed in a gray and white uniform with a short pencil skirt that hugged her curves. The buttons on her chest looked ready to pop and hit Rinjin in the face.

Behind her stood five masked ANBU operatives.

"Miss Secretary, what can I do for you?" Rinjin asked curiously, his gaze discreetly sweeping over the group outside.

"Oh, nothing much. I just wanted to check in on you. What's the matter? Aren't you going to invite us in?" Amai replied with a charming smile, her light green eyes never leaving Rinjin's every move.

Hearing this, Rinjin scratched his head awkwardly, stepped aside, and gestured for them to enter.

"Forgive the mess. Please, come in."

Without removing their shoes, Amai and the ANBU operatives stepped into the house.

The place was filled with a lived-in vibe—empty instant noodle cups, an overflowing trash can, messy bedding, and dirty footprints on the floor—all of which spoke volumes about the owner's sloppiness.

However, this matched Lemuyi's personality perfectly.

After all, with his intense training regimen that left him utterly exhausted every day, who had the time or energy to tidy up?

As she surveyed the room, Amai smirked inwardly.

As a seasoned undercover agent, she knew better than to be fooled by superficial appearances. A messy room didn't prove anything.

For now, her suspicions of Lemuyi outweighed her trust.

Leading Amai to the table, Rinjin glanced around at the mess but decided against tidying up. Instead, he scratched his head awkwardly and chuckled.

"Sorry for the mess. I live alone."

"It's fine. This is perfectly normal," Amai replied with a gentle smile, kneeling gracefully at the table.

Her plan was to use her warm smile and alluring figure to lower Rinjin's guard.

But to Rinjin, who had seen it all, her actions only made him feel exasperated.

What's going on? Is her character breaking?

Wasn't she supposed to be the cold, domineering queen type? Why is she suddenly acting like the sweet girl-next-door?

Stick to your "I'm the queen" act, will you? What's with this "Love you~" nonsense?

Unaware of Rinjin's internal monologue, Amai pulled a paper bag from her handbag and placed it on the low table.

"A little gift for my first visit—some tea leaves."

She smiled warmly and added, "I noticed you seemed to enjoy tea the last time we met, so I brought some along."

Most people, faced with such a thoughtful and considerate woman, would undoubtedly be smitten.

Even if not smitten, they'd at least develop a favorable impression of her.

Unfortunately, Rinjin had a heart as guarded as a fortress.

He was acutely aware that, as an undercover agent, he needed to remain vigilant at all times.

For now, unsure of Amai's true intentions, he decided to play along and see where this went.

"Thank you," Rinjin said with a lazy smile, accepting the tea leaves. He casually added, "I'm not much of a tea drinker, though. My neighbor, Granny Oriko, loves it."

"Oh? Then what do you like?" Amai asked, her beautiful eyes fixed on Rinjin's dark, expressionless face, her tone full of curiosity.

Rinjin's inner alarm bells rang louder. This woman was definitely up to something!

Could it be that she fell for me because of the intelligence I submitted? No way! This isn't some cheesy romance novel, is it?

He cleared his throat and began to formulate a response that would align with his persona.

But before he could speak, Amai leaned forward, revealing an astonishingly deep cleavage.

Rinjin froze.

Is this... is this something a minor like me is allowed to see?

At that moment, Amai reached out with her delicate hand, quickly but gently covering Rinjin's mouth.

"Shh, don't speak. Tell me, am I beautiful?"

Meanwhile, her other hand moved behind her back, forming a one-handed seal.

"Poof!" With a soft sound, a puff of white smoke enveloped her.

When it cleared, the youthful and voluptuous Amai had transformed into a mature, stunning woman in an off-shoulder yukata.

The only constant was the pair of massive "Tailed Beast Balls" on her chest.

Holy...!

Mikiko! The proprietress of Ame's infamous escort service!

No wonder her "Tailed Beast Balls" looked so familiar!

In that moment, Rinjin nearly blurted out, "Wife!"

Magnet Release: Face Freeze Technique!

Internally, Rinjin screamed as he quickly formed hand seals under his robe.

In an instant, the iron sand beneath his skin solidified, locking his facial muscles and preventing any expression of shock.

No wonder the Ryuto Squad acted so awkward when I joined and blamed Amai's "busyness" for the oversight.

No wonder I always felt her eyes on me during patrol missions!

No wonder she brought me tea of all things!

No wonder her "Tailed Beast Balls" seemed so familiar!

As Rinjin's mind raced, Amai watched his expression intently.

But to her disappointment, aside from his wide-eyed stare, there was no sign of surprise on his face.

Could I have been wrong? Is this guy really just Lemuyi, who suddenly became sharp after a traumatic loss?

Impossible!

Someone who can ogle my assets and still remain calm? Such a person doesn't exist!

Her instincts were correct, but Rinjin had been on guard from the start.

And in the end, he cheated with Magnet Release.

"Poof!" With another puff of smoke, Amai reverted to her original form and knelt across from Rinjin, her face full of doubt.

Rinjin, now fully composed, scratched his cheek awkwardly.

"Miss Amai, who was that you transformed into? Could you... introduce us?"

Amai's lips twitched slightly as she forced a smile.

"She's... a friend. You don't know her."

Rinjin's eyes lit up as he leaned closer, rubbing his hands together eagerly. "Then... could you introduce us next time?"

At that, Amai was utterly speechless.

Here she was, a living, breathing beauty right in front of him, and he was more interested in her transformation?

Your preferences are truly... unique.

"Uh... she's out on a mission. Maybe next time~"

Clearing her throat, Amai gently pushed Rinjin's eager face away and quickly stood up.

"Well, I've paid my visit. I'll be taking my leave."

Her previously warm demeanor vanished, replaced by a cold and indifferent expression, as if discarding something no longer useful.

Rinjin clicked his tongue but didn't mind. He got up and saw Amai out the door.