Chapter 19: Sugar Mommy

Early the next morning, the group set out for the Capital of Fire.

The carriage rolled steadily along the main road, and the number of travelers and trade caravans on the roadside gradually increased.

Fortunately, there were no bandits along the way. As Santayū had mentioned, the Land of Fire had some of the fewest bandits in the ninja world.

Of course, the real reason behind this was the country's prosperity.

Located at the heart of the continent, the Land of Fire boasted abundant resources and a favorable environment. On top of that, most trade routes passed through here, giving it a stronger economy than other great nations.

The standard of living for the people was quite high, and with wealth came stability. Naturally, banditry was rare.

And the better the public safety, the more trade flowed through, forming a virtuous cycle.

So, within the Land of Fire, unless you were deep in the rural outskirts or skirting the borders, you weren't likely to run into any real danger.

Even those petty thugs that did hang around the remote areas seemed suspiciously like they were being kept around by the Hidden Leaf for training purposes. After all, ninjas needed missions to stay sharp.

"We're here!"

Outside another inn, the group stepped down from the carriage.

After unloading the luggage, Santayū paid the driver while Naruto stood by his side, curiously taking in their surroundings.

Compared to the Hidden Leaf, the streets of the capital looked broader, the buildings newer, more modern.

Though it was obvious just by looking that, like most capital cities, there had to be an old town and a new one. There was no way the daimyo was living in a high-rise apartment.

"Wait… we're staying at an inn again?"

Naruto turned toward Santayū, who was struggling to haul their bags into the building.

"If you've got the cash, feel free to book a five-star hotel," came the snide voice before Santayū could answer.

Princess Koyuki crossed her arms and sniffed. "Besides, this inn is for me. I'll be moving into my new place in a few days. You, on the other hand, will be staying in employee housing."

Naruto blinked. "Why?"

"Well, Naruto," Santayū chuckled awkwardly. "This whole trip is actually being paid for by Koyuki. She used to live in a coastal town, but a director spotted her during a location shoot, and that's how she became an actress. This trip is mainly for helping her move house."

He scratched his head. "As for you, I'll speak to the company and try to get you into a decent dorm. For now, you can just crash at my place."

Naruto tilted his head. "I see…"

"Oh, and by the way "

Koyuki smirked. "My new house is a standalone villa. If you beg me, I might give you a room."

"Please!"

"Hey!!!"

Koyuki was stunned by how quickly Naruto responded with genuine sincerity, no less.

"Do you have no pride at all?!"

"None."

Naruto bowed deeply. "Anyway, I'll graciously accept your kindness. Arigatou."

Koyuki's face flushed bright red. "I haven't even agreed yet!"

"Oh? So you were just bluffing earlier..."

"Ugh-!"

Koyuki's cheeks puffed like dumplings. Her fists clenched at her sides as she glared furiously at Naruto.

"I never said I wasn't agreeing either! You are so annoying!"

She stomped into the inn with an angry huff.

"Uh…"

Santayū gave a sheepish laugh. "Naruto, maybe you'd rather stay with me? I've still got a spare room."

"No thanks."

"..."

The tone in Naruto's voice was all too clear. Santayū looked utterly heartbroken.

Koyuki doesn't like me. Naruto doesn't like me. Maybe I really just don't get along with kids…

"Hurry up already!"

Koyuki was waiting in the lobby, frowning. "Why are you just standing there like a statue?"

"Oh, coming."

Naruto followed her in, leaving poor Santayū behind with the luggage, frozen in place.

"Aren't you supposed to be staying in a dorm…?"

No one answered. Koyuki had already booked the rooms one each.

As soon as Naruto entered his room, he collapsed onto the tatami mat. Long carriage rides were no joke.

Even cars were exhausting after a few hours. But a horse-drawn cart with no shock absorbers? On bumpy dirt roads? Torture.

He had barely begun to relax when the door suddenly burst open.

Naruto raised his head with effort and saw Koyuki standing in the doorway, hands on her hips, face turned slightly away.

"I'm heading out to look around, maybe grab something to eat. So, um…"

"Then… could you bring me something for dinner?"

"Who said I was doing this for you, idiot?! Get up if you want food!"

"Oh, okay."

Naruto sat up slowly and followed Koyuki out onto the street.

He didn't really feel like moving, but food was non-negotiable.

Sure, he could use Wood Release to grow some fruits and vegetables, but unfortunately, he was a meat lover.

The two of them strolled side by side through the lively streets. Under the night sky, the capital of the Land of Fire glowed with lights. The restaurants lining the streets were packed with customers.

Koyuki raised her chin and gave Naruto a sideways glance.

"Any dietary restrictions?"

"Vegetables."

"Ugh, you…"

She rubbed her temples. "That's not a restriction. A dietary restriction is something that causes an allergic reaction, or is banned by your religion."

"Exactly. Adverse reaction."

Naruto nodded seriously. "Vegetables make me unhappy."

"That's not what I meant…"

She sighed, but didn't seem mad. Maybe she was just getting used to him.

"Have you ever been to an izakaya?"

"No, but I want to."

They exchanged a look, and a shared spark lit in their eyes.

Izakayas weren't the kind of place adults usually let kids go. They were meant for salarymen to unwind mostly men.

"I want to try beer, but they probably won't sell it to me…"

Koyuki looked conflicted. Naruto wasn't interested in alcohol, but he did want to try grilled chicken skewers.

"No problem."

Naruto made a hand sign. "Transformation Jutsu!"

Poof!

A cloud of smoke cleared to reveal a tall, handsome blond teenager who looked to be about eighteen or nineteen. His features were essentially Naruto's, just more mature and well-defined.

"How's this?"

He flashed a sunny smile.

Koyuki froze.

She stared at him in a daze, her cheeks turning crimson almost instantly.

After a few awkward seconds of glancing around, she suddenly shoved a wallet into his hands and mumbled under her breath.

"Since you look like an adult now, you can pay. Otherwise it'll be embarrassing…"

"So much money…"

Naruto weighed the wallet in his hand. It was full stuffed with bills.

A strange warmth bloomed in his chest.

So this… is what it feels like to be spoiled by a sugar mommy.