Naruto-Start by eating the golden fruit

"Winter vacation begins after school this afternoon. Please try not to leave the village or visit the wetland park during the winter break. You are not allowed to catch fish or shrimp. It's winter, and all students must be mindful of their safety," the teacher of the ninja school earnestly warned the young students.

Every year, some adventurous kids decide to fish or catch shrimp and crabs in winter. Children are full of energy, but it's important to set limits. Such activities can be quite dangerous.

Though the agent assigned a group of chunin to patrol the river daily, some kids are persistent about fishing.

In the past, Konoha was simply impoverished. Nowadays, in Konoha, if someone with functional limbs remains poor, it's truly their own issue.

There was even a lame man from the Uchiha clan whose injured leg didn't stop him. His mung bean cakes were so delicious they were featured in the newspaper as a positive role model, encouraging the villagers of Konoha to try making simple items to support their families, even if they were disabled due to the war.

The reaction of Konoha villagers to this example was not significant. After all, there are only a few disabled people in Konoha Village. The truly disabled ones are the ninjas who retired from the battlefield. For these ninjas, even with broken limbs, finding a job as a janitor is no problem, and the monthly salary is comparable to that of workers. The salary for idle work being similar to that of busy workers is quite satisfactory.

Again, happiness comes from comparison.

"Let's head to the back mountain after school! I heard there's a blind bear over there! How about we catch the blind bear and sell it for money?! A 100-kilogram bear can be sold for 200,000 ryo!" Little Jiraiya's eyes widened with excitement as he looked at his two companions.

"...Jiraiya, did you not listen to what the teacher said at all?" Orochimaru looked at little Jiraiya, exasperated.

Little Jiraiya waved his hand dismissively. "Oh, I'm not going to the river. I'm going to the back mountain."

Orochimaru turned to the girl beside him. "Tsunade, what do you think?"

Tsunade shook her head. "You go ahead. I'll skip it. I have something to do recently."

Little Jiraiya approached Tsunade, asking suspiciously, "Are you... planning to go find big brother?"

Tsunade's expression darkened, and she looked at Jiraiya with exasperation. "Do you think I'm that idle?"

Little Jiraiya put his hands on his hips. "That's true, you can't help big brother at all."

Tsunade scowled, then raised her fist...

Orochimaru watched the two of them chase each other and shook his head. He had his own plans for the day... or rather... Whenever he was on vacation, he always had something to do...

The three of them walked home from school, chatting as they went. Jiraiya asked Tsunade, "By the way, did your brother give you a shopping voucher for the shopping street? Should we go shopping there?"

Tsunade felt a bit excited. A new clothing store had opened on the commercial street, aiming to compete with Yuya's high-end clothing store. The styles were similar, but the clothing prices were cheaper.

Although Yuya gave her a bunch of shopping coupons, and logically she should support Yuya, Tsunade wasn't thrilled about it. Why make money for Yuya when she could shop at his competitors?

Orochimaru shook his head. "You can go ahead; I'll skip it."

Little Jiraiya became curious. "Orochimaru, are you going to help at the orphanage again?"

Orochimaru shook his head. "The grandma from last time passed away, and I'm going to help clean out her house."

Little Jiraiya and Tsunade didn't know what to say. The grandma was nice, but she was quite old. But she had a son and a daughter... Where were they?

Tsunade asked directly, without hesitation.

Orochimaru replied, "Her son and daughter took her ashes but couldn't take the house. They live on East Second Street and rarely come to South Fourth Street, so they let me use the house as a thank-you. They're usually too busy with work to take care of her."

Though it was said to be a gift, the real estate certificate remained with her children, and Orochimaru was just allowed to stay there temporarily.

Orochimaru's own home was on South Fifth Street, which meant a longer walk to and from school. Having this house could save time, and even if he didn't live in it, renting it out could provide some income.

They genuinely wanted to thank Orochimaru.

As Konoha grew wealthier, many people's attitudes became more relaxed. In the past, many loitered on the streets, and a minor incident could lead to a fight. But now, with everyone busy like bees, they often rush past, apologizing or moving on without conflict, as time is money these days.

Being late for work results in docked wages.

Though this might be an oversimplification, most people are inclined to be peaceful, kind, gentle, and good when life is stable and not pressured by basic needs.

The three parted ways at the fork in the road from the ninja school. Orochimaru waved goodbye and left.

Little Jiraiya also said farewell to Tsunade and headed to the back mountain to find the bear.

Tsunade sighed and continued on her way, lacking any real interest in shopping.

Upon returning to her home on East Second Street, Tsunade called out, "I'm back~"

There was no response.

Tsunade muttered to herself, "I hope she didn't go to the mahjong parlor again..."

The mahjong parlor was the only money-related activity permitted in Konoha Village, aside from the gambling house on Konoha South Street.

The mahjong parlor charged by the hour, typically 100 ryo per hour. Players chose their bet sizes, usually small amounts, with 1,000 ryo for a half banker considered a high bet.

Tsunade's mother enjoyed this activity, playing whenever she had free time. Of course, Tsunade would join occasionally. Though she lost more often than she won, she found it exciting.

Due to a certain incident, even using transformation jutsu, the gambling house would recognize her and send her away. Tsunade was displeased with this, often complaining that once she grew up, she would frequent the gambling house for fun.

After searching the house for leftovers and finding none, Tsunade yawned and felt sleepy.

When she awoke, it was already dusk.

Tsunade noticed that she was covered with a quilt.

Had her mother returned?

Tsunade rubbed her eyes and looked around. The room was dim, but she remembered where the switch was...

She felt for the switch on the wall and turned on the light.

Tsunade found the electric light fascinating, though she didn't grasp what it meant for all the houses in the village to have electric lights.

For her, despite everyone praising Yuya, she felt dissatisfied. What was so great didn't benefit her at all!

Tsunade turned on the light and surveyed the room, spotting a coat on the ground.

It was her mother's.

Her mother had returned.

Tsunade eagerly prepared to find her mother, hoping for some affection and a delicious meal. As she walked through the corridor, she noticed light coming from a door crack.

She approached happily, ready to knock, but heard her mother sighing inside...

"...I understand everything you're saying, but... our clan doesn't have a suitable candidate right now..."

"Then let it be Yuya... he's Lord Hashirama's disciple..."

Tsunade blinked. Was that her father's voice?

"Well, what can we do? After all, there's no suitable person in our clan. What's more... the Senju clan has become commoners and changed their surnames now," the female voice sighed.

"...What about Tsunade?"

The female voice sounded surprised. "Tsunade?! What are you talking about?! She's only nine years old!"

"Master Yuya is only about fifteen this year. He's only five years older..."

"Hmm... I don't mind. If Tsunade really marries Yuya-sama, then we won't let the princess of the Senju clan marry outside, but... but does Tsunade agree?"

"...We'll take it one step at a time. We can't let Lord Hashirama's disciple marry someone from another family..."

Outside the door, little Tsunade had already run back to her room with a blushing face...

She just...

What did she just... hear?!

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