Konoha Notes.

Chapter 23 Ninja Tools

Aoki Ninja Tool Shop

The store was not brightly lit, and various ninja tools were neatly arranged on the shelves against the wall.

Behind the counter sat an elderly man with gray hair and a lean build, wearing a single-lensed spectacle. By the light of the lamp, he was patiently sharpening the edge of a kunai with a small file.

Hearing the curtain rustle, he raised his eyes, his gaze lingering for a moment on Shuji's headband, then sweeping over Itachi and Anko behind him, before finally settling back on Shuji's face, and he nodded slightly.

"Two sets of combat suits." Shuuji walked to the counter. "They need to be made of thicker, more durable material, with built-in cushioning layers at the joints."

The old man put down his file, got up, and took out several rolls of thick fabric in different colors from deep inside the shelf.

"Dark gray, indigo, and dark green. Indigo and dark green are new products, blended with better fibers, with over 30% more stretch and protection, and the price is also 50% higher."

Shuuji looked at Anko and Itachi, "You two can choose the colors yourselves. Anko, you also need new weighted leg wraps and arm guards; the old ones are badly worn."

He added to the old man, "Give her a standard Chunin-level suit."

"For Itachi, the protective gear should be lightweight to ensure his mobility."

Theoretically speaking, genin don't specifically purchase combat uniforms like vests, since these things are expensive. Genin generally don't need protective gear for the tasks they handle. However, Itachi has now joined a team that handles high-level missions.

Hongdou glanced at the dark fabrics, pursed her lips, but her gaze was involuntarily drawn to a dark purple hooded trench coat hanging on the nearby shelf.

The trench coat features a unique matte fabric, a clean cut, and reinforced shoulder and elbow areas, exuding a rebellious and sharp feel.

"That... can also be considered protective gear, right?" she asked tentatively, pointing to it.

The old man followed her gaze and said, "It's a combat windbreaker. The outer layer is specially treated to be lightweight and breathable, but its protective power is slightly weaker than that of a vest."

"That's it, purple, my size!"

Hongdou's eyes lit up. The previous dejection was somewhat relieved by the dress, as if the vibrant purple could pierce through the gloom in her heart.

Itachi quietly pointed to the rolled-up indigo fabric and gestured to show his own height.

The old man noted down the requirements and turned to go to the back warehouse to retrieve the goods.

While waiting, Itachi's gaze fell upon the rows of specially made shuriken displayed under the glass counter. One of them had fine, reverse-serrated edges that gleamed with a cold blue light under the lamp. He stared intently at it.

"Want it?" Shuuji followed his gaze. "The new Fuma Shuriken has increased armor-piercing and tearing effects, requiring a higher level of throwing skill. With your current wrist strength, you can barely use it, but you won't be able to unleash its full power, and you'll easily injure yourself."

"Next year, when you've gained some strength, you can switch."

Itachi silently withdrew his gaze and nodded.

The old man soon came out carrying clothes and several sets of brand-new protective gear. Hongdou eagerly took the dark purple trench coat, her fingers stroking the fabric.

Itachi also received his indigo combat suit.

"Thank you, 178,000 taels." The old man announced the price in a steady voice.

Hongdou's arm holding the new trench coat stiffened almost imperceptibly, and her gaze towards Xiu Si instantly turned to surprise and doubt.

She was well aware of the enormous expense of ninja tools, but this price... she couldn't help but mutter under her breath, "Captain... you wouldn't happen to be some kind of hidden tycoon, would you? Not to mention the dinner, this gift..." She weighed the exquisite paper bag in her hand.

Xiu Si took out his money pouch from his pocket, counted out a thick wad of banknotes, and handed them to the old man with a swift movement. He glanced sideways at Hong Dou and said in a flat tone, "If you feel guilty, I don't mind if you pay for it yourself... I made quite a bit extra on the last mission."

Hongdou gave an embarrassed smile, tightened her grip on the trench coat, and remained silent.

The old man finished counting and nodded.

The three walked out of the ninja tool shop; it was completely dark outside. Anko's face was a little tense as she draped her new trench coat over her arm, while Itachi clutched his own. The lights of the shopping street shone even brighter.

"Since we're on the topic of money," Shuji's voice rang out clearly amidst the noisy background, "it's time to set some rules for the distribution of mission rewards." Without pausing, his gaze swept over the two of them. "Forty percent of the proceeds from subsequent missions will be kept as common funds for the team to replenish ninja tools, medicines, and other supplies."

"The remaining 60%," Xiu Si continued, "I'll take 40%, and you two will each take half. Any questions?"

Itachi nodded almost immediately, his youthful face showing no objection. Shuuji was the captain and the strongest of the three; it was only natural for him to take a larger share.

Moreover, the team's public funds will probably not be spent on Shuji in the end, as the captain's fighting style does not consume many ninja tools.

Hongdou visibly relaxed, a smile returning to her face: "In that case, I won't hold back today! Thank you, Captain!"

The three of them reached a fork in the road leading in different directions. Red Bean, clutching her new gear, casually waved to the other two before disappearing into the flow of people heading towards the apartment complex.

Shuji looked at Itachi: "Do you need me to escort you to the entrance of the clan compound?"

"No need to trouble you, senior." Itachi, holding the indigo paper bag, bowed slightly.

"Hmm." Xiuji said no more and turned to walk towards the west of the village.

The weasel, carrying the paper bag, walked steadily in the middle of the road.

Just as he rounded a bend, and the iconic outline of the clan's high walls, which appeared particularly solemn in the night, came into view in the distance, a clear, cheerful voice, tinged with laughter, unexpectedly rang out from the deep shadow cast by an old tree by the roadside:

"Itachi, you're back."

Itachi didn't pause for a moment. He raised his head and looked into the shadows: "Shisui."

The shadows of the trees swayed, and a figure, as if emerging from the night, silently took a step forward and stood at the edge of the dim yellow glow of the streetlight.

Uchiha Shisui wore a dark blue high-necked clan robe, with a short sword slung across his back and a headband neatly tied to his forehead. He wore a gentle smile, the corners of his mouth naturally turned up, and his gaze was fixed on the paper bag in Itachi's arms.

"How was the team practice today?" Shisui walked to Itachi's side, and the two naturally stood side by side.

Itachi, holding the paper bag, calmly recounted, "Shuji-senpai is very strong. After training, he treated Anko-senpai and me to sukiyaki and even bought us ninja tools as gifts."

He added, "Combat uniform."

"What a kind and generous senior." Shisui said gently, with a hint of surprise. "Generally speaking, the captain is not obligated to provide equipment for the squad members."

As one of Konoha's top Jonin, he was well aware of the village's practices. Equipment upgrades were usually paid for by the ninja themselves or by their clan.

Itachi knew this. His previous Jonin instructor was good, but he had never cared for his subordinates like Shuji did.

"Shuji-senpai is a kind and gentle person," Itachi said softly, his gaze fixed on the road stretching out beneath his feet.

"Does Itachi like him a lot?" Shisui turned his head, his smile deepening slightly.

Itachi paused almost imperceptibly for half a second, as if he were seriously considering the question.

After a moment, he nodded, his voice still steady but carrying a sense of confirmation: "Yes. Being with Shuuji-senpai," he seemed to be searching for the right word, "felt very relaxed." There was none of the heaviness of the family gathering, none of the tension on the training field, and none of the invisible pressure when facing his father.

Being able to eat in peace, receiving clear guidance, and... a seemingly predictable daily routine.

"Oh, I see," Shisui said with genuine relief. "That's wonderful, to have met such a companion."

"I originally wanted to ask the Hokage to let me become your captain."

Itachi didn't reply, but simply walked on quietly. Only the soft sound of their footsteps and the faint chirping of insects in the distance remained in the air.

The silence lasted a few breaths before Itachi's voice rang out again, tinged with a barely perceptible hint of confusion: "However, it seems that Shuuji-senpai has another identity, which Father is very concerned about." He raised his head and looked at Shisui, who was both his brother and mentor, with a questioning gaze, "Shisui, is there any special clan in the village? One without a surname?"