Chapter Thirty: A Fright (Seeking Votes and Investment)

Aside from Nonoyu, there were two others eligible to attend the ninja academy, and Karn brought them back together to the food shop. For children from the orphanage, the competition to enter the academy was even fiercer; without exceptional talent, they simply weren’t qualified. Moreover, orphanage children typically didn’t receive the allowance issued by Konoha, as they were not descendants of ninjas—the best they could hope for was exemption from tuition fees.

Beyond tuition, the increased appetite from ninja training and the annual expenses for kunai and shuriken added up to significant costs. Nonoyu had been at the academy for over two years, and the orphanage was beginning to struggle under the financial strain. After learning of the orphanage’s difficulties, Nonoyu insisted on dropping out to lighten their burden.

As Karn escorted them home, he pondered whether, without his intervention, Nonoyu might have caught the attention of the Root division and received their support instead.

Once they arrived at the food shop, Karn prepared some desserts and tea before addressing them. “You can go to school without worry from now on,” he said. “Every month, a staff member from the food shop will deliver your expenses to the orphanage. If you perform well, you’ll receive extra rewards.”

The two younger children were simply delighted by the news. Though clever, they lacked some social finesse. Nonoyu, however, looked puzzled. After a moment’s hesitation, she asked, “Mr. Karn, may I ask why you have chosen…to help us?”

“I see promise in your futures,” Karn replied. “I believe you’ll grow strong. Perhaps, after graduating from the academy, one of you might become Hokage or the head of the medical division. You can repay me then.”

The mention of Hokage excited the other two children, who enthusiastically declared their ambitions to become powerful like the Hokage. Nonoyu nodded, still unable to fully understand, but sensing nothing amiss. Both she and the orphanage needed Karn’s help; even if she dropped out, it wouldn’t significantly lessen their burden.

“Thank you very much, Mr. Karn,” Nonoyu said, rising to bow in gratitude.

“No need to be so formal,” Karn replied. “If you’re interested in medical ninjutsu, you can visit Karn’s Pharmacy next door. The manager, Kaikang, was once a medical ninja—perhaps he can offer you some guidance.”

Karn was satisfied with Nonoyu’s demeanor: cautious beyond her years at eight, and willing to leave school for the sake of the orphanage. To win over such people, one must grant them favors they could never repay. In time, when Nonoyu completed her studies, she would naturally not refuse him.

Those who value relationships would never ignore the help Karn provided. With Nonoyu’s talent, as long as Karn resolved the orphanage’s troubles, she could devote herself fully to assisting him.

The three children didn’t stay long before leaving. Around that time, Kawaki Miwa returned. She had just visited two other orphanages, informing their directors that Karn would sponsor eligible children’s schooling—a joyous announcement that delighted them.

After Kawaki Miwa left, the directors of both orphanages expressed their gratitude to Karn. Supporting orphanages was a noble deed, and enabling their children to attend school even more so. From the perspective of the Third Hokage and others, they likely couldn’t foresee the impact a decade later. Barring accidents, even the most gifted students would only graduate as Genin without inherited ninja arts.

But Karn always believed that, in the ninja world, money could solve ninety-nine percent of problems—even peace could be bought. His casino’s enforcer was Kakuzu, proficient in all five chakra natures, with dozens of jutsu. Karn could simply purchase techniques from him when needed.

“Miwa, has the third shop been prepared?” he inquired.

Kawaki Miwa nodded. “It’s ready, sir. All staff have been recruited, as you requested.”

“Then let’s open for business. Natsukawa should be delivering the arcade machines soon. Keep an eye on things when they arrive.” Karn considered his options, deciding to delay opening a casino in Konoha—foot traffic was too low. A casino would be better suited to one of the bustling towns in the Land of Fire.

Tsunade had not yet become the ‘big spender,’ and most ninjas didn’t pick up gambling habits. The arcade, however, was different—Karn enjoyed earning money from children and women.

“Understood, sir.” With that, Kawaki Miwa left to prepare the arcade’s opening.

Karn then reflected. He had been here almost two months and opened only three shops; progress was not swift. It was time he tried learning ninjutsu—just the basic clone and transformation techniques would suffice. Though a weakling in the ninja world, in Marvel his survival abilities would multiply.

Especially combining transformation with shadow clones; unless someone possessed extraordinary power, no one could see through it—not even SHIELD.

However, it was best not to let Konoha learn of his intent to study ninjutsu. As a civilian, their suspicion might be mild, but as a ninja, it would be far greater.

‘I’ll find time to ask Natsukawa first. If she can’t help, I’ll ask Kakuzu…’ Karn resolved internally.

Just then, footsteps sounded outside, arousing Karn’s curiosity—who would come at this hour?

Soon, the door opened, and Kawaki Miwa poked her head in, smiling. “Boss Karn…”

Bang, bang, bang!

Karn immediately drew his submachine gun and fired several shots at the floor before the door, then said coldly, “Cancel your transformation technique immediately, or I’ll…”

“I know, I know! I’m Kushina, just wanted to play a little prank…”

Poof.

‘Kawaki Miwa’ hurriedly spoke, then a cloud of smoke enveloped her, revealing Kushina’s true appearance.

Those shots had truly startled Kushina. Before she could finish her words, she saw Karn wielding a strange weapon, fire flashing, and facing its barrel she sensed intense danger.

Cautiously, she glanced at the holes in the floor—if she’d been hit, it would have meant at least serious injury. This weapon seemed more powerful than any kunai she’d ever thrown.

“So it’s you, Kushina,” Karn said. Though relieved, his expression remained grim. She’d given him quite a scare—he’d thought an enemy had taken Kawaki Miwa’s form and was ready to escape at any moment.

“Do you realize that frightening people can be fatal!”