"Hey!"
Saitama threw the mission authorization scroll onto the table in front of the brawny man. Before anyone nearby could get a better look, he pressed it down with his palm to conceal the contents.
"Hic?"
The large man glanced at the scroll, his hand still gripping a sake jar. After a brief look, he turned away, taking a swig before standing up from the table.
"Hic! I’ll be drinking here today. After that, I’ll rest. Let’s have a drink another time!" the man shouted, still slurring slightly. Though his tone was inebriated, his steps were steady—his consciousness not completely lost.
"Understood, milord! Please rest well!"
"Come back tomorrow!"
"Let’s go! See you next time!"
Several attendants in uniformed dark clothing emerged from the corners of the tavern, ushering patrons toward the exit. Some heavily drunk guests were even carried out by staff. Where they were taken, Saitama didn’t care to know.
A man with a meticulously styled mustache approached Saitama’s table and placed a sizable cash voucher down with both hands.
"Esteemed shinobi, my lord would like to rest undisturbed. May I kindly ask you to choose another establishment? This is a token of our appreciation."
The amount was generous—enough to drink comfortably anywhere in Konoha.
"Butler, there’s no need."
A deep voice sounded from behind the mustached man—Baji-hu, the burly drunkard from earlier.
"This is the shinobi who accepted our mission."
"Understood, milord!"
Baji-hu straightened with a start, eyes wide with surprise as he turned to Saitama.
"Greetings!"
Though the smell of alcohol still lingered on his breath, the man’s eyes were now sharp—clearly sober.
This tavern, Saitama realized, was clearly under the man’s influence. No one dared question his behavior.
"Hello," Saitama replied, standing and shaking the man’s extended hand.
It was a firm grip—calloused and tough, especially around the tiger’s mouth.
Not just a pampered noble, Saitama thought.
"Here," the man said, pulling out a chair and sitting across from him. Baji-hu respectfully stood behind his lord at a measured distance.
"I’m Uchiha Saitama. I’ll be your escort for this mission."
"Take no Tora—Spring Tiger. I’m your client."
Tora’s gaze held no disdain for Saitama’s youth. On the contrary, he assessed him seriously.
"You’re the only one on this mission?"
Though Saitama appeared composed, Spring Tiger couldn’t help questioning. After all, this was his life they were gambling with.
"Yes," Saitama replied calmly.
"What?! How could Lord Hokage approve this?!"
Baji-hu slammed his hand on the table, his voice rising in disbelief. His frustration sounded almost like he was rebuking the Hokage himself.
"Butler!" Spring Tiger barked, visibly displeased.
"My apologies, sir! I spoke out of turn."
Baji-hu bowed and took a step back, clearly restraining his emotions.
"You’re from the Uchiha clan?" Spring Tiger asked. His words were direct, devoid of honorifics, but not disrespectful.
"Yes."
"A shinobi this young? That’s impressive."
Spring Tiger studied Saitama. The boy looked no older than fifteen—an elite among any of the Five Great Nations.
"I’m a Chūnin," Saitama corrected quietly. He didn’t see any need to hide the truth—mutual trust was key at the start of any mission.
Spring Tiger frowned slightly.
A Chūnin?
The mission brief mentioned the possibility of encountering Jōnin-level threats.
Is Konoha short on manpower?
The thought irritated him.
Baji-hu’s face turned red again, but he didn’t speak. He clearly had more to say but held it in.
"You said your name is Uchiha Saitama, didn’t you?"
Spring Tiger seemed to recall something he’d heard during a prior conversation with Konoha shinobi.
"Yes," Saitama answered evenly, meeting his gaze.
"The one from the Sand front?"
Spring Tiger narrowed his eyes. He was recalling a particular intelligence report—one that sounded far-fetched at the time.
"I just returned from there."
Saitama sensed the recognition in the man’s expression. It seemed even some nobles had heard of his deeds.
So even these people have heard of me?
Not even all of his clanmates knew the details of his performance on the battlefield. It was surprising to be recognized by someone from the capital.
"In that case, I have no objections. I’ll be in your care, shinobi-dono."
Spring Tiger stood and gave a slight bow.
Behind him, Baji-hu tugged nervously at his beard.
Just a Chūnin? What is the Hokage thinking...?
Still, he didn’t protest. A loyal retainer only needed to carry out orders.
"We depart this afternoon," Spring Tiger ordered, turning to Baji-hu.
"I can be ready anytime," Saitama said. "Arrange it however you prefer."
"Very well. Begin preparations."
Spring Tiger waved a hand, then turned back.
"I’ll return shortly. You all get ready," Saitama said before walking out.
"Alright. Uh..."
"You can just call me Saitama," he said, noticing the hesitation. Spring Tiger seemed unsure whether to address a civilian-born ninja with the usual honorifics.
"Then... see you later, Saitama?"
"Mm."
Saitama left the izakaya without looking back.
—
"My lord," Baji-hu approached Spring Tiger as Saitama left.
"That boy has strength. We have nothing to worry about," Spring Tiger replied.
"Don’t underestimate a shinobi. Especially one from Konoha," he added, his tone suddenly reflective.
Baji-hu glanced at his lord, then nodded. Without another word, he went to carry out his duties.
They needed to clean up and set off soon. They had lingered in the capital long enough. While Spring Tiger said nothing, Baji-hu knew his lord was becoming anxious.
---
Saitama hadn’t told Granny Kaka that he would be leaving the village today. Only that he was going to accept a mission.
Since the client still needed time to prepare, Saitama decided to return home first and inform her.
"Granny!"
"You’re back already, Saitama?"
It was still just past ten in the morning. Granny Kaka was sitting in her room watching TV—a new appliance Saitama had bought from the market street a few days ago to help her pass the time.
Visit /TEA_QUILL to get 30+ Chapters