The next day in Konoha, Gekko Chizan was dragging a little kid as they rushed about among the ruins.
"Building houses!"
"Fifty thousand ryō per job! Guaranteed value! All good timber! Durable and sturdy!"
Shouts rang out nonstop from Gekko Chizan's mouth, inevitably drawing many gazes.
Following behind him was none other than Yamato, though his face was completely dark at the moment.
"Chizan-sensei, isn't this kind of bad?"
"The Hokage-sama said that unless it's absolutely necessary, I shouldn't expose my abilities."
In response, Gekko Chizan didn't care at all.
After all, this was Yamato—the only Wood Release user besides Senju Hashirama. If he didn't make good use of him now, then when would he?
Hearing Yamato's complaints, Gekko Chizan turned around and revealed a beaming smile, making Yamato extremely uncomfortable.
"Yamato, do you know who you are?"
"Huh? I'm just me."
"Wrong. You are a Wood Release user—the only one besides the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama. Do you know why our Konoha can be so prosperous?"
"Because our village is strong."
"Wrong. It's because the First Hokage's Wood Release is the king of infrastructure. With Wood Release, you can build as many houses as you want with ease. Only like this—who cares if things get destroyed? Even if they do, the First Hokage Senju Hashirama-sama could clap his hands and rebuild an entire village in minutes."
Yamato was stunned.
Is Wood Release used like this?
To build houses?
But thinking about it again… it really did seem possible. Wood Release is wood, after all. And houses are built with wood.
"Alright, a two-story house, right?"
"No problem. An honest price—fifty thousand ryō."
While Yamato was still thinking about how his Wood Release should be used, Gekko Chizan had already taken the money and was smiling at him.
"Yamato, quick—give me a Wood Release: House Technique!"
"Don't worry about not having enough chakra or stamina. Your teacher here has plenty of medicine."
"All pure green, no side effects. Guaranteed—eat one and you'll be bursting with energy!"
Before the miserable Yamato could figure things out, he was already dragged off by Gekko Chizan to build houses.
During these days, Yamato's Wood Release had improved quite a bit—though that probably had little to do with Gekko Chizan.
It was all thanks to Kakashi and Obito helping to train Yamato.
"Sensei, I still don't understand."
"Don't worry about understanding! Hurry up—I've already taken the money!"
Gekko Chizan shoved Yamato forward, urging him to get started.
With no other choice, Yamato began building.
Just as Gekko Chizan was counting money—
[Ding! Detected that the host has further excavated the potential of the Wood Release user Yamato, causing him to develop doubts about his own Wood Release and step onto a crooked path. Very good! Truly very good!]
[Special reward to host: chakra +4!]
[Ding! Detected that the host's chakra has reached 100! Maximum value reached. Special trait unlocked: Enhanced Chakra Recovery!]
Oh?
Gekko Chizan's hands counting money stopped instantly. Just like when his physique reached 100, his chakra value had now also reached 100.
Enhanced Chakra Recovery—this trait was strong, but also not that strong.
After all, he was a jinchūriki. If Chōmei's chakra was included, his chakra would usually never run out.
Plus, he could use senjutsu, and with Tagorihime present, he had more chakra than he could ever use.
Still, a reward was a reward—better to have it than not.
For a moment, Gekko Chizan felt extremely happy about dragging Yamato around to build houses.
Unfortunately, the happier things are, the bigger the aftermath tends to be.
Because a pitiful little kid had already arrived at his side.
"Chizan…"
That familiar voice made Gekko Chizan immediately know who it was—wasn't this his bargain little brother?
Gekko Hayate wore a deeply miserable expression, leaving Gekko Chizan somewhat puzzled.
"Hayate, what's wrong? Want to help build houses?"
"Perfect timing—Yamato still needs a helper. It's you. I remember your Shadow Clones are pretty good. Go help."
Gekko Chizan was fully focused on making money and completely failed to notice the resentful look in Gekko Hayate's eyes.
Then came the awkward situation.
"You have time to help others build houses—why don't you build our own first?"
"What? Our home?"
Damn it.
Gekko Chizan suddenly looked in one direction. Sure enough, everywhere his gaze landed was rubble.
Including the Gekko clan residence!
Yesterday, after eating, he sent the three little ones back, then immediately ran off to Takigakure to be with his wife and kids. This morning, he grabbed Yamato and started making money—completely forgetting about his own house.
If Gekko Hayate hadn't brought it up, he wouldn't have remembered at all.
"Yesterday the village alarm went off. Everyone went to the emergency shelters. Not just our house—Sayo-san's house is gone too."
"But Ebisu is helping rebuild now. I just came to ask—when are you planning to rebuild our home?"
Now it was Gekko Chizan's turn to feel awkward—not because of Hayate's words, but because he suddenly realized something.
If Pakura came back and found that their house was gone—and he still hadn't rebuilt it—
Would she ban him from entering the house for a month?
…Very possible!
Thinking of this, Gekko Chizan immediately called out.
"Yamato!"
"Hurry, hurry! After this job, go build your teacher's house first!"
"I've got all the medicine ready for you."
"Hayate, you go with him. After he's done, take him to our house's ruins."
Gekko Chizan casually stuffed a handful of formula kunai into Gekko Hayate's hands, then prepared to leave with Flying Thunder God.
"Where are you going?"
"I'm going to buy some decorations."
"…"
Watching Gekko Chizan disappear, Gekko Hayate felt utterly exhausted.
Konoha's reconstruction progressed very quickly.
After all, there was Gekko Chizan, this living treasure, and Yamato, the free labor.
Of course, the former made a lot of money. As for Yamato—one sentence from Gekko Chizan was enough to shut him up.
"What money?"
"You're going to live at my place from now on. Gekko Hayate will be your teammate. From now on, you two are the Infrastructure Duo!"
"You build the houses, he fixes the details. Strive to grow bigger and stronger, and create new glory!"
"Relax—there'll be meat at every meal. Look, this is your room. If you need anything, just say it."
Looking at the large estate he had built himself, Yamato suddenly felt that this arrangement wasn't so bad.
The poor kid had no idea at all that he had already been led down a crooked path by someone.