Chapter Sixty-Seven: Social Engagements and Schemes

Time passed swiftly for Gofu Kato, filled with his busy daily work, diligent study and training in the ninja arts, and the occasional sweet dates with Tsunade.

On this particular evening, as dusk settled, Gofu Kato left the Spring Base. Unusually, he didn’t head to the Konoha Hospital to find Tsunade as he often did. Instead, he had arranged to meet Kubi Otani—an old acquaintance from the Hokage Residence’s mission management office—at the upscale bathhouse near Hokage Rock. This was the same establishment he and Jiraiya had visited for Jiraiya’s farewell some time ago.

This meeting, however, was because Gofu Kato had previously asked Kubi Otani for a favor. Two days earlier, Otani had messaged him with promising news. Gofu Kato had immediately promised to treat him to a bath and massage in thanks.

Coincidentally, Gofu Kato’s Shadow Clone Technique had reached a satisfactory level, though he still hadn’t figured out how to combine it effectively with the Soul Clone from the Spirit Nurturing Technique. He needed to take on missions to earn more ninja system attribute points, so this gathering was both an early gesture of gratitude and an opportunity to discuss future plans. Hence, he had chosen this high-end bathhouse.

When friends help you out, even if it’s a small matter to them, it’s still a favor. It’s not an obligation, and if they do assist, it deserves to be appreciated. Gofu Kato was never stingy in such matters; proper gestures of gratitude helped maintain long-lasting friendships. Of course, this applied to ordinary friends and acquaintances. If it were a truly close friend—someone as dear as family—then things would be different altogether.

Inside a private suite at the bathhouse, steam curled thickly above the hot water. Gofu Kato and Kubi Otani lounged comfortably in the spacious bath, chatting as they soaked.

“Ah… this is the life!” Gofu Kato sighed contentedly, relaxing into the water. “Well, Otani, what do you think? Not bad, right?”

Otani, sitting across from him, replied, “It’s as comfortable as you said. No wonder you rarely go to other bathhouses in Konoha after coming here. This place is run by a wealthy merchant from the Land of Hot Water, after all. Judging by the decor and service, I bet it wasn’t cheap. You really went all out.”

“Nonsense! We’ve been friends for ages,” Gofu Kato laughed, dismissing Otani’s concern as he pressed the service bell beside the pool to call for food and drinks. “Now that I’m a Jonin, my mission payouts are much higher than when I was a Chunin. Everyday expenses like this are nothing.”

He turned to the topic at hand. “You said in your message that you’ve made progress on the matter I asked about. How is it going?”

Otani nodded. “Everything’s been collected and sorted according to your specifications. Since it involves missions, I can’t just bring the mission scrolls out with me. I’ve summarized the mission list into a single sheet, which I’ve left in my office. Whenever you’re ready to take on a mission, just refer to that list. All the assignments meet your criteria, so you won’t have to sift through them yourself.”

Just then, the doorbell sounded—the food and drinks had arrived. The two paused their conversation as the bathhouse staff entered, pushing a cart laden with exquisite dishes and drinks, all specially ordered by Gofu Kato.

After receiving permission, the staff began to set up the meal. They retrieved two specially designed floating tables, shaped like small boats, and arranged the food and drinks upon them. Displaying a simple Water Release technique, the staff guided the miniature boat-tables across the bath, delivering them directly to Gofu Kato and Otani.

With a polite bow and Gofu Kato’s approval, the staff withdrew.

Gofu Kato, long accustomed to this level of service, raised a glass from the floating table and poured himself a drink, savoring it with satisfaction.

Otani, clearly impressed by the experience, commented, “You really know how to enjoy life, Kato.”

He mimicked Gofu Kato’s actions, taking up his own drink and sampling the food.

Their conversation soon resumed, the room filling with the lively sounds of eating, drinking, and friendly banter.

“Kato, you seem like a regular here. How expensive is it? If the price isn’t too steep, maybe I’ll come more often.”

“I mostly come here for the baths—you know how much I love a good soak. Just for the bath, the price is reasonable. The water, service, and atmosphere are excellent. They also have massages and other special services, though I’ve only ever treated friends. From what they've said, the prices are fair and worth every ryo. Once we’re done here, you should try them out—it’s all on me tonight.”

Gofu Kato took another sip of his drink, then steered the conversation back. “Anyway, about what we were discussing earlier…”

Otani nodded. “I can give you an overview, but the detailed information is only available once you officially take the mission. You know, confidentiality regulations.”

“Of course. This isn’t my first time taking missions. Just give me what you can so I can be prepared when I come for the mission list—it’ll save me scrambling at the last minute.”

Otani smiled. “Kato, you haven’t changed at all—always organized and methodical. Well then, let me fill you in.”

He took a bite of food and a sip of drink, then began outlining the mission details. The assignments were tailored to Gofu Kato’s current strengths, focusing mainly on intelligence gathering and targeted assassinations—missions he could complete quickly and repeatedly to accumulate ninja system attribute points.

There was no limit on the number—Gofu Kato had asked for as many as possible, so any unfinished tasks could be picked up later. Such missions weren’t available every day, nor could Gofu Kato expect to find suitable ones each time he visited the mission office, especially since he’d have to search and organize them himself. This was not only troublesome but also unreliable, and with his current schedule, he didn’t have the freedom to leave the village at will.

Once his Shadow Clone Technique and Spirit Nurturing Technique successfully merged, granting him a true autonomous clone, things would become easier. Even then, he intended to focus on these types of missions, and he planned to rely on Otani’s help in gathering such assignments for the long term.

The two continued to soak and drink, enjoying their time. Afterward, Otani lingered at the bathhouse to experience more of its services—just as Jiraiya had last time—while all expenses were billed to Gofu Kato’s account for later settlement.

As night deepened, Gofu Kato decided not to disturb Tsunade and went straight home to rest and gather his strength for the next day.

Meanwhile, at the Hokage’s office, Sarutobi Hiruzen had been considering Gofu Kato’s request to take on additional missions while carrying out the top-secret New Year’s assignment. Given the special nature of the mission and the current instability in the ninja world, the Third Hokage had agreed in principle. The relationship between Gofu Kato and Sarutobi had grown much closer recently, largely thanks to Tsunade.

At the Spring Base, Danzo Shimura was due to visit the next day, according to his usual schedule. Gofu Kato planned to approach him then. If all went well, he could head out on additional missions by noon; if not, he would simply postpone until the following day.

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