Chapter 271: Business, Gifts, and Ghosts
The aroma of freshly cooked breakfast wafted through the spacious dining room in Toki and Sagi's main compound. Malik, ever the enigmatic figure, had prepared a spread fit for royalty—and royalty it indeed was, as Toki and Sagi, the twin daimyōs of the Land of Birds, joined the group at the long table. Malik's pink-and-gold chefs outfit he worked in from earlier had been replaced with an elegant yet practical outfit; it was much looser around the arms and legs, allowing fresh air to touch his skin. This helped with today's heat, his aura glowing softly from his hot pink magic. His presentation was as captivating as his personality.
The dishes ranged from delicately arranged fruit platters to warm, savory soups and freshly baked breads. Even Naruto, who was known to devour food without a second thought, paused briefly to admire Malik's handiwork before diving in. Tenten blinked at the ornate display, wondering how one man could casually create a feast without so much as breaking a sweat.
As the group began eating, Toki, dressed in her multi-layered kimono, addressed the Leaf ninja first. She bowed slightly, her dark hair framing her serene face. "We are deeply grateful for all that you have done for the Land of Birds," she said, her voice smooth and sincere.
Sagi, standing beside her with his hands folded respectfully, added, "Your assistance has brought us peace and hope, and for that, we will forever be allies of the Hidden Leaf. We thank you first, before anyone else."
Neji, always composed as the leader of the Leaf ninja team, inclined her head gracefully. "It has been our honor to serve. I am glad we could aid you in moving forward."
As the daimyōs bowed their heads again, Neji turned to Kakashi, her tone carrying the weight of gratitude. "And thank you, Kakashi-sensei, for coming to assist us."
Kakashi, his ever-present mask hiding his amusement, leaned back in his chair. "Ah, well, you can thank Lady Fifth and Shisui for that one. They were insistent that I watch over Malik during this mission." He gave Malik a side glance. "Not that he needs much supervision, considering he's managed to charm half the Land of Birds before breakfast."
Malik flashed a playful smile before he continued watching everyone eating, saying nothing. Neji nodded, satisfied with Kakashi's answer.
Meanwhile, Naruto—his food almost all gone—pushed his chair back and stood abruptly, his expression full of determination. "The Land of Birds," he declared, his voice carrying through the room, "is not just an ally to the Land of Fire! It's a friend! And friends stick together! Bonds like these are stronger than any ninja alliance—they're about trust, understanding, and—"
"Food," Tenten muttered under her breath, causing Neji to suppress a rare chuckle.
Naruto, oblivious to her comment, continued passionately. "We fight together, protect each other, and make each other stronger. That's what it means to be united! And I promise, on behalf of the Hidden Leaf, we'll always have your backs!"
Toki and Sagi smiled warmly at Naruto's speech. Though his words were over-the-top, there was something undeniably genuine about them. Sagi stepped forward, bowing slightly. "Thank you, Naruto. Your words give us strength."
Toki nodded. "And hope."
As Naruto beamed proudly at the praise, the daimyōs turned to Malik, their expressions curious. "We heard about the daimyō summit," Sagi said. "The Land of Birds has been invited. Do you know anything about it?"
Malik leaned back in his chair, his aura of effortless coolness taking over the room. "Wow, news travels fast," he said, his tone smooth. "Whoever's organizing that summit must have their life together. But yes, it's happening soon—soon enough. A summit of daimyōs, all in one place." He gestured slightly, his magic shimmering faintly in the air as he spoke. "You'll see the leaders from the Land of Fire, Wind, Earth, Snow, and Sound—and now, of course, the Land of Birds."
Naruto, mid-bite, choked briefly. "Wait—Yukie—or I guess Koyuki—is coming to the Hidden Leaf? When?"
Malik shook his head slightly, the motion almost dismissive. "I don't think the summit will be in the Land of Fire. Honestly, I don't know where it will be yet. You know how daimyōs are—they want to be safe. But I'll tell you this: Toki, you're the first daimyō I know who actually knows how to fight. That's rare."
Kakashi stepped in smoothly, addressing Toki and Sagi. "Don't worry about the summit too much. Whenever it happens, you'll be notified in plenty of time. No surprises."
As Naruto started to launch into a detailed story about his old friend Koyuki Kazahana, Neji glanced at Malik, her gaze both smooth and slightly upset. "Must you stay behind? Why not leave with us?"
Malik slid closer to her, his movements deliberate yet gentle. He pressed a kiss to her cheek, his hot pink eyes softening as he addressed her concerns. "Neji, take your team back to the Hidden Leaf. I just want to finish up a few boring things here. At most, I'll stay half a day. Kakashi will still be here with me, so it's no big deal."
Across from them, Tenten overheard the conversation, setting down her chopsticks as she jumped in. "Neji's right! You always find trouble when you stay behind!"
Malik chuckled, turning to her. He glided over and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek as well, his smile laced with affection. "Tenten, I promise I'll only stay for a few more hours. Half a day at most. I'll use the building I bought here to teleport back to the Leaf, no sweat."
Neji narrowed her eyes slightly, her concern evident despite her usual composed demeanor. "That is not what worries us. You seem to have an affinity for attracting complications, Malik."
Tenten nodded vigorously. "Exactly! Just once, can't you avoid looking for trouble?"
Malik smirked, leaning back as if her words were amusing rather than chastising. "Trouble tends to find me, not the other way around."
Neji shot him a pointed look. "And that is precisely the problem."
Malik laughed softly, reaching out to ruffle Tenten's hair—a gesture that earned him a glare. "I'll be fine. Trust me."
The room settled into quiet murmurs after that, though both Neji and Tenten exchanged skeptical glances, still unconvinced of their future husband's ability to stay out of trouble.
As they walked through the quiet streets of the Land of Birds, the remnants of the morning's chaos long since cleaned up, Malik led the leaf ninja into a simple building, the only building in the Land of Birds he owned, at least for now. The mission had been a success, and the bond between him, Neji, and Tenten had grown stronger. Malik held the door open for them as they all stepped inside.
Naruto, walking beside him, looked around with a critical eye. "This place is a little boring for something you own, Malik," he commented, his tone a mix of insult and compliment, a skill only he could pull off. "I mean, you like your fancy stuff, your weird stuff. This is... quaint."
Malik rolled his eyes, but his smile remained in place. "I'll take that as a compliment, Naruto. Not everything I own has to be flashy and eccentric. Sometimes, simplicity has its own charm."
Neji, walking ahead of them, had stopped in front of a seemingly random door. She turned to Malik, a question in her eyes. "This one...?" she asked, her voice soft.
Malik walked up behind her, his arms wrapping around her waist as he pulled her close. His hand moved under her massive breast, giving it a gentle squeeze. Neji leaned into him, her body relaxing into his touch.
"Yes, my love, that one or any other, as long as It's my door, Neji," he whispered in her ear. "Any door you touch here will take you where you want to go. It's a little trick I picked up along the way."
Neji smiled, her eyes soft as she looked at him. "I like that. It's... convenient."
Tenten, who had been walking beside them, stepped forward and opened the door. With a flash of pink magic, the doorway revealed a long hallway leading to Malik's mansion in the Hidden Leaf.
"Well, this is much faster than walking back," Tenten commented, a note of appreciation in her voice. "Thanks, Malik."
Malik moved to Tenten, his hands finding her waist as he pulled her close. "Anything for you, my love," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. "But you three should be on your way. You have a mission to report, or whatever you do after a mission, and I'm sure your respective village is waiting for your return."
Neji and Tenten nodded, their eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and affection. "Thank you, Malik," Neji said, her voice soft. "For everything."
Malik smiled, his heart filled with warmth. "It's my pleasure, my loves. Now go, and do your thing. I'll be here or there."
And with that, they stepped through the doorway, leaving Malik alone in that quiet building of the Land of Birds. But he didn't mind.
Malik stepped out of the building he had purchased, stretching his arms as the cool morning air of the Land of Birds brushed against his skin. His hot pink eyes glowed faintly, a natural shimmer of his magic, though dimmed in the daylight. His movements were relaxed, but his mind was already running through his self-imposed agenda. Buy another building. Set up one of his bakeries. Get gifts for some of his fiancées. And—just maybe—figure out why that 'haunted' hut on the outskirts of the village still made him feel like he was being watched.
As he took his first step onto the cobblestone and dirt path, Kakashi appeared from seemingly nowhere, leaning casually against the wall of the building Malik had just exited. Malik barely raised an eyebrow—he was used to the way Kakashi moved, like a specter that materialized when least expected. His presence was both reassuring and slightly concerning, given the look on his face.
Kakashi studied Malik, his single visible eye gleaming with quiet scrutiny before he spoke. "So what do you actually need to get done here in the Land of Birds?" His tone was casual, but his expression spoke volumes—this was clearly going to take more than a few hours.
Malik smirked, waving a hand lazily in Kakashi's direction. "You worry too much." His voice was smooth, carrying that effortless charm that could turn even a lecture into something entertaining. "I really and truly am just doing boring stuff, but if you must know, my dear friend—" he placed a hand dramatically on his chest before listing off his plans.
"First thing, I'm going to find and buy another building here."
Kakashi's eyebrow lifted slightly. Another building? This was already expanding beyond "boring."
"Then, I'm going to build one of my bakeries here."
Kakashi's posture didn't change, but Malik could tell he was listening closely. This was the kind of thing Lady Fifth liked knowing about—especially considering Malik's growing influence in multiple regions.
"After that, I plan on gift shopping for a few of my fiancées."
Kakashi let out an amused breath. A few? Malik spoke of having multiple wives with the same ease someone might mention needing to pick up groceries.
"And finally—" Malik paused deliberately, as if saving the best for last.
"I plan on checking out that haunted hut at the edge of the village, just to confirm if there are any actual ghosts, The one Toki used and as hidden underground pathway under it."
At that, Kakashi visibly exhaled. There it is.
"I still have a slight feeling of being watched," Malik added, rolling his shoulders. "But nothing to worry about."
Kakashi tilted his head slightly, studying him before finally speaking. "Right. Nothing to worry about. Because buying more property, setting up a bakery, gift shopping, and investigating a potentially cursed location all sound like extremely simple tasks that won't take more than a few hours."
Malik grinned. "Exactly! You get me!"
Kakashi stared at him, then blinked slowly. "For both of our safety, I should probably know how long you actually plan on taking."
Malik chuckled, turning slightly to walk forward. "Don't stress about it, sensei. Everything will go smoothly."
Kakashi hummed, unconvinced but too tired to argue with Malik's eternal optimism. Instead, he fell into step beside him, ready for whatever awaited them next.
Malik strode through the streets of the Land of Birds, his pink magic shimmering as he flicked his fingers through the air, causing a detailed map of the entire region to appear before him. The map was beyond intricate, highlighting roads, rivers, and structures, all in glowing pink outlines. Beside him, Kakashi walked at a steady pace, his eye flicking toward the display with quiet interest.
Malik tapped the air again, typing something only he could see—Kakashi wasn't sure whether it was some encrypted text or just Malik being dramatic. A moment later, several glowing dots appeared across the map, marking potential properties that were up for sale.
"These are all the buildings that would make a good spot for one of my bakeries," Malik declared, waving his hand with grand enthusiasm. "Now let's go window shopping!"
Kakashi exhaled, tucking his hands into his pockets as he followed Malik toward their first location. He had a feeling this wasn't going to be simple.
Building #1: The Tilted Shack
The first building was leaning like it had personally given up on life. The structure had a visible tilt, making it look less like a future bakery and more like a potential insurance nightmare.
The seller—a frail old man with a beard so long it dragged against the ground—stood at the entrance, grinning. "Ohhh, this here beauty has character!" he wheezed. "Solid foundation! No problems at all—just a little personality, y'know?"
Malik, ever polite, tilted his head at Kakashi. "Thoughts?"
Kakashi didn't even look at Malik. He just said, "It's going to fall over in two months."
Malik nodded. "Alright, next place."
The old man grumbled something about "young folks and their lack of vision" as they left.
Building #2: The Mysterious Hut
The second location was shrouded in unnecessary fog. Not mist—actual fog, which was strange because the weather was perfectly clear elsewhere.
The seller, a middle-aged man wearing far too many layers of robes, emerged from the gloom. He smelled vaguely of incense and regret.
"Ah, seekers of property!" the man greeted them, his voice dramatic enough to be heard across a theater stage. "This location holds...secrets."
Malik eyed the fog skeptically. "Does the fog come with the building?"
The man nodded solemnly. "It never leaves."
Kakashi turned his head very slowly toward Malik, giving him a look that said, Absolutely not.
Malik exhaled, offering the seller a polite nod before moving on. "I need a bakery, not a cursed tavern. But I might come back for it later, let us keep in touch, just in case."
Building #3: The Overly Enthusiastic Seller
At the next location, the property looked decent enough, a solid, two-story wooden structure that actually seemed stable.
Unfortunately, the seller—a short, hyperactive woman with the energy of five caffeine-fueled ninjas—was practically vibrating.
The woman, whose name Malik later learned was Yuyu, was a petite individual, standing at a mere five feet tall. She had a slender frame, her body toned and athletic, a testament to her likely active lifestyle. Her hair was a cascade of glossy black, falling in loose waves down to her mid-back. Her eyes were large and round, a striking shade of emerald green that seemed to sparkle with an inner light, a trait that was only accentuated by her thick, dark lashes.
Her face was a perfect oval, her skin a smooth, flawless canvas, with the pale complexion of most ninjas. Her nose was small and upturned, her lips full and naturally pink, a sight that Malik found particularly appealing.
As for her breasts, they were small, barely a handful, but perky and firm, a testament to her youth and vitality. They sat high on her chest, a sight that was both enticing and innocent, a paradox that Malik found intriguing.
Overall, Yumi was a vision of youthful enthusiasm and vibrant energy, a woman who was easy to look at, easy to talk to, and easy to like. And Malik, despite his initial amusement at her overzealousness, found himself drawn to her, to her uniqueness, to her charm.
"THIS IS THE BEST BUILDING IN THE WHOLE COUNTRY!" she shouted immediately, despite no one asking. "STRUCTURE IS FIRM! ATMOSPHERE IS WHOLESOME! YOU WILL NEVER FIND A BETTER DEAL IN YOUR LIFE!"
Malik, visibly amused, crossed his arms. "How's the plumbing?"
The woman blinked. Once. Then said, "I DON'T KNOW!"
Kakashi inhaled sharply, his patience visibly thinning.
Malik smiled politely. "Next place."
As Malik looked at the woman, he couldn't help but chuckle at her overenthusiastic demeanor. She was short, her energy almost palpable, her eyes wide and eager. He walked over to her, his hand reaching out to touch her face. He ran his hand down her cheek, feeling the softness of her skin, the warmth of her body.
He continued, his hand moving down to her neck, her shoulders, her arms. He felt the strength in her muscles, the tension in her body. He could sense her nervousness, her eagerness to please. He smiled, his eyes softening as he looked at her.
"You're very cute," he said, his voice gentle. "But I think you need to calm down a bit. I'm not in the market for a building like 'this' right now, so all this enthusiasm is a bit... overwhelming."
The woman blinked, her eyes widening even further. "B-but I can show you the basement! It's very... spacious," she stammered, her cheeks flushing pink.
Malik laughed, his hand moving to her shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "I appreciate the offer, but I think I'm good. I'll keep your building in mind, though. If I decide to buy, I'll be sure to come back and take a look."
The woman nodded, her eyes filled with a mix of disappointment and understanding. "O-of course, sir. I'll be here, waiting."
Malik smiled, his hand moving to her chin, tilting her head up so she was looking at him. "And remember, less is more. You don't need to sell yourself short by being too eager. Sometimes, a simple 'Hello, welcome to my building' is enough."
With that, he walked away, leaving the woman staring after him, her cheeks still flushed, her heart pounding in her chest. She knew she had made an impression, and she hoped it was a good one.
Building #we stopped counting after 14: Success & Flirting
After an hour of searching, they finally found one that worked.
The building was in pristine condition, the layout was perfect, and it had the right space for both a storefront and a working kitchen. Malik was ready to finalize the deal—but the seller made things far more interesting.
She was a stunning woman, with long flowing hair, a confidence that bordered on dangerous, and a rather notable bosom that seemed strategically framed by her outfit.
"I heard the Malik was looking for a property in the Land of Birds," she purred, her voice smooth and practiced. "And what a lucky day this is for me."
Kakashi immediately knew where this was going.
Malik, unbothered, offered his signature, easy smile. "Well, I do have an eye for the best things in life."
She leaned in slightly, her presence intoxicating. "And does that extend to women as well?"
Malik didn't miss a beat. "Absolutely."
Kakashi watched closely—but as Malik flirted back, something became very clear: he wasn't buying this property because of her looks or attitude.
Malik's eyes—those hot pink orbs glowing ever so slightly—were studying the building itself, not the woman in front of him.
And when he handed her a more-than-generous amount of Ryō, Kakashi knew Malik had seen something in this place.
Malik stepped forward, pressing his hand to the wooden walls of the building.
Then—in a way Kakashi could feel but couldn't see—something changed.
It was subtle, like a pulse that ran through the foundation, shifting something invisible yet important.
Kakashi took note but didn't comment—yet.
The seller, meanwhile, was still watching Malik with curious amusement, counting the Ryō with slow, deliberate fingers. "Well, this was certainly a pleasant surprise," she murmured.
Malik smiled, his hot pink magic fading slightly. "Pleasure doing business with you."
She winked. "I bet it was."
Kakashi exhaled deeply, knowing this was going to get more complicated before the day was over.
The gentle jingle of the bell above the flower shop door signaled their arrival as Malik stepped inside, Kakashi close behind. The shop smelled like heaven itself—a mix of fresh blooms, earthy soil, and the faint sweetness of petals. Malik grinned as he approached the counter with his usual energy, leaning over it with relaxed confidence.
The shop's owners—a cheerful couple with two young children bustling about—looked up, immediately recognizing Malik. Who wouldn't? His fame preceded him, and his glowing presence was impossible to miss.
"Three of every seed you have," Malik said smoothly, his voice charismatic yet casual. He tapped the counter lightly with his fingers, his hot pink eyes practically sparkling. "And while you're at it, give me the prettiest of your flowers. Add some weird ones too—anything unusual you've got."
Without waiting for a response, Malik reached into the air—yes, the air—and pulled out an absurd amount of money, placing it on the counter like it was pocket change.
"Keep the change," he added, winking at the wife with a dazzling smile.
The couple stared at the money for a moment, wide-eyed and slightly stunned. This was no ordinary customer. Their kids froze mid-task, peering curiously at the glowing-eyed man who casually handed over more Ryō than most people made in a year.
Kakashi watched the entire exchange with his usual unreadable expression, though his eye twitched faintly as Malik turned to him with a grin.
"Kakashi," Malik began—because Malik loved to talk, whether someone asked or not.
Kakashi sighed softly, resigned to the impending monologue.
"The Land of Birds," Malik started, his tone grand and confident, "is a fascinating place. You know why it's called that, don't you?"
Kakashi, unwilling to take the bait, remained silent.
Malik didn't care. He continued anyway, gesturing dramatically.
"This land gets its name from the large number of birds that migrate here every year," Malik said, his voice like he was lecturing at a university instead of standing in a flower shop. "They come from all over the world, bringing with them plant seeds in their poop."
Kakashi blinked slowly, wondering if Malik really just said "poop" with such enthusiasm.
"And those seeds?" Malik continued, ignoring Kakashi's lack of response. "They take root, creating unique plant life that you won't find for a great distance in any direction. The flora here is incredibly diverse—it's all very interesting."
Kakashi hummed noncommittally, making it clear he hadn't asked for any of this information.
Malik, undeterred, leaned casually against the counter as the family worked to gather his order. He watched them with keen interest before turning to Kakashi again.
"You know I'm getting most of this for my sweet, sweet fiancée Ino, right?"
Kakashi raised an eyebrow but didn't respond.
Malik didn't need encouragement. He pressed on.
"Ino's clan—the Yamanaka—runs a flower shop, and they love growing plants, especially flowers. These seeds will be perfect for her and hers. But the flowers?" Malik paused, flashing a grin. "Those are for the likes of Sakura—my sharp thorned flower—and maybe Hinata, though we're not romantically involved. She's a good friend. As for Lady Fifth—"
Kakashi's eye narrowed slightly. "Careful."
Malik chuckled, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "Don't worry, I'd never try to give her flowers. She's not the type of lady for that."
Kakashi smirked under his mask, the challenge gleaming in his eye. "Say that to her face."
Malik laughed loudly, shaking his head. "I'd rather walk over a lake made of fire."
The family worked quickly, moving with practiced efficiency despite the size of Malik's order. The husband and wife moved seamlessly between shelves, gathering seeds in neatly labeled packets while their kids darted between them, carefully selecting the prettiest flowers.
Malik watched them with genuine appreciation, leaning on the counter as if he had all the time in the world. Kakashi, meanwhile, silently wondered how Malik's fame hadn't caused the family to faint from the pressure.
Within what felt like record time, the family placed everything neatly on the counter: packets of seeds, bouquets of vibrant flowers, and even a few peculiar-looking plants Malik hadn't expected.
Malik smiled warmly at them, his demeanor sincere as he added another generous tip to the pile of Ryō he had already given them.
"Thank you so much," he said, his voice smooth and full of gratitude. "I know this was a rush order, and I appreciate your hard work."
With a casual wave of his hand, everything on the counter disappeared into thin air, fading away in a swirl of pink magic.
The family stared at the empty counter for a moment, marveling at the sheer ease of it.
Malik nodded to them, his hot pink eyes glinting softly. "Thanks again, and apologies for the rush order!"
As he and Kakashi stepped out of the shop, the bell jingling behind them, Kakashi finally spoke.
"That was excessive," he muttered.
Malik smirked. "Excessive is my middle name."