Chapter 2
Cale wants money.
That’s not a strange phrase to say coming from him.
Being born as an orphan means you’re broke—Cale doesn't want to be broke.
Which means he needs to find a source of income right now—more so when the whole village is in a state of war. It needs more soldiers and more supplies ,that means that civilians will experience the full brunt of the war and Cale needs to save his own hide and he would not survive with only the allowance that the orphanage gives.
The question is how?
What can a 6 year old orphan do to earn large sums of money, notwithstanding stealing.
There is only one answer which is:
Scamming.
In his past life—living as Cale Henituse, he amassed a large sum of money, not counting him being a son of a wealthy noble of course.
Ah, the events that he went through have become nostalgic…
Back on the topic at hand. Money.
With a lot of thinking and research of his plan led him to this place.
The word , ‘ Yamanaka Manufactures’ with yellow fonts was trying to damage his eyes under the sun to an annoying degree—who designed this?
The continued disappointment in designs that shinobi made is outrageous, not his problem.
Anyway, that’s beside the point. He looked down at the scroll on his hands. See, he's no mage in his past life so he has no idea how a communication device is formed in depth details. However, he formerly houses a powerful Tower master, and 2 dragons so it is not wrong to say that he has a knowledge on the intricate way of magic.
Now, magic is different to Chakra but there are few similarities that Cale is willing to take advantage of. More specifically in Sealing Jutsu’s—a special jutsu that his bloodline specialize in, and he learned the basics, like fish out of water.
The scroll on his hands contains the blueprint of the device, its not complete yet as there are things that need intensive knowledge but the plan was there. With some trial and error, playing of chakra and seals resulted in this—his own version of Communication device. Its not exactly similar nor as efficient as the magic made one but it will do—it will appease the shinobi who have no means of large communication networks.
In war, communication is a big part—to rely on plans and orders. It is as important as killing the enemy and Cale is planning to be the ‘creator’ of such a device that will win the Konoha their war—and a large sum of money for him.
He could not contain the happy smile on his face, he already has a contract ready for the negotiation—I'm sure the thoughts of a large scale communication device that can be used without a special kekkei genkai is appealing.
This is hard work, gruesome and annoying work—but Cale needs money.
“Excuse me.” He inquired about the receptionist, a pleasant smile on his face. “I would like to have a conversation with Ame Yamanaka if it's possible.”
The receptionist, a young woman with brunette hair that is twisted in a bun, raises her eyebrow skeptically, “And who might you be?”
“ I have a preposition to make to Yamanaka-san”
“I apologize kid but Ame-san is not at the establishment as of the moment.” The receptionist denied.
Lie.
He keeps track of Ymanaka-san's schedule. He knows that she is inside the establishment as off the moment—unless there is an emergency then she's not anywhere inside. Not to mention , he is more chakra sensitive than most being an Uzumaki.
He looks around discreetly—there are a few Shinobi inside, presumably an acquaintance or maybe a client.
He bit the inside of his check, if the receptionist can’t be moved then he needs to get their attention at least. He is sure that the thought of long range communication is appealing enough to keep them interested.
Still, undeterred Cale’s smile remained; he opened his mouth and kept his voice a few octaves higher. “ I have to talk to him about a device that would make a long range communication without using a special Kekkei genkai .”
In the corner of his eyes he notices a shinobi perk at the mention of the said device. He fought the urge to smirk on his face. Good .
The receptionist look at him exasperated, “Look kid—“
Cale interrupted, he hunch his shoulders a little and bit his lips in a pitiful manner, “But ane-san, this is important I really need to talk to Yamanaka-san.”
“I already said that she’s not here, why don’t you come back tomorrow.”
No, it needs to be today—the orphanage is progressively becoming worse, the sooner he will have money the better.
“ But ane-san, I really need to meet her today.”
“Hey kid, what is happening here?”
Cale inclined his head and look owlishly at the unknown shinobi, “ S-sir, I was planning to talk to Yamanaka Ame-san if its possible.” He stammered, scratching his cheeks with his fingers and shuffling his feet.
The shinobi—who's likely a Nara looking from how he was dressed and his demeanor , looks at the pitiful yet determined child gently. His eyes softened, “ Ame is in the building currently, i'll help you meet her.”
The child’s eyes lit up, “really?”
The shinobi has a small smile on his face, he then turns to the receptionist, “ It's fine Emi-san, I'll accompany him.”
The young lady blinked back from her stupor and stummered, “ Ah yes, of course Nara-sama.”
When the shinobi turned back to the red-haired child, who was wearing a big smile and was very grateful. “So I heard about what you said earlier? What was it... a device for long range communication?”
He asked as he guided the child toward the room where Ame was lodging. Cale worked hard to prevent the corners of his lips from moving upward.
He timidly answered, “ Yes Nara-sama, you see I’ve been researching how to utilize certain sealing justu to make a long range communication array—I mean it's not completed yet but the Yamanaka are very good on what they do—so I thought about contacting them about it.”
Nara hummed under his breath, seemingly thoughtful. Then they stop in front of a door, “ We're here.”
Upon opening the door Cale was greeted by the sight of the room—or rather the office. From the room along Cale can tell the personality of the occupant, simple but stylish. The walls are painted a soft, neutral shade, and the furniture is sleek and modern.
Various pieces of art hang on the walls, adding a touch of colour and personality to the space. Small potted plants and a few photo frames on the desk gave a personal touch in an otherwise functional room. Overall, the office is a comfortable and productive environment, fit for someone who takes their work seriously but also enjoys a comfortable and stylish workspace.
Then at the center , a tall young woman with blond hair was sitting comfortably. She paused on her work as they entered, “ Shikaku-san what a surprise to see you here! I didn't expect for you to pass by...and this child?”
“ I was here to meet Inoichi but he's not here yet and I meet this child on the reception area asking for you.”
“Oh? How curious.”
It's time for a show.
Cale stepped forward and held out the papers in his hands.
“Yamanaka-san I have a proposal to make.”
The Yamanaka woman clasped her hands together and rested her elbows on the table, “ Please take a seat, I'm all ears.”
“Then i'll be leaving now, ame.” Shikaku give a last look of the two of them before leaving
The door closed with a resounding click.
“Now then, let's hear what you have to say.”
Cale took the seat beside the desk with an air full of grace that is unusual for a child but is familiar for Cale Henituse who has been a noble in his past life.
The woman in front of inclined her head in silent approval.
“I am an orphan child from the lower part of the village and I noticed many things.” Cale started, “The war has already started, and so I thought to myself how to save myself.
Cale’s expression was of those pitiful children. From listening to the gossip on the village people—from all the fighting and all, shinobi like to gossip and as such made Cale’s intel gathering easy.
Yamanaka Ame is a good person and she doesn't like the abuse of children.
The woman remained silent but Cale can clearly see her eyes clouded in silent anger.
Cale suppress the smile on his face. “ You see, the thought of death scares me and I spend most of my time at the library—I come across this book that talk about different kind of seals and I was very intrigued.”
He raised his hands and scratched his cheek as if embarrassed at the notion, “ I'm sorry it seems that I'm rambling..”
Yamanaka Ame gave him a gentle smile and shook her head, “It's fine, it does not bother me at all.”
Cale looked at her bashfully and continued his tale, “ Since then I experimented on how to help to win the war—I was getting desperate then, I don’t want to lose my home!”
Yamanaka Ame rose from her seat and left her space to pat his back comfortingly, “It's alright.”
“Then, then after playing a bit of the different seals I created these.” Cale pushed forward the papers. “ Communication is a formidable weapon on the battlefield.”
The woman picked up the papers and read through them a serious expression on his face, while doing so Cale fidgeted on his seat.
“ This is actually…impressive.”
Cale perked up, “You think so?”
“Kid, did you actually make this?” the woman asked in disbelief
“ Yes! Although it's not complete yet…”
Yamanaka Ame returned to her seat slowly, still going through the papers, “I can see some parts that need improvement but the completion is possible.”
Cale smiled, “I'm glad.”
“ This is great and will be a huge help kid—how much do you want to sell this?”
“Ah, about that.. I was not planning to sell it to Yamanaka-san. I approached you with the thought of partnership.”
Yamanaka Ame raised an eyebrow at that. Cale continued, “ I want a share if this ever becomes a hit in the market, Yamanaka-san.”
When the lady remained silent Cale asked, “Is there seem to be a problem, Yamanaka-san?”
“ …No it just surprises me is all.”
Cale graced him with a small smile, “ I am a child who just wants to survive.”
Yes, and preferably rich.
Yamanaka Ame looks at the child informing her and cannot stop the pity that she felt then remember that he is still nameless. “ Ah, I must have forgotten to ask for your name.”
“ Kari. Uzumaki Kari.”
Her eyes widened slightly, “I see.”
An Uzumaki.
The papers on her hands felt heavy for a moment. This child sprouted this idea from fear and desperation, he can't help but think about the ongoing war that has been holding on for years that has no sign of stopping soon…but maybe by establishing this device they might delay it til it comes to halt.
The child is an Uzumaki too—probably a refuge and the coil on her gut tightens.
“Alright Kari-kun, I'll sign it and make this device.”
The red-haired child beamed at her and she couldn't help but think that it was a reward. She wants to help children to be able to smile like that too and not be burdened by war.
At that moment Cale pushed the other paper that he is holding toward her, “This is the contract that I’ve already written, Yamanaka-san. Do not worry, I have already written the necessary clauses here.”
“…”
Yamanaka Ame blinked at the innocent child sitting across from her.
Note: i have already posted the new overhauled/rewrited of this idea/fanfic under the title "And thus they flipped everything over" you can find it on my dashboard (under the totfc/naruto fandom) or the inspired stories of this one.
(a good friend of mine is in a state of convincing me to continue this fic independently to the other, idk)