Sweat drips from Naruto's forehead as the work he's doing requires all the concentration he can muster. The tools move swiftly, and the nuts and bolts begin to disappear from the bin next to the boy. In just a matter of minutes, a brand-new bike takes shape before the spectators in the bike shop.
"Naruto, excellent work, I must say. Who would have thought you had a talent for mechanics?" Touki nods, surprised, seeing how the boy was able to completely assemble a new bicycle in less than an hour.
"Everyone must have talent somewhere," says Karin, "although it's understandable, considering that he constantly puts his bike together and takes it apart because of the damage he causes it all the time."
"But it's still incredible how skilled he is. Not everyone can develop that skill in such a short time," Touki adds, then turns to the boy, "Naruto?"
"Yes, Touki-san?" the boy asks, wiping his greasy hands on a rag.
"How's the academy going?"
Naruto seems a little confused by the question, but replies, "I'm doing pretty well."
"That's a lie," Karin interrupts. "The only thing he's good at is sports; everywhere else, he's almost at the bottom of the ladder."
"But Sensei hasn't failed me at anything so far," the boy defends himself. "I'm just a little slower at some things. It's just a matter of time before I surpass everyone else."
Karin is skeptical of the boy's statement, but Touki simply walks up to Naruto and places a hand on his shoulder.
"I have a proposition for you," Touki tells Naruto. "You see, I've had a lot of problems and commitments lately, which have taken up a lot of my time, and I think they're going to increase considerably in the future. Because of that, I need someone to help me with the shop, someone I trust and who knows about bicycles."
"Is that why I did the test?" the boy asks in surprise.
"Exactly. Who would have thought you were much more skilled than you looked?" Touki approaches the service desk and takes a schedule. "I need someone to help me at the service desk some days, part-time, and to be in charge of assembling the new bicycles for sale."
Naruto's eyes widen. "Touki-san, are you offering me a job?"
"Only part-time on some weekdays, after you leave the academy, and on the weekends," Touki details, "I know that the government gives you an allowance for your orphan status, but I also know that it is barely enough for your subsistence. This job will help you build character, having to deal with clients, and will allow you to learn a trade other than being a ninja."
Naruto can't help but be moved by the man's words, trying his best not to cry, "Touki-san, I won't let you down."
"But be careful, Naruto. I can be very strict, and I value dedication and proactivity," the man clarifies, handing Naruto a piece of paper with the proposed salary. "That's why I pay my employees very well."
Naruto examines the paper in detail, more surprised than ever, "So much… So much money."
"If you have any doubts, just ask my employees in the workshop next door. Since we opened, no one has complained and no one has quit. One of them is even a former genin who is much more comfortable with me than doing missions," Touki says proudly. "This business makes a lot more money than you can imagine, and I try to make sure everyone gets a piece of the pie."
"What's a goal-achieving bonus?" the boy asks, still looking at the sheet of paper intently.
"Every week I set a goal for the store's profits, and if we meet it, I give the employees a bonus. It's quite useful for incentivizing performance."
Karin, who had been watching the entire conversation, couldn't help but show a look of envy at first, but as Naruto's smile grew bigger and his tears revealed his great happiness, the girl couldn't help but smile at the sight of the boy who kept thanking Touki for the opportunity.
Much later that day, with the family of three sitting at the table for dinner, Karin can't help but ask Touki, "Is it really necessary for you to hire Naruto to help out around the shop? So far, we haven't had any problems that would require anyone else."
"It seems little Karin is jealous of Naruto-kun, who's going to have more money than her now," Suki comments with a smile, then turns to Touki, "Looks like you're going to have to increase her allowance, Master."
At Suki's words, Karin shows a clear look of embarrassment, to which Touki simply shakes his head and comments, "Naruto is young, but he needs to develop character and learn a lot more about how the world works, after all he is alone and no one has the responsibility to help him. And it's true that we're going to need help, especially in the coming months, where both Suki and I will be involved in many important projects... So Karin, most of the time you will be in charge of the store and Naruto will be your assistant."
Karin's face turns serious, and a hint of concern is noticeable. "Will you all disappear again? Is it dangerous?"
"Not as dangerous as being a ninja," the man replies. "There are things we need to take care of elsewhere, things you'll learn in due time. For now, you shouldn't worry, but I need you to help out more around the house and take care of the shop with Naruto when we can't."
"Karin-chan should become a role model for Naruto," Suki adds with her signature smile. "By the way, I've noticed you've been spending a lot more time together lately. Is there any romance between you two?"
Karin doesn't understand Suki's question at first, but when she realizes what she's talking about, she can't help but spill the juice she was drinking. "Cough, don't joke around like that."
"Why not? You two are very close and complement each other quite well," Suki insists.
"That square-headed guy only has eyes for Sakura," the girl comments. "Besides, it's too early to be thinking about that kind of thing."
"So you like someone like Sasuke?" Touki chimes in.
"That conceited guy? Not at all."
"That's weird. I thought you liked that kind of guy, since you look a bit like Ino."
Karin seems offended by the comparison. "Ino is just like Sakura, obsessed with Sasuke's appearance and personality. I want to be like Suki and find someone successful and powerful."
"Suki?" Touki asks, looking doubtfully at Suki, who seems to have the same doubts as the man, reflected on her face.
Karin is outraged by their reaction and stands up from the table, "Well, I know you want to keep it a secret, but I'm not stupid; I can tell that kind of thing."
Karin leaves the dining room, leaving the man and woman confused about what the girl meant by her words.
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