After having inspiration, several basic mission completion conditions must all be quickly confirmed!
So, without time returning home, Aoha, clutching the relief funds Mikawa-jonin left him before departing, rushed back urgently.
He first found a dye-selling shop, communicating and confirming with the owner for ages. Finally, satisfied, he settled this first business deal, then bought strong adhesive, cloth materials, and miscellaneous items before messily hanging everything on his body and returning home.
After getting home, before relaxing, his stomach started gurgling.
Only then did he remember that after busying the entire day, he hadn't even eaten!
So he could only set things down first, go out eating something ready-made, then stockpile substantial food.
After finishing these, he took out those miscellaneous purchased items, beginning to desperately tinker...
The next day, after eating breakfast and moving his muscles, Aoha headed straight for Yamashita-jisan's workplace.
Not far from Hokage Rock, there was a place specifically for craftsmen to store tools and take temporary rest.
As expected, Yamashita-jisan was sitting inside drinking tea, relaxing.
Small matters like final inspection didn't require him, this craftsman leader, personally handling. Other craftsmen conscientiously checked one by one.
Of course, if problems truly emerged requiring rework, he'd naturally take charge without hesitation!
"Yamashita-jisan, I came to see you."
"Oh, it's little Aoha. Quickly sit. Have some tea. This is good stuff bestowed by Hokage-sama. Consider yourself fortunate!"
After seeing Aoha truly coming, Yamashita-jisan first froze, then happily greeted him.
People his age all preferred liveliness, especially liked children. Seemingly seeing these young seedlings was like seeing his former self.
Aoha also wasn't polite. Being courteous about what? Interacting with elderly people required appearing more comfortable. Moreover, the more casual, the happier the elderly.
In short, one sentence: told to eat, eat; told to drink, drink. Patiently following their conversation. Works every time!
Sure enough, Yamashita increasingly liked looking at Aoha. Not only taking out many delicious items to entertain him, but also opening his chatterbox, boasting about his past experiences.
Aoha also wasn't eager to immediately state his intentions. Just patiently accompanying the old man, talking, mostly being a quiet listener or a quiet foodie.
Soon, one hour passed.
Aoha also felt about right. So, taking advantage of Yamashita-jisan talking tiredly, drinking tea, he displayed an admiring appearance, expressing his interest in carving and wanting to consult some techniques.
The completely excited Yamashita didn't suspect otherwise. Rather, with a flushed face, he looked at him very appreciatively, then particularly actively brought several stones usually used for practice plus complete tool sets, preparing to properly teach him.
After all, ordinarily, rarely encountered children are interested in his craft. Plus, he found Aoha very agreeable. Naturally didn't mind being a teacher once.
Even if Aoha showed talent in carving, he wanted to accept him as a disciple, properly cultivating.
Thus, one earnestly taught while one earnestly learned.
Soon, Aoha grasped certain knacks, becoming a beginner. Under Yamashita-jisan's guidance, he presentably carved a small figure, though facially mangled, somewhat unbearable...
"No problem. Diligence compensates for weakness. Practice more, and it'll improve. As a beginner, you've already done very well."
Seemingly seeing Aoha somewhat dejected, Yamashita-jisan couldn't help but gently console.
Simultaneously, the old man sighed internally. Rarely having such an interested good child, unfortunately talent was truly ordinary.
Though regretful, the old man extinguished thoughts of accepting him as a disciple.
"Yamashita-jisan, could you lend me some tools? I want to try several more times after returning home." The 'dejected' Aoha emerged quickly, saying with a stubborn expression.
Seeing this, Yamashita-jisan nodded very readily with consolation.
"No problem. I have plenty of tools here. Shortly, I'll organise a set for you. Take them when leaving. Remember to practice well."
"Thank you, Yamashita-jisan. That..."
"Still have questions? Say them all."
So under Yamashita-jisan's encouraging gaze, Aoha wore a longing, somewhat embarrassedly speaking: "These days, can I go up Hokage Rock, watching how everyone works?"
Yamashita-jisan froze, seemingly not expecting Aoha to raise such requests.
Though not troublesome, what if accidents happened...
"Carving work now already concluded. Even going up now, you can't see much. Moreover, our profession must avoid unrealistic ambitions. After building good foundations, observing such large-scale carvings won't be late." Yamashita-jisan earnestly advised.
"I'm not being unrealistic. I just want to experience it, broadening horizons. Someday I'll personally carve my appearance up there. I'm the future Fifth Hokage, even Hokage-sama acknowledged!"
Forcibly suppressing vomiting urges, Aoha said, particularly excitedly, his small face flushing red.
Of course, possibly from shame...
To complete the damn system's mission, was he easy!
However, this melodramatic declaration still achieved due effects. At least Yamashita-jisan's gaze toward him changed.
Yamashita-jisan earnestly pondered, then slowly spoke: "Agreeing isn't impossible, but three rules. Follow rules, be obedient. Do whatever is told. Things you can't touch, absolutely can't touch. If you can do this, I can let you go up."
Success!
Aoha suppressed excitement, vigorously nodding.
Until now, everything has proceeded very smoothly!
Not only learning introductory carving knowledge, obtaining carving tools, but also successfully planting the seed, 'I want to personally carve myself on Hokage Rock.' After mission success, Yamashita-jisan's testimony was important, helping him reduce substantial pressure.
Finally, successfully persuading Yamashita-jisan, allowing him to openly ascend Hokage Rock.
Having this identity cover, the mission success rate increased significantly again!
Combined with his previous preparations...
Aoha's eyes couldn't help flashing. He seemingly already saw victory beckoning.
Of course, couldn't get too happy now, much less rush. First, honestly play along for two days, letting everyone get accustomed to his existence!