Dusk settled over Konoha. Outside the village's most famous public bathhouse stood a man in a loose blue-and-white yukata.

His handsome face carried its usual lifeless look. Right hand holding a wooden bath bucket, left hand shading his dead-fish eyes as he scanned the area.

"Gin-san, why did you suddenly invite me to bathe with you?"

The cold voice came from behind. Hyūga Tenyo approached, dressed in a plain yukata—but his bucket had gold trim. His pure white eyes were full of doubt.

Gin stared at the golden bucket. "…Tenyo-roudi, don't you think that's a bit flashy? Even I, a secret tycoon, don't flaunt wealth like that."

"Did I bring the wrong thing? I've never been in a public bath before."

Born with a golden spoon, Hyūga Tenyo had always bathed in a private pool the size of a mansion, with attendants serving him.

Damn rich brat, flexing again!

"Today, I'll show you what true bathhouse culture is."

Hooking his arm around Tenyo's neck, Gin happily dragged him inside.

"Welcome!"

"Two!" Gin held up two fingers. Digging into his worn-out wallet, he searched.

"Gin-san, allow me."

Seeing the pitiful wallet, Tenyo's heart ached. He pulled out a thick leather wallet, slipped out a massive bill, and handed it over.

"Wait! I invited you. How could I let you pay?!"

Gin snatched back the fresh note from the owner's hand, stuffed two crumpled tickets forward.

"Ha! Found it. My father-and-son bath ticket—expiring today!"

The lady squinted. "…Sir, this is a father–child ticket."

"Which eye of yours says we're not father and son? I just look young—I'm over forty!"

The owner's face twitched. One black-eyed, one white-eyed. One curly-haired bush, one slick straight hairline. Even if the Sage of Six Paths came back, no way you're blood-related.

"…Son takes after the mom!" Gin cut in quickly, seizing the bill for himself.

"Gin-san…"

"Call me Dad!"

"… …" Veins throbbed on Tenyo's forehead.

The line of waiting customers groaned. The lady sighed, tossed them wristbands, and waved them in.

"Phew… Gin-san, aren't you also from a noble clan? Why—"

"Even landlords go broke. Save where you can!" Gin said without shame, pressing the band into Tenyo's palm. "Ninja don't sweat small stuff. Come on, the bath's waiting!"

He strolled into the men's changing room, sneaking a glance toward the women's side with a sly grin.

"…What a strange man," Tenyo muttered, shaking his head as he followed.

Inside—

"Tenyo-roudi, hurry up! I'm already undressed!"

Tenyo stepped in—and froze. "Gin-san… don't you wear a towel?!"

Gin stood completely bare, proud as could be.

"…Even my Byakugan has never seen something this… large. Technology? No… Poro Biscuit?!"

"We're all men. Why cover up?" Gin crossed his arms, hips thrust forward, parading like a king. Bucket in hand, he strolled into the steaming pool.

Tenyo, flustered, tied a gold-embroidered towel around his waist, clutching his bucket nervously as he followed.

"Tenyo-roudi, first soak, soften the skin!"

Without asking, Gin shoved him into the hot pool, plopping in beside him.

"Ahhh… this feeling… perfection!" Gin laid back, towel on his head. Then, with utter seriousness, he placed a little yellow duck on the water.

"…Gin-san, truly childlike."

"This isn't childish. It's youth eternal. Unlike some brats—small body, big schemes." Gin leaned against the edge, speaking cryptically.

"…What do you mean?"

Gin lowered his voice. "Truth is, I'm here on a mission."

Tenyo's eyes sharpened. Just as he suspected.

"Word is, this bathhouse hides a notorious peeping tom."

"…Outrageous!"

Target didn't matter—peeping on powerful shinobi or noblewomen would mean death.

"So you want me to find him?"

"Exactly. I knew you'd get it. I need your Byakugan."

"No need for reward. Helping a friend is enough."

"…Ugh, my conscience…" Gin sighed, then steeled himself. "I'll infiltrate. You keep watch. When I signal, open your Byakugan and lock on. Together we'll catch him!"

"Understood!"

Gin vanished with a Shunshin.

Tenyo's eyes widened. So fast! I couldn't even track him… He straightened, staring at the wall, waiting for the signal.

On the other side—

In the women's bath, steam curled sweet and fragrant.

A short figure crouched in a corner, peeking through a crack.

"Tch! Too much steam. I can only hear, not see."

Maruboshi Kosuke, assigned as women's bath guard, was "diligently" ensuring safety—with wide eyes and heavy breathing. His weak skills meant the mist blocked him.

"Damn! If only my Suiton was stronger, I could clear this mist…"

"Boy. Do you crave power?"

Kosuke nearly leapt. But a hand yanked him down. He turned—and saw that unmistakable curly hair.

"You?!"

"Shh!" Gin pressed a finger to his lips. "Didn't expect you, brat, to have such a refined hobby. Genius peeper at your age! Bright future!"

"This is my duty!" Kosuke straightened his back, defensive. Then glared at Gin's nakedness. "…You though—you're clearly a pervert!"

"Oh? And you, guarding by peeping, are what? Noble?" Gin smirked. "As for me—being naked here just proves I'm an innocent bath guest."

"…You—"

Thunk!

A knuckle-crack to the head shut him up.

"Argh! Why hit me?!"

"Because you're a pervy brat."

Kosuke clutched his swelling lump, eyes teary.

"I'm surveying public health. For the growth of our kunoichi! Policy-making!" Gin declared righteously.

"…Do you think I'm three?"

"Three-year-olds don't peep."

"…I haven't seen anything yet," Kosuke muttered.

"Fog too thick, eh? And you're giving up? What of the Peeping God above?" Gin intoned dramatically.

"…There's no such god."

"Fine. I'll help you. Since I've suffered, I'll share my umbrella." Gin grinned. "I'll teach you—Kirigakure no Jutsu (Hiding in Mist Technique)."

Kosuke's eyes widened. "Master!!"

"Stop calling me that. Just don't drag my name into trouble."

"…Yes, Master."

The boy practiced—handsigns flashing.

"Suiton: Kirigakure no Jutsu!"

Mist swelled immediately.

"Done!"

But the chakra leak was obvious. In the women's bath, sharp kunoichi senses pricked.

"Something's off!"

Yamanaka Minako froze mid-soak, covering herself, eyes scanning. "Someone's peeping!"

"Where?!"

Other kunoichi panicked.

"Daring scum! How dare you lust after us!" an Akimichi matron bellowed, her fleshy body swelling with Bika no Jutsu until her head towered over the wall.

"…Another wall?" Tenyo muttered, Byakugan veins bulging, mistaking her for stone.

"Girls! The peeper's from the Hyūga clan!" the Akimichi aunt roared, recognizing the veins.

"What?! A Hyūga? We've been seen naked?!"

"Kill him!"

Tenyo stiffened as the accusations rained. "A peeper… from my clan?! Such disgrace!"

Back in the corner, Kosuke trembled. "W-we're caught! What do we do?!"

Gin's eyes twitched. "Relax. I planned for this."

He raised his hand—lightning flashing.

In the men's bath, Tenyo had been staring at the wall, eyes sore. Suddenly—a spark!

Byakugan—Open!

Veins bulged, chakra surged. His sight pierced the wall—

And instantly painted him as the culprit.

"THERE! The peeper's him!"

"Hyūga scum!"

Women roared. The Akimichi matron leaned over, glaring straight at Tenyo's Byakugan.

Meanwhile, Gin patted Kosuke's head. "See? Safe. Now get back to work."

Kosuke blinked at him. "Work?"

"Yeah. Catch the peeper." Gin smirked.

(End of Chapter)

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