"What exactly is the 'seven-year itch,' and how did you determine I have it?"
Ino, sipping her tea, couldn't help but ask. Yoichi had accurately described her recent frustrations—getting upset over small matters and feeling disconnected from Sai.
Though Sai likely didn't see it as an issue, Ino had waited two days for him to approach her first. His lack of initiative had left her feeling annoyed.
On her way back earlier, she'd even considered starting an argument with Sai. But after Yoichi's remarks, Ino's heart sank—was something truly wrong with her that she hadn't noticed?
Yoichi took a sip of tea and began explaining. "The seven-year itch is something I've observed during my travels. It relates to the body's own cells. You've studied medical techniques, so you should understand a bit about cells, right?"
"Of course I do!" Ino responded defensively, though she was already scrambling to recall her lessons on human cells.
While she had learned a few medical ninjutsu under Lady Tsunade, she'd stopped pursuing them after mastering two techniques, prioritizing her clan's secret arts and duties in Team Ino-Shika-Cho.
Not wanting to appear ignorant in front of Yoichi, Ino stubbornly maintained her composure.
"Human cells have a form of memory," Yoichi continued. "Every seven years, they completely regenerate. While you may look the same, biologically speaking, your body is 'new.' This regeneration resets cellular memory, making partners feel unfamiliar with each other. That's why I call it the 'seven-year itch.'"
As Ino stared at him with wide-eyed belief, Yoichi knew he had her hooked. He added, "The solution is simple: couples need to 'rediscover' each other. Take a break from your routines—travel the ninja world, or do something different together. That will resolve the issue."
"That's it? Something so simple?" Ino raised a skeptical eyebrow. "You made it sound so scary before."
Yoichi cast her a sideways glance. "You don't understand. The simplest truths are often the most convincing. Besides, while cellular changes don't affect your mental state, they can cause subtle discomfort. Think back—isn't this exactly what you've been feeling recently?"
His subtle hints, paired with a touch of fearmongering, were a perfect tactic for dealing with idle housewives like Ino.
As Yoichi had predicted, Ino began recalling her recent interactions with Sai. Their relationship indeed felt slightly distant—nothing like the intimacy they had during their newlywed years or after having their child.
Noticing the changes in Ino's expression, Yoichi pressed on. "Exactly. This is the effect of cellular regeneration. But don't worry. With some effort, you can prevent it from leading to divorce."
"D-Divorce!?" Ino snapped, her face turning red. "You're spouting nonsense! Sai and I have a rock-solid relationship!"
Knock, knock.
Yoichi's tone remained calm. "Raising your voice doesn't make your claim more convincing—it only reveals your insecurity. Besides, what does telling me this prove? I don't even know your name. Finish your tea and leave. My words may not be correct, so feel free to dismiss them."
His matter-of-fact dismissal planted the seeds of doubt deeper in Ino's mind. Watching her fume, Yoichi couldn't help but think her stubbornness resembled the boars in her clan's name.
"Hmph, as if I'd believe you!" Ino huffed, setting down her cup and walking out.
"Nearly thirty and still pretending to be cute," Yoichi muttered, shaking his head. "Well, at least it's amusing."
With Ino gone, Yoichi locked the shop and headed upstairs to resume refining medicine. The soundproof seals on his walls ensured the nearby renovations wouldn't disturb him.
...
Outside the Shop
Ino, now walking toward Konoha Hospital, couldn't stop thinking about Yoichi's words. She decided to ask Sakura if his claims about human cells were true. After all, Lady Tsunade had extensive knowledge of cellular biology, and Sakura would surely know.
If Yoichi was right, did that mean her marriage to Sai could actually be at risk?
Dragging Sakura out of the lab—along with Tsunade—Ino recounted her conversation with Yoichi.
Sakura stroked her chin thoughtfully. "From that perspective, what he said does make some sense. What do you think, Lady Tsunade?"
Tsunade frowned slightly. "I've never paid much attention to this. However, for someone to know about the seven-year cellular regeneration cycle… that shopkeeper must have a deep understanding of the human body."
While Tsunade spoke, she couldn't help doing some mental calculations. She'd been single for over forty years. What did she know about marriage dynamics?
"Cells do have memory, and self-repair mechanisms are one example of it," Tsunade continued. "The seven-year regeneration cycle is real, so his theory about cellular memory isn't entirely baseless."
Sakura smiled. "Ino, didn't he already give you a solution? Take some time off with Sai—go on a trip. You two see each other every day in the village anyway."
Neither Tsunade nor Sakura suspected Yoichi had ulterior motives. His advice seemed genuinely beneficial for Ino and Sai's relationship.
Hearing this, Ino sighed inwardly. She hadn't seen Sasuke in ages—traveling with him felt like a distant dream.
"Going on a trip… That's easier said than done. Sai's always busy," Ino murmured.
But with both Tsunade and Sakura validating Yoichi's claims, her belief in the "seven-year itch" jumped from 70% to 99%. She now genuinely felt her marriage was at risk.
...
In the Yamanaka Household
Returning home, Ino checked the time. It was almost time for Inojin to get back from school. She decided to prepare dinner.
"Mom, I'm home!" Inojin called out as he entered.
"Welcome back," Ino replied, finishing up the meal.
Noticing the empty seat at the table, Inojin asked, "Where's Dad? Should we wait for him?"
"Let's wait a bit," Ino said.
Normally, Ino would have told Inojin to start eating without waiting. But after everything she'd heard today, she was determined to save her marriage—even if it meant waiting.
An hour later, with the food turning cold, Inojin sighed. "Mom, I'm just going to grab a snack."
"No need, Inojin. Let's eat now," Ino said, picking up her chopsticks. Frustration simmered within her—Sai used to come home in time for meals. Now, he didn't even show up for dinner.
What Ino didn't realize was that Sai's absence had something to do with Yoichi.
...
Victor's Base in the Land of Valleys
Victor stood before a growing sapling, his heart racing with excitement. He couldn't believe how quickly the Divine Tree was taking root.
Turning to Kamui's masked clone, Victor said, "The intelligence I gathered was correct. This method truly allows for an artificial Divine Tree. However, it requires a significant amount of Hashirama cells… and lives."
"I've already given you all the Hashirama cells I have. You'll need to figure out the rest yourself," Kamui's clone replied bluntly.
Victor scowled but said nothing. The clone had already provided a substantial supply of Hashirama cells, enough to reach this stage.
"I suggest you stop using brute force to gather lives. Use money—it solves problems more discreetly. Buy death row prisoners from prisons in the Five Great Nations or the Land of Grass," Kamui's clone advised.
Victor frowned. "That would cost a fortune, and how many prisoners could I get that way?"
"Quantity isn't the issue. Prison officials will determine who's a 'death row' inmate, not you. If you resort to outright abductions, you'll draw the attention of the Five Great Nations and possibly your organization's other members."
Victor begrudgingly acknowledged the point but still grumbled, "Fine. But you'll help me gather more Hashirama cells, right?"
Kamui's clone shook his head. "Don't count on it. You're on your own for that."
With that, the clone used its space-time jutsu to vanish.
As soon as he was alone, Victor clenched his fists in fury. "Damn that guy! Does he think I'll share the Divine Tree's secrets with him? Dream on! The tree is mine!"
After some thought, he muttered, "The people of Konoha aren't easy to deal with. I'll hire those shadows in the underworld instead."
(End of Chapter)
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"This is so frustrating. How is he making these? I can't figure it out at all," Tsunade grumbled, rubbing her temples.
Sakura, sitting across from her, was equally stumped. "Lady Tsunade, could it be that we're missing a crucial step? Hanabi mentioned seeing that Yoichi guy use flames from his hands to refine the secret pills. Maybe the method itself is completely different."
The secret pills sold by Yoichi were outrageously expensive, with the cheapest costing 300,000 ryō—equivalent to the reward for an A-rank mission.
With the peace after the Fourth Great Ninja War, such missions were scarce, leaving Konoha's finances heavily dependent on the Fire Daimyō's support.
Shikamaru had suggested Sakura try replicating the pills to reduce costs and make them accessible to more shinobi. However, despite their efforts, she and Tsunade had made zero progress.
Tsunade sighed and shook her head. "Enough. We're clearly missing a vital step. Without it, we can't even create a substitute for the simplest pill."
Sakura hesitated, wanting to say something but deciding against it. She, too, felt their efforts were futile.
"In that case, let's take a break," Sakura suggested. "Lady Tsunade, want to visit Ino's flower shop?"
Tsunade's eyes lit up. "That's a great idea, Sakura! Afterward, let's grab a drink together!"
"Ahaha… I wasn't suggesting drinking," Sakura said with a strained smile. But Tsunade had already made up her mind and was heading for the door.
The two women soon arrived at Ino's flower shop, only to find it closed. Disappointed, they decided to head to a nearby izakaya instead.
Meanwhile, Ino was at Yoichi's newly opened izakaya. Having little to do outside of running her flower shop and caring for her family, she had visited the establishment a few times since its opening.
Each time, she'd find Yoichi drinking alone. Today was no different. Seeing him again, Ino decided to join him—something she wouldn't have done in the past.
"Do you always drink alone, Yoichi-san?"
Yoichi glanced at the elegantly dressed Ino and replied casually, "It's how I unwind after a busy day. But you, a full-time housewife, drinking at an izakaya in the middle of the day? Isn't that a bit improper?"
Ino's forehead creased in irritation. "I'm not a full-time housewife! I'm a working kunoichi!"
Though annoyed by his words, she couldn't deny the calming scent of herbs that clung to him—a reminder of his work refining medicines.
"Yoichi-san, give me some advice," Ino said after a sip of sake, her cheeks tinged pink. "How do I get through this so-called 'seven-year itch' with Sai?"
Yoichi looked at her flushed face and sighed. "What can I do? Didn't I already tell you? Take a trip together. It'll help."
"Sai's too busy with missions to make time for that."
"Then help him with his missions. Aren't you a ninja?"
"I can't leave—I have a household to manage."
Yoichi offered several more suggestions, but Ino dismissed each one for various reasons.
Finally, Yoichi frowned and said, "If everything's impossible, then your marital issues are harder to solve than saving the ninja world. Figure it out yourself and stop bothering me."
Ino looked sheepish. "You're right… But, Yoichi-san, do you have any other ideas? Please, just one more. I already think of you as a friend."
"Flattery won't get you far. I'm not your friend—barely even an acquaintance," Yoichi replied bluntly. Still, seeing Ino's earnest expression, he decided to offer one last piece of advice.
"All right. Here's one more idea. Try faking an affair. Make Sai feel jealous. That'll get his attention," Yoichi suggested. "Use the Transformation Jutsu to create a fake scenario. Have a trusted friend play along. Use your son to relay the message—it'll make Sai believe it more."
Ino hesitated. "Would that even work?"
Yoichi countered, "Let me ask you this: how would you feel if you saw Sai with another woman?"
"I'd beat him senseless!" Ino declared, slamming her fists together.
"And if he were with someone else right now?"
"He'd be dead meat!"
"Exactly. If Sai cares for you, he'll react the same way. Afterward, have your friend explain everything. Problem solved," Yoichi concluded.
Ino's face lit up as she clapped her hands together. "That's brilliant! Why didn't you say this earlier?"
Yoichi smirked. "You call me a friend one moment and 'that guy' the next. Such fickle gratitude."
"Details, details. If this works, I'll treat you to dinner! Thanks, Yoichi-san!"
With that, Ino stood to leave, only to stumble slightly as the alcohol hit her. She leaned toward Yoichi for support, her body pressing against him.
Feeling her soft curves against his shoulder, Yoichi briefly froze before Ino quickly regained her balance, her face flushed with embarrassment.
"I-I'm leaving now!" she stammered, rushing out of the izakaya.
Yoichi chuckled to himself, watching her retreating figure. "The hook is set. Now, let's see how things unfold."
(End of Chapter)
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