Capítulo 64: Friend's House
A/N: For another Double Release, let's hit 500 powerstones by Sunday. This story's continuation depends on your support—so don't forget to give the story powerstones! Goal: 500 Powerstones!
--------------------
As the trio was about to leave, the office door swung open, and Kakashi entered with Sasuke and Naruto slung over his shoulders. Both of them looked battered and bruised.
"Kakashi! Welcome back," Tsunade said, her eyes quickly scanning over the two boys. "Let's get those two to the hospital. I'll treat them myself."
Kakashi nodded silently and turned to leave, but not before giving Goro a brief, scrutinizing glance. Goro noticed it immediately and smirked inwardly. 'He has one eye, but he just can't seem to keep it to himself.'
"Boys, go home and get some rest," Tsunade instructed as she trailed after Kakashi, her mind already focused on the treatment for Sasuke and Naruto.
Shikamaru placed his hand on Goro's shoulder, his eyes following Kakashi's retreating figure. "I see what you mean now. He really does suspect you," Shikamaru murmured, his voice low.
Goro let out a small sigh, shaking his head. "Yeah, well, it's nothing new. Anyway, I'm heading back to my apartment."
With that, they parted ways. Shikamaru took Rock Lee to rest, while Goro headed back to his solitary dwelling.
Back at his apartment, Goro entered and turned on the light, finding his clone already waiting for him. The clone stood silently in the middle of the room, holding the ears of Sakon and Ukon in its hands.
'That was a jumpscare. I forgot about my clone.'
Goro's gaze flickered with purpose as he walked over, eyeing the ears. "Alright, let's get started," he muttered, forming a series of hand signs. He summoned two more clones, each clone stepping forward to hold two ears each or an ear and a big toe that he had collected from the Sound Four, including Kimimaro's.
"They all range from upper Chunin to mid-Jonin level," Goro said, assessing the level of his fallen opponents. "This shouldn't take too long. I give it an hour, maximum, for all of their skills to be copied."
Satisfied with the stats he'd gain, Goro turned away and walked over to his fridge, opening it to find nothing inside. He frowned, staring at the empty shelves, and muttered under his breath, "That reminds me… I need to check on Ino."
He closed the fridge door, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. 'I guess I can go over to her place and invite her to dinner. She'll probably be happy to see me, and I could use a proper meal right now.'
Goro glanced out the window, watching the sun dip below the horizon. 'I need to be quick.'
After changing into a fresh set of clothes, he walked over to the apartment door and slipped on his sandals. He glanced back at his clones, giving them a final nod, before leaving the room.
With that, he left the apartment and made his way toward the Yamanaka clan residence, his mind already forming the words he would use to greet Ino. He hadn't had a chance to talk to her properly since returning to the village, and now seemed like the perfect opportunity to do so.
Having often escorted Ino home after missions or training sessions, Goro was well-acquainted with the Yamanaka residence's location.
Before long, he arrived at the large gates of the clan. The gates were made of wood, painted red, and above them, a wooden sign bore the Yamanaka clan emblem. Goro didn't hesitate; he casually entered the compound the way he usually did.
Walking through, Goro soon found himself at the steps of Ino's home. He took a deep breath, ascended the steps, and knocked on the front door.
It swung open a few moments later, revealing Ino's mother standing in the doorway, her expression lighting up as she recognized him.
"Mrs. Inoichi," Goro greeted, inclining his head respectfully. "Nice to see you again."
Ino's mother returned his smile warmly. "How have you been, dear?"
"Great," Goro replied, his tone sincere. "How's Ino? I met her midway through the mission, but I wanted to check up on her and see if she wanted to get dinner."
A thoughtful look crossed Ino's mother's face. "Dinner? Don't worry about that; you two can eat here," she offered, gesturing for Goro to come inside.
"Are you sure?" Goro asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Of course," Ino's mother nodded, her voice firm but friendly. She stepped aside, ushering him in. "Come in, come in."
Goro took off his shoes outside, neatly setting them to the side before stepping into the warm house. He made his way to the dining area and took a seat at the table.
"I'll call for Ino. Make yourself comfortable," Ino's mother said with a smile, before leaving the room.
Goro nodded, taking a moment to look around. He had often taken Ino home, but never accepted invitations into their house. It was his first time.
'This place would be considered classy even in my past life…'
Ino entered the room with her mother beside her. She leaned in close, whispering a little too loudly, "Mom, I wanted to go eat out with him, not stay in the house!"
Her mother simply laughed, patting Ino's shoulder as she left the room, leaving the two of them alone.
Ino rolled her eyes slightly but smiled as she sat down opposite Goro at the dining table.
"You feeling okay?" Goro asked.
Ino chuckled lightly, brushing off his concern. "You swooped in and saved me like usual. I've got no major injuries. Just a few bruises here and there."
Goro's lips curled into a small smile. "Shikamaru and Lady Tsunade told me about how much you advocated for my innocence. I wanted to say thanks."
Ino smirked, leaning forward slightly with a playful glint in her eyes. "You should go out with me more often if you really want to thank me."
Goro sighed inwardly, 'Typical…'
"Fine," he responded reluctantly. "But it won't be for a while. I'm pretty busy."
Ino's smile softened. "There's no rush, as long as you fulfill your side of the deal."
Goro nodded, appreciating her patience. "I will."
Ino's mother returned from the kitchen, carefully balancing two plates of steaming food in her hands. She set one down in front of Goro and the other in front of Ino, each plate filled with rice, grilled vegetables, and roasted meat.
"Thanks, Mrs. Inoichi," Goro said politely, inclining his head slightly.
"Thanks, Mom," Ino chimed in, flashing her mother a grateful smile.
Ino's mother chuckled softly. "Your manners are somehow better than usual, Ino. And you're welcome, Goro," she said with a playful grin.
Ino's face immediately turned a shade of pink, embarrassed by the comment. "Mooom…" she whined, unable to stop herself from pouting. But she couldn't hold onto her irritation for long, quickly returning her attention to the food in front of her.
Goro smirked at the exchange, silently amused.
Ino's mother left them for a moment to retrieve her own plate from the kitchen. When she returned, she took a seat beside Ino, completing the small triangle at the dining table. The three of them began to eat together, the light conversation flowing naturally as they shared their meal.
Ino glanced at her mother, then looked at the empty chair on the other side of the table, where her father would normally sit. "Another busy day for Dad, it seems…" she thought, a twinge of disappointment flashing through her eyes.
--------------------
Reminder: For another Double Release, let's hit 500 powerstones by Sunday. This story's continuation depends on your support—so don't forget to give the story powerstones! Goal: 500 Powerstones!
Estado de energía semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Piedra de
Poder