Capítulo 77: Chapter 77: Anbu and Accompaniment
"Can you tell me why?" After thinking for a long time, the Third Hokage finally asked.
Natsuro explained his reasons—he had laid a solid foundation and now lacked only real combat experience.
"Alright," the Third Hokage said, nodding in approval. Although he hadn't initially planned to place Natsuro in the Anbu, his clear goals and reasonable rationale made it unnecessary to refuse.
"I'll arrange for you to assume an ANBU identity."
"Thank you, Grandpa Third." He expressed his gratitude. Indeed, having such an identity spared him from many troubles, though it might bring new challenges in the future. But for now, he's still too young to catch the eye of many; he won't become a target just yet, right?
"It's getting late, and school is almost out. Shouldn't you be going to pick up the young lady from the Yamanaka clan?" The Third Hokage teased suddenly.
"Uh..." Natsuro's face reddened slightly, a rare occurrence.
Seeing him react this way for the first time, the Third Hokage burst into laughter. This is how it should be—why act so mature all the time?
"Oh, by the way, don't send your shadow clone to school tomorrow. Go in person and say goodbye to your classmates," the Third Hokage suggested after some thought.
"Alright."
"Okay, then. Go pick up your little girlfriend," the Third Hokage chuckled as Natsuro made a slightly embarrassed exit. He was growing to enjoy these interactions more and more. He really wished things could stay like this. After all, he was at the age where he should be enjoying the happiness of family. But, alas...
After he left, the Third Hokage tapped his desk. In the next moment, a familiar Anbu member wearing a mask appeared in the Hokage's office.
"You heard what Natsuro said, right?" the Third Hokage asked.
"Yes, I'll arrange a suitable squad for him," the Anbu captain replied, though feeling a bit bitter inside. This was no easy task—if something happened to Natsuro in the Anbu, he'd be finished.
"Alright." The Third Hokage hesitated for a moment, then asked, "How many more years do you think I can hold on? Will I last until Natsuro grows up?"
The Anbu captain was speechless at this, not knowing how to respond. All he could do was assure the Third Hokage that he was in good health and would be able to carry on for many more years.
Realizing his question was a bit out of line, the Third Hokage shook his head and said, "Go prepare a suitable squad for Natsuro."
"Understood."
With that, the Anbu captain vanished from the Hokage's office, leaving the Third Hokage alone, lost in thought.
...
"Natsuro!"
At a familiar place, in a familiar spot, Ino's eyes lit up when she saw him. She ran over and grabbed his arm, glancing around as if declaring her claim.
The girls around them gritted their teeth in frustration. They had long since given up hope. Over the years, all their plans to win Natsuro's favor had failed miserably, with no progress at all. Meanwhile, Ino's relationship with Natsuro only grew closer.
They could only admire her and turn their attention to Sasuke instead. It's not that they didn't like Sasuke, but Natsuro was undoubtedly more popular now. His development was extraordinary—not only was he handsome, but he was also much taller than them, exuding a sense of security that Sasuke couldn't match.
But unfortunately, this great guy was already spoken for by Ino, and he seemed to have eyes only for her, ignoring everyone else, which made the other girls even more envious. They wanted that too!
Every time Ino felt the envious stares from the other girls, she couldn't help but feel a bit smug. Hmph, go ahead and be jealous! I've been cultivating this relationship since childhood!
Halfway through their walk, Natsuro checked to make sure no one else was around before speaking.
"Ino, there's something I need to tell you."
"What is it?" Ino asked, noticing his serious expression. She suddenly had a bad feeling, her mind starting to race. Could it be... No, Natsuro wouldn't just leave her...
"I've graduated early," Natsuro said, unaware of Ino's wild imagination.
"Oh, okay," Ino replied, not fully processing his words at first. But when she realized he wasn't talking about a breakup, she felt relieved. However, the next moment, she grasped what he had said—early graduation?
Ino's eyes widened in surprise.
"Sorry, I probably won't be able to walk you home anymore," Natsuro apologized. ANBU required its members to be in top condition, so he couldn't leave a shadow clone in the village.
"Ah, ah, oh..." Ino was a bit disheartened, but she forced a smile and said, "This is a good thing. With your strength, Natsuro, you really should graduate early. But don't worry, I'll catch up to you."
Even though she didn't want to be separated from Natsuro, Ino understood that this was an important moment and not the time for petty emotions. She couldn't let her feelings hold himback.
"Mm, I'm looking forward to it," Natsuro said with a smile, gently pinching Ino's cheek and watching her blush.
Ino had noticed before that Natsuro seemed to enjoy pinching her face. Initially, she resisted—what if it deformed her face? But she couldn't bring herself to stop him. Today, it might be the last time, so she decided to let him do as he wished.
As Natsuro looked at Ino, her image gradually merged with the Ino in his memories. People in the Naruto world developed quickly, and she was finally growing up. His guilt had long since disappeared anyway; it's not like they were getting married now. That could wait until they were older.
Besides, what could he do at this point? In the Naruto world, raising a wife from childhood was completely acceptable! Even if it wasn't, he wasn't going to admit it.
"Natsuro, there's somewhere I'd like to go. Could you accompany me?" Ino suddenly asked, her eyes full of expectation. She knew how busy he had been with training and hadn't wanted to interrupt him, but today she wanted to make an exception. She had to ask, or she might not get another chance for a long time.
"Of course," Natsuro agreed, understanding Ino's feelings.
Honestly, even though Ino was young, she was very considerate and didn't have any particularly annoying quirks. Natsuro thought she was pretty great, except... her development was a bit slow...
Natsuro spent the rest of the day accompanying Ino to various places, eventually ending up at the entrance of the Yamanaka family home.
Ino looked at him reluctantly, and he too felt a bit sad. After all these years, he had grown accustomed to spending time with Ino.
"Natsuro."
"Yeah?"
"Don't fall for anyone else, and... don't forget about me!"
After saying that, Ino quickly leaned in and kissed him on the cheek, then pushed him away before running back home with her face flushed red.
Natsuro touched the spot where Ino had kissed him. He could have dodged it, but why would he? There was no reason to—he wasn't stupid!
"I won't, Ino," Natsuro whispered softly. A gentle breeze carried his words to Ino's ears, making her blush even more, but she was filled with happiness.
Meeting you has been wonderful!
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