章節 245: Chapter 245 Ino's New Mission
"You're distracted again?" Ino said, puffing her cheeks, "This is the third time."
"Oh, sorry." Naruto came back to his senses and said apologetically, "Maybe I didn't sleep well yesterday, I'm too tired. By the way, where were we?"
In the barbecue restaurant, the two were having a private meeting, sitting face to face.
Their seats were near the window, with two bottles of opened orange soda on the table, and five or six plates of meat on a small cart. Two small plates of watermelon were placed on each side, and various sauces were laid out in front of them.
Ino was dressed elegantly, wearing a black and blue striped crop top paired with loose beige pants. It was obvious that she had dressed up carefully for the occasion.
In contrast, a certain blonde was much more casual. His messy blond hair, white T-shirt, and black pants gave him a laid-back appearance wherever he went.
"You…" Ino rolled her eyes. "Don't you usually love to sleep? You sleep everywhere, even in Tsunade-sama's office."
"That time was because I had to wait too long, it was just so boring." Naruto defended himself, "There was no one around, yet they insisted on calling me in so early?"
Ino's expression turned complicated, and she asked quietly, "So you just slept on the desk?"
"That's not important." Naruto awkwardly tried to change the subject, "What was the mission you mentioned earlier? Can you repeat it?"
"The Fire Temple." Ino propped herself up on the table with one hand, using the other to start grilling meat. With a sizzling sound, a puff of white smoke rose, and her voice resumed.
"Asuma-sensei said the client is a monk from the Fire Temple. Apparently, someone attacked the temple, targeting Chiriku-san. But Chiriku-san wasn't there, so…"
Ino spoke methodically, but her hands never stopping. Her fair wrist moved nimbly, flipping the meat quickly and then skillfully lowering her head to mix the sauce.
Her high ponytail was tied up, and her blond hair was tucked behind her ears.
She continued to chat without noticing Naruto's increasingly quiet demeanor. It wasn't until she realized the blond in front of her was too silent that Ino stopped.
"What's wrong with you?" She asked puzzledly.
"This mission is too dangerous." Naruto cleared his throat, then subconsciously touched his nose nervously, "It's really too much for a Genin Team to carry out that kind of mission."
"You underestimate us too much." Ino complained, "Besides, didn't we have Asuma-sensei with us? There won't be any danger."
"After all, we've done quite a few dangerous missions together, so this one shouldn't be anything special."
"I've been to the Fire Temple." Naruto said after a moment of silence, "Chiriku-san is someone who... Well, anyway, let's just say the enemy is a member of the Akatsuki that even Chiriku-san can't handle. This mission is just too perilous."
Chiriku's life was valued at thirty million ryo, and the Akatsuki were taking on missions for money everywhere, so Chiriku had long anticipated he would be targeted. However, at that time, the Akatsuki had not shown signs of activity in the Land of Fire, so Chiriku didn't take too many precautions.
But now, Chiriku was still alive.
Naruto didn't know if it was because of his warning or simply a butterfly effect. But one thing was certain, Kakuzu hadn't taken Chiriku's head yet, so he would definitely come back sooner or later.
"Idiot! It's a mission, since when is there one without danger?" Ino placed the grilled meat in Naruto's bowl, "Even if we know it's dangerous, so what? This is a Shinobi's job."
"No, I can't let that happen. I'm going to talk to Tsunade-sama, I want to go too." Naruto said after taking a sip of juice.
"You think it won't be dangerous just because you're going?" Ino was speechless.
"Of course, I'm very strong, you know that." Naruto said half-jokingly, "Besides, if I don't go, I'll just be worried about you, and I won't be able to rest well in the village either."
"How could you possibly not rest well? Someone hasn't contacted me in a long time, and it seems like you don't have much going on most days." Ino said with a pout.
"This…" Naruto knew he was in the wrong.
"Alright, you don't need to explain." Ino mumbled, "Anyway, that's just how you are. But not contacting me is fine, at least I don't get bothered."
"If you say it like that, I'm going to be sad."
"Pfft! Who would believe you!" Despite her words, Ino still smiled.
"The mission is decided then. I'll talk to Tsunade-sana about it." Naruto said, taking on a determined stance, with a tone that left no room for refusal.
"Better not." Ino sighed and said a little guiltily, "It's really safe. There's no need to trouble Tsunade-sama."
Hearing this, Naruto's eyelid twitched slightly, and he thought to himself, 'How could I not know whether it's safe or not?'
'It would be a miracle if you guys could be safe after meeting Kakuzu and Hidan. The Immortal Duo are the most troublesome and difficult to deal with among the Akatsuki's members. If you guys make the slightest mistake, you will lose your lives.'
Since there is a butterfly effect, Naruto doesn't dare to bet that Ino can come back safely.
"I've already decided, no need to persuade me anymore." Naruto said.
"But you're still just a Genin, right? If you keep being this reckless, even if Tsunade-sama doesn't blame you, you might offend the higher-ups." Ino was anxious and couldn't help but say.
As soon as she said it, she regretted it and quickly tried to change her words.
"Not really the higher-ups, it's just… the impression won't be good. Always doing things just for me is too…"
"You don't need to worry about that." Naruto leaned back in his chair, "It's not troublesome at all. Besides, there's no way I'd let you go on a risky mission."
Ino felt a bit flustered, and her cheeks turned slightly red.
"Isn't that what all Shinobi do? How could they do something like this just because they are worried?"
"Of course they can." Naruto stared at her and showed a mischievous smile, "I'm about to become a higher-up myself soon. What can they say to me?"
"What?" Ino looked up in surprise, "What higher-up?"
"Me!" Naruto pointed at himself, "Didn't I make it clear enough just now? The person sitting in front of you is about to become one of Konoha's higher-ups."
"What nonsense are you talking about?" Ino blinked, wondering if Naruto had lost his mind, "You're still a Genin, how can you be a higher-up?"
"Soon," Naruto corrected, then coughed once and sat up straighter, "Let me reintroduce myself: Uzumaki Naruto, the new Clan Head of the Uzumaki Clan."
He stretched out his hand to with great flair and said, "One of the future higher-ups of Konoha, Uzumaki Naruto, at your service!"
"You?" Ino was stunned, struggling to digest such a large amount of information at once, "What did you just say about being the Clan Head of the Uzumaki Clan? I didn't quite catch that."
"You don't need to understand that, it's just a title." Naruto said as he returned to his usual demeanor and picked up a piece of grilled meat, "Anyway, no need to worry about me."
"No matter what, I can't just sit by and watch you take on such a dangerous mission."
"Who…who asked you to care." Ino retorted in a low voice.
After leaving the barbecue restaurant.
The two walked side by side along the road, with Ino listening to Naruto's explanation about the higher-up position.
She couldn't help but occasionally sigh. After giving him a complicated look, she said, "Being the Clan Head of a clan all by yourself… Won't you feel lonely?"
"It's alright. Do you want to join?"
Ino: "… I shouldn't have asked you."
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章節 246: Chapter 246 The Whole Summer
Ino turned her head away, choosing not to continue the conversation, and Naruto didn't have much of a reaction either.
The events at the Fire Temple were unexpected, but he knew he had to be involved. Asuma and Team 10 are definitely not enough to handle the Immortal Duo.
Would his involvement change things? Naruto couldn't be entirely sure. If it were any other opponents, it would be manageable, but this was the Immortal Duo… They're more troublesome than powerful, just plain tricky.
When Naruto came to his senses, the two were still walking side by side down the street.
Ino had a worried look on her face. After hesitating for a long time, she turned to Naruto and asked, "Is your plan feasible?"
Naruto didn't answer immediately. After a moment of silence, he said, "To be honest, I don't know. Maybe it'll work. I don't want to deal with all these messy things. My life is a mess after all."
Ino was taken aback, and her eyes dimmed for a moment.
"Alright, don't think too much about it."
She forced a smile and said, "It's the Konoha higher-ups we're talking about. Even if it doesn't work out, it's no big deal. But if it does, then you've hit the jackpot."
Ino was also affected, and her attempt to comfort Naruto seemed a little pale and powerless. But Naruto didn't need comfort, and he was just venting about his chaotic life. A messy village, a messed-up life.
"Yeah, quite the jackpot." Naruto said lazily, obviously not meaning what he said.
Ino sighed and glanced at the boy beside her. Then, she took the initiative to reach out and grab his hand. Naruto felt his hand being grabbed, and turned his head to look at her in surprise.
"What are you looking at!" Ino's face turned slightly red and she looked annoyed, but she didn't let go of his hand. She just turned her head away.
It was still broad daylight, and there were quite a few people on the street. Naruto was a little surprised, and seeing that Ino was already embarrassed, he leaned over to ask in a low voice, "Aren't you worried of running into someone we know?"
"…"
At that moment, Ino threw Naruto's hand away with a swift motion. Her face turned even redder, like a ripe apple. She glared at him and said, "You'd better not ask that again."
"Oh." Naruto nodded, then gently squeezed Ino's palm.
The latter's body jolted violently, and she reflexively turned her head, "What's wrong with you! If you squeeze again, I will…"
Ino gritted her teeth and raised her fist.
"I won't squeeze again." Naruto leaned over and said in a low voice, knowing when to stop.
Holding hands and whispering on the street in broad daylight was bound to attract attention. Ino could no longer handle it. She pulled Naruto into an alley, where they stayed for a while until her flushed face gradually returned to normal.
The two stood at the mouth of the alley. Ino, dressed in light clothing, fanned herself with her hand as the warm breeze gently blew. Overhead, large patches of white clouds floated by, with green trees providing shade in the distance.
Naruto squatted down, squinting as he watched Ino from the alley entrance. He noticed beads of sweat gathering on her forehead. The street outside was noisy, and the sounds seeped through.
It felt faint, like being separated by a thin sheet of paper, with Naruto and Ino standing on the other side. Naruto stared at the girl, who kept fanning herself and looking around.
Ino turned her head and noticed his gaze. She was stunned for a moment, looking a little embarrassed.
"What are you looking at?"
Naruto hesitated for a moment before saying, "I'm looking at summer."
"Are you an idiot? How can you look at summer?" Ino brushed her loose blonde hair behind her ear, and said with a laugh, "Summer is everywhere, there's no need to go out of your way to see it."
"But the way you said that sounds so cheesy."
After saying that, she herself couldn't help but laughed again. It seemed she found it amusing to liken Naruto to something sappy.
Naruto didn't get angry at Ino's teasing. He just stood up, smiled at her, and said, "Ino you're so cute."
"Ah? Why are you saying something like that all of a sudden!" Ino's face flushed instantly, "You can't beat me, so you're being shameless again!"
'Summer is hot and annoying, and makes me feel sticky all over, but I also like it.'
"I didn't say anything, you said it yourself." Naruto said as he walked to the alley entrance. He then paused, with Ino hesitantly looking outside.
Naruto gave her some time to think, then grabbed her hand.
"Let's go."
Ino's pupils dilated instantly, but Naruto didn't react as if he was unaware. He simply held her hand and walked forward, showing no sign of embarrassment.
He glanced back at her, noticing Ino's deep blue eyes shifting uneasily. She touched her face, trying to hide her nervousness.
"Let go." Ino said, but her voice was very soft.
Naruto pretended not to hear anything, continuing to hold her hand as they walked under the sunlight, openly and without hiding.
"You are now one of Konoha's higher-ups." Tsunade said, her voice sounded slightly fatigued as she glanced at him, "Now that you've finally gotten what you wanted, get out of here if there's nothing else."
Naruto was naturally not so ungrateful. He took the initiative to come forward and poured Tsunade some tea.
To his surprise, the pure liquid pouring into the cup emitted a whiff of alcohol. The scene became slightly awkward, then Tsunade picked up the cup and said as if nothing had happened, "Don't put sake in my teapot without permission in the future. If Shizune finds out, you'll suffer a terrible fate."
Naruto's mouth twitched, but given the celebratory occasion, he held back his retort.
"Alright, alright, next time for sure."
Tsunade, known for her straightforward nature, noticed Naruto, usually sharp-tongued, behaving so obediently today, and understood that he was someone who appreciated kindness. She felt comforted, realizing her efforts hadn't been in vain.
Tsunade took a sip of her drink, and Naruto, sensing the moment, moved behind her to massage her shoulders, playing the role of a diligent bootlicker.
After all, Tsunade had indeed been kind to him. Though he didn't say much, he was well aware of all the things she had done for him lately.
If he lacked even a little tact, that would be truly unfortunate.
In this world, there's no such thing as unearned kindness, nor baseless hatred. Tsunade's goodwill towards Naruto stemmed from the time he blocked a sword for her, and from a certain move that had since been censored.
But this wasn't enough for Tsunade to continually look out for him. Some things are about reciprocation. Since Tsunade had been kind to him, he also tries his best to cooperate with Tsunade fully.
Even with his laid-back nature, Naruto never refused any task Tsunade assigned him. Although he made it clear he didn't want to be groomed as the next Hokage, he wasn't entirely tactless.
"Not bad, your shoulder massage technique has improved." Tsunade moaned, took another sip of sake, feeling thoroughly relaxed, "At least you still have some conscience."
"It is my duty to share Tsunade-sama's worries." Naruto said flatteringly, then cautiously asked, "Tsunade-sama, why did the higher-ups give in so easily?"
"Easily?" Tsunade raised her eyebrows, her voluptuous figure shifting slightly as she turned to give Naruto a stern look, "Who told you this was easy? The higher-ups were originally entirely against it."
She paused midway through her sentence. Naruto asked while trying his best to contribute his value, "Then how did they agree in the end?"
"You don't need to know that," Tsunade replied. "Just know that Kakashi spoke on your behalf. You should go and see your teacher when you have time." Tsunade reminded.
"If there are no surprises, the position of the Rokudaime Hokage will be Kakashi's. Among the younger generation, there's no one more suitable than Kakashi to take over."
"Okay." Naruto didn't quite understand how Kakashi managed to be part of the Konoha's high-level meeting. After all, logically speaking, Kakashi was just an Elite Jonin.
Konoha's core higher-ups were only a few, even counting those who were just figureheads. Unless Kakashi was the Anbu Commander, it would be unusual for him to attend such high-level meetings.
Being merely the former Jonin Instructor of Team 7 and an active Jonin probably wouldn't carry that much weight.
"Tsunade-sama, have you been busy lately?"
"Well, not too…"
Tsunade enjoyed her drink while Naruto continued to massage her shoulders. Occasionally, they'd chat casually, the wide sleeves of her robe rustling. The little bit of alcohol wasn't enough to affect Tsunade, and it only served to warm her up slightly.
"I heard that you want to take part in the Chunin Exams?" Tsunade asked offhandedly.
"Um, I was just considering it, haven't decided yet." Naruto replied, "Recently, I've had some free time, so..."
He stopped mid-speech, because he could sense Tsunade's strong dissatisfaction, and quickly corrected himself, "I just want the title of Chunin. I can't stay a Genin forever, right?"
"Do whatever you want." Tsunade said, "If you want to participate, then participate. It's not a big deal. Just remember, your position among the higher-ups is merely honorary, you don't have any actual power."
"Just having a title is enough," he said. "I don't want to actually get too busy."
Tsunade: "…"
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