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Human speaking. "This has gotten out of control."
Human thinking. "It can't be."
Non-Human speaking. "You are dangerous."
Non-Human thinking. "I was wrong."
Techniques/ Unknown names-. "Genshi (Atom)."
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto, Masashi Kishimoto does.
1 dollar = 100 Ryō.
Chapter 45
Konoha Provisional Hospital - Moments Before
Kakashi strode into a room, his solemn demeanor betraying his troubled state of mind. His shoulders sagged, and his eyes remained glued to the floor.
The Copy Ninja then excused himself and entered the room where he found Gai and Lee engrossed in conversation while lounging on a wooden bed. However, their conversation came to an abrupt halt when they saw Kakashi's somber face.
"Oh, my rival, it's good to see you!" Gai exclaimed with his typical enthusiasm. But as Kakashi's grave expression became apparent, the joyous atmosphere gave way to one of doubt and surprise.
Though Kakashi's face was partially obscured, the lack of brightness in his one visible eye spoke volumes.
"You win, Gai," he admitted, his voice tinged with defeat.
Lee and Gai shared a bewildered look, struggling to comprehend the meaning behind Kakashi's words. All they could discern was that something had left him deeply disheartened.
Sensing the gravity of the situation, Gai abandoned his usual joviality and probed for answers. "Kakashi, what's going on?" he asked with concern, hoping to shed light on the situation.
Kakashi dragged a chair and settled in front of the bed. He remained silent for an extended period, his head bowed, his thoughts shrouded in gloom.
Before they could press for an explanation, Kakashi spoke up. "You're better teachers than I am," he said with a heavy heart, "I'm considering stepping down from Team 7 and returning to ANBU."
Lee and Gai recoiled in shock, struggling to process the weight of his words. The gravity of the situation was palpable in Kakashi's somber tone and melancholic expression.
"Why would you do that, Kakashi? You can't just give up like that," Gai implored, attempting to reason with his friend. "You owe it to your students to see this through. Think about what they would say."
Kakashi's mind was flooded with memories, including the one Sakura had alluded to earlier. He squeezed his eyes shut, helpless to escape the anguish that gripped him.
Kakashi closed his eyes tightly, his fists clenched so hard that blood started to seep out. He felt like the world's biggest failure for not being there for Sakura when she needed him the most. He hadn't even realized what had happened until his sensei pointed it out.
Gai noticed the turmoil in Kakashi and urged him to let out his emotions. "It's not healthy to bottle it up like this, Kakashi. Please, tell us what's troubling you," he said, placing a supportive hand on his shoulder.
Kakashi slowly lifted his head to look at Gai, and what he saw in his friend's eyes was a reflection of his own despair. His voice was monotone as he began to speak, his words heavy with self-doubt and regret.
"Sakura... Sakura was raped."
Lee and Gai's eyes widened in shock, and their stomachs twisted with unparalleled fury, worse than the day Naruto killed Karashi.
"Who did this?" Gai demanded through clenched teeth, struggling to contain his rage.
Kakashi, with a blank stare and weak voice, replied that he didn't know.
"Explain everything you know," Gai urged, trying to stay calm.
Kakashi recounted what had happened in Menma's room but left out the part about Naruto and the others going on a mission.
"So, Naruto saved her?" Gai muttered thoughtfully.
Lee remained silent, still feeling the effects of opening the inner doors.
Gai shook his head and considered that perhaps Naruto had intervened before anything worse could happen to Sakura. "And knowing Naruto, he probably took care of those responsible at the time," Gai concluded.
Kakashi lowered his head and clenched his fists in response to Gai's question. "I didn't dare to ask Sakura if she was okay, if she needed help, or tell her that I would be there for her if she needed it. I could only stand there watching like a coward." Gai wanted to reassure him, but Kakashi trembled as he spoke. "If only I had acted at the right time and had more character, none of this would have happened. This must be what they call 'divine punishment'." Kakashi covered his forehead with both hands out of guilt.
"It's not your fault, Kakashi. There was no way you could have known something like this would happen," Gai said, arms crossed.
Kakashi replied dejectedly, "I could have been more vigilant."
Gai comforted his friend by putting a hand on his shoulder. "Let's hope nothing bad happened. If it's difficult to ask Sakura, you can ask Naruto-kun for the truth."
Kakashi let out a resigned sigh. "That would be the most appropriate thing to do. I don't want to remind Sakura of that ordeal. Plus, Naruto would give me an honest answer." Just then, the door abruptly swung open, and Asuma entered the room, breathing heavily and sweating profusely with a desperate expression on his face.
Asuma's sudden outburst left the three individuals in the room perplexed. "Have you seen Kurenai?" he asked with despair.
Kakashi, sensing the gravity of the situation, rose from his seat and inquired if she had passed away.
But Asuma shook his head in response, "So you haven't seen her. Excuse me, but I have to keep looking for her."
Kakashi attempted to stop him, "Asuma, wait!" but Asuma was determined to find Kurenai and left the room.
Gai spoke seriously, "Kakashi, go after him. Asuma is probably feeling guilty for losing sight of her after Itachi knocked him unconscious at the stadium. If I could, I would join you, but I can't. So, I implore you: do not let the flames of Asuma's youth extinguish. And the same goes for yours."
Kakashi nodded in agreement, "I'll try," and quickly left the room to chase after Asuma. Meanwhile, Gai and Lee contemplated the reason behind Kurenai's disappearance, fearing the worst. Lee asked, "Gai-sensei, do you think Kurenai-san has...?" before he was interrupted by his teacher. "Let's hope not, Lee, let's hope not." The two engaged in idle chatter until exhaustion overtook them, and they drifted off to sleep.
As Kakashi followed Asuma's trail, he hoped to bring him back before his guilt consumed him entirely. Gai's words echoed in his mind, urging him to keep the flame of youth burning and not let Asuma's desperation resign.
In a cave in the Land of Fire
In a dimly lit cave near the outskirts of Konoha, the Akatsuki group had assumed a meditative posture, focusing their chakra for an emergency meeting with their leader.
Time ticked by until they felt their minds transported to a new, larger cave, where their silhouettes were projected onto the fingers of a grotesque, blindfolded statue with an open mouth. On one of its thumbs perched a man with orange hair and lilac eyes, his features a mix of annoyance, doubt, and even fear – an unprecedented display of weakness for a supposed "god."
His six cohorts felt a growing sense of unease, amplified by the blue-haired woman beside him who struggled to hide her own discomfort.
"Perhaps they sensed what we felt on our way to Konoha," they thought in unison, but dared not voice their fears. Instead, they stood in silence, awaiting their leader's judgment.
"Mission status?" spoke the individual in question with icy calmness.
"Failed," Hiruko replied with brutal honesty.
The leader remained unfazed, showing no hint of distress at the news.
"What happened?" the leader asked calmly, his face betraying no emotion.
"We encountered an obstacle and were forced to return without completing the mission," Hiruko explained.
The leader's gaze remained fixed on the puppet, silently urging Hiruko to continue his explanation. "We were near Konoha when we were intercepted by the Yondaime Hokage and a man called Kyofu," Hiruko recounted, describing the encounter in detail.
As Hiruko spoke, the blue-haired woman's expression shifted from stoicism to disbelief. She couldn't help but think, "Another person with the Rinnegan? That's impossible, it must be a joke."
The leader's expression remained unchanged as he uttered two names: "Sasori and Hidan."
"Hai!" the two men responded in unison, ready to carry out their next orders.
"Head to the Land of Rain immediately to corroborate Sasori's report. You..." Nagato began to instruct the others about their missions before Naruto's recruitment, but the projection of a masked person on one of the statue's free fingers interrupted him.
"That won't be necessary," said the figure, bowing slightly to the group's leader.
Before anyone could react to the unexpected arrival, Hidan had already seized his scythe with determination and lunged at the man, intending to split him in two. "Jashin-sama will feast on your blood, you bastard!" shouted Hidan, pointing the tip of his weapon at the newcomer's head.
"Idiot! Watch out!" Deidara shouted as he saw Kyofu raise his hand in the immortal ninja's direction, fearing that he would use his pulling technique again.
Kyofu had other plans. With a force impossible to ignore, he pronounced with clarity: "Shinra Tensei".
Hidan was thrown backward like a cannonball and crashed into a wall with a thud.
Sasori's words had been confirmed. The leader watched impassively as the woman at his side looked at her companion with concern. Despite her role in the organization, she struggled to remain stoic, but sweat was running down her brow. The existence of another person with the Rinnegan was something she could not believe.
The other members of Akatsuki prepared to attack the intruder, but were stopped by the leader's single sentence, "It's strange that you appear in person and not through one of your proxies. Do you have any business with us?"
Everyone in the cave felt confused by these words, even the masked man. From the way the leader had said it, it seemed like they had worked together before.
Kyofu was in a difficult position as he knew nothing about it. After all, he had not been in charge of his organization for four years. He would have to do what he did best: improvise.
And thus, he humbly bowed and uttered, "It is indeed a great honor to finally encounter the esteemed leader of thy noble organization. Pray forgive my lack of introduction ere this moment, for thou canst apprehend the arduousness of managing everything single-handedly within an organization akin to mine. However, thou art right in thy assumption that I require thy services."
The way he expressed himself was strange and old-fashioned, but no one said anything about it, even though those who had seen him a few hours ago had already heard his peculiar way of speaking.
"I knew it..." thought Kakuzu to himself, relieved that he had maintained a neutral position when he first saw him near Konoha. He knew that this man was someone remarkable in economic terms.
"What is this about? Do you want us to attack another merchant caravan?" asked the self-titled god.
"So, he was the one who sent us to do those jobs," several Akatsuki members thought.
Everyone had left their defensive positions and simply watched. Even Hidan had not attempted to attack him, as he was not foolish enough to enrage his leader.
Kyofu, for his part, had no knowledge of such tasks, but he persisted in improvising. At this present time, such measures shall not be deemed necessary. Forsooth, we currently doth maintain a formidable presence upon all Elemental Nations' trade routes. This job, in truth, shall be deemed special."
Thou art humbly beseeched to provide one of thy esteemed subordinates to undertake a task of the utmost importance. The task at hand is to test the Jinchūriki of the soul of the Kyūbi, known as Uzumaki Naruto.
The comment about the "soul of the Kyūbi" raised a few eyebrows, as it was information known only to the higher circles of Akatsuki.
Pain narrowed his eyes and replied with a tone of annoyance in his voice, "If you had not interfered when my subordinates were on their way to Konoha, then they would have already carried out that assignment. At no cost."
Upon hearing this, Kyofu bowed slightly in apology. "I humbly offer my sincerest apologies for my ignorance of the identities of those whose presence I sensed approaching Konoha," Kyofu said, bowing deeply. "At that juncture, I was contemplating the safeguarding of my vested interests." Resuming his upright position, the masked man resumed, "Nevertheless, even if I had possessed knowledge of their identities, I would not have condoned their approach towards Konoha."
This resonated with the Akatsuki members present inside the cave. Their hands instinctively went to their kunai holders.
The leader, however, remained composed and asked, "Why?"
Observing the presence of others in the cave, the masked man turned his gaze toward them with a serene demeanor. "Verily, I have borne witness to the lethal prowess of the Yondaime Hokage when he doth engage in earnest combat," he stated frankly. It is with deep regret that I must inform thee that none among us would be capable of matching him in combat."
"You... You dare!" Hidan exclaimed in fury, but his companions quickly restrained him before he could take any action.
"It appears that you underestimate the power of a god," the projection of the Akatsuki leader replied with disdain. After all, he too considered himself present in this situation.
The masked man wondered if this man truly believed himself to be a god simply because of his possession of the Rinnegan. While the Doujutsu boasted unique and formidable abilities, after witnessing the likes of Nikushimi and the Yondaime in action, Naruto knew that the Rinnegan paled in comparison to both of them—at least, at its current level.
Kyofu didn't believe that the leader of Akatsuki was anywhere near the power of those two monsters that had clashed in Konoha, though he couldn't be certain. Perhaps the leader possessed knowledge and abilities that Kyōfu's own Rinnegan lacked. After all, there was much that he didn't know about his own Doujutsu yet.
Meanwhile, Pain looked at him with an undaunted expression, while Kyofu bowed slightly before saying, " I humbly beseech thee to pardon my temerity. Alas, I must confess that I am not qualified to comment on thy Rinnegan, but I can affirm that mine is insufficient to contend with the Yondaime at its present level."
Sweat ran down the woman's forehead as she heard the revelation. "I didn't want to believe it," she thought. "But how can someone else possess the Rinnegan? Who is he really? Even if he's not present, I can sense the aura of someone who has callously murdered thousands of people. It would be most prudent to discontinue our dealings with this man." She was not the only one who sensed it, but the others seemed to overlook or ignore it to avoid becoming just another number on his list.
Her monologue was interrupted by Pain's words. "All right," he said. "But first, I'll need some information for this assignment."
The masked man nodded and informed him of Naruto's location: a city not far from Konoha where he would be accompanied by others. He also mentioned that they would remain there until dawn tomorrow and then depart for Tanzaku.
One of Kyofu's requirements was that the envoy should not harm any of Naruto's companions. When the leader asked why, the masked man replied, "It would but complicate the mission of thine envoy."
After obtaining all the necessary information, Pain stated the price. "The usual fee: two hundred and fifty million Ryō."
Kakuzu was taken aback by the amount and couldn't help but wonder where all the money from their previous missions had gone. As members, they had not even received a fraction of what should be a significant amount of money, and this made him feel angry.
The others were also surprised by the amount, but they were not as critical as Kakuzu, as they had other things on their minds besides money.
"Hmm," Kyofu said, bringing his fingers to the chin of his mask, "This time I shall require only the services of one of thy men. Therefore, I deem that 150 million would suffice."
"The risks will be significant," Pain responded firmly. "Therefore, the price will remain the same."
The masked man bowed his head respectfully before speaking: "Indeed, thy observation is correct. Nevertheless, if the person in question doth diligently followeth mine directions, I can assure thee that no harm shall befall him. Furthermore, I trust that the young Naruto shall not alloweth his companions to attempt to harm him if he intends only a fair duel. Hence, what thinkest thou if we set the price at 180 million?"
Pain pondered for a few moments before responding, "Two hundred million."
"It is settled then, with both parties in concordance," Kyofu finally agreed, bowing slightly as he brought a hand to his chest.
After raising his face, the masked one continued: "I will leave in your wise hands the choice of whom to send. I place complete trust in your judgment. That concludes our discussion for the present time. If thou wilt permit me, I shall retire."
With that said, Kyofu began to turn to leave, but the voice of the Akatsuki leader halted his movement. "Wait," said Pain.
The masked man turned his figure and asked, Is there anything else thou requirest?"
"What exactly are you looking for? What's your interest in Naruto Uzumaki?" Pain asked.
"It is my earnest desire to ensure that the events of today do not come to pass once more," the masked man replied in a serious tone, and seconds later he disappeared in a blink of speed, executing a Shunshin technique.
"Kisame," the leader said, drawing the attention of his subordinates.
The shark man didn't wait for any further instructions before turning around and heading towards the city the masked man had mentioned. "Samehada is starving. I hope that Jinchūriki can satisfy her. Though I heard he only has the Kyūbi's soul. But who cares? I just hope to have some fun."
The leader then turned to the others and said, "You're all dismissed. You can proceed with your other missions now."
"Hai," they all replied in firm voices before departing with their respective companions.
Meanwhile, in the tallest building in the Land of Rain, Pain had ended the Jutsu that enabled him to project himself and his organization members. The air was heavy with tension as the leader stood in silence.
"Nagato..." a soft voice was heard beside the Rinnegan user.
"Not now, Konan," Pain replied coldly, cutting off his companion before she could finish her sentence.
At that moment, a swirling distortion appeared in front of them. "I beg to differ. This is the opportune time to discuss what we have witnessed. Another individual with the Rinnegan presents a significant threat to our plans."
As they turned around, their gaze fell upon a figure dressed in a robe adorned with red clouds and an orange mask featuring a single hole for the eyes. The person's aura demanded both respect and fear.
Konan couldn't help but squint at the sight of the newly appeared man, while the leader simply said, "We can still use him."
"The danger posed by his eyes outweighs his economic usefulness. We must deal with him as soon as possible," the masked man replied with determination.
The self-titled god was silent for several seconds until he suddenly turned around to say, "I deal with him when I see it fit... Madara." Without waiting for an answer, Nagato retreated into the darkness of the room and his companion promptly followed behind him.
The masked man remained in place to ponder briefly. "Another Rinnegan user, how can that be possible?"
The masked man's recollection took him back to the events that had unfolded only a month prior in the Forest of Death. It was there that he had witnessed a battle between Naruto and Orochimaru, during which he had seen Naruto demonstrate one of the Rinnegan's unique abilities: the Gakidō.
He found it remarkable, but he had already considered various ways to capitalize on this revelation. He realized that Naruto was still a novice when it came to using the Rinnegan.
Now, however, a completely unknown individual had appeared, someone of advanced age with a clear mastery of the legendary Doujutsu.
That was a new variable, one that could ruin all his plans. The masked man knew he would have to deal with the new Rinnegan user before he could get in the way of his plans. But Tobi no longer knew where the newcomer was; it was as if he had disappeared from the face of the earth after finishing his conversation with Pain.
That meant only one thing: he had used some kind of clone. Furthermore, Tobi realized he was unable to detect the man's chakra signature because his suit interfered with his Sharingan's ability to do so.
The masked man resolved to take action the next time he crossed paths with Kyofu, hoping it wouldn't be too late. He worried that Kyofu might summon the Gedō Mazō and gain complete control over it. Pushing those concerns aside for the moment, Tobi vanished from the scene.
Meanwhile, Pain made his way to where his other bodies were located and entered a capsule. In a separate room, a thin, red-haired man stood on a machine with six legs that resembled a chair. He opened his eyes and saw his loyal companion enter the room and stand before him.
"Nagato..." she spoke with a tone of concern.
"I already told you, Konan. This is not the time," the Rinnegan user interrupted coldly.
"I'm sorry, but I have to say it. Don't ever do business with that man again. You felt it too, didn't you? That nasty killing intent," she insisted.
"Hmm," the Akatsuki leader merely said. He acknowledged that the killing intent he had sensed from the man was unlike any other he had encountered before. While Orochimaru might have come close to that level of malice, the Sannin's motives were grounded in 'scientific curiosity', whereas this person seemed to kill purely for enjoyment.
He understood why Konan felt that way, but at the moment they needed the capital. Besides, and although he didn't want to admit it, he didn't want to face another Rinnegan user if it wasn't completely necessary and at the moment it wasn't.
Anyway, Nagato was feeling uneasy about something else - the feeling that compelled him to unconditionally follow an unknown person. When Kyofu appeared before him, that feeling intensified, and Nagato found it hard to hide. Fortunately, he realized that he was not obliged to do anything, but it still influenced him, which annoyed him. He would have to investigate it secretly since he couldn't even tell Konan, knowing how she would react.
Meanwhile, his companion gazed at him with concern for a few seconds before departing the room to fetch some food for her friend, despite knowing that he was not a big eater.
Meanwhile - at Tanzaku
The Yakuza convoy made its way through the shadows of the ramparts, guarded by haughty gatekeepers watching over the gates. The walls loomed high above the visitors, appearing both majestic and fearsome. Each brick had been meticulously carved with surgical precision, forming an impenetrable fortress
Upon entering the city, the travelers were hit with the overwhelming force of the chaos of urban life. Tanzaku was a bustling hive of activity, a city that never seemed to stand still. People milled about the streets, while stores and food stalls offered a wide variety of goods. The sights and smells intertwined to form a sensory symphony that intoxicated the visitors.
The streets were paved with carefully laid cobblestones, and the vibrations from passing vehicles could be felt through the ground underfoot. Pedestrian traffic was heavy, forcing the visitors to dodge the passersby who hurriedly made their way through the bustling streets.
The buildings were tall and majestic, with wrought-iron balconies, terraces that opened to the sun, and neon lights that illuminated even at dusk
As people walked through the streets, they couldn't help but admire the beautiful buildings that surrounded them. But one, in particular, stood out above the rest: the Paradise. From its stone walls to the gold trim that shimmered in the sunlight, everything about the Paradise was designed to inspire awe and wonder. The architectural details were intricate and exquisite, with each column and arch carefully crafted using the finest techniques. The towers were crowned with glittering domes that seemed to rival the brilliance of the sun. It was a true marvel of architecture, a creation that appeared to have been plucked straight out of the most dazzling and fantastical dreams.
The convoy came to an abrupt halt in front of the imposing Paradise building. The columns soared skyward, defying even the sun with their grandeur. The walls of the building were adorned with beautiful stained-glass windows that seemed to change color in the sunlight, and the surrounding gardens were filled with flowers that gave off an intoxicating scent.
As the Yakuza stepped out of their vehicles, they could feel the scrutiny of the people who formed a long line to enter the Paradise. Passersby stopped in their tracks to admire the spectacle before them, some whispering to avoid drawing attention and to be cautious around the Yakuza.
The guards at the entrance greeted the Yakuza with a bow and asked them to wait briefly for the manager's arrival. Suddenly, a white-haired and brown-skinned figure emerged from the corridor leading to the entrance of the building, with arms outstretched in a welcoming gesture. "Welcome to Paradise, Kurenai-san!" exclaimed Frank Tergre, the Yakuza manager in Tanzaku City, with a grin but he received no response.
When Frank and Kurenai entered Paradise, the guards swung open the doors, revealing the lobby's interior. Loud music filled the space with a melody Kurenai had never heard before, but one that seemed to electrify her entire being.
The lobby was stunning, with high ceilings and decor that perfectly blended modern and antique styles. Large crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm and welcoming glow. The walls were adorned with intricately carved wood designs, depicting mythological creatures and epic landscapes.
In the center of the lobby, a large water fountain bubbled loudly, surrounded by leather benches and glass tables. The sound of the water and music combined to create an intoxicating, almost magical atmosphere.
Frank led Kurenai through the lobby, past a group of elegant people chatting and sipping cocktails at the nearby bar. Kurenai couldn't help but notice how all eyes were on her and Frank as they passed as if they were the most important couple in the room.
Finally, they reached a pure gold elevator, which Frank opened with a touch of his hand. The ports slid silently, revealing a luxurious interior with leather seats and a glass ceiling. Frank gestured for Kurenai to enter first, then joined her in the elevator.
The music and magic of Paradise enveloped them as the elevator slowly began to rise.
Music: Vector Seven - Combat Zone
When the imposing doors opened, Kurenai was met with an unexpected scene: two women dressed in bunny outfits approached Frank, who unhesitatingly wrapped his arms around their hips, while one of them offered Kurenai a glass of wine with a smile. Kurenai was puzzled but followed Frank when he invited her forward with a wave of his hand.
As they walked, Frank showed her the various facilities of Paradise. In one of the clubs, Kurenai observed with surprise dozens of people dancing to the rhythm of the music and lights, enveloped in a cloud of white smoke. Some of them seemed to be under the influence of some substance, but Kurenai ignored it.
Afterward, Frank took her to an elegant restaurant and informed her that she was welcome to come anytime and that the meal was free for all Paradise employees. Kurenai was taken aback by Frank's tone, which seemed to suggest that she was already considered a Paradise employee. At that moment, Kurenai wondered why she was there and felt even more perplexed by the strange situation she found herself in. However, she didn't question anything because Naruto had asked her to come.
After a long walk, they arrived at a gym where men and women were striving to keep their bodies in shape. Kurenai observed that most of them were ordinary people, unable to use their Chakra. Even so, there was not a hint of discouragement or despondency in them, although the Leaf Kunoichi overlooked this detail, considering it none of her business.
Then they took another elevator, and when it stopped, they found themselves in a grocery store where some workers and people were carrying baskets of supplies. Frank indicated that she could find anything she needed there. The tour continued for several minutes as the gray-haired man showed the various recreational venues offered by the huge building. Kurenai remained indifferent throughout, as her only wish was to know when she would see Naruto again.
Just as she was about to ask about it, Frank stopped in front of a wooden door and sent the two women who were accompanying him back down the hall.
"We have arrived at the most important place: the dating area," Frank announced as he opened the door and led the Kunoichi inside.
"What is this place?" Kurenai asked as the room looked plain and ordinary.
"This is where you'll have to work for us, Kurenai-san," Frank informed with a gentle smile.
"Work on what?" the Kunoichi asked, puzzled.
"What? Kyofu-sama didn't explain it to you?" asked Frank, looking puzzled. He picked up a remote control from the small table and pointed it at the wall, pressing a button. Suddenly, the wall split in two and began to slowly separate, revealing a 40-inch tube television. Frank pressed the remote power button, and an image of a man in his 40s appeared.
Frank pressed another button to change the channels, and the images of the people on the screen changed. Men and women ages eighteen and up were displayed.
"Paradise is a brothel, but it's not like any other brothel. In this brothel, our workers choose who they wish to provide their services to," explained Frank.
Kurenai was musing to herself, on the verge of losing what little sanity she had left. A brothel? She didn't understand why Naruto sent her to such a place. Would she have to work in a place like this? Would she have to let herself be touched by men other than Naruto?
Frank continued speaking, still unaware of the impact of his words on the red-eyed woman. "Our employees meet our most exclusive clients in rooms like this one to chat. If there is a connection, they move on to the next point, where the interested party must pay one million Ryō for every hour spent in the company of our employees. Seventy percent goes to the employee, and the other thirty percent goes to the employer, i.e., us."
From an economic standpoint, it was a tempting job opportunity. Not even a Jounin earned that much in a whole month of work, and they were offering that much every hour. However, Kurenai cared little about how much money they offered. Her mind was consumed with the thought of being touched by different men, and the idea repulsed her.
"But since you're new, you can read the files and watch the people you're interested in on the TV," Frank continued.
Kurenai didn't want to hear anything else and turned around to leave the room. Frank raised an eyebrow and asked, "Where are you going, Kurenai-san? I'm not finished yet."
She ignored him and decided to walk towards the exit, intending to return to Konoha. The gray-haired man thought she wanted to go to the bathroom or somewhere else in the building (which he wouldn't mind), but Kyofu had asked him to give her a full tour and do his best to integrate her into this new world. So, he still wanted to show her the rest of the building.
Frank did not know who this woman was, nor did he know what her relationship with her boss was. It was not a romantic relationship, otherwise, he would not have sent her to a place where other men could touch her. Nor was it a hostile relationship, otherwise, he would have sent her to a less reputable brothel. The Paradise was a dream destination for many people, and Frank was very proud of the place because he came up with the idea, and Kyofu provided him with the capital and authority to make his dream a reality.
To run a base within the Yakuza organization, Frank had to put in a lot of effort and gain the recognition that many craved. Paradise was exactly that, a brothel that functioned as a base of operations within Tanzaku.
Therefore, Frank couldn't help but frown as he started to understand Kurenai's intentions. Gradually, his expression changed to one of anger as he watched her head towards the exit.
Kurenai, on her part, was ignoring everything around her and was only focused on reaching the door to leave this place and return to Konoha to meet Naruto. Her mind was unable to comprehend what Naruto truly thought of her by sending her to such a place. Finally, she saw the tempered glass doors to the exit, and, just as she was about to open them, she suddenly lost mobility and collapsed to the ground.
"Look at what you've done, something as stupid as this," Frank sighed.
Kurenai couldn't turn around to see the expression of anger and disgust on his face. Meanwhile, Frank motioned to two men who quickly approached him. "Pick her up and follow me," Frank ordered.
"Hai, Frank-sama," the men replied, carrying Kurenai who was grimacing with effort on her face. However, that was all she could do, as she had completely lost control of her body.
Moments later, they arrived at the last room that the attendant had shown the Kunoichi. There, Frank instructed the men to place her on the bed before retiring.
When they were alone, Frank walked over to the bed and looked down at the Leaf Kunoichi. She was glaring at him just as intensely. Since Frank was a busy person with other matters to attend to, he decided to resolve this situation quickly.
"I don't know what you're thinking, Kurenai-san," Frank began. "You are Yakuza property for the next five years, or until Kyofu-sama authorizes your release. You cannot leave this place until one of those conditions is met. However, rest assured that you will have all the amenities you need here. Whether you like it or not, this will be your new home."
The gray-haired man decided to return control of Kurenai's body to her. However, Kurenai did not waste any time and attempted to attack the man in front of her. He easily overpowered her and pinned her to the ground by grabbing the hand she had tried to attack him with.
"Don't even try, Kurenai-san," he warned. "This building has devices that prevent shinobi like you from causing any incidents inside our facility." He applied pressure to her shoulder, causing her to grunt in pain and frustration.
"Let go of me! I want to go back to Naruto-kun! When he finds out what you've done to me..." Kurenai threatened, but Frank simply laughed in amusement.
"This woman... Tch," Frank muttered, his annoyance evident as he watched Kurenai in front of him. He wondered what could have driven her to behave in such a manner, but he couldn't allow her situation to affect the operation of Paradise. They made sure that all the workers were there voluntarily, without any external pressure. Kurenai's situation had been an exception, as she had joined Paradise on the recommendation of his boss. Frank would have preferred if he had informed him beforehand so that he could have taken the necessary precautions.
"I'm sorry, but it's not possible," Frank said firmly. "As I explained earlier, you are our property, and your body belongs to us. We never force anyone to do anything they don't want to do, so you are free to choose with whom to conduct your business. However, if you try to escape again, I will have to use my authority as Yakuza Brigadier General."
Frank had the power to paralyze any lower-ranking member within a forty-meter radius. As expected, Kurenai had a Yakuza seal of the lowest rank, which enabled him to restrain her.
After releasing Kurenai from his hold, Frank quickly paralyzed her again to ensure she wouldn't attempt to escape. He stood up, straightened his tie, and adjusted his suit before making his way toward the door.
"If you still have any sense left in you, I suggest you heed my words soon. You don't want to disappoint Kyofu-sama and make him angry," Frank warned before leaving the room and locking the door behind him.
Once Frank had distanced himself by more than twenty meters, Kurenai regained the mobility of her body. She quickly rushed to the door and tried to open it, but it wouldn't budge. In a fit of desperation, she pounded on the door with all her might until she grew tired and stopped.
Since the door was the only exit from the room and there were no windows, Kurenai returned to the bed with a sense of resignation. She sat down, hugged her legs, and tears streamed down her cheeks. "Where are you, Naruto-kun? I need you," she thought, consumed by the despair of her situation.
Meanwhile, Frank headed towards the control center, where he could monitor every corner of Paradise through security cameras connected to televisions. The screens displayed not only the interior of the block but also certain areas in Tanzaku, including other Yakuza businesses and their rivals.
Dozens of people could be seen in the room performing various tasks. Some were monitoring the cameras and reporting any issues, while others were contacting the security team or attending to customer requests. Despite the chaos, the personnel in charge were accustomed to the hustle and bustle, and they carried out their tasks without any major issues.
Frank ascended a flight of metal stairs and entered a room with concrete walls at the back and glass walls at the front, providing a panoramic view of the level below.
The manager then took a seat behind his desk and began to drink a cup of coffee prepared by his secretary while grabbing one of the sheets of paper from the stack of papers on his desk.
"Report," Frank commanded, his voice firm and authoritative.
His secretary stepped forward, a clipboard in hand. "Everything is running smoothly, sir. The girls are all on schedule, and the clients are satisfied with the services. We've also had a few new exclusive clients sign up for memberships."
Frank nodded, satisfied. "What about security?"
"We've beefed up security in light of recent events," the secretary replied. "We've hired extra guards and installed new surveillance equipment. We've also increased patrols around the premises."
"Good," Frank said. "Let's keep it up." But then he couldn't help but wonder about her previous statement, so he asked for clarification.
His secretary responded with honesty, "Frank-sama, in your absence, we've had some issues with one of the cartels."
At this, Frank sighed in annoyance and asked, "What happened now?" The woman replied that one of their operatives had been kidnapped.
Frank rubbed his head for a moment before asking if they had found him yet, but the answer was disheartening: only parts of him had been found.
In Tanzaku, three major cartels held a significant amount of power and resources in the region, with a presence that extended across the continent. However, they were not powerful enough to openly challenge the Yakuza. Although there were smaller cartels, the Yakuza had already brought them under their control.
The real problem was the three major cartels, who were strong enough to cause significant trouble for the Yakuza. However, since any conflict would result in losses worth millions, they had decided to avoid any direct confrontations until Kyofu returned and could handle the situation himself.
At first, the cartels and Frank had been able to cooperate peacefully, but everything changed when Kyofu decided to get involved in the drug business. Since then, the situation had become increasingly tense, until the cartels had shown their displeasure. It was then that Frank recalled what had happened.
It was a little over four years ago, and back then, eight great cartels existed.
Despite the tensions that existed between the leaders of the six cartels, Kyofu-sama managed to summon six of the most problematic to a meeting in an attempt to resolve the conflicts that had been plaguing the region for so long. The meeting was held in a large boardroom adorned with luxurious tapestries and dark wooden furniture.
For hours, the leaders of the cartels argued and debated heatedly, searching for a solution that would satisfy everyone. Kyofu-sama proved to be the perfect mediator, skillfully managing the discussions and suggesting practical solutions.
However, just as it seemed an agreement had been reached, Kyofu-sama ordered dinner to be served. The cartel leaders sat at the table expectantly but soon discovered that something was amiss. The plates were filled with something repulsive and nauseating: their families' remains.
Kyofu-sama remained impassive throughout the episode, watching silently as the cartel leaders struggled to recover. However, Kyofu-sama's patience began to waver as one of the leaders rose from his seat and, with a sharp gesture, ordered his guards to attack Kyofu. Immediately, the other leaders followed suit, their guards drawing their weapons and advancing toward Kyofu.
Kyofu-sama did not move, but his eyes glowed with a cold and dangerous intensity. With surprising skill, he dodged the guards' attacks and launched a swift and precise counterattack, defeating the assailants effortlessly.
The cartel leaders recoiled in fear and bewilderment at Kyofu-sama's display of power. And though they continued to hurl accusations and threats, they knew they could never match his skill and determination.
At that moment, the cartel leaders realized that confronting the man had been a grave mistake. But it was too late, for the powerful Kyofu-sama had created clones of himself and placed them next to the leaders. At the touch of their heads, the leaders fell dead, as if their souls had been ripped from their bodies.
Kyofu-sama disappeared from the scene, leaving behind a stony silence. Shortly thereafter, Kyōfu's organization received news that the six cartels had disappeared without a trace. With this act, Kyofu-sama managed to put an end to the conflicts in the region and consolidate his power, sowing fear and uncertainty in the hearts of all those who dared to challenge him.
What was the reason behind such carnage? The cartel leaders had agreed that Kyofu-sama would have to leave the narcotics business, but he had no intention of following anyone's orders.
Over the years, the other two cartels grew bigger. However, in Kyōfu's absence, arrogance and vanity began to take over, as they spread the idea that the Yakuza didn't destroy those cartels and that it was actually the Fire Nation that was behind their downfall.
While Yakuza members knew this was not true, the cartel leaders were not convinced that a single person could gather so much information in a single night and then take down organizations that had been operating for decades. Nevertheless, Kyofu-sama was considered a god among the Yakuza, capable of accomplishing the impossible. Frank was also a devout believer, although not as much as some others.
As Frank's secretary waited for instructions on how to proceed, they heard the phone ringing on the desk and Frank picked it up. The voice on the other end made him turn pale immediately, and sweat began to break out on his forehead.
When he hung up, his secretary noticed his change in complexion and trembling and asked him if something was wrong. With visible nervousness, Frank nodded and said, "That's the end of me... Kyofu-sama will arrive in Tanzaku tomorrow."
The secretary turned pale and began to tremble as she imagined what Kyofu would say and do when he learned that they had failed to keep Tanzaku under control.
Trying to remain calm, the secretary proposed to Frank that they prepare a proper welcome for Kyōfu's visit. However, Frank's expression turned serious as he interrupted her, insisting that Kyofu-sama would arrive in Tanzaku under his true identity and that no one else should know of his visit.
The secretary couldn't help but gasp in shock upon hearing this, causing Frank to become angry and shout at her.
He quickly regained his composure and said that he needed to go out for some fresh air to think about the best way to proceed, reminding the secretary again to keep Kyofu-sama's visit a secret.
Fire Country - Tourist City closest to Konoha
The team responsible for finding Tsunade materialized in front of Jiraiya in a bright yellow flash, as he waited in an alley of the city with a group of individuals.
Among him were: a woman with a short blonde bob named Bonnie, another woman with long brown hair named Sophie, and two men: Genji, a muscular and intimidating-looking man with black hair and tanned skin, and Alfred, an older and refined man.
Jiraiya approached Minato to discuss matters, but Minato simply notified him that Sasuke and Sakura would be joining the mission and cautioned him to stay vigilant before vanishing in another yellow flash. Initially, neither Jiraiya nor the Yakuza recognized Naruto, but when he removed his bandages, they quickly realized his identity.
Tenzō attempted to protest, but Jiraiya quickly halted him, assuring him there would be no trouble as they were no longer within the village. The Yakuza were surprised to see their boss's true identity, but none of them raised any suspicion. The only one unaware of his identity was Sophie.
The Sannin then introduced the Yakuza to the Konoha group. "They are Kyofu-dono's men and will lead us to Tanzaku," he said, referring to the members of the criminal organization accompanying them.
Yugao and Tenzō remained silent, Sasuke expressed interest in the person he wished to thank, while Sakura attempted to greet them.
However, the blonde-haired woman, Bonnie, interrupted in an annoyed tone. "What's the meaning of this? We were informed that only you and three others were coming," she said, glaring at Sakura and Sasuke with contempt. Both of them were surprised by her hostility as they were unaware of the reason for her behavior.
Jiraiya turned to speak. "Sorry, I didn't know more people were coming either. Could we make an exception? If women come up on our laps, then maybe..." he said with a smile that revealed his perverted nature.
Bonnie didn't see the humor in it and responded dismissively. "This vehicle is the ultimate in technology, comfort, and appearance. Shinobi like you, with paltry salaries, couldn't possibly understand what it means to own one. So no, Mr. Jiraiya, your idea is nonsense."
The Leaf shinobi were offended by her words, but Bonnie didn't care and continued. "One of you will have to stay."
The group looked at each other, but Naruto stepped forward and said, "What's your problem? Why don't you calm down? Besides, it's your useless boss's fault for sending only one vehicle."
This was something Naruto would undoubtedly say, but his companions did not expect him to do so in a situation where they were dependent on others to complete their mission.
The Yakuza envoys, except for Sophie, heard a voice in their minds saying, "Play along," which made them realize the reason behind his earlier words.
Everyone became alert and tried to predict what would happen next. Sophie, still unaware of the situation, pulled out her sharp metal claws and was about to attack Naruto, but Genji forcefully stopped her, preventing the situation from escalating.
The Yakuza members remained silent, their gazes fixed on Bonnie, who had drawn her gun and was pointing it directly at Naruto. The tension in the air was even more palpable as Bonnie spoke in a firm and threatening voice, referring to Kyofu-sama as if he were an inviolable deity.
Although the female Leaf shinobi had the urge to step in and defend Naruto, they knew he could handle the situation.
Jiraiya remained silent, assessing the situation, though he knew that such a weapon could not harm Naruto. Meanwhile, Tenzō showed no interest in the boy's well-being.
Naruto, on the other hand, decided to change his tone of voice to a friendlier one, trying to ease the tension in the room. With his hands up, he apologized and suggested that they all take a break and rest until the next day to continue the journey.
Jiraiya silently agreed, knowing they needed to recharge their energy after expending a lot of chakra in the last few hours.
The tension in the room gradually subsided, and the Yakuza members put away their weapons, realizing that there was no need for a confrontation. Everyone took a moment to relax and take a deep breath before proceeding with their plans.
"That's fine. But we'll have to leave first thing tomorrow morning; we have other things to do, too," Bonnie said as she turned towards her vehicle.
Naruto lowered his hands and thanked her. "Thank you for your understanding, miss."
"We will meet at this same location first thing tomorrow morning. Be ready. See you later." Bonnie would have preferred to spend more time with Naruto, but she understood that they had to leave. "I can't believe I spoke to him like that," she thought, feeling dirty and sinful for her behavior.
Kyōfu's envoys quickly entered their car, and Alfred started the engine and drove away at a slow pace. Once the Konoha group gave way, he accelerated and sped off to their nearest base of operations. Each Yakuza member remained silent, deep in their own thoughts. Alfred was relieved to see the "young master" in good health, Bonnie wished she could have spent more time with Naruto, Genji wanted to test his skills against his "little boss," and Sophie had dozed off in the car.
Once the Konoha shinobi were alone, Jiraiya spoke up. "Then, let's find a place to stay."
"I know a good place. Follow me," Naruto replied, walking away from the alley without waiting for the others to agree.
Jiraiya let out a disappointed sigh as he had a place in mind, but since the mission was up to Naruto, he had no choice but to accept. The others said nothing and followed the Uzumaki.
The city streets were eerily empty due to the threat of Nikushimi, and residents and visitors had sought refuge in their homes and lodging. Despite this, Naruto led the group in one direction, as if he knew the city well.
As they strolled through the nearly empty streets, the group couldn't help but admire the beauty and unique architecture of the city's old buildings. They noticed that the streets were paved with dark gray bricks, which appeared to have been laid recently, and the contrast with the age of the buildings added a peculiar touch to the tourist town they were visiting. The group pondered why new bricks had been added to a city with such old buildings, but they couldn't come up with an answer.
Despite the uncertain situation with the looming threat of Nikushimi, the group felt a sense of calm and relaxation, allowing them to appreciate the city's beauty without worry.
As they reached their destination, a small bar that Naruto frequented regularly, they were surprised to find it open despite the current circumstances. However, the bar offered services beyond just drinks, which elicited a lecherous smile from Jiraiya. Naruto quickly clarified that they were there for another reason.
Sasuke felt uneasy, aware of the illicit activities that took place in establishments like this, and it was something he didn't approve of. Sakura, on the other hand, was visibly displeased and sought refuge behind Naruto, shaking slightly as the place brought back painful memories
Noticing Sakura's discomfort, Naruto turned around and gently stroked her pink hair. "Relax. I'm here," he said in a soft and reassuring voice. Only Naruto knew why Sakura had reacted this way, so the rest of the group found the interaction between them strange. Nevertheless, Naruto was only trying to keep Sakura calm and prevent her from making a scene.
Sasuke decided to ask Sakura about it later, sensing that it might be a sensitive topic.
Naruto looked at the building, a place he had visited with Anko after finishing their missions. They used to come here to rest and engage in certain activities with each other before returning to the village. Since the people in charge of the place knew Naruto, he used a Henge to conceal his identity.
The group followed Naruto to the front desk, where he requested three rooms. The woman at the front desk politely took the necessary details to reserve them.
After the receptionist finished taking their information, Naruto informed the group about the distribution of the rooms. He, Tenzō, and Jiraiya would share one, while Sasuke would have his own room. Sakura and Usagi would share another room, although Usagi may not join her. Naruto chose to have Tenzō and Jiraiya share a room with him because he knew Tenzō would protest otherwise.
The Uzumaki offered to pay for the rooms, but Jiraiya insisted on paying half. After getting the keys and handing them out, Naruto let out a hungry sigh and turned to Sakura. "Let's go," he said.
She nodded excitedly, and they started to walk away, while Tenzō prepared to follow them. Jiraiya's hand on his shoulder stopped him. "Leave them," the Sannin said wisely. "Interrupting a date is impolite."
As they began to walk away, Tenzō prepared to follow them, but Jiraiya's hand on his shoulder stopped him. "Leave them," the Sannin advised. "Interrupting a date is impolite."
Despite Jiraiya's words, Tenzō was reluctant to let Naruto go. "Jiraiya-sama, I must remind you that this is someone who murdered hundreds of our citizens," he said disapprovingly. "Besides, keeping him under surveillance is my mission."
Jiraiya frowned at Tenzō's stubbornness and removed his hand from his shoulder. "I know," he replied earnestly. "That's why we must be careful not to provoke him. As you know, he can use the power of the Kyūbi at will, and even I would have difficulty dealing with that."
Sasuke had been listening to the conversation quietly, but he couldn't help feeling uneasy with Jiraiya's approach. However, remembering the way Naruto had used the Kyūbi sent chills down his spine. "Maybe you're right, Jiraiya-sama," Sasuke said cautiously, "but we can't let him do whatever he wants. Shouldn't we at least keep an eye on him?" He was also concerned about the mission, as Menma's life depended on it.
Jiraiya nodded, acknowledging Sasuke's concern. "Of course," he said. "But we don't need to follow him around constantly. If we give him his space, I'm sure he'll accomplish his mission without causing trouble."
Tenzō finally resigned himself, and Jiraiya smiled with his characteristic grin before patting him on the shoulders. "Why don't you take a break and relax?" he suggested. "After building all those buildings in Konoha, you must be pretty tired. If you want, you can come with me." He added with a playful smile.
Tenzō frowned at the offer and replied politely. "I appreciate the offer, Jiraiya-sama, but I'd rather go straight to my room. Nonetheless, I still think someone should keep an eye on Naruto."
Jiraiya nodded silently, turning to Yugao. "Could you take care of it? He's usually more tolerant of women, but remember to keep your distance."
Yugao nodded, instantly vanishing with a Shunshin to accomplish her task.
Tenzō reminded Jiraiya that they had to wake up early the next day, and the Sannin assured him that he would have self-control. After that, Jiraiya headed to an exclusive area of the bar, while Tenzō went to rest.
Sasuke remained silent, observing the scene, but in his mind, he was devising his own plan for the mission. He knew that he could not entirely trust Naruto and that they needed to keep him under surveillance to ensure the mission's success.
Upon entering the modest bar, Naruto and Sakura were met with a small and humble space with old-fashioned decor. The worn wood paneling and dim yellowish lighting created a sense of intimacy in the atmosphere. The wooden floor creaked under their feet as they made their way to the wooden countertop in the center of the place.
The stools in front of the bar were dark wood and had small marks and scratches as if they had seen many years of use. The bar top itself was long and smooth, with a small number of liquor bottles placed in a row behind the bartender. The bartender, a tall, stout man, was cleaning some glasses behind the bar when the two young ninjas sat down.
"What can I get you?" he asked, without looking up.
Naruto, disguised as someone else, answered with determination, "Your best Sake and something to eat. About forty pieces of Dango and twenty nikuman."
Sakura then ordered four pieces of Dango. The bartender raised an eyebrow, surprised at the amount of food, but said nothing about it. He took note of the order and called the other employees to take care of the food while he brought a bottle of special sake for Naruto, placing it on the counter in front of him.
"Enjoy it," said the bartender before continuing to clean the glasses.
Naruto poured the sake with dexterity, feeling its aroma of rice and soft flavor while he enjoyed the effect it produced in his throat. He looked up and noticed the loneliness that reigned in the bar, something he attributed to the recent events that had affected Konoha and the whole world.
Sakura watched him nervously, still remembering the damage he had caused in the village during his moment of madness. Although she felt a tightness in her chest at being near him, she didn't know how to engage him in conversation.
Suddenly, Naruto broke the silence. "How's your training with Anko-sensei going?" he asked curiously.
This caught Sakura off guard, as she didn't expect Naruto to initiate the conversation. "It's going very well. She's strict with me, but I'm not complaining because I know my shortcomings as a kunoichi."
Naruto raised an eyebrow as he took another sip of sake. "Hmm, most people don't admit their shortcomings so easily."
"Well, not all of us are as strong as you, Naruto-kun," Sakura replied.
The Uzumaki chuckled. "You think I'm strong?"
"Absolutely," Sakura said with determination. "You're the strongest Genin ever, and you're among the strongest in the village."
"Well, if you put it that way, it may be true, but the fact is I'm still very weak," the Jinchūriki admitted. He wasn't feeling any less capable, he was simply stating the truth.
Sakura shook her head. "If you consider yourself weak, then where does that leave me? I'm probably a cockroach compared to you," she joked.
Naruto smiled slightly before responding. "Everyone aspires to a certain level. Some settle for being a Genin, while others strive to become Jōnin or even Hokage. For me, I just want to be the strongest."
"Why?" Sakura asked, intrigued by the conversation.
"I suppose there's no specific reason. In my case, there is, but I prefer to keep it to myself," Naruto replied.
Not wanting to press the issue, Sakura simply nodded her head. "By the way, Naruto-kun, why are you using a Henge?" she inquired.
"It's just that I'm a well-known figure in this area, so I have to hide my identity," Naruto explained. "If rumors spread that I'm here, it could cause a big problem. When I return to the village, people will most likely want to cut off my head. That's why I need to remain incognito while I'm here."
This made Sakura uneasy, and just then, a waiter arrived to serve them their food. Naruto wasted no time and started eating voraciously, but Sakura didn't feel like eating anymore. After a prolonged silence, Sakura couldn't resist asking the question that had been nagging her, "Naruto-kun, what really happened to you? Why did you turn into that creature and destroy everything in your path? That wasn't the Kyūbi."
At this, Naruto put down his chopsticks on the table and remained silent for a long time. Sakura thought she had made a mistake by bringing up such a sensitive topic. But before she could apologize, Naruto spoke, "I can't tell you exactly what happened, but I can say that it wasn't me. Let's leave it at that. We'd get into very sensitive territory, and to be honest, I don't feel like talking about it either."
Naruto's mind was still in chaos. He couldn't shake off what he had done to Karin and what he had tried to do to Anko and Yugao. He wanted to avoid talking about those topics and only discuss them with the parties involved. He only felt remorse for his girls.
Yugao was present in the bar, skillfully blending in with her surroundings. She could hear their conversation and it made her feel bad for Naruto, understanding why he felt guilty. Despite her desire to comfort him, she knew she had to maintain her appearance until they had a chance to talk privately.
"We'll talk later, Yugao-chan, don't worry," Naruto's voice echoed in her mind, causing her to realize that he could sense her concern for him. While it didn't entirely calm the ANBU, she found comfort in the knowledge that Naruto also wanted to speak with her. She refrained from responding, not wanting to interrupt him.
"I understand, Naruto-kun," Sakura accepted his words and began to eat so as not to appear impolite, as Anko had taught her.
After a moment of silence, the redhead decided to take the initiative. "Would you like to go somewhere after this?" she asked coyly, trying to be casual.
Naruto took another cup of sake and swigged it before replying, "I really don't know, Sakura. I'm not sure what I want right now."
Sakura frowned at Naruto's ambiguous answer but decided to press on. "I understand. I just thought we could train a little," she said with a forced smile, thinking Naruto wasn't interested in her proposal.
"I'm sorry, Sakura. I think I'll take the rest of the day off. But I promise we'll train a little tomorrow," Naruto said, simply feeling tired.
Sakura's mood improved upon hearing that they would train together the next day, and she couldn't help but smile.
The conversation ended there, and they both finished their meal in silence. Naruto was lost in thought, planning his next move, while Sakura was trying to come up with ways to spend time with Naruto without interfering with their mission.
Meanwhile, Sasuke was watching them from a distance, eating some Dangos with a scowl on his face. In his mind, he could only think one thing: "Sakura, you're a fool."
Moments later, Sakura went to her room to rest after saying goodbye to Naruto, but she couldn't stop thinking about him. She had been in love with Sasuke, but over time, her feelings had shifted towards the Uzumaki. The prospect of training together excited her, but she worried she might be too obvious in her intentions.
Sasuke also left the bar, but he stopped by Sakura's room. She had changed into her nightclothes when he arrived. He asked her to join him for a moment, so she quickly changed back into her ninja clothes, and they went outside for a walk. After a while, Sakura asked Sasuke what he needed.
Sasuke turned to her and spoke with a serious expression. "Sakura, I don't know what's going on between you and Naruto, but I recommend that you don't get too close to him."
Sakura's demeanor changed instantly, and she frowned. "What do you mean? Were you spying on us?"
Sasuke sighed, sensing that the conversation would be difficult. "No, that's not what this is about, Sakura. But I can't ignore what's happening. I know you used to have feelings for me, but it seems like they're now directed toward Naruto."
Sakura felt uncomfortable with Sasuke's frankness, but she couldn't deny her feelings for Naruto. "Yes, it's true. I've realized that my feelings for Naruto-kun are deeper than I imagined."
Sasuke maintained a serious expression. "Naruto is not someone you can trust. He's done a lot of dangerous things in the past and he's not the kind of person you can have a serious relationship with. You should be careful because he might just be playing you."
Sakura felt frustrated. She didn't want Sasuke to meddle in her love life. "I don't need you telling me who I should love or not. Besides, Naruto and I aren't friends or anything. He's not trying anything."
Sasuke let out a sigh, realizing that Sakura was not receptive to his advice. "It's just an advice, Sakura. But if you don't want to listen, that's your choice. Just keep in mind that Naruto has a history of doing dangerous things and may not be the best person to get involved with. You could end up hurt."
With that, Sasuke turned and walked away, leaving Sakura deep in thought. She wasn't sure if Sasuke was right, but she knew that her feelings for Naruto were real, and she couldn't simply ignore them.
After her conversation with Sasuke, Sakura stood alone on the street, feeling irritated by his words. She couldn't comprehend why he was trying to dissuade her from being close to Naruto. "Who does Sasuke-kun think he is to dictate who I should be close to?" she mused to herself, crossing her arms and continuing on her way.
However, she couldn't help but think about Sasuke's words. Was she really getting too close to Naruto? Ever since he saved her, she couldn't get him out of her head. She remembered the way he cared for her and how he made her feel safe.
Sakura felt a little confused. She was sure of her feelings for Naruto, but she knew that he didn't see her in the same way. They didn't spend time together or share common interests, and she knew that loving him was also wrong because of the atrocities he had committed in the Chunin exams. Despite this, she still felt an attraction to him that she couldn't ignore.
She decided to stop thinking about it and lay down on her bed. She covered herself with the blankets and closed her eyes, trying to push all worries away from her mind. However, her thoughts kept drifting back to Naruto, and she couldn't help but imagine being by his side.
Meanwhile, Sakura fell asleep with a smile on her face, dreaming of the adventures she could share with Naruto. Despite her doubts and Sasuke's warnings, she couldn't ignore the attraction she felt for him.
As the others prepared to rest, Naruto sensed a familiar presence approaching the city, one that his wooden clone, Kyofu, had detected hours before. Using his sensory abilities, Naruto followed the presence's steps, but after an hour, the person stopped moving. It seemed like they were waiting until dawn to confront him.
Deciding to recover from his wounds and regain his energy, Naruto rested. He knew that a fight with this enemy would require all his strength and skill, and he could not afford to be at a disadvantage. Closing his eyes, Naruto drifted off to sleep, knowing he needed to be prepared for what was to come in the morning.
Meanwhile, in a realm that appeared to be beyond the boundaries of reality, a dense and luxuriant forest was visible. Sunlight struggled to filter through the dense canopy, casting an eerie and enigmatic aura over the surroundings. The cacophonous chorus of monkeys filled the air, their boisterous shouts, howls, and screeches intermingled in a wild symphony that reverberated throughout the forest. Yet, there was something mystical in that sound, something that spoke of the rhythm and life of the forest. It was the sound of monkeys leaping from branch to branch, the sound of leaves rustling in the wind as they danced under the weight of the creatures. It was the sound of nature at its purest and wildest, a reminder that, in this place, the monkeys were the indisputable rulers of all that lived there.
All of a sudden, an elderly man opened his wise and experienced eyes and surveyed his surroundings. Everywhere he looked, the trees towered above, their branches reaching into the infinite sky. The forest breeze blew gently, carrying with it the scent of nature and filling the man's lungs with a sense of vitality and freshness.
The old man took a moment to recollect how he had come to be in that place, and in doing so, he realized he needed to leave his worries behind and appreciate the tranquility of the moment. With nothing else occupying his thoughts, the venerable Sarutobi resolved to wander through the Forest of the Land of Monkeys.
Notes :
Another chapter has been concluded. Apologies for the delay, as I have been very busy lately with work, studies, and married life, though still without children. As I write this, I realize how long it has been since I started this fanfic. I am sorry that I cannot write as much as I used to, but adult life brings with it many responsibilities. Nevertheless, I hope to finish this story someday.
To clarify a few things, I have no plans for Sakura to join the harem. We got a glimpse of Kurenai's fate, and as you could read, it's not too bad either. The Cartel thing is something I thought of a long time ago, and I was finally able to implement it. Although they won't have a big impact on the story, I added them because I liked the idea.
I don't have much more to say, except to wait for more chapters and leave your comments. I
Without further ado, until next time.