On his way past Ino's home, Anya passed by a flower shop. After a moment of thought, he stepped inside and casually picked out a pot of cosmos.
Arriving at Ino's doorstep, Anya knocked on the door.
"Please come in," a young female voice called from inside.
Anya pushed the door open and was immediately greeted by a fragrant floral aroma. He saw Ino wearing an apron, her short blond pigtails bouncing as she carefully tended to the many plants in the room. Surrounded by the floral scent, she looked like a delicate fairy among flowers.
Anya couldn't help but say, "Smells wonderful!"
"Haha, you've got great taste," Ino laughed loudly. When she turned around, her smile froze mid-motion as she laid eyes on Anya—his white hair, his towering frame, his sharply chiseled features radiating gentle warmth through a soft smile.
Ino stared, stunned, her face involuntarily blushing red as her heart screamed: Who is this guy? He's so handsome! Have we met before?
"This is for you," Anya said, handing over the potted plant.
Dazed, Ino accepted it, clearly flustered.
Amused by her reaction, Anya teased, "Aren't you going to offer me a seat?"
"Oh! Right, please…please sit down," Ino quickly cleared a space for him to sit.
Anya sat and got straight to the point. "Let me introduce myself first—Uchiha Anya. The reason I came today is because I need your help with something."
Before he could finish speaking, Ino instinctively replied, "Sure, no problem!"
So quick? I haven't even told you what it is yet! Good thing the gift paid off, Anya mused with an even warmer smile.
Soon, they began chatting. As the only female member of the Ino–Shika–Cho trio, Ino had always been somewhat spoiled by her teammates. This was especially evident during the Chunin Exams in the Death Forest, when she recklessly rushed forward to protect Sakura despite the difference in strength, and both teammates immediately joined her without hesitation.
Therefore, if Ino agreed to participate in this stage play, convincing the other two would be effortless.
As they talked, Anya suddenly asked, "By the way, I heard you've been grounded recently. Why is that?"
"Ahhh," Ino sighed in confusion. "I don't know either. Dad flew into a rage over something and won't let me leave the house. He says he'll give me anything I want as long as I stay indoors quietly."
"That won't do. Keeping someone locked up too long can make them restless," Anya disapproved. "Next time I meet Inoichi, I'll talk to him about it."
"Huh?" Suddenly it clicked, and Ino exclaimed, "Wait—you actually know my dad?"
"Well, naturally. We're old acquaintances."
As a former Anbu squad member, Anya held deep respect for Inoichi.
Just then, the door opened—it was indeed Inoichi himself.
Glancing at Anya's back, he curiously asked, "Ino, we have a guest today?"
Excitedly waving her hand, Ino responded, "Yep, Dad—and someone you already know!"
"A familiar person?"
Before Inoichi could fully process the words, Anya stood and turned around with a greeting. "Long time no see, Inoichi."
When he saw Anya, Inoichi's eyes narrowed sharply. He lowered his head slightly and respectfully said, "Captain."
"There's no need to address me like that. You left the Anbu a long time ago," Anya replied, preparing to leave. "I've finished what I came for, so I won't stay any longer. Inoichi, you've raised a good daughter; just don't lock her away like she's stupid."
After saying this, Anya turned and walked away.
Inoichi kept his head bowed silently in place until Anya disappeared completely from sight before slowly lifting his head again.
"Dad, you're acting really weird today. It feels like—"
Inoichi cut her off gravely, "Ino, tell me quickly. What was his purpose for coming here? Did you agree to anything with him?"
This was the first time Ino had seen her father behave like this. His tone carried an undercurrent of fear.
Ino answered with confusion, "Nothing much really—he just asked our squad to handle security for a stage play."
"Security? If he's involved, why would they even need you guys?" Inoichi responded disbelievingly.
"What's wrong with you? Anya seems genuinely nice. He's handsome, gentle, and really charming when he talks," Ino protested.
Hearing Ino's words, Inoichi could only sigh in frustration, "Don't judge people based purely on first impressions. And from now on, don't have any contact with him."
Suddenly realizing something, Ino asked, "Dad, could it be—the reason why you haven't let me go out lately—is because of him?"
After a moment's silence, Inoichi nodded, "I was afraid that once you saw the flyer, you wouldn't resist going over there."
"Flyer? What flyer?" Now Ino became even more curious.
With a helpless sigh, Inoichi pulled out the marriage introduction flyer belonging to Anya and handed it to Ino.
Looking at it, Ino couldn't help but exclaim in admiration, "Wow! He's even better-looking in person than he appears here. But still, he seems too fickle—I definitely won't go."
Inoichi let out a breath in relief, "Good. After this security job ends, there shouldn't be any further contact between you two."
"Alright, I promise. But..."
"What is it?"
"You have to tell me why you feel this way about him. What did he do anyway?"
After thinking for a moment, Inoichi slowly replied, "Probably just being the one who's killed more living shinobi than anyone else alive."
Ino's eyes widened instantly in shock from her father's words.
Departing, Anya arrived at the underground level of the Hokage Tower. With each heavy step forward, soon two masked shinobi appeared before him, blocking his path.
Anya stopped and stated calmly, "Go inform Danzo. Someone's here looking for him."
The two Root members exchanged glances, and one vanished immediately.
Before long, Danzo appeared down the corridor. Upon seeing Anya, a flicker of hatred briefly flashed through his single visible eye. As he approached, however, his expression returned to neutrality, skillfully concealing all emotion.
"What do you want?" Danzo asked flatly.
"Borrow someone."
"Who?"
"The child who survived the Wood Release Experiment. I suppose he's grown by now. I'm here to borrow him."
"You, how could you possibly know?" After recovering from shock, Danzo couldn't help but sneer, "Hmph, with Hokage as your pillar of support, intelligence comes all too easily."
"Danzo, you know full well the difference between us," Anya said lightly. "Or do you really believe that power in your arm makes you worthy of challenging me?" She continued calmly, "Don't test my patience. I'm giving you face by letting you know in advance — just obey nicely. If I weren't giving you face, even if I killed you right now, no one would dare say a word."
"You..." Danzo's chest began rising and falling heavily. His eyes became distorted, his body quietly building up momentum, as if considering whether to take action.
However, Anya's next sentence crushed him completely: "Don't forget, Shisui's kotoamatsukami is with me. Making you obey is actually... very simple."
"His name is Tenzo. Tomorrow, you will meet him."
"Very well. I'll wait."
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
Want to read the subsequent content in advance?
Please follow my Patreon:patreon/Tansnovel
Tans Novel - The Fastest-Updating Naruto Fanfiction Account
Read 100+ chapters in advance, with at least 3 new chapters updated every day! More free chapters! 20+ Naruto fanfictions!
Just three steps:
1. Download and open the "Patreon" app
2. Search for "Tans Novel"
3. Click on the collection and enjoy to your heart's content
<><><><><><><><>