I have to say, although it was just a small bud, it was still a very cute flower bud.
Itsuki didn't disturb them. He stood at the door and quietly admired the busy figures of Tenten and Hinata.
Even though he knew they approached him with a purpose, just seeing their pretty appearance made him feel comfortable.
"Ah! Itsuki is back!"
Tenten turned around, and her little butt twisted, just in time to meet Itsuki's gaze. She was almost scared and couldn't help but scream.
When Hinata heard Tenten's shout, she shuddered and turned around as well, looking nervous and embarrassed.
After all, she came uninvited, and since they weren't familiar with each other, it was a bit abrupt to enter Itsuki's house without permission.
But this was just Hinata's thought.
When the two in the kitchen heard the sound, there was a sudden clatter as they squeezed out, neither willing to give way.
"Itsuki, you're finally back! We've been waiting for you for a long time!" Ino rushed over without hesitation and hugged Itsuki's arm.
"Please wait a moment, the food will be ready soon." Sakura rushed over and hugged Itsuki's other arm, glaring at Ino fiercely, making it clear she wouldn't back down easily.
The two refused to give in to each other, sparks practically flying between their eyes.
Itsuki didn't expect this situation when officially meeting them for the first time. Did these two not even intend to hide their intentions?
But still, even at this age, Ino was already quite attractive.
Sakura was a little flat, but she still had her own charm.
It was fragrant and soft — that was just how girls were.
Despite his thoughts, Itsuki didn't show them. He pretended to be confused and asked, bewildered, "You… what's going on?"
Tenten hurried over and forcefully pried Ino and Sakura's hands apart. She glared at them and issued a warning in the group chat.
[Tenten: Everyone, please restrain yourselves. You absolutely cannot leak any information about the chat group, or I'll kick you out. Itsuki and I are the closest friends now!]
[Haruno Sakura: Tsk, what's the big deal? I'm just being enthusiastic.]
[Yamanaka Ino: Blame it on Broad Forehead. You said you were only loyal to Sasuke, so stop messing around here. And didn't you say you wanted to leave the group? Why haven't you left yet?]
[Haruno Sakura: This is my own business, it has nothing to do with you!]
[Hyuga Hinata: Everyone, stop arguing and deal with the current situation first, otherwise Itsuki-kun will become suspicious.]
[Tenten: Shut up, everyone!!]
After a few exchanges in the chat group, Tenten pulled Itsuki aside and explained awkwardly, "I'm sorry, Itsuki, I brought them here without your consent.
"They had just completed their first mission as ninjas, so they were happy and wanted to celebrate. Then they heard I was coming to your place, so they followed me.
"They said they were all your classmates, so I thought it would be fine… but I didn't expect them to act so abruptly. If you're angry, I'll kick them out right now!"
She glared at Ino and Sakura.
Sakura looked disapproving. She admitted she was jealous of Ino and Tenten's enhancements and wanted the same benefits.
But in her eyes, Itsuki was just an unknown little guy. Since she was willing to condescend to visit his house, shouldn't Itsuki be grateful?
Not to mention, a lovely girl rarely showed friendliness toward him. He should be honored, right?
Ino, on the other hand, was more tactful.
She quickly composed herself and said to Itsuki, "I'm sorry, Itsuki, we were indeed abrupt. I was just excited just now. I apologize if it caused you discomfort."
"M-Mo… Itsuki-kun!" Hinata also came over nervously and shyly. "I'm also sorry, I didn't get your consent…"
Itsuki glanced around. He didn't know exactly what Sakura was thinking, but from her expression, he could already tell she was someone who could be eliminated first.
"Don't be nervous, everyone. I don't blame you!" Itsuki said with a gentle smile. "I was just startled by your sudden appearance. Usually, no one comes to my house, so I'm actually happy you're here."
Sakura raised the corner of her mouth slightly and gave Ino and Tenten a smug look.
See? You're the only ones making a fuss!
Unfortunately for her, all she got were rolled eyes from Ino and Tenten.
[Ding! Congratulations to group member Hinata Hyuga. The group level has been upgraded from LV0 to LV1, and all attributes have been increased by 200%!]
As if sensing Itsuki's intention, the Fabrication System issued a prompt at the perfect moment.
Hinata's eyes widened in surprise.
Sakura waited for a long time, but no prompt followed. Her face instantly darkened.
She really wanted to curse in the group.
But she was smart enough to realize that if she did, she'd turn into a clown instantly.
[Yamanaka Ino: Congratulations, Hinata, what a pleasant surprise. Looks like Itsuki really doesn't blame us, right? @Haruno Sakura]
[Tenten: Hinata's also been recognized by Itsuki, congratulations Hinata! Isn't that right? @Haruno Sakura]
[Hyuga Hinata: Thank you! But I don't quite understand why Sakura didn't get a buff?]
[Yamanaka Ino: Yeah, why? @Haruno Sakura, what do you think?]
[Haruno Sakura: You're so annoying!]
Sakura was about to explode with rage. She vaguely understood what was happening but refused to admit it was her problem. Instead, she blamed the Fabrication System for targeting her!
Ino winked at Sakura, eyes full of teasing, then said to Itsuki with a grin, "Itsuki, I heard the Third Hokage didn't blame you for what happened yesterday, right?
"It's a pity you didn't become a ninja, but I believe you'll have another chance soon.
"And I'll tell you a secret. Yesterday, I went to the hospital, found those two guys who attacked you, and gave them a good beating.
"They're so notorious there now, they didn't dare to stay. They even applied for discharge before they recovered!"
Ino wanted to gain enhancements, so she made sure to let Itsuki know of her good deed.
Sure enough, Itsuki looked grateful and said sincerely, "Thank you so much, Ino. I didn't expect them to stoop that low.
"Speaking of which, it was Endo Daisho-sensei who pleaded with the Third Hokage for me. I'll make sure to thank him properly later."
If Ino hadn't mentioned it, Itsuki might have forgotten about Chie Mai and Ryota.
He'd have to find a chance to take revenge personally. Itsuki wasn't the type to forgive easily.
As for Endo Daisho, he was just a background character — irrelevant to the big picture.
But since he spoke up on his behalf, showing no gratitude would make him look ungrateful.
"Itsuki is so gentle!" Ino praised. She then pushed him to sit on the sofa. "As compensation for our uninvited visit, you can rest here and leave dinner to us."
Itsuki noticed a faint flash of disappointment in Ino's eyes.
Perhaps she was disappointed that even after taking credit, her group level hadn't increased?