12: Chapter 12 Ino's InvitationNearly two weeks have passed since graduation and class assignments.
Most of the graduates from the same year have already started to carry out simple D-rank missions or undergo team cohesion training under the guidance of their Jonin mentors.
Only Naruto remained like a wandering, lonely soul, lingering between the streets and training grounds of Konoha.
The wound on his arm had long since healed thanks to his tough and resilient body, leaving only a faint white mark.
The gains from that battle with Sasuke went far beyond the few hundred villain points and a closely contested fight.More importantly, it gave me a clear understanding of my current strength, and.
The existence of the Anbu "Shako" is like a thin yet resilient thread, quietly connecting him with Konoha's unfathomable intelligence network.
In the past few days, through the one-way emotional and vague location perception of the "Heart-Binding Curse," Naruto has been able to sense that "Shakugan no Hachi" is trying its best to suppress its mental humiliation and mechanically carrying out the task of monitoring and reporting.
The emotions conveyed were mostly numbness and depression.Occasionally, when reporting to Hiruzen Sarutobi, there would be a flash of violent struggle, which was then forcibly suppressed by the power of the cursed seal.
Naruto didn't contact him frequently, like a patient fisherman letting the fishing line tremble gently, waiting for more valuable information to be hooked.
He knew that acting too hastily would only expose this piece too early.
His daily routine still involves wandering around, occasionally appearing near a flower shop in the mountains at specific times.
Sometimes, in the early morning, as soon as Ino opens her shop, she sees Naruto leaning against the opposite alleyway, a blade of grass between his teeth, watching her arrange the flowers.
Sometimes it was evening, when she was preparing to close up shop, and she would see him strolling by, his gaze seemingly casually sweeping over the shop.
He no longer comments every time, but this subtle yet persistent presence is more captivating than words.
Ino gradually got used to his initial wariness and curiosity, and would even subconsciously tidy her sideburns or deliberately strike a more graceful trimming pose when he looked over.
[Ding!By continuously attracting Ino's attention and cultivating her habits, you have gained +10 Villain Points!]
[Ding!Ino has developed a slight desire to perform, gaining +15 Villain Points!]
Sakura is still a regular customer at the flower shop, but her condition is clearly worse.
Sometimes she would stare blankly into space, and sometimes when she heard the wind chimes at the door, she would look up abruptly as if startled.When she realized it wasn't Naruto, a mixture of disappointment and relief would flash in her eyes.
She was still obsessed with Sasuke, but there was something else mixed in with that obsession.
Sasuke's coldness and remoteness, and Naruto's roughness, which carried warmth and pain, formed a strange tug-of-war in her mind.
Naruto took everything in stride, but was in no hurry to do anything next.
Sometimes, letting the seeds germinate on their own is more effective.
That afternoon, Naruto was having a late lunch at Ichiraku Ramen when Uncle Teji, wiping the bowl, casually muttered, "It seems like the village has increased patrols lately, especially at night.Naruto-kun, you'd better go home earlier tonight."
Naruto paused slightly as he slurped his noodles, then mumbled a response.
Is it because of me, or something else?
He recalled the faint, oppressive feeling that the raccoon had conveyed yesterday regarding "frequent root activity."
That old viper, Danzo Shimura, doesn't seem to be idle either.
After finishing his noodles, he strolled outside; the sun was shining brightly.
As I passed by the flower shop, I saw Ino struggling to carry a large bucket of water outside, preparing to water the flowers displayed there.
Fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead, and a few strands of golden hair clung to his cheeks.
Naruto stopped, put his hands in his pockets, and looked at her.
Ino noticed him, took a breath, straightened up, and smiled, a smile that seemed more natural than usual."Oh, Mr.Street Wanderer, here for another inspection today?"
Naruto didn't reply.He walked over, grabbed the heavy bucket handle with one hand, and easily lifted it up.Following her instructions, he slowly poured the water into several large flowerpots that needed watering.
The movements weren't gentle; they were somewhat rough, but very efficient.
Ino looked at him with some surprise at his relaxed demeanor, then laughed and said, "I didn't expect you to be so strong.Thanks!"
"It was no trouble at all." Naruto put down the empty bucket.
Ino looked at his profile, outlined by the sunlight, and suddenly spoke, her tone filled with curiosity: "Hey, Naruto, you seem to really know a lot about flowers?It doesn't seem like you're just guessing.Where did you learn that?"
Naruto glanced at her, and an excuse flashed through his mind: "Before.when I had nothing to do, I was randomly flipping through books in the library and happened to see some of them."
Ino tilted her head, her emerald eyes showing even more interest: "Really?Then.would you like to help me?"
"I've had a lot of orders lately, and it's taking me forever to sort them all by myself.Anyway, you seem to have a lot of free time." After saying that, she seemed a little embarrassed, her cheeks flushing, and added, "…I can pay you for your work, or I can treat you to dumplings!"
[Ding!Ino has sent a job offer, showing slight shyness and anticipation, gaining +25 Villain Points!]
Naruto's heart stirred.
This is a perfect and reasonable excuse to build rapport and get more opportunities for one-on-one contact.
He showed a hint of hesitation on his face before reluctantly nodding, ".Okay.Anyway, I'm fine."
Ino smiled beautifully, "Then it's settled!Tomorrow morning, shall we?"
"Um."
Just then, Sakura came out of the store carrying a stack of freshly wrapped bouquets and happened to see Ino's bright smile towards Naruto and the harmonious atmosphere between the two.
She stopped in her tracks, her expression instantly freezing, and she looked at Naruto with a complicated look in her eyes.
Naruto felt her gaze, turned his head, and glanced at her face and the bouquet in her arms.Without saying anything, he simply waved lazily at Ino: "See you tomorrow."
After saying that, he put his hands in his pockets, as always.They swayed and left.
Sakura watched Naruto's retreating figure without stopping, then glanced at Ino beside her, who seemed to be in a good mood.Her lips moved, but in the end, she said nothing, simply placing the bouquet on the shelf to the side.
[Ding!Sakura witnessed your interaction with Ino and felt a pang of jealousy, gaining +40 Villain Points!]
[Current villain rating: 533 points]
The planted pawns began to provide intermittent environmental information, a reasonable breakthrough was found in the relationship with Ino, and Sakura's emotions continued to ferment.
Beneath the calm surface, undercurrents are subtly shifting beneath the wings of this butterfly.
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