“Those people seem to be investigating something…” The delicate figure dressed in a pink kimono was none other than Haku.
He had happened to pass by and overheard Naruto Uzumaki’s naturally loud voice.
“Huh?
Didn’t the daimyo issue a mission to suppress a rebellion?” Naruto looked completely bewildered.
He had thought of himself as a righteous envoy sent from Konoha, only to arrive in the Land of Waves and discover that the supposedly evil rebels did not seem to exist at all.
“What in the world is going on?” Sakura Haruno asked, equally confused.
“In any case, we should regroup with Kakashi first,” Sasuke Uchiha suggested.
The three of them left the village.
“…” Haku watched them depart.
After considering the situation for a moment, he decided to follow them.
As for his reason— Haku had lived in the Land of Waves for some time now and had grown fond of this peaceful country.
Gradually, he had even begun to think of it as his home.
He did not want an outside force to destroy the tranquil life its people had finally obtained.
…
Observation Haki— A power that sharpened the five senses and allowed its user to detect the presence of living beings nearby.
Akira had sensed the Konoha shinobi concealed aboard the merchant vessel from the very beginning.
He had allowed them to land because he wanted to discover who had summoned them.
Now, standing before the daimyo’s residence, Akira had obtained his answer.
“I see.
So it is the daimyo who refuses to accept the true king’s rule and intends to rebel?” A cold gleam flashed through Akira’s crimson eyes.
A smile remained on his lips as he walked toward the daimyo’s estate.
“Tch~ This is so boring!
Naruto and the others get to carry out the mission while we have to sit around here doing nothing.” Kiba Inuzuka complained with an irritated expression.
“Kurenai-sensei ordered us to guard this place, so doesn’t that still count as performing the mission?” Hinata Hyuga asked quietly.
“Indeed.
Protecting the daimyo should be considered one of our highest priorities,” Shino Aburame said solemnly.
“What’s wrong with this?
The snacks at the daimyo’s residence are delicious.” Choji Akimichi happily stuffed himself with food.
“What a drag…
Relaxing like this is much better.” Shikamaru Nara lay on the grass, comfortably basking in the sunlight.
“Damn it!
We traveled all this way for a mission, but how are we supposed to gain any experience like this?” Ino Yamanaka voiced her dissatisfaction.
“Oh?
Since when did Ino become so hardworking?” Choji asked in confusion.
“Don’t mind her.
She’s only complaining because she hasn’t met a single handsome boy since we arrived,” Shikamaru said with a yawn.
“What’s wrong with a beautiful young woman wanting to meet a handsome guy?” Ino planted both hands on her hips as though her reasoning were perfectly natural.
“Haha!
Shikamaru, your team is pretty entertaining,” Kiba mocked.
“Hey!
Who are you calling entertaining, Kiba?
Are you trying to start a fight?” Ino glared at him furiously.
“Tch~ I’m not going to argue with a girl.” Kiba looked away disdainfully.
“There it is!
The insensitive-boy remark.
No wonder girls don’t like you, Kiba.
You’re definitely going to remain a lonely dog for the rest of your life!” Ino cursed him without mercy.
“I…” Kiba immediately bristled.
How can she say something so vicious?
“Woof!
Woof!” Akamaru, who was hiding inside Kiba’s jacket, suddenly began barking.
“Hm?
Someone’s approaching!” Kiba immediately warned the others.
Everyone instinctively turned their attention toward the entrance.
“Oh~?” Akira recognized the extremely familiar Konoha shinobi at first glance, and a radiant smile blossomed across his face.
Seeing that the newcomer was merely a harmless-looking young boy, the others immediately lowered their guard.
Only Ino became excited, her eyes practically transforming into hearts.
“Ah!
It’s finally happened—my fated encounter!
He’s unbelievably handsome!
He’s even better-looking than Sasuke!” “So handsome…” Hinata murmured softly, appearing slightly embarrassed.
Of course, it was merely a favorable first impression.
“Who is this guy?” Kiba glared at Akira, feeling strangely sour inside.
Damn it!
Where did this ridiculously handsome brat come from?
“Judging from his appearance, he is no ordinary person,” Shino analyzed.
“Could he be a child from the daimyo’s family?
He looks like some wealthy young master.” Shikamaru carefully noticed the glittering golden ornaments adorning Akira’s body.
Crunch.
Crunch.
Choji continued eating.
“Hello there~ Big brothers and pretty ladies.” Akira approached them with a smile and greeted everyone with perfect courtesy.
“Uh…
hello.” They responded almost instinctively.
Whoosh!
Ino was the first to rush forward.
She seized both of Akira’s hands and declared excitedly, “My name is Ino Yamanaka.
I’m twelve years old and currently single.
Could you tell me your name, handsome?” ⚡ Support the Story & Unlock More Chapters!