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[Naruto: Superpower Roulette] Chapter 365
🕑 Added 2025-01-25 16:00:07 +0000 UTCFour hundred million ryo, ten Level 2 secret medicines, ten Level 3 secret medicines, and three Level 4 secret medicines.
This was the final price Yoichi paid for the corpse of the otherworldly beast and the glowing sphere. Although the corpse seemed worthless, Iwagakure still sought to recover some of their costs.
Despite over ten days of research, the highly toxic nature of the corpse made it dangerous to study. The toxins had even prompted Kurotsuchi to hasten the sale to avoid further risk.
As for the glowing sphere, Iwagakure had been unable to make any progress with it. Kurotsuchi had even considered asking Onoki to use his Dust Release to crack it open, but his advanced age made the idea impractical.
Another beast remained in their possession, but when Yoichi inquired, Kurotsuchi deflected. It was clear that this other beast held more potential for Iwagakure's research, and they were reluctant to part with it.
The advancements in technology across the Five Great Nations had made significant strides, particularly in military applications. Yoichi suspected Iwagakure was quietly developing artificial soldiers or similar assets.
With the transaction complete, Yoichi stored the items in his storage ring and prepared to leave.
Kurotsuchi tried to dissuade him. "Yoichi-kun, there are still many fascinating places in Iwagakure. In some ways, it's as remarkable as Konoha. Why not stay a while longer?"
Yoichi shook his head. "No need, Tsuchikage-sama. My judgment tells me to return. Besides, Konoha has far more exceptional women than Iwagakure. At my age, finding a partner is a priority, and here, the only contender is you. So I'll pass."
Kurotsuchi's guards bristled at what they perceived as an insult, but she raised a hand to stop them. Smiling, she said, "If you're serious, Yoichi-kun, I might consider giving you a chance."
Yoichi chuckled and waved her off. "No thanks. If there's nothing else, I'll be leaving tomorrow."
Kurotsuchi's attempt to keep him in Iwagakure amused him. She was attractive, but his priorities lay elsewhere. He had already conquered women of higher status and beauty. Kurotsuchi's allure paled in comparison to someone like Sakura.
Yoichi left without a backward glance, ignoring Kurotsuchi's polite attempts to persuade him further.
As he walked through Iwagakure, a familiar voice called out.
"Yoichi-kun, wait!"
Turning, he saw Sakura approaching with her signature pink hair. Feigning surprise, he asked, "Sakura, what brings you here? Were you nearby?"
"I've been here since yesterday. I was asked to help deal with the toxins, given my expertise. But, Yoichi-kun," she said, her gaze shifting to the ring on his finger, "isn't that the same ring Konoha traded to you?"
Yoichi raised his hand, allowing the ring to catch the light. "It is. Once you have sufficient mental strength, you can unlock its full potential. It allows me to store and retrieve items effortlessly."
Sakura nodded but seemed uninterested. For her, the ring was just another storage tool, similar to sealing scrolls or the Six Paths tools. She shifted the topic.
"What did the Fourth Tsuchikage say to you earlier?"
"She wanted me to stay in Iwagakure, but I declined. I used the excuse of wanting to settle down and find a partner. She even offered to give me a chance. I'll be leaving tomorrow, though. Staying here any longer would just attract unnecessary trouble," Yoichi explained.
Sakura blinked, caught off guard by his casual mention of marriage. "Oh, I see... I'll let anyone looking for you know you've returned to Konoha, then."
"Thank you, Sakura."
Yoichi's words reassured Sakura. As long as he remained tied to Konoha, his abilities as an onmyoji and his secret medicines were assets the village wouldn't lose to another nation.
Still, a nagging thought crept into her mind: Is Yoichi staying in Konoha because of Ino?
Her imagination wandered to dreams she'd had—vivid and troubling ones involving Ino, Yoichi, and moments of intense intimacy. Shaking her head to dispel the blush rising to her cheeks, she muttered, "It's just a dream. Nothing more."
...
Konoha
Yoichi returned swiftly to Konoha, avoiding the emissaries sent by other villages. Thanks to Sakura's intervention, they knew to seek him in Konoha for further dealings.
Not long after his return, Yoichi visited the Yamanaka flower shop, where he sensed Ino's presence. Carrying a small gift, he entered the shop to find her arranging flowers.
Among the blooms, none could compare to the radiance of the "flower" before him.
"Excuse me, I'd like to buy a cosmos," Yoichi said with a smile.
"Cosmos? Yoichi," Ino turned to him, her tone carrying both surprise and feigned reproach.
"You heard me right," he replied. "Among all these flowers, the cosmos stands out as my favorite. Unique and vibrant—truly Konoha's finest bloom."
With that, he placed a small stone vase on the counter. "A gift from Iwagakure. A simple stone carving, but I thought it suited you, Ino."
Blushing, Ino accepted the vase. "Thank you, Yoichi-kun. I... I really like it."
Their moment was interrupted by the arrival of her son, Inojin.
"Mom, I'm home!"
Spotting Yoichi, Inojin froze in surprise. "What are you doing here?"
Yoichi smiled. "Just checking in on you, Inojin. Remember, use the recovery pill sparingly—one at a time is enough."
"But there's only one left," Inojin protested, only for Yoichi to place another bottle in his hands.
"Five more pills. Consider it a second meeting gift," Yoichi said before turning to Ino. "I'll be going now, Ino."
"Take care, Yoichi-kun," Ino replied, masking her emotions with a smile.
Outside the shop, Ino turned her attention to Inojin, who was trying to slip away unnoticed.
"Inojin, explain. When did you meet Yoichi-kun, and why?"
Cornered, Inojin sheepishly recounted the events involving Shikadai and Boruto.
Ino sighed. She realized she had neglected Inojin's feelings amidst her own emotional turmoil. Gently, she ruffled his hair.
"Inojin, adult matters are complicated. Focus on growing up for now, okay?"
"Fine... but this gift..."
"It's a recovery pill—very valuable. Keep it safe," Ino instructed, smiling softly.
Meanwhile, Yoichi, leaving the shop, crossed paths with another familiar face.
As he passed, he whispered, "Temari, remember our arrangement. I'll be waiting outside Konoha in two days."
(End of Chapter)
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