----
The Naruto Express ran fast and smooth before the Kirigakure group even had time to react, they had already arrived at Konoha's gates.
Izumo and Kotetsu, ever-diligent, quickly came forward to greet them.
Recently, they had been relieved of their bug-swatting duties Jiraiya had finally had enough of their antics and reassigned a member of the Aburame Clan to handle pest control. With that, not a single strange bug could sneak into Konoha.
"Hokage-sama, thank you for your hard work!" the two guards saluted in unison.
Minato smiled. "Did anything happen while I was away?"
Izumo replied, "Everything was normal."
Minato nodded. "These are critical times, so I'll need you both to stay sharp a little longer."
"Yes, sir!"
As the morale boost from the Hokage settled in, their motivation increased by +1, and enthusiasm by +1.
Naruto, walking behind Minato, secretly shook his head.
These two are rookies. They didn't even say 'For the glory of Konoha!' What a missed opportunity.
---
The group headed straight for Konoha Hospital.
For many of the Kirigakure shinobi, this was their first time in Konoha, and they were stunned by its prosperity.
"This," they thought, "is what a Great Shinobi Village should look like."
Yagura, their Mizukage, wasn't surprised by their awe. Instead, he encouraged them:
"If you admire this, then work hard. One day, our village will be just as grand."
"Yes, sir!" The Kirigakure shinobi responded with renewed determination.
Since the end of the Bloody Mist era, they no longer had to endure the horrors of killing their own comrades.
The emotions they had once buried deep within themselves were now finally emerging.
Seeing Konoha's peaceful atmosphere, they realized this was the kind of village they wanted, too.
They were grateful that their Mizukage had seen the light.
---
Because of Yagura's high status, the legendary Sannin Tsunade personally performed his surgery.
The plan was to cut open his chest, remove the explosive insects, and then stitch him back up.
A delicate procedure one that ordinary medical-nin wouldn't dare attempt.
Jiraiya also made an appearance but could only wait outside the operating room.
He didn't know medical ninjutsu, and that was his greatest regret.
Especially now, as Mei Terumi was also undergoing surgery inside…
If only he knew medical ninjutsu, he could have observed the process and learned from an extraordinary "white and bouncy" experience…
Kirigakure had nine individuals undergoing surgery.
By the time they were all treated, the sky had already turned dark.
Minato didn't wait idly during this time.
After ensuring Yagura's surgery was successful, he returned to the Hokage's office.
Thanks to Jiraiya and Tsunade, the village had been well-managed. In his absence, everything was in order.
Now, Minato needed to analyze mission reports, security updates, and most importantly, prepare for war.
War wasn't like ordinary missions they needed to strategize troop deployments, keep emergency reserve forces, and ensure adequate supplies.
There was much to plan.
Minato's Elite Guard remained at his side.
Kakashi gathered high-ranking jōnin for a private briefing.
Sasuke focused on training and, if possible, wanted to see his brother before heading to Ryuuchi Cave.
Sakura remained at the hospital to assist with medical work.
Naruto's mission?
Give Fuu a tour of Konoha.
The moment Fuu entered Konoha, she was amazed by everything.
She constantly pointed at things in pure excitement:
"Wow! The gate is so huge!"
"Wow! The Hokage Rock is incredible!"
"Wow! The ramen shop looks awesome!"
Naruto could understand the admiration for the Hokage Rock and Ichiraku Ramen.
But…
What was so special about the gate?!
"How about we try some of this awesome ramen?" Naruto suggested.
"My treat."
"Really?! That's amazing!"
Fuu cheered and rushed into Ichiraku Ramen, her eyes sparkling as she looked at the menu.
The shop owner, Teuchi, greeted her warmly.
"Ah, a new face! First time here?"
"Yep! I'm Fuu from Takigakure!"
Fuu cheerfully introduced herself.
"Say, mister, what's the best ramen here?"
Teuchi laughed. "Every single one is made with care, so they're all delicious!"
He grinned, "But since you're a guest from far away, I'll give you a 20% discount!"
Naruto finally entered the shop.
"Ah, Naruto! You're alone today?"
Teuchi was always friendly with Naruto.
After all, Naruto was a regular and a big spender, especially when he came with Hinata.
"Nope! I'm showing Fuu around today," Naruto replied cheerfully.
"So does that mean I get the discount too?"
"Of course!"
Teuchi was feeling generous because Hinata wasn't here to bankrupt him.
Naruto grinned and placed his legendary order:
"I'll have a large miso char siu ramen…"
"Add an extra egg."
"Extra narutomaki."
"Extra bamboo shoots."
"Extra…"
By the time he finished listing all the add-ons, he had essentially created the most expensive ramen bowl on the menu.
"And Fuu, you'll have the same, right?"
"Yep! That sounds delicious!"
Fuu swung her legs happily as she waited.
Teuchi, holding a ladle, chuckled.
"Geez, Naruto, you never hold back."
Still, he was smiling.
After all, Naruto might be getting a discount, but Teuchi never lost money.
Since they had time to kill, Naruto struck up a casual conversation with Teuchi's daughter, Ayame.
"Ayame-nee-san, do you have a boyfriend?"
Ayame chuckled. "Nope! Why are you interested?"
"Not at all!" Naruto waved her off.
"I'm not like Pervy Sage. I'm just trying to set you up with someone."
"Oh?" Ayame leaned in, curious. "Who?"
Naruto smirked.
"I have an older brother named Haku. You've met him before, right? He's still single, and his looks are on Sasuke's level!"
Ayame immediately remembered Haku.
She hesitated.
"But Haku is too pretty… Just standing next to him would feel intimidating!"
Fuu, idly resting her chin on her hand, asked curiously:
"Naruto, why are you so determined to find this lady a boyfriend?"
Naruto answered without hesitation:
"Simple, if she marries Haku, I'll get free ramen for life."
Silence
Teuchi, carrying a bowl of steaming ramen, froze in place.
His ever-closed eyes suddenly opened.
For a brief moment—
The aura of an Otsutsuki radiated from him.
Teuchi had one clear thought:
*I swear to the ramen gods if this brat keeps talking, I'll flip this bowl onto his face. *
----
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