Konoha: Starting with a sign-in for Hashirama cells

Chapter 48 These days are getting more and more hopeful.

The next day.

After having breakfast at Tazuna's house, they declined Tazuna's offer to stay a few more days and the Seventh Class boarded a ship and left the Land of Waves.

"Strange, how did they escape in that state?" Kakashi pondered this question as he sat on the small boat.

If he put himself in that situation, he would have absolutely no chance of escaping.

Medication control.

Bound by ropes.

The Thousand Coins that block the flow of chakra.

"Perhaps it's because Ice Release, a bloodline limit, possesses some special ability," Naruto said listlessly.

In the story, in Haku's memories, when he was a child, he had just awakened his Ice Release and was able to control water as easily as if it were his own arm.

It's not impossible that controlling one's own blood flow could suppress the effects of the drug and prevent drowsiness.

Once the most challenging aspect—drug control—is resolved, what are the remaining problems?

"Perhaps," Kakashi said noncommittally.

When he woke up, he found that Zabuza and Haku had both disappeared.

After the extermination of the Minazuki clan, this may be the last holder of the Ice Release bloodline limit, making him of great research value.

It's such a pity, truly a pity.

Landing in the Land of Fire is different from when we came, when we had to take care of Tazuna, so we can't travel long distances quickly.

With Kakashi carrying Gato in one hand, the group traversed mountains and valleys as if walking on flat ground, their speed was astonishing, and they completed most of the journey in just half a day.

"Kakashi-sensei, I'd like to buy something. Could we stop in that town ahead?" Naruto asked, "How could I go out and not buy Hinata a gift?"

Kakashi glanced sideways.

Noticing that she was working hard, Sakura was already eating soldier pills to replenish her chakra so as not to fall behind.

He nodded and said, "Okay, let's rest for two hours before setting off, and try to get home tonight."

Naruto cheered, unleashed his chakra, and accelerated his sprint.

Upon entering the town, one is immediately captivated by its size and prosperity, far surpassing that of Konoha.

Skyscrapers, a modern atmosphere, a strong sense of familiarity, and most importantly, the pedestrians here won't give me strange looks.

"I... like it here."

Naruto took a deep breath, rushed into the crowd, looked around, and bought whatever he liked.

With Hinata around, there's no need for restraint.

More than an hour passed by unnoticed.

"Where did he go?" Sakura was very disappointed after searching many places but not finding Naruto.

With the agreed meeting time fast approaching, I had no choice but to go back.

When she arrived at the meeting point, she found Naruto already there, but he had changed so much that she hardly recognized him.

A slicked-back hairstyle with a shiny slicked-back look.

A well-fitting black suit, a white tie, and black leather shoes.

A gleaming gold watch worn on the left wrist.

The overall look and the aura he exudes are incredibly cool.

"Why are you only getting back now? Pay attention to your time." Naruto said, feigning composure. "What do you think of this outfit? Don't you think it looks cool?"

"It's...it's alright," Sakura said, her eyes darting around, her words not entirely sincere. "With a little dressing up, it looks quite nice."

"I'm not bad-looking to begin with, okay?" Naruto chuckled. "I wonder if Hinata will like it."

Whether it was anger, disappointment, or something else, Sakura clenched her fists, wanting to smash something to vent her feelings.

"Here, take this." Naruto took out something and handed it to Sakura.

It was only then that Sakura noticed the pile of bags and packages on the ground.

Did Naruto buy all of these?

It seems that Kakashi and Sasuke did not leave.

But where did Naruto get the money?

Sakura took the box from Naruto, opened it, and found it contained face masks.

She liked anything Naruto gave her, but comparisons are always the best policy.

Compared to the gifts Hinata received, his own small gift, which was on par with those of Kakashi and Sasuke, seemed insignificant.

"Huh, you don't like it? This is the latest model, it's hydrating and moisturizing, and the effect is great." Naruto was puzzled when he saw that Sakura wasn't very happy.

"You can return it; I don't need it." Sakura breathed a sigh of relief and returned the item to Naruto.

Watching Sakura's retreating figure, Naruto turned his head and asked softly, "Sasuke, did you upset Sakura?"

"Honestly, can't you be a little gentler with her? Girlfriends are meant to be pampered. Who can stand being as cold as you?"

"She's not my girlfriend, and I don't need one." Sasuke, focused on his nature transformation, said without looking up, "And I'm not the one who upsets her."

"Who else could it be but you? Could it be me? I didn't do anything." Naruto was confused, then turned to Kakashi and suddenly realized.

"Kakashi-sensei, you're not a child anymore, why can't you be a little more considerate of Sakura? Look how angry she is, she won't even accept the gift."

"..." Kakashi looked away from the novel.

"Uh, I don't remember doing anything to upset her. Could it be that she was bothered by someone while we were out having fun?"

"That's possible. Oh well, she'll be fine once she calms down," Naruto said.

The group continued their journey, aiming to return to Konoha before 10 p.m.

The four went their separate ways.

Kakashi had to send Gato to the Anbu and write a mission report.

Sasuke went home to rest.

Sakura left without a word, heading back to her own home.

Naruto didn't really want to talk to Sakura, who was sulking, because he'd probably get beaten up.

I returned home carrying large and small bags; a week had passed without cleaning, and some dust had accumulated.

Unable to bear seeing this, Naruto changed into his pajamas, quickly cleaned himself up, took a shower, and then lay on the bed feeling refreshed, stretching.

"Life is getting better and better."

He has Hinata as his future wife.

No need to worry about food, clothing, shelter, or transportation.

His daytime shopping spree made him tremble with pleasure.

Naruto is increasingly looking forward to his future married life.

Not having to work and spending all his time on honeymoon with Hinata, he was incredibly happy.

"Next up is the Chunin Exams."

Thinking of this, Naruto put his hands behind his head, crossed his legs, and pondered.

You will encounter Orochimaru during the Chunin Exams.

Despite not having a bloodline limit, Orochimaru's terrifying power is an undeniable fact.

The Impure World Reincarnation technique alone is considered unsolvable.

He is proficient in illusion, taijutsu, and ninjutsu, and has no obvious weaknesses.

If Orochimaru had been more cautious and hadn't gone on a rampage just because he was immortal...

The souls of his hands were not sealed by the third generation.

They successfully took over Sasuke's body.

It will not be sealed by Itachi.

He might laugh for three years, until he, along with everyone else in the ninja world, falls into the Infinite Tsukuyomi and passes away.

The necessary condition for sealing Kaguya is receiving Naruto and Sasuke as gifts from the Sage of Six Paths.

"So, we should thank Orochimaru for his arrogant attitude," Naruto said with a strange expression.

Anyway.

To fulfill Sakura's dream of marrying Sasuke.

To prevent any accidents, Sasuke died.

He couldn't let Orochimaru succeed and take Sasuke away.

Chapter 49 Sister-in-law

The day after returning to the village.

Early in the morning.

Naruto skillfully dressed in women's clothing, planning to change back after inviting Hinata out.

At the same time, he presented Hinata with the prepared gift.

"What do you mean by 'inconvenient'?" Naruto asked, stunned, outside the Hyuga residence.

"Lady Hinata is unable to come to see you," said the branch family maid.

"What happened? What's wrong?" Naruto asked hurriedly.

"I'm sorry, I can't comment on that," the maid from the branch family shook her head.