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Chapter 196 - Chapter 196: Middle-Aged Couple’s Lovey-Dovey Nonsense {2}

"Looks like you just got back from a mission, huh, Naruto?"

Sakura Haruno gritted her teeth as she spoke, eyeing Naruto's unmistakable post-mission appearance.

"Yup! Me, Guy-sensei, Tenten, Lee, and Neji just got back from the Land of the Moon!"

"Ayame-neesan, one super-sized deluxe ramen, please! I'm starving!"

Naruto perked up at Sakura's question, eagerly placing his order with Ayame during the exchange.

While Ayame prepared the ramen, Naruto launched into a spirited recounting of the various mishaps that had occurred during the mission. Sakura listened, aggressively slurping her noodles.

She knew about this mission—before Naruto had left, she'd even asked Tenten to keep an eye on him. But could someone please explain where the Naruto in the bright yellow tracksuit had gone?!

Maito Guy was a menace!

His green spandex cult had already claimed Lee, and now it had somehow recruited Naruto as its latest disciple! What in the world had happened out there?

It was an absolute eyesore!

"Naruto, that outfit…"

Sakura barely suppressed the urge to rip the clothes off him as she forced the question out.

"Oh!"

"This?"

"It's the super spandex suit Guy-sensei got for me!"

"Warm, breathable, and bursting with the power of youth!"

"Plus, it shows off my perfect muscle lines!"

Naruto, thrilled by Sakura's interest, didn't even touch his ramen when it arrived. Instead, he leapt from his seat, striking a series of bizarre poses to flaunt his utterly unremarkable muscles.

To top it off, he flashed Sakura a thumbs-up and a blinding grin, his teeth gleaming.

It was beyond an eyesore, damn it!

Sakura's mouth twitched at the sight.

Maito Guy, you've outdone yourself.

"Arara, that's pretty cool~~~"

Ayame, standing behind the counter, couldn't help but smile as she watched Naruto's exuberance.

Sakura shot Ayame a helpless glance.

Really, sis? You actually think this is cool?

Naruto, buoyed by Ayame's approval, grew even more excited.

Watching him, Sakura sighed inwardly. But she also understood why Naruto always came to this shop. Beyond Ichiraku's undeniably delicious ramen, Teuchi and Ayame were among the rare few who didn't look at Naruto through prejudiced eyes.

"Fine," Sakura muttered, eyeing the guy in front of her.

"Hehe, but why'd you show up at Ichiraku so late tonight, Sakura?"

Naruto plopped back into his seat, digging into his ramen with gusto as he asked.

At the same time, Ayame's ears perked up from behind the counter.

"Me? I guess you could say I ran away from home."

Sakura rubbed her chin, her tone a mix of reluctance and uncertainty.

There was no way she could go back home tonight.

"Eh?!"

Naruto and Ayame stared at Sakura in shock.

In Naruto's mind, Sakura had always been the picture of excellence. He never imagined she had such a rebellious side.

"Did… did you get into a fight with your parents, Sakura?" Naruto asked cautiously, hesitating.

"No, it's not that."

"They're just busy with something really important."

"It's about the future of humanity's next generation, and it's not exactly the right time for me to be at home."

Sakura's expression was grave as she spoke, leaving Naruto utterly baffled. Ayame, on the other hand, flushed slightly, clearly catching Sakura's meaning.

"Wow, Sakura's parents are that amazing!"

Naruto racked his brain but couldn't figure out what could be so important. He didn't get it, but it sounded super impressive, so that was enough!

"So, what're you gonna do tonight, Sakura?"

Learning that Sakura had nowhere to go, Naruto's heart suddenly started racing.

"I was thinking of crashing at Karin's or Ino's for the night."

At Sakura's words, Naruto felt a pang of disappointment, his eyes dimming slightly.

"But it's already so late. They're probably asleep by now."

Naruto's eyes lit up aGuyn.

"Then, how about…"

"How about staying at Naruto-kun's place for the night?"

Just as Naruto struggled to get the invitation out, Ayame, casually wiping a plate, interjected with a sly tone.

!!!

Ayame-neesan, you're the best!

I'm ordering ten bowls of Ichiraku ramen every day from now on!

???

Sakura glanced at Ayame, then at Naruto's hopeful expression, her brows furrowing slightly.

This guy still hasn't given up?

"It's dangerous for a girl to be out alone in the middle of the night, after all."

With Ayame's assist, Naruto suddenly found his courage.

???

Hold on, do you hear yourself, kid?

Me?

Konoha's Haruno Sakura, in danger wandering the village at night?

If I ran into some thug, the real question is who'd be in danger!

If I didn't punch them into a pulp, they'd be lucky to be in one piece!

"Since Miss Sakura doesn't have a place to stay tonight, and Naruto's not a bad guy—plus, he's your teammate—it'd be fine to crash at his place for one night, right?"

Ayame continued to back Naruto up. Clearly, Naruto's frequent visits and big mouth had already let her know that he and Sakura were teammates.

Sakura looked at Ayame, then at Naruto.

Her pale hand reached out, gently ruffling his mop of blonde hair.

"Alright."

"It's normal for a big sister to rely on her little brother, isn't it?"

The moment Sakura agreed, Naruto's excitement exploded, completely ignoring the second half of her sentence.

Ayame, watching Naruto, sighed softly.

Naruto-kun, I did my best.

But it really seems like Miss Sakura doesn't see you that way.

As a fellow woman, Ayame could read Sakura's attitude all too well.

Naruto, maybe consider other girls?

Like that Ino you've mentioned a bunch of times before?

--

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