Another day began, and Naruto stretched, clicking his lips before slowly rising.
After helping Sasuke recover the previous night, Naruto had only just managed an hour of sleep before Sasuke called again. Reluctantly, Naruto had teleported to Sasuke's location to restore his strength once more, resulting in a restless night.
No wonder Naruto had slept in until 11 o'clock.
"Sasuke… that guy is relentless. He's really pushing himself too hard," Naruto muttered as he got up.
He walked to the bathroom, washed up, and then stepped out. The house was quiet; Minato and Kushina had already gone out, probably handling errands related to Naruto's upcoming wedding.
On the refrigerator, a sticky note caught Naruto's eye. Kyūbi had posted it with neat handwriting:
"There's food in the pot. When you wake up, heat it and eat!"
Naruto felt a warmth spread through his chest. He tore off the note and smiled. "I love you, Mom."
Opening the fridge, he saw the milk was still fresh. Having his mother around meant even simple things like milk never spoiled—it was as though life itself had been made safer and better.
Naruto reheated the food, which was closer to a late breakfast—or an early lunch—and ate, savoring every bite.
Afterward, he set out. Today, he was visiting Jiraiya-sensei and Sai's studio.
When he arrived, both were already there.
"Hey, Naruto! Why are you here just now?" Jiraiya asked, draping an arm around Naruto's shoulder.
Scratching his head with a sheepish smile, Naruto replied, "Some things were delayed last night, so I went to bed late and woke up later than usual."
"Oh? Were you off looking for Hinata again?" Jiraiya teased, a mischievous smirk playing on his lips.
Naruto waved him off. "Nothing like that! A friend needed my help, so I got delayed. By the way, Pervy Sage, did you hand everything over to the boss?"
Jiraiya nodded. "Handed it over early. The boss gave us the keys, moved our things, and even tidied up. I saw that upstairs, tables and benches are set up, but downstairs is empty. We need decorations and furniture there."
Naruto nodded thoughtfully. He would need a professional decorator to organize it.
"Sai, don't you want to draw something for display or sale? How do you think the downstairs should look? Sai! Are you listening?"
"Ah! What did you just say, Naruto?" Sai blinked, startled.
Naruto smiled at him. "Sai, what's wrong? Didn't sleep well last night? You seem distracted."
Sai, caught off guard, waved his hand. "No, it's nothing!"
Jiraiya chuckled knowingly. "This guy, like you, came in absent-minded this morning. He must have been thinking about something important."
"Oh?" Naruto stepped closer to Sai. "Sai, if you're troubled, tell me. We're all comrades. We can help you!"
Sai's heart warmed. Naruto treated him as a true companion—a rare and valuable feeling.
"It's okay, Naruto," Sai said, forcing a smile. "I was just distracted by my thoughts. Don't worry about it."
Naruto raised an eyebrow. "What… were you thinking about?"
Sai glanced at Jiraiya, then back at Naruto, then sighed. "Um… Naruto, Jiraiya-sama… haven't you always told me I should become a real man? Last night… I finally did."
His face immediately turned crimson.
Jiraiya burst out laughing. "Ah, Sai! No wonder you're so distracted this morning. I could tell you were reminiscing about last night's… experience. Hahaha, young man, it's understandable! Your first time, after all!"
Naruto patted Sai's shoulder, grinning. "Good boy, Sai. I noticed a long time ago—you're the quietly competent type. You get things done without a word. You're impressive!"
Sai chuckled, not refuting Naruto's praise.
Naruto exhaled deeply, reflecting inwardly. "Sasuke and Sai… both have the word 'Sa' in their names. Both are ruthless in their own ways—one in combat, one in skill. Fascinating."
Jiraiya nodded with understanding. "Ah… that explains why Sai came in so early, saying he wanted to draw me a picture with charm. I was wondering why he seemed so inspired this morning. Now I see the reason!"
Sai smiled. "As long as Jiraiya-sama is satisfied."
Naruto looked around the studio. "Sai, take a look at the downstairs layout. Draw your ideas. Once you're done, I'll go shopping for the supplies we need."
Sai drew a detailed rendering of his vision and handed it to Naruto. Naruto nodded, understanding, and then left the studio to gather materials.
Before leaving, Jiraiya asked Naruto to pick up some wine for him—they'd be working late and needed refreshments. Naruto chuckled in acknowledgment and left.
He then stopped by Tenten's shop.
"Hey, Tenten! I'm busy!" Naruto called out.
Tenten's face lit up. "Naruto! You're here! Haha, supervising the work?"
Naruto glanced around. "Huh? Where are Neji and Lee?"
"They went out to buy lunch for the masters. They hadn't eaten yet, so they went to fetch something," Tenten explained with a smile.
Naruto nodded and handed her Sai's drawing. "I told you yesterday, this is the first-floor layout for the studio Jiraiya and Sai are opening. Sai wants the downstairs decorated like this. Can you find a decorator to make it happen?"
Tenten examined the drawing. "No problem. Honestly, this is simpler than mine. We can handle it."
She organized the masters still working on the shop and asked if any were free to help with the decoration.
The chefs nodded, saying they could send someone over. Naruto provided the location and instructed that payment would be settled afterward.
Tenten chuckled. "Naruto, I really can't believe it—you're living the rich life now! Hinata really did spoil you."
Naruto laughed. "I have enough money to buy… several Hyuga clans!"
Just joking—600 billion in detonating talisman assets was an unimaginable sum.
While chatting, Neji and Lee returned with bento boxes.
"Oh! Naruto's here!" Lee greeted warmly, placing his box down. "If you hadn't told me, I would have forgotten to get yours. I'll go run over and bring it to you!"
Naruto stopped him with a wave. "No, Lee, I already ate. Don't bother."
Lee frowned but nodded. Tenten handed the boxes to the decoration masters, allowing them to eat.
She turned to Naruto. "After lunch, I'll head over to see Sai and Jiraiya-sensei. I want to commission a painting for the shop!"
Naruto nodded. "No problem."
After a brief chat, he left to buy wine for Jiraiya. At the supermarket, he picked up drinks and some snacks for Sai and Jiraiya to enjoy while working.
He realized the studio's second floor also had a kitchen, so a refrigerator was necessary. Naruto bought a sturdy one and, effortlessly carrying it on his shoulders, delivered it upstairs without bothering anyone.
For someone like Naruto, a little weight was nothing.
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