Chapter 24: Ninpō: Art of the Sky Burial
Ino was a smart girl and reacted immediately. Akiyama Makoto was currently writing the story of the Uchiha clan, which meant that in the future, he could naturally write about Konoha's other clans, or even the Hokages themselves. When that time came, if the Yamanaka clan wanted to have a good reputation, they would naturally have to build a good relationship with him.
Ino had no aversion to this kind of social maneuvering. Instead, she blinked her beautiful green eyes, connecting her current mission with the goal of getting on good terms with Makoto.
Having figured everything out, she winked at her grandmother.
Yamanaka Mayu returned a knowing smile. The grandmother and granddaughter had reached a consensus in the span of a single breath.
Although Makoto couldn't decipher what the two had communicated, he understood that this elder of the Yamanaka clan had already seen his potential to write the Hokage Chronicles. As expected of a Yamanaka, he thought, sharp-witted and able to see into people's hearts.
"If that day ever comes, I will be sure to write down the wonderful stories of the Yamanaka clan truthfully," Makoto added at the perfect moment, making the atmosphere between the three of them even more harmonious.
"Then I thank you in advance, Makoto-kun. As it happens, I have some stories related to the Uchiha clan here. I hope they can be of use to your writing."
"I would be most grateful."
Makoto picked up his brush and began to record Yamanaka Mayu's story. To his surprise, she spoke of the details of the very day Uchiha Madara left Konoha. As expected of the Yamanaka clan; they knew some of Konoha's secrets in great detail. Although his book had already been tested across three simulated timelines, Makoto would not pass up the opportunity to improve it further. This was, after all, his main job now.
In the blink of an eye, an entire afternoon had passed.
Just as Ino started to yawn, her golden ponytail swaying as she stretched, Yamanaka Mayu spoke, a hint of fatigue in her voice. "Let's stop here for today, Makoto-kun. I hope these stories were useful to you."
"They were a great help, Grandma Mayu."
Makoto called her "Grandma" without a trace of awkwardness. His voice was so clear and bright that it made Yamanaka Mayu look at him with three parts more kindness in her eyes.
Beside them, Ino pouted. Why did she feel like her grandmother was being stolen away?
Before she could sort out her feelings, her grandmother's gentle chiding landed on her head.
"Alright, look at you, you can't even sit still. How are you going to get married in the future?"
"I..."
Before Ino could retort, Mayu continued, "I have to go back and prepare dinner for your grandfather. You can keep Makoto-kun company."
"Huh? Of course I'm going back with you! Why should I keep him company!"
"Grandma, are you really okay with leaving me alone with a boy?" Ino grumbled, but this was all an act. Her real mission was just beginning.
"I certainly trust Makoto-kun's character. After all, I've read his book and seen his calligraphy, which is enough to prove his gentle and benevolent heart."
"I'm having you stay behind because I have something for you to do."
Yamanaka Mayu whispered in Ino's ear. Ino, in turn, glanced towards Makoto at the right moment, trying to pique his curiosity.
Makoto just wanted to laugh. So the real show is starting now? He had to hand it to this grandmother-granddaughter pair; they had gone in such a huge circle just to get on good terms with him. However, the harmonious atmosphere between the three of them wasn't entirely an act. Because of his writing ability, the elder Yamanaka Mayu genuinely wanted to foster a good relationship with him.
Ino understood this as well. After seeing her grandmother off, she walked back with a radiant smile. She propped her elbows on the desk, cupped her cheeks in her hands, and wore a triumphant smirk, her green eyes reflecting the image of Makoto writing with his brush.
"Is there something else? Are you planning on staying for dinner?"
"While I wouldn't be stingy about treating you to a meal, all I have for dinner is rice, grilled fish, and miso soup. Is that okay?"
Yamanaka Ino pouted. "I'm not a glutton like Sakura. And I'm not here to freeload off you."
"Just now, my grandmother told me she discovered a secret of yours."
"If you confess honestly right now, I can help you keep this secret, and even help you solve your problem."
"Otherwise... hmph, hmph."
Yamanaka Ino looked as if she had him completely wrapped around her finger. Only after the entire afternoon of groundwork was she able to speak to him in such a tone. The one thing she hadn't considered was that over the course of the afternoon, their relationship had become surprisingly good.
Makoto turned to look at her. Although Ino was only twelve, her delicate features paired with her blonde hair and blue eyes destined her to grow into a great beauty. Before transmigrating, this was exactly the type of girl he was most attracted to. This made him unable to resist the urge to tease her.
And so, Makoto's expression changed in a second. He channeled a bit of the imposing aura from his time as the Kazekage's advisor and simultaneously made a hand seal gesture.
"So you've found me out. Then it seems I can't let you live."
"Sorry, Ino. I was actually hoping we could be friends..."
"Ninpō: Art of the Sky Burial!"
Ino was startled by Makoto's sudden burst of imposing aura. In the ninja world, killing intent was a real thing. When she saw him start to form hand seals, she was so scared she leaped backward, preparing to use the Substitution Jutsu.
It was only when she saw his fingers get tangled up in his clumsy attempt at hand seals that she realized she had been tricked.
"Pfft, haha!"
Makoto burst out laughing, laughing so hard he fell off his chair.
Ino, who had been fuming because she'd been tricked, was also amused and let out a snort of laughter. The two of them stared at each other, wide-eyed, before bursting into laughter once more.
Makoto rubbed his lower back and used the table to try and sit up. Seeing this, Ino generously grabbed his hand and pulled him up. "Let's call it even," she said. "Now it's time to talk business."
Makoto saw the system prompt appear before his eyes and reluctantly let go of Ino's hand. "What's the secret? I'm very curious too."
"You've actually awakened chakra, right?" Ino said bluntly this time.
The smile on Makoto's face froze. Of course, this too was part of his act.
"Alright, alright, no need to be nervous. It's not a big deal."
"You're not the only ordinary person in Konoha with chakra. It's just that your chakra reserves are quite large. You really should have become a ninja."
Makoto placed a hand on his chest and said with feigned surprise, "Are the senses of the Yamanaka clan really that sharp?"
"Of course! We are the Yamanaka clan, after all!" Ino puffed out her chest proudly.
Makoto gave her a thumbs-up and said, "As expected of the representative of the 'Boar' in the Ino-Shika-Chō trio!"
The moment he finished speaking, Ino's fist was already rapping against his shoulder, her indignant voice following, "I'm not a pig!"
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