The banquet ended, and Mitarashi Anko, Yuhi Kurenai, Yugao Uzuki, and Gekko Hayate walked together.
"That jerk! He disappeared before the banquet was even over," Anko grumbled, still clearly annoyed.
Beside her, Kurenai looked at Anko with a strange expression. The girl was talking tough, but her eyes kept darting around, scanning the surroundings. It was obvious that Anko was still trying to find Tatsuya. This behavior was clearly out of the ordinary.
Nearby, Hayate and Yugao, the young couple, exchanged a look, their eyes also filled with a strange light! They'd been there, done that – they understood Anko's unusual reaction!
"What?" Feeling the gazes of the three, Anko felt awkward and shifted uncomfortably.
"Anko, why are you so fixated on Tatsuya?" Kurenai asked hesitantly.
"To drag him back to help Kyoko, of course!" Anko replied, her expression completely matter-of-fact.
"Just that?" Kurenai pressed, unconvinced.
"Of course, it's just that! What else could it be?" Anko stared back at Kurenai, a bit puzzled, her tone already showing impatience. She felt like there was something strange about Kurenai's question.
Seeing Anko's growing impatience, Kurenai decided not to press further.
The four left the banquet hall and headed directly towards the storefront Kyoko had chosen for the pet shop. Ever since Kyoko had successfully become a Chunin, her relationship with Anko had inexplicably improved. After spending some time together, Kyoko's gentle and kind nature really resonated with Anko, and the two quickly became best friends. This also led to several gatherings, and Kurenai, Yugao, and the others became familiar with Kyoko as well.
The storefront Kyoko had chosen was located not far from the Ninja Academy. It was a small shop, covering an area of less than a hundred square meters. A sign had already been hung above the door, simply reading "Tatsuya's Pet Shop." The name was Kyoko's idea. Straightforward and to the point! Tatsuya had actually suggested naming it "Kyoko's Pet Shop," but Kyoko had rejected the idea. On this matter, Kyoko was unusually firm and decisive.
When the four arrived at the pet shop, they found that besides Kyoko, there were others present. It was Tatsuya and Kakashi!
Just before the banquet had ended, Tatsuya, Kakashi, and Shisui had left early. Tatsuya had planned to come to the pet shop, and Kakashi had tagged along. Shisui had also wanted to come, but considering the delicate relationship between his clan and the village at the moment, he decided not to add to Tatsuya's troubles.
Inside the pet shop, Tatsuya, having created two shadow clones, was bustling about under Kyoko's direction. When it came to arranging a room, women seemed to have a natural talent that men lacked. Tatsuya couldn't offer any suggestions and could only follow Kyoko's instructions.
On the other side, Kakashi was being very inconsiderate, sitting nearby and reading one of his little books. Tatsuya deliberately carried things back and forth in front of him several times, but the guy completely pretended not to see. Tatsuya had really learned the extent of this guy's thick skin.
"Kyoko, we're here!" Anko called out loudly as she entered the shop. As she spoke, she shot a disdainful glare at Tatsuya "and company."
Tatsuya simply ignored her. If it weren't for the girl's penchant for wearing fishnet outfits and her, ahem, impressive chest, Tatsuya wouldn't even bother looking at her.
Anko was furious! Ignored again! Her eyes darted around, and then she suddenly went up and gave Kyoko a warm, affectionate hug. As she hugged her, she gently stroked Kyoko's smooth, rounded shoulder. She looked like a complete delinquent!
Kyoko let out a startled yelp, her face instantly turning red.
Tatsuya's eyes widened, his anger instantly reaching its peak! He walked over, expressionless, and amidst Anko's stunned gaze, he picked her up. Then, he threw her out!
"Tatsuya! I'll fight you!" Anko's furious and embarrassed shriek rang out from outside.
Inside the shop, Kurenai, Hayate, and Yugao were dumbfounded.
A short while later, Anko, her face flushed with anger and embarrassment, stormed back in, wanting to settle the score with Tatsuya. However, Tatsuya simply summoned his two shadow clones to subdue her. He wasn't going to put up with this delinquent girl who dared to openly take liberties with his girlfriend.
After some playful chaos, everyone worked together and quickly arranged the items in the shop. When they were finished, Tatsuya invited everyone to a nearby izakaya for a few drinks.
"Kyoko, have we arranged all the supplies for our shop?" Tatsuya suddenly remembered the issue of supplies and asked while they were drinking. This was Tatsuya's biggest concern. The purpose of opening the pet shop was to obtain experimental materials legitimately, and to make a little extra money on the side!
"Tch! I've never seen anyone open a pet shop and sell such weird things. You're guaranteed to lose money!" Anko grumbled before Kyoko could answer.
"None of your business!" Tatsuya shot a glare at the meddling girl.
Anko was indignant: "I'm the one who got all those weird pets you listed!"
Tatsuya was taken aback, then grinned. "I thank you for that!"
Anko pouted. "That doesn't sound like a sincere thank you!"
Tatsuya just chuckled.
Nearby, Kyoko gently pulled on Anko's arm, quietly comforting her.
At the Cloud delegation's lodgings.
Inside a room, the delegation leader, Toro, was kneeling alone at a low table.
Swish!
Suddenly, a sound of something cutting through the air came from outside, and a figure dressed in black entered the room.
"Why did it take you so long?" Toro asked, clearly displeased, upon seeing the newcomer.
"The surroundings are crawling with Konoha Anbu. It took a lot of effort to avoid their detection and get in here," the figure replied in a calm voice. As he spoke, he took out a scroll from his chest and tossed it to Toro.
Toro's expression softened slightly, and he reached out to catch the thrown scroll.
"These are the key figures who influence Konoha's situation? Why are they all children and young adults?" Toro asked, frowning, after carefully reading the contents of the scroll.
"Don't underestimate them! They are all key heirs of Konoha's powerful clans. If you target them, the relationship between Konoha and the village will inevitably deteriorate, and the war will continue! Moreover, with Konoha's tight surveillance, targeting these individuals with lower combat power is the only thing we can do," the black-clad figure explained calmly.
Holding the scroll, Toro was silent for a moment before saying, "Alright! I've received the information. We will plan carefully these next few days. We'll notify you when we have a plan."
The black-clad figure didn't answer, turned to leave the room, and quickly disappeared.
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