Chapter 112: Between Naruto and Sasuke... - The White Eyed Princess of Konoha

Chapter 112: Between Naruto and Sasuke... After carrying Sasuke back to the inn, Naruto sat sulking on the bed, arms crossed and a clearly displeased look on his face. Might Guy stood nearby, occasionally scratching his head. Kakashi sat by the window, engrossed in his copy of "Make-Out Paradise." “Yo! Kakashi-sensei, Guy-sensei! What brings you here?” Naruto asked. Kakashi looked up, glanced at Sasuke on Jiraiya's back, and sighed inwardly, lamenting how none of his three students were ever worry-free. Jiraiya gently laid Sasuke down and said casually, "Good timing, you can take Sasuke back with you." Naruto rushed over, concerned, "What happened to Sasuke?" Hinata sat on the bed, looking weary, and replied, “Sasuke just passed out from exhaustion, don't worry, he's not hurt.” Sigh! My dumplings from the shop... I wonder if they'll be cold by the time I get back! Kakashi glanced at Sasuke, and while he may not have been physically injured, his heart was undoubtedly scarred. Since teaching Sasuke the Chidori, Kakashi had truly considered Sasuke his protege. As someone who was a genius in his own right, Kakashi had always admired talented youths, as he often saw his younger self reflected in them. Similarly, simpletons like Jiraiya were drawn to those akin to Naruto. Jiraiya scanned the room and then remarked, "We can't stay here anymore. We need to find someplace else." "Kakashi, Guy! You should take Sasuke back first!" With that, Jiraiya turned to Hinata, speaking in a tempting tone, "Hinata, would you like to join us on our journey?" “No!” Hinata refused without hesitation; traveling with them was too dangerous. While Orochimaru wouldn't pose a threat without performing seals due to her current capabilities, Jiraiya was the real danger! With him around, she wouldn't dare sleep or bathe at night. Undeterred, Jiraiya continued, “You might find mastering Sage Arts difficult. I could offer some guidance on your training, you know!” Hinata thought for a moment before asking seriously, "So... would you cover the travel and meal expenses along the way?" Jiraiya felt a bit baffled; wasn't Hinata the one eagerly offering to pay when they met at the Hokage's office? Perhaps because he had just borrowed some money from Naruto, Jiraiya generously replied, “No problem, I'll handle all those expenses!” Jiraiya's proposal for Hinata to join their quest for Tsunade wasn't without intention. Hinata's prowess was undeniable. Even though she lacked combat experience, Hinata was already at a jonin level without using Sage Arts and not far behind Kakashi. Once she used Sage Arts, even kage-level opponents would struggle against her. Given that the Akatsuki was on the move, having Hinata along seemed like a good option. Her Byakugan could scout enemies and even assist in locating Tsunade. Moreover, Hinata could communicate with the Nine-Tails... As for Kakashi and Guy, Jiraiya had no designs on them. It wasn't that they were weaker than Hinata, but as Leaf Village jonin, they were needed elsewhere in the village for now. With the allure of a free, all-expenses-paid journey with expert guidance from someone like Jiraiya, Hinata hesitated only briefly before agreeing. At most, she'd just be extra cautious during baths and sleep. Once they found Tsunade, there'd be little threat; Tsunade would certainly keep Jiraiya in line. Kakashi hoisted Sasuke and, with a fish-eyed expression, listlessly said, “Jiraiya-sama, Hinata! We'll head back now.” Hinata waved, “Goodbye, Kakashi-sensei, Guy-sensei!” “Damn! Can someone explain what on earth happened here?” Naruto exclaimed once Kakashi left, voicing his frustrations. Jiraiya glanced at Naruto, recognizing that with the Nine-Tails sealed within him, Naruto would inevitably face the Akatsuki's threat. It was better for him to have some understanding sooner rather than later. Pressure, after all, could drive motivation. “Naruto, their target... is you!” “Me?” Jiraiya then briefly explained the Akatsuki's motives, as well as the complex relationship between Itachi Uchiha and Sasuke. Naruto listened in silent reflection. Finally, lifting his head, Naruto faced Jiraiya, determination in his voice, “Pervy Sage, let's change our plans!” “Though I was scared just now... I want to confront those two. If their target is me, then let’s go after them!” Jiraiya glanced at Naruto, responding calmly, “Hmph! If you face them now, you'd be walking into your own death.” Fueled by his fervor, Naruto retorted, “But should I live my life constantly running from them, always afraid?” “Shut up!” Jiraiya's stern voice cut through, “You’re too weak!” Naruto's head dropped, the reality settling in — having spent his entire life in the village, this was the first time he felt such a pressing urge to grow stronger. It wasn't just for his own safety; it was also because of the animosity between Sasuke and Itachi. Watching Naruto from the side, Hinata leaned on her chin. As expected, the reincarnations of Asura and Indra were beginning to draw toward each other; Naruto and Sasuke were destined for a stormy path before achieving their ultimate goals. In the original story, Naruto forgave Obito, who killed his parents; he also forgave Nagato, who killed his teacher Jiraiya. Toneri Otsutsuki had nearly taken Hinata away, but Naruto chose to spare him. Yet when Momoshiki Otsutsuki merely beat up Sasuke, Naruto was ready to take him down! Momoshiki Otsutsuki: "???" Hinata believed she had uncovered the truth. Could it be that in Team 7, she was the true third wheel? Tsk tsk tsk! In the dynamic between Kakashi, Guy, and Obito, who would be the third wheel? Perhaps it was a story of first love and a current partner! Hashirama Senju got married, and Madara Uchiha wanted to end things together with him, negating all he was! Thus, Tsunade's rejection of Jiraiya felt justified; otherwise, Orochimaru would surely eliminate them both! Feeling Hinata’s odd gaze, Jiraiya and Naruto simultaneously asked, “What are you thinking about?” “Ah, nothing!” Hinata blushed before nonchalantly asking, “Um... when will we look for a place to stay?” “And also, aren't we supposed to compensate the owner here?” Jiraiya scratched his head sheepishly, chuckling, “While I did say I'd cover travel and meal expenses, this place isn’t really...” Before he could finish, Hinata had already used the Body Flicker Technique to vanish. Hmph! I didn't book the room, why should I pay for it?