Everyone was showered with this wave of public affection, but all they could do was silently act as if they hadn't seen it.
This couple… they were killing single people everywhere they went. Only Yamashiro Rinya and Katō Megumi seemed immune — this was getting ridiculous.
Of course, some were envious — Hinata, Ino, and Sakura among them.
Sakura, in particular, couldn't help but recall what Natsuki had just said earlier — "She'd kick me out of bed" — and her face flushed. She hadn't expected their relationship to already be that bold.
Not far away, Kakashi had finally tracked down Sai.
He spoke in a serious tone,
"Sai, why did you leave without permission? What did Danzō tell you to find?"
Sai simply smiled. "Kakashi-sensei, you've misunderstood. I just happened to spot Yakushi Kabuto's trail and went after him. Is that wrong?"
Kakashi stared at him, very tempted to rip that fake smile right off his face.
But he knew it wouldn't work — Root operatives almost never betrayed Danzō, so questioning him was pointless.
Still, he gave a warning. "We have more missions coming up. You'd better not wander off again. If I find out you're doing anything dangerous, I won't be polite."
Sai's smile didn't change. "Understood, I get it."
Kakashi gave him a long, hard look. It seemed Sai had already found what he was looking for; otherwise, he wouldn't be acting this obedient. But he didn't bother pressing further — better to just finish the mission first.
After a short rest, Kakashi began giving out orders. Several teams were sent out to destroy Orochimaru's remaining outposts and labs, especially those with highly dangerous research, which had to be completely wiped out. They were also to keep an eye out for Kabuto's movements — he was no simple opponent.
As for Natsuki, he wasn't officially part of Aoba's squad and was technically operating alone, so he had freedom of action.
He requested permission to check out the daimyō's castle — who knew, maybe the slippery Kabuto was hiding there.
Kakashi agreed without issue. After all, with Orochimaru dead, letting Natsuki roam around was fine. These remaining cleanup jobs didn't require a big gun like him.
And so, Natsuki really did go sightseeing. In the Land of Rice Fields' capital, he toured the city, buying plenty of gifts for TenTen and his future father-in-law.
By the time he received the paper note recalling him, five days had passed.
Impressively, in just five days, the Konoha elite squads had taken down every known Orochimaru outpost. This spoke volumes about the quality of the five squads involved. Although Kabuto had slipped away, with Orochimaru dead, no one saw him as a serious threat — just an annoying pest left buzzing around.
Natsuki had to admit, the man was too fast to catch. Otherwise, he would've happily killed him on the spot. That would've saved trouble later, when Kabuto might join forces with Uchiha Obito and perform Edo Tensei (Reanimation Jutsu) on numerous long-dead powerhouses, bringing chaos to the world.
Still, Natsuki wasn't going to waste time hunting him. Kabuto was crafty; he'd probably already inherited Orochimaru's research and might even head to the Dragon Ground Cave to learn Sage Mode.
He'd just have to wait for Kabuto to show himself again.
When the task force returned to Konoha, there was no secrecy — in fact, the operation was publicized loudly.
Tsunade herself came to greet them at the village gates, with many other shinobi in tow, and the villagers flocked over to watch.
Upon learning that this elite force had secretly gone to hunt down Orochimaru, the village's shinobi and citizens were instantly thrilled, eagerly awaiting the return of their heroes.
After all, just last year Orochimaru had orchestrated the Konoha Crush, leaving many with lasting trauma.
Now, to see Tsunade-sama — with her iron-blooded decisiveness — send out a squad to exact revenge, and succeed, only reinforced her prestige. She truly lived up to being the granddaughter of the First and Second Hokage, one of the Legendary Sannin, and the most beautiful Kage!
Before long, the five squads plus Natsuki — twenty-one people in all — arrived at Konoha's gates and were met with a hero's welcome.
Kiba, Ino, and Rinya were especially pleased, waving to the villagers with big grins, clearly enjoying their fame. The others remained more reserved.
As for TenTen, she stood quietly beside Natsuki, unusually composed.
Natsuki smiled, leaning down to whisper, "TenTen, didn't you always want to become a legendary kunoichi? Now you're being welcomed as a hero. Shouldn't you be showing a little more excitement?"
TenTen pouted. "This is the victory of the whole task force. I'm still far from being a legend. Besides, I need to maintain my image — I can't act too childish. Otherwise, if I really do become a legendary kunoichi one day, all the childish things I did will just become blackmail material!"
Oh? So self-aware, huh?
Still, she was right — this was the squad's victory, not hers alone. It wasn't something to boast about personally.
In truth, TenTen wasn't interested in the welcome ceremony at all. She wanted it over with so she could tell Natsuki about the intel she'd found on the Gold and Silver Brothers — and then plan how to obtain the Six Paths' treasures.
She could hardly wait to get her hands on those legendary ninja tools!
Fortunately, Tsunade could see the group was tired. After a few words of praise, she dismissed them, leaving Kakashi to handle the formal reports.
TenTen wasted no time dragging Natsuki home with her — she didn't even stop by her father's shop to let him know she was safe.
Once home, she locked all the doors and windows, as if they were thieves.
Only after securing the house did she push Natsuki onto the sofa and sit in his lap, slowly unrolling a scroll.
"Natsuki, look! This records the area where the Gold and Silver Brothers might have died. Kabuto hasn't pinpointed it yet, but it should be in this region. If we go there, we'll definitely find the Six Paths' treasures! Once I have them, I can truly fight alongside you!"
Her eyes shone with determination as she looked into his. She had always wanted to be strong, to stand beside her boyfriend in battle — not just as a pretty face, not as someone who relied on him for protection.
She wanted to be able to guard his back in a fight.
That was how she expressed her love — not just by chasing her own dream, but by making sure they could always be together.
"You silly girl."
Natsuki gently pinched her cheeks and rubbed his face against hers.
They didn't kiss this time, but the closeness said it all. In that moment, they were happy.
Then — bang bang bang! — a knock on the door shattered the moment.
"TenTen, Natsuki, you're back and didn't even stop by the ninja tool shop to see your old man? Did becoming heroes make you forget your dad?"
It was the shopkeeper.
TenTen fumed. "Dad! You big idiot for ruining the mood!"
(End of Chapter)
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