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"Natsuki, what's this..."
Tenten curiously looked at the bean in her hand.
"This is a Senzu (Sacred Bean). Think of it as a miraculous medicine bestowed by the sages."
Natsuki lowered his voice and said, "One Senzu can keep you from feeling hungry for ten days and instantly heal your injuries. As long as your soul isn't damaged and you haven't stopped breathing, it can bring you back to life immediately.
Keep it safe. Only use it when absolutely necessary. And don't tell anyone, not even your dad."
Hearing how precious it was, Tenten immediately clutched it tightly.
She didn't doubt Natsuki's words. Even though it sounded unbelievable, Natsuki had never lied to her.
"But... Natsuki, this Senzu is so valuable, you should keep some for yourself too. I think just one is enough for me."
Tenten said with concern.
Natsuki, however, gently pressed her hand down and smiled, "Don't worry, I have plenty. I value my life very much. After all, I still have to marry you one day, right? I definitely can't die."
Only then did Tenten feel reassured, her face showing a hint of shyness.
Although they had been together for years, talking about marriage still made her feel shy — but even more so, sweet.
In the following days, Konoha Village remained calm, seemingly with no special movements.
Maybe Sarutobi Hiruzen was secretly sending the Anbu to investigate.
Anyway, that wasn't something a mere Genin like Natsuki needed to worry about.
Team 9 continued taking missions as usual.
As punishment for before, all the D-rank missions were handed over to Yamashiro Rone and Kato Megumi.
At first, the two were a little downcast, but soon they were smiling again, because the three missions were: pulling weeds in a courtyard, milking cows, and looking after children.
These originally boring tasks unexpectedly became heartwarming as the two kept exchanging shy glances and smiles.
Just watching them, Natsuki and Aoba were overwhelmed by the sickeningly sweet atmosphere.
After being exposed, these two weren't even hiding it anymore — openly showing their affection.
But it didn't bother Natsuki. After all, he wasn't single.
It was only Aoba, the eternal bachelor, who suffered heavy emotional damage.
After a few more days of D-rank missions, Hiruzen finally arranged a C-rank mission outside the village for Team 9: simply exterminating bandits in a nearby village.
The mission went smoothly.
The bandits were just ordinary people, completely unable to resist against ninjas.
The reason they were to be eliminated was because they had already committed terrible acts: robbing villagers, killing innocent people.
For such scum, death was deserved.
There was no need for mercy.
It was the first time Natsuki, Rone, and Megumi had killed anyone.
They felt a bit uncomfortable at first, but soon adapted.
In this world, killing was inevitable.
As long as they didn't become indiscriminate murderers, it was acceptable.
Not everyone could be a saint like Naruto, who went through life without killing a single enemy — even those responsible for the deaths of his own parents — and still yelled things like "Don't mock his dreams!"
...But that's another story.
Team 9 quickly completed the mission and returned to the village by noon the next day.
To celebrate, Yamashiro Aoba treated the three of them to Ichiraku Ramen.
They had just placed their orders when they heard a commotion behind them.
"Natsuki! You're eating ramen too!"
An excited female voice called out.
The next moment, Tenten pounced onto Natsuki's back.
"Yesterday you said you had a mission outside the village. I didn't expect you to be back already. Your team works so fast!"
Aoba, Rinya, and Megumi all turned to look at the twin-bun-haired girl and immediately recognized her as Natsuki's girlfriend.
All of them curiously studied her.
It was hard not to be curious.
After all, Natsuki often talked about his girlfriend, even needing her opinion on certain things.
They had long wondered what kind of girl she was.
Seeing her now — cute, but not particularly imposing — they realized she was quite normal.
"Tenten, behave yourself. Everyone's watching,"
Natsuki reminded gently, then introduced:
"The guy with sunglasses is our team leader, Yamashiro Aoba.
These two are my teammates, Yamashiro Rinya and Kato Megumi.
Everyone, this is my girlfriend, Tenten.
And standing behind her are her teammates — Hyuga Neji and Rock Lee.
Their team leader is the strongest taijutsu ninja in Konoha, Might Guy-sensei!"
Guy gave a thumbs-up with a dazzling smile, "Haha! That was a fine introduction, Natsuki-kun! I am Konoha's Proud Blue Beast, Might Guy!"
Rock Lee also enthusiastically said, "So you're Natsuki's teammates! Please take care of us!"
Even Neji nodded coldly in greeting, his attitude a bit aloof.
Rinya and Megumi blinked and scanned them — a big and small kappa (referring to Guy and Lee's similar bowl cuts) and a high-class, white-eyed handsome guy.
Comparatively, Tenten was the most normal one among them.
The two quickly greeted back, "H-Hello... Tenten-senpai!"
Tenten's cheeks flushed slightly.
It was her first time being called "senpai" like this, but she smiled graciously,
"Hello! Please take good care of my Natsuki."
The two hurriedly waved their hands,
"Tenten-senpai, you're too polite! It's Natsuki-senpai who's been taking care of us!"
Seeing the growing number of guests, Teuchi quickly asked Ayame to bring more stools, and Guy's team sat down too, ordering bowls of ramen.
Guy seized the opportunity to chat with Aoba.
"Aoba, your team looks pretty spirited!"
Aoba adjusted his sunglasses and said,
"When it comes to spirit, you're still the champion, Guy.
But your students seem pretty impressive too... although, compared to our Natsuki, they're still a bit lacking."
There was a slight hint of pride in his tone.
(Wait... so this is what Aoba-sensei is like?)
Unexpectedly, Guy laughed heartily,
"Hahaha! I know how amazing Natsuki is!
Since our teams have met, how about a little sparring match?
I'd like to see how far Natsuki has taken his mastery of the Hachimon Tonkou (Eight Gates Released Formation)!"
Aoba was a little surprised.
He had only intended to show off Natsuki a bit — he hadn't expected Guy to suggest an actual match.
But looking at Guy's team — all well-trained — it did seem like a good opportunity.
After all, the Chuunin Exams were approaching.
This could be a good chance for Rone and Megumi to test themselves against others.
He looked at his students and asked,
"Guy-sensei wants our teams to have a spar. What do you think?"
Natsuki shrugged,
"I'm fine either way. I know Guy's team pretty well."
Rinya and Megumi exchanged a glance and firmly replied,
"Sensei, let's do it! We'll definitely win!"
Very confident!
Hopefully they wouldn't suffer too big a blow later.
Rock Lee was already itching for a fight.
"A match with Natsuki-senpai's team? I'm looking forward to it!"
Neji's gaze locked onto Natsuki.
He had been training hard for a year, and he wanted to see just how much distance remained between them.
To defeat Natsuki was his biggest goal right now.
Natsuki and Tenten exchanged a glance, both feeling that this sounded pretty fun.
(End of Chapter)
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