Minato had left.
Once again, only Team Nine remained in the courtyard.
Yamato was the first to raise both hands in surrender.
"Drake-senpai, I swear I won't say a single word."
His expression was dead serious — more sincere than ever before.
"It's fine. Even if you do talk, I won't blame you," Drake said with a gentle smile.
But in Yamato's eyes, that smile looked like pure nightmare fuel — a demon's grin hiding murderous intent. A deep, unshakable shadow formed in his heart.
After repeatedly promising his silence, Yamato finally left, shaking all the way.
"He probably won't say anything," Kakashi judged, watching his retreating back.
"Doesn't matter," Drake replied calmly.
"Drake… are we really not going to participate in the operation to hunt Orochimaru?" Rin asked softly.
"Of course not," Drake shook his head.
Hunting Orochimaru? Only an idiot would agree to that.
He'd finally pinned the blame on Orochimaru — catching him now would just be digging his own grave.
"But sensei made it sound like this is our chance to secure our footing in ANBU," Yugao said.
"There are many ways to secure a position," Drake replied with a meaningful tone.
In his eyes, if only Team Nine remained in ANBU… wouldn't that itself be absolute stability?
Much better — and no competitors.
Instead, what truly piqued his curiosity was Hozuri Ruri.
If even Minato considered her mission extremely dangerous, why would she accept it alone?
"Ruri, huh… I heard my father mention her once," Kakashi said thoughtfully.
"She's mysterious. My father said her Fire Style and shuriken skills were at the very peak."
"Back then she wasn't vice-captain yet — just a complete mission maniac."
Drake clicked his tongue in amazement.
"A female ninja climbing to ANBU Vice-Commander… that's impressive."
He then glanced at Anko and the others.
"Hey! What's that look supposed to mean?!" Anko instantly snapped.
Clearly, Drake's eyes were saying: Look at her… now look at you.
"I'm going to learn from Hozuri Ruri!" Rin declared, raising her fist with determination.
"Rin… be realistic," Yugao sighed.
But Rin's resolve didn't waver.
The team dispersed.
What surprised Drake was that Rin genuinely seemed serious.
"Drake, tonight we're sleeping separately."
"Hm?" Drake was genuinely surprised.
He was supposed to stay close to protect her — what if she got kidnapped?
"I need proper rest. Starting tomorrow, I'm training seriously."
If they kept sleeping together, she'd just grow weaker day by day. At this rate, she'd eventually be too exhausted to even jump onto a rooftop.
Seeing her determination, Drake stroked his chin.
"Alright then. Tonight, you'll stay with Kushina-senpai."
"Huh? Sure!" Rin nodded happily.
Evening – Back Mountain
Drake stood beneath a large tree, lightly patting its trunk. Rin waited quietly beside him.
"Any new trace?"
Tree: "To the east."
"Far?"
Tree: "Yes. And we can no longer track him."
"No roots connecting?" Drake narrowed his eyes.
Tree: "Perhaps there are… but none linked within our network."
The east… toward the Land of Waves.
Drake fell briefly into thought.
"Let's go. I'll take you to Kushina-senpai."
Night – Happy Hot Springs
When Drake brought Rin inside, he was surprised to see Kushina drinking with friends.
"Drake!" Kushina waved cheerfully.
"Come, let me introduce you! This is my best friend — Uchiha Mikoto! And this one you know, Mina!"
As soon as they sat down, Kushina enthusiastically began showing off.
"You know, Mikoto designed some amazing rooms here. Super soundproof, even has sleep-enhancing features!"
She grabbed Drake and dragged him off for a tour.
"Sorry about her," Mikoto chuckled warmly, greeting him. Her cheeks were faintly flushed from the drink.
"Mikoto-san, I'm sure your designs are extraordinary," Drake said politely before being pulled away.
As they passed Mina, she subtly gestured toward the left room.
An unmistakable signal.
Inside the room, Drake was genuinely impressed.
A compact barrier had been set up — perfect sound isolation.
"What do you think? Mikoto designed it, and I set up the barrier! No sound gets in or out!"
"Outstanding. I didn't know you had taken sealing techniques this far," Drake praised sincerely.
Pleased, Kushina closed the door.
Shhh...
Total darkness swallowed the room. Even Drake could only barely make out her silhouette.
When the door finally reopened and light flooded back in —
"See? This is the sleep-aid version of the Bringer-of-Darkness illusion!" Kushina laughed proudly.
Drake chuckled. "You turned a combat genjutsu into a sleep aid… incredible."
Afterward, he was invited to drink.
Naturally, Drake only had juice, being underage — but Rin still enjoyed her fair share.
"By the way, Kushina-senpai, Rin will be staying here tonight," Drake explained as they started getting tipsy.
"Eh? Sure, sure!" Kushina waved lazily.
"But we're out of spare blankets. We'll restock tomorrow."
"I'll grab one from home," Rin said, standing up and leaving.
Drake escorted her partway… just in case.
When they returned, the hall was already empty.
"You can rest in the room on the right," Drake gestured.
"Okay! Goodnight!" Rin hugged her blanket and went in.
Drake turned and walked straight toward the left room.
Mina was waiting.
Inside the pitch-black room, Drake lay down.
And sure enough — he touched Mina.
But this time… something was different.
Resistance.
Struggle.
Then compliance.
And finally… enthusiastic cooperation.
An hour and a half later, Drake left the room.
"I can't stay here overnight. If someone sees me in the morning, that'll be a disaster… this place only serves female guests."
With that thought, he prepared to leave.
Shh... Shh...
Footsteps echoed from the left corridor.
A figure emerged from the bath — it was Mina.
Drake: "???"
Mina: "I've been waiting in the bath forever. Why are you only just getting here?"
"The bath…? Not the room?"
Drake froze.
His mind went blank.
And only one question echoed within him:
Who the hell did I just sleep with?
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