Once at the farm, Sasuke didn't bother with his usual training routine. Instead, he searched all over the mountain looking for Zabuza. The missing-nin hadn't shown up for practice. Sasuke checked the usual spots first, then headed toward the pigsty.
There he found Haku sitting on a wooden stool, singing softly to a pen full of pigs.
In the enclosure, fat white pigs lay sleeping soundly, their breathing creating a rhythmic chorus. They seemed utterly content, lulled into peaceful slumber by Haku's gentle voice.
When Haku noticed Sasuke approaching, he immediately stopped singing and offered a polite greeting. "Sasuke-kun, you're here!"
As for the obvious fist marks decorating Sasuke's swollen face, Haku showed no surprise whatsoever. He didn't need to think hard about the cause. It must have been Naruto-kun's handiwork. After working on this farm for so long, Haku had come to understand Sasuke's temperament very well. The boy had a particular talent for provoking Naruto, almost like he couldn't help himself.
"Mm." Sasuke glanced around the pigsty area but couldn't spot Zabuza anywhere. "Haku-san, do you know where Zabuza went?"
"If you're looking for Lord Zabuza, he went to collect manure." Haku gestured down the mountain path. "If you follow this trail, you should run into him eventually."
"Thank you, Haku-san. I'll go find him." Sasuke expressed his gratitude and headed in the direction Haku had indicated.
Watching Sasuke's retreating figure, Haku tilted his head thoughtfully. Why is Sasuke-kun looking for Lord Zabuza? They're not particularly close. In fact, Lord Zabuza usually takes a detour whenever he spots Sasuke coming.
Then again, on this farm, as long as you maintained a good relationship with Naruto-kun, you could keep things comfortable with Sasuke-kun as well. After all, Naruto-kun was the one who made all the important decisions here.
Unable to puzzle out why Sasuke needed Zabuza, Haku shrugged and resumed his singing. The pigs seemed to appreciate it, at least.
Sasuke followed the mountain path deeper into the farm. When he passed the sheep pasture, he spotted Shikamaru standing among the flock with a notebook in hand. The lazy genius was carefully observing the sheep's behavior, occasionally jotting down notes. He planned to compile all this data into a comprehensive reference book for future farm management.
Seeing Sasuke approach, Shikamaru stopped writing and looked up. "Sasuke, didn't you go to the village entrance with Naruto to make friends?"
The moment those words left his mouth, Shikamaru realized he'd asked something painfully obvious. Looking at Sasuke's bruised and swollen face, the answer was self-evident. Naruto had beaten him up. But to get beaten this early in the morning, what had Sasuke done to deserve it?
Shikamaru had observed that among Naruto's friends, Sasuke possessed a unique talent for self-destruction. He got beaten by Naruto more frequently than anyone else. Meanwhile, Shikamaru himself, as the farm's director, held a secure position in Naruto's heart. Naruto would never beat him without serious cause.
Then there was Shino, who served as the happy mascot of their friend group. Naruto clearly appreciated his contributions to group morale.
But the others? They didn't end up with black eyes and swollen faces every few days like Sasuke did. Thinking about it, Shikamaru shook his head internally. Troublesome.
"Oh, Naruto went ahead first. I'll catch up with him later." Sasuke kept his tone casual. "I'm here looking for Zabuza. I have some business with him."
"What kind of business?" Shikamaru asked. Truthfully, he didn't particularly care about Zabuza's personal affairs. But this was during working hours, and Zabuza fell under his management. As the farm director, Shikamaru felt obligated to ensure nothing interfered with operations.
Sasuke understood Shikamaru's position immediately. He explained quickly, "It's just a small private matter. Won't delay his work at all. Maybe ten minutes, fifteen at most."
Hearing this reassurance, Shikamaru relaxed. If the delay stretched too long, it would affect the farm's normal operations. As the manager, he had responsibilities to maintain. "Alright then. Keep following this mountain path straight ahead. You'll find Zabuza eventually."
"Understood. Haku-san already told me the general direction." After speaking, Sasuke bid Shikamaru farewell and continued down the trail.
After walking for several minutes, Sasuke rounded a bend in the mountain path. There, carrying two large baskets suspended from a pole across his shoulders, was Zabuza.
They met at the corner. Zabuza absolutely had not expected to encounter Sasuke here. The moment Zabuza's eyes registered Sasuke's face, noting the fresh bruises and swelling, the missing-nin didn't hesitate for even a fraction of a second.
He turned and ran.
"Zabuza, wait a moment!" Sasuke called out.
But Zabuza had no intention of listening to Sasuke's words. One look at that battered face told the whole story. Naruto had beaten Sasuke again. And now Sasuke was here, clearly seeking a convenient punching bag to vent his frustration. This wasn't even the first time this pattern had played out.
Zabuza wasn't stupid. If he didn't run now, when would he?
While sprinting away, Zabuza cursed Sasuke's ancestors back eighteen generations in his mind. Damn it! Naruto beats you, so go beat Naruto back! What's the point of taking out your anger on ME?!
Watching Zabuza flee the moment they made eye contact, Sasuke felt helpless. But I'm being kind this time. Why are you running?
Thinking this, Sasuke activated Flying Thunder God. In an instant, he appeared directly in front of Zabuza, blocking his escape route completely.
"Uchiha, you're abusing your power for personal revenge!" Zabuza shouted desperately. "I'll tell Naruto-kun about this!"
He hoped that invoking Naruto's name might make Sasuke reconsider. Maybe calm down a little.
But how could Sasuke possibly stop now? He looked at Zabuza with a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "I just want to have a discussion with you. A friendly one. Naruto won't object to that."
And truthfully, this reasoning was sound. Naruto couldn't intervene in other people's friendly discussions. He engaged in them constantly himself, after all. To deny others the same privilege would be denying his own actions.
"Bang! Bang! Bang!"
Ten minutes later, the carrying pole lay scattered on the ground, the baskets overturned and their contents spilled across the path. Zabuza himself sprawled face-down in the dirt, his face bruised and swollen, an expression of complete despair etched across his features.
"That's better..." Sasuke exhaled a long breath, genuine satisfaction spreading across his face. He walked away feeling refreshed and renewed.
On his way back down the mountain, Sasuke encountered Shikamaru again. The farm director looked up from his notes with mild surprise. "Sasuke, you finished that quickly?" Though seeing Sasuke's noticeably happier expression, the business must have concluded successfully.
"All done. I'm heading out now to watch Naruto make friends." Sasuke, feeling thoroughly refreshed, tried to extend an invitation. "Shikamaru, do you want to come along to the village entrance?"
"No thanks. I still have work to complete here." Shikamaru waved his hand dismissively. "The farm can't run itself. You go ahead."
"Alright, I'm off then. See you later." Sasuke departed with a spring in his step.
Shikamaru continued taking his notes on sheep behavior. After a while, he spotted Zabuza trudging past, carrying his manure buckets. The missing-nin's face was now thoroughly bruised and swollen.
Was that Sasuke's doing? A trace of suspicion flickered through Shikamaru's mind, but he didn't voice the question aloud.
Meanwhile, Zabuza's internal monologue was pure depression. How miserable. I'm a dignified jonin! When will I be able to stand up for myself? No, after work today, I'm practicing until I drop. I swear I'll make that feel this same pain someday!
When he reached the pigsty, Haku stopped singing immediately. Looking at the fresh injuries decorating Zabuza's face, concern colored his voice. "Lord Zabuza, your face... did you fall again?"
Haku distinctly remembered that last time, Zabuza had claimed his injuries came from falling.
"Yeah, I fell," Zabuza said, his tone thoroughly unnatural and unconvincing.
Haku's gaze drifted away, and he spoke casually toward the pigs. "Was it Sasuke-kun who beat you?"
"..." Zabuza remained silent, which was answer enough.
"To save face, please don't expose this embarrassing situation..." Zabuza finally said helplessly, his shoulders sagging in defeat.
Miles away in his house, Might Guy felt sunlight streaming through his bedroom window. The warm rays fell across his face, prompting him to open his eyes. He jumped up from bed with his usual energy, struck a pose at the window with arms outstretched, and declared loudly, "Hey! Today is another beautiful day!"
"Hm? Why does my face hurt so much?"
Suddenly, Guy realized something felt wrong. His face throbbed with sharp pain. He touched his cheek cautiously with one hand, then let out a pained "Owww!" as his fingers made contact with swollen, tender flesh. His thick eyebrows drew together in confusion.
He stumbled to the mirror. The reflection staring back showed a Guy with a thoroughly bruised and swollen face, barely recognizable.
"This is me? How did I become like this?" Guy's head began to throb as he tried to recall the previous night's events. "Oh, I have a headache..."
Fragments of memory slowly reassembled themselves. "Right... last night I was too happy, and then I drank too much. Naruto took advantage of my intoxication and did THIS to me!"
Guy remembered clearly now how Naruto had insisted on refilling his cup repeatedly, toasting enthusiastically again and again. The pieces fell into place.
"It was completely premeditated!"
"However, this can serve as a valuable wake-up call." Guy's expression grew determined. "From now on, no matter how much Naruto tries to persuade me to drink, I won't consume a single drop even if it kills me. If I get too drunk and agree to spar with him again, the loss will far outweigh any gain."
Guy made this resolution with absolute conviction.
Just then, someone knocked on his door.
"Guy-sensei! Guy-sensei!" Rock Lee's voice called from outside, brimming with enthusiasm.
Guy rubbed his aching head and went to open the door. Standing outside were all three of his students. Just like their sensei, every single one of them sported bruised and swollen faces. Tenten looked particularly miserable.
"Guy-sensei, are you coming to the village entrance to watch Naruto make friends?" Lee asked excitedly, completely unbothered by his own facial injuries.
"I'm not going. You three go ahead without me." Guy refused quickly and firmly. The absolute last thing he wanted was to see Naruto right now. Even watching Naruto beat OTHER people would make his own face hurt sympathetically.
"Then we're off!" After Lee finished speaking, he and Neji each grabbed one of Tenten's arms and started dragging her away.
Tenten was pulled along helplessly between them. She looked back at Guy with desperate eyes, and Guy instantly understood the meaning in her gaze: Save me... Guy-sensei...
Guy closed the door and murmured to himself, "I'm a drowning man myself. I can't even protect myself. How could I possibly save you?"
In truth, not just Lee and his team, but many of Naruto's other friends were planning to show up at the village entrance. Partly to support Naruto's efforts, partly because... well, they all understood what was coming. The visiting ninja were about to learn what "making friends" really meant.
Naturally, Naruto remained blissfully unaware of this gathering support. After saying goodbye to Sasuke, he headed toward the village entrance alone, moving at a brisk pace.
The Nine-Tails was still faithfully guarding the entrance, maintaining his vigil throughout the night. Naruto didn't know whether anyone had attempted to sneak away from Konoha during the dark hours. But with the Nine-Tails as insurance, he didn't need to worry about it.
"Look, look, look for friends, find a good friend..." Naruto hummed a cheerful tune as he walked, practically skipping down the road.
Thinking about making many new friends today, the excitement and joy in his heart couldn't be contained. The happy anticipation made him completely miss his surroundings.
So much so that he bumped directly into someone.
If the other person hadn't fallen to the ground and cried out in pain, Naruto might not have even realized he'd collided with anyone. Hearing that pained "Ouch!", Naruto stopped immediately and turned around to look.
A young woman in an elegant cherry blossom kimono lay on the ground, clutching her ankle. Her brows trembled slightly, obviously due to injury. When she noticed Naruto turning back, the young woman looked up at him.
Her delicate eyebrows drew together in pain. A pair of bright black eyes seemed to shimmer with unshed tears, gazing at Naruto with an expression of pitiful helplessness.
"Oh no, are you alright?" Naruto's conscience kicked in immediately. "I'm so sorry. I was lost in thought just now and didn't see you. Are you hurt?"
Actually, Naruto could clearly recall what had really happened. The woman in the cherry blossom kimono had walked toward him deliberately. Just as she reached him, she'd twisted her ankle, bumped lightly against his shoulder, and fallen down.
But Naruto was nothing if not polite. And the person before him was a woman, which meant basic courtesy applied doubly. Even if it hadn't been entirely his fault, Naruto would still apologize. That's simply how a gentleman behaved.
Naruto walked over and crouched down beside her, genuine concern in his voice. "Where are you hurt?"
"I... I sprained my ankle." The woman's voice trembled slightly, as if she were enduring tremendous pain with great difficulty.
In reality, this "young woman" was Orochimaru. He'd learned yesterday that Naruto planned to come to the village entrance early this morning to make friends. Therefore, Orochimaru had skipped breakfast entirely and positioned himself here at dawn, waiting.
Unfortunately, he'd had to wait for half an hour before finally spotting Naruto's figure. And wonderfully, Naruto was alone, completely absorbed in his own thoughts.
What's more, Naruto seemed to be thinking about something deeply, utterly lost in concentration. This was truly a heaven-sent opportunity!
So Orochimaru had walked toward Naruto without hesitation. When he got close enough, he'd suddenly twisted his ankle, bumped against Naruto's shoulder with calculated precision, and collapsed to the ground in a graceful tumble.
Of course, he'd also let out a cry of pain, the kind of soft whimpering unique to feminine distress. The sound had instantly snapped Naruto back to awareness.
Seeing Naruto approach him now, apologizing sincerely, crouching down beside him with obvious concern, Orochimaru felt a surge of triumph. Naruto, you're hooked. The bait has been taken.
Thinking this, Orochimaru leaned forward slightly, adjusting the front of his kimono so that it revealed a glimpse of pale skin. Right as Naruto's eyes were drawn to the motion, Orochimaru spoke softly. "I sprained my ankle..."
Naruto's gaze caught that flash of exposed skin for just a moment before he deliberately looked away, focusing on the ankle Orochimaru was clutching. He coughed lightly, thinking to himself: Not as impressive as Terumi Mei-san. Not as healthy-looking.
But aloud, he said only, "A sprained ankle? Here, let me take a look."
As he spoke, Naruto reached toward Orochimaru's ankle. The Sannin wore traditional wooden sandals and white cotton socks. Seeing Naruto's hand approaching, Orochimaru quickly moved his own hands aside, allowing access.
The moment Naruto's fingers touched the ankle, Orochimaru let out a soft moan of pain. Naruto's head turned sharply, and he saw Orochimaru's eyes glistening with moisture, brows furrowed in apparent agony. A single drop of sweat rolled down from that delicate, upturned nose.
"Does it hurt badly?" Naruto asked gently, his tone filled with sympathy.
"Mm..." Orochimaru lowered his head, and his response came out barely louder than a mosquito's whisper.
"Bear with it for just a moment. Let me examine the injury." Naruto's attention returned to the ankle. He carefully removed the cotton sock, revealing fair skin with fine pores. The flesh was smooth and delicate, clearly well-maintained.
As he pulled the sock down to fully expose the ankle, Naruto could see slight redness and swelling around the joint.
"Please be patient while I assess how serious the injury is." Naruto glanced back at Orochimaru's face, silently encouraging strength. Seeing Orochimaru nod bravely, Naruto gently cradled the ankle and began massaging it with practiced movements.
"It's just a simple sprain, nothing too serious." Naruto's voice carried reassurance. "In this case, let me give you a proper massage to reduce the swelling. I know the technique."
The Ultimate Taijutsu System had taught him therapeutic massage as a basic skill. It was essential knowledge for any serious martial artist.
"Mm..." Orochimaru nodded softly, fighting to keep his expression appropriate.
Immediately, Orochimaru felt those large, warm hands supporting his ankle. The heat radiating from Naruto's palms was incredible, the touch unexpectedly comforting. Since Orochimaru had genuinely twisted his ankle for the sake of realism, Naruto's skilled massage actually provided real relief.
Without meaning to, a small sound escaped Orochimaru's lips. A soft noise of relief and comfort.
This was an unconscious physical response. The moment it emerged, even Orochimaru himself panicked internally. Yes, this body is female. Yes, it's incredibly lifelike. But there's still a grown man's consciousness living inside it! Control yourself!
"There, all finished." Naruto helped Orochimaru pull the sock back into place, then extended his hand to grasp the woman's arm. "After that series of massages, everything should be fine now. Let me help you stand up."
Orochimaru accepted Naruto's supporting arm. But just as he began to rise, he suddenly "lost his balance" and fell forward, collapsing directly into Naruto's chest. His entire body pressed against Naruto's torso.
"Uh..." Naruto felt genuinely flustered for a moment. The fragrance filling his nose, the soft warmth pressing against him, it all made his face flush slightly red. After all, he was still a teenager, just entering that age when blood ran hot and hormones created confusion. His expression showed clear discomfort.
"Miss, um... where are you staying?" Naruto felt his question come out awkwardly, almost bluntly.
"I'm a traveler from out of town. I'm staying at a hotel nearby." Orochimaru remained nestled against Naruto's chest, one hand extending to trace lazy circles on Naruto's torso with a single finger. His voice took on a teasing lilt. "Why? Are you planning to escort me back to my room?"
"No, actually..." Naruto spoke quickly, then physically separated himself from Orochimaru, stepping several paces to the side. "Actually, you're already healed. You can return to your hotel by yourself now. I have important business to attend to."
Having delivered this announcement, Naruto put significant distance between them.
Orochimaru found himself abandoned so abruptly that he didn't immediately process what had happened. He simply stood there, slightly stunned.
"See? You can stand up perfectly fine now." Naruto's voice carried genuine encouragement. "Go ahead, take a couple steps. Try walking."
"???" Orochimaru's mind went blank.
"Come on, take two steps! Walk! Follow me!" Naruto began demonstrating, marching in place with exaggerated movements. "You've got to move! Take two steps! One, two, one! One, two, one!"
His movements were absurdly rhythmic, almost like a military march.
This... this isn't how the plan was supposed to go!
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