Chapter 98: Anko
Half a month passed.
Tonbo Tobitake's work in the Analysis Division had fully entered its normal rhythm. In times of peace, the workload for the division wasn't overwhelming. Without a constant stream of new subjects for mind-reading, many members took on part-time gigs. A small faction remained dedicated to analyzing ninjutsu data extracted from past corpses to find countermeasures. These processes ran themselves; Tonbo didn't need to micromanage.
He was leisurely.
Then there was the Barrier Team. The "Inverted Golden Bell Barrier" was undergoing further strengthening in terms of lightweighting, deployment speed, and defense against specialized ninjutsu infiltration. However, there was no rush; the current version was sufficient. They were simply researching a "new version" to prevent the "old version" from being countered.
Aside from these duties, Tonbo's life was relaxed. Every day after work, he spent time with his children, taking them for strolls. Occasionally, he used a Shadow Clone to watch the kids while he took Ayame out for a walk. Life was incredibly comfortable.
His two little ones were growing stronger by the day.
On this day, at Ichiraku Ramen, Tonbo had arranged a meeting between two people.
"Hi, Anko! Long time no see. You're getting prettier and prettier," Tonbo said as he walked into the shop, seeing an impatient Anko Mitarashi waiting there.
Seeing him, Anko immediately recalled the trauma of once being dominated by the taste of chili. "Hey, why did you ask me out? I haven't even finished my mission reports yet."
"And why meet here? You should know I prefer sweets. Is this how you invite people? Besides, you're a married man... you don't actually have feelings for me, do you?" Anko didn't even give Tonbo a chance to speak, letting it all out in one breath.
Teuchi, who was busy making ramen, twitched his ears. His hands actually stopped for a second.
Sweat beaded on Tonbo's forehead. "Hey, don't talk nonsense. I'm here to introduce you to someone. He'll treat you to Three-Color Dango later."
What is she talking about? I am the most devoted man alive.
Hearing Tonbo's explanation, Teuchi resumed his noodle-pulling craft.
"What? I'm not interested in men! If you had said that from the start, I wouldn't have come!" Anko's face turned bright red as she shouted. "Besides, plenty of guys chase me; I just haven't accepted their affection yet."
"Sure, sure. I just feel that since you love sweets so much, you might end up as a round-faced, wide-waisted old lady one day. Then no one will want you. Don't worry, the person I'm introducing is my prize disciple—he's already a full Jonin."
Tonbo thought of the Anko from Boruto and shuddered. In that timeline, she really did struggle!
Hearing the "round-faced, wide-waisted" comment, veins popped on Anko's forehead, her knuckles cracking as she clenched her fists. "You bastard! Who says no one will want me? And I'm a ninja! How could I possibly end up like that?" She only focused on the insults.
Tap, tap!
Just then, a figure walked in from outside.
"Sensei."
"Shinobu is here! Quick, take a look. This is the excellent kunoichi I told you about—the next Lady Tsunade of Konoha. Come, introduce yourselves." Tonbo's eyes lit up as his disciple arrived, and he quickly pulled him over. Then he said to Anko, "See? This is Mibu Shinobu, my disciple. He's the same age as you. It couldn't be more perfect."
Hearing herself described as the "next Lady Tsunade," Anko's anger dissipated slightly as she looked at Mibu Shinobu. He had a plain, ordinary face, a small ponytail, and a slightly awkward smile.
"Anko Mitarashi. Hello."
"Mibu Shinobu. Hello."
Shinobu also looked at the kunoichi his teacher spoke so highly of. Her purple hair and sharp eyes made his own eyes light up. The awkwardness of a blind date had officially spread to the ninja world.
Looking at the two of them, Tonbo felt so awkward he wanted to dig a hole in the floor. "Alright, you two go out and chat. I won't disturb you."
Poof!
He vanished on the spot, leaving the two even more embarrassed.
In reality, Tonbo hadn't left. He used a "Presence Concealment" Genjutsu to lower his presence and hid in the corner to watch. This was his first time matchmaking, and it was strangely nerve-wracking. He really wanted to know if this pair would work. He wondered if this was becoming a quirk of his; as his power grew, his mindset was slowly changing.
Go for it, Shinobu! Win her over and you'll have a two-Jonin household.
Currently, Anko wasn't a Jonin yet, but she would be.
Anko: "You're a Jonin?"
"Aha, I was just promoted," Shinobu laughed awkwardly. He didn't know what to say. He wanted to talk, but the words wouldn't come. He never imagined Sensei would be so decisive—introducing him to a date so soon. He felt there was no need to rush.
"Are you a mute? You only answer when asked. I'm starting to wonder how you became a Jonin."
"Ah, haha. It's just my first time being around a girl like this. I'm a bit flustered."
"Are you really Tonbo Tobitake's disciple?"
"Yeah. He's been my team leader since I graduated from the Academy."
"Then... have you ever tasted that specific Genjutsu of his?"
"That disgusting one? Of course. Sensei used that to punish us back in the day so we wouldn't dare slack off."
"Do you hold a grudge over it?"
"No. Sensei treats us very well."
"Liar! You must have wanted to punch him at least once, just to make him taste those flavors himself, right?"
"Maybe a little..."
Tonbo, listening from the shadows, was initially frustrated. What kind of guy just gives one-word answers? Shinobu is a hopeless case! But then the conversation took a turn.
Good grief! So you're just like Iruka, hiding a desire to punch me in your heart, huh? If both of them feel that way, Togetake Tetusen must think so too. Hmph, I'll deal with you lot later.
"Hmm. I think you're alright," Anko said suddenly. "Let's go. We can go on a date and try to get to know each other."
"Ah..." Shinobu was stunned. A date, just like that?
"It's a date! I like Three-Color Dango and red bean soup. You don't dislike them, do you?"
"Ah... no..."
"Then let's go."
Anko slapped his shoulder in her characteristic boisterous manner and walked out the door. Mibu Shinobu followed behind, looking completely dazed.
"Wait, isn't this moving too fast? What happened to being 'not interested in men'?" Tonbo was also stunned. He recalled the dating games of his past life and looked at Shinobu's awkward, bashful expression. Isn't he just going to be wrapped around Anko's finger?
Man, that change of heart was way too quick.
He immediately followed them, utilizing his ninja skills to trail them openly. Since they couldn't break his Genjutsu anyway, he followed along. He truly hoped his introduction was the right call.
Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/MistaQuartz
On Patreon, you can explore Extra Chapters in advance!