[Naruto: Superpower Roulette] Chapter 330 (Patreon)

"What exactly is the 'seven-year itch,' and how did you determine I have it?"

Ino, sipping her tea, couldn't help but ask. Yoichi had accurately described her recent frustrations—getting upset over small matters and feeling disconnected from Sai.

Though Sai likely didn't see it as an issue, Ino had waited two days for him to approach her first. His lack of initiative had left her feeling annoyed.

On her way back earlier, she'd even considered starting an argument with Sai. But after Yoichi's remarks, Ino's heart sank—was something truly wrong with her that she hadn't noticed?

Yoichi took a sip of tea and began explaining. "The seven-year itch is something I've observed during my travels. It relates to the body's own cells. You've studied medical techniques, so you should understand a bit about cells, right?"

"Of course I do!" Ino responded defensively, though she was already scrambling to recall her lessons on human cells.

While she had learned a few medical ninjutsu under Lady Tsunade, she'd stopped pursuing them after mastering two techniques, prioritizing her clan's secret arts and duties in Team Ino-Shika-Cho.

Not wanting to appear ignorant in front of Yoichi, Ino stubbornly maintained her composure.

"Human cells have a form of memory," Yoichi continued. "Every seven years, they completely regenerate. While you may look the same, biologically speaking, your body is 'new.' This regeneration resets cellular memory, making partners feel unfamiliar with each other. That's why I call it the 'seven-year itch.'"

As Ino stared at him with wide-eyed belief, Yoichi knew he had her hooked. He added, "The solution is simple: couples need to 'rediscover' each other. Take a break from your routines—travel the ninja world, or do something different together. That will resolve the issue."

"That's it? Something so simple?" Ino raised a skeptical eyebrow. "You made it sound so scary before."

Yoichi cast her a sideways glance. "You don't understand. The simplest truths are often the most convincing. Besides, while cellular changes don't affect your mental state, they can cause subtle discomfort. Think back—isn't this exactly what you've been feeling recently?"

His subtle hints, paired with a touch of fearmongering, were a perfect tactic for dealing with idle housewives like Ino.

As Yoichi had predicted, Ino began recalling her recent interactions with Sai. Their relationship indeed felt slightly distant—nothing like the intimacy they had during their newlywed years or after having their child.

Noticing the changes in Ino's expression, Yoichi pressed on. "Exactly. This is the effect of cellular regeneration. But don't worry. With some effort, you can prevent it from leading to divorce."

"D-Divorce!?" Ino snapped, her face turning red. "You're spouting nonsense! Sai and I have a rock-solid relationship!"

Knock, knock.

Yoichi's tone remained calm. "Raising your voice doesn't make your claim more convincing—it only reveals your insecurity. Besides, what does telling me this prove? I don't even know your name. Finish your tea and leave. My words may not be correct, so feel free to dismiss them."

His matter-of-fact dismissal planted the seeds of doubt deeper in Ino's mind. Watching her fume, Yoichi couldn't help but think her stubbornness resembled the boars in her clan's name.

"Hmph, as if I'd believe you!" Ino huffed, setting down her cup and walking out.

"Nearly thirty and still pretending to be cute," Yoichi muttered, shaking his head. "Well, at least it's amusing."

With Ino gone, Yoichi locked the shop and headed upstairs to resume refining medicine. The soundproof seals on his walls ensured the nearby renovations wouldn't disturb him.

...

Outside the Shop

Ino, now walking toward Konoha Hospital, couldn't stop thinking about Yoichi's words. She decided to ask Sakura if his claims about human cells were true. After all, Lady Tsunade had extensive knowledge of cellular biology, and Sakura would surely know.

If Yoichi was right, did that mean her marriage to Sai could actually be at risk?

Dragging Sakura out of the lab—along with Tsunade—Ino recounted her conversation with Yoichi.

Sakura stroked her chin thoughtfully. "From that perspective, what he said does make some sense. What do you think, Lady Tsunade?"

Tsunade frowned slightly. "I've never paid much attention to this. However, for someone to know about the seven-year cellular regeneration cycle… that shopkeeper must have a deep understanding of the human body."

While Tsunade spoke, she couldn't help doing some mental calculations. She'd been single for over forty years. What did she know about marriage dynamics?

"Cells do have memory, and self-repair mechanisms are one example of it," Tsunade continued. "The seven-year regeneration cycle is real, so his theory about cellular memory isn't entirely baseless."

Sakura smiled. "Ino, didn't he already give you a solution? Take some time off with Sai—go on a trip. You two see each other every day in the village anyway."

Neither Tsunade nor Sakura suspected Yoichi had ulterior motives. His advice seemed genuinely beneficial for Ino and Sai's relationship.

Hearing this, Ino sighed inwardly. She hadn't seen Sasuke in ages—traveling with him felt like a distant dream.

"Going on a trip… That's easier said than done. Sai's always busy," Ino murmured.

But with both Tsunade and Sakura validating Yoichi's claims, her belief in the "seven-year itch" jumped from 70% to 99%. She now genuinely felt her marriage was at risk.

...

In the Yamanaka Household

Returning home, Ino checked the time. It was almost time for Inojin to get back from school. She decided to prepare dinner.

"Mom, I'm home!" Inojin called out as he entered.

"Welcome back," Ino replied, finishing up the meal.

Noticing the empty seat at the table, Inojin asked, "Where's Dad? Should we wait for him?"

"Let's wait a bit," Ino said.

Normally, Ino would have told Inojin to start eating without waiting. But after everything she'd heard today, she was determined to save her marriage—even if it meant waiting.

An hour later, with the food turning cold, Inojin sighed. "Mom, I'm just going to grab a snack."

"No need, Inojin. Let's eat now," Ino said, picking up her chopsticks. Frustration simmered within her—Sai used to come home in time for meals. Now, he didn't even show up for dinner.

What Ino didn't realize was that Sai's absence had something to do with Yoichi.

...

Victor's Base in the Land of Valleys

Victor stood before a growing sapling, his heart racing with excitement. He couldn't believe how quickly the Divine Tree was taking root.

Turning to Kamui's masked clone, Victor said, "The intelligence I gathered was correct. This method truly allows for an artificial Divine Tree. However, it requires a significant amount of Hashirama cells… and lives."

"I've already given you all the Hashirama cells I have. You'll need to figure out the rest yourself," Kamui's clone replied bluntly.

Victor scowled but said nothing. The clone had already provided a substantial supply of Hashirama cells, enough to reach this stage.

"I suggest you stop using brute force to gather lives. Use money—it solves problems more discreetly. Buy death row prisoners from prisons in the Five Great Nations or the Land of Grass," Kamui's clone advised.

Victor frowned. "That would cost a fortune, and how many prisoners could I get that way?"

"Quantity isn't the issue. Prison officials will determine who's a 'death row' inmate, not you. If you resort to outright abductions, you'll draw the attention of the Five Great Nations and possibly your organization's other members."

Victor begrudgingly acknowledged the point but still grumbled, "Fine. But you'll help me gather more Hashirama cells, right?"

Kamui's clone shook his head. "Don't count on it. You're on your own for that."

With that, the clone used its space-time jutsu to vanish.

As soon as he was alone, Victor clenched his fists in fury. "Damn that guy! Does he think I'll share the Divine Tree's secrets with him? Dream on! The tree is mine!"

After some thought, he muttered, "The people of Konoha aren't easy to deal with. I'll hire those shadows in the underworld instead."

(End of Chapter)

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