[Naruto: Superpower Roulette] Chapter 331 (Patreon)

"This is so frustrating. How is he making these? I can't figure it out at all," Tsunade grumbled, rubbing her temples.

Sakura, sitting across from her, was equally stumped. "Lady Tsunade, could it be that we're missing a crucial step? Hanabi mentioned seeing that Yoichi guy use flames from his hands to refine the secret pills. Maybe the method itself is completely different."

The secret pills sold by Yoichi were outrageously expensive, with the cheapest costing 300,000 ryō—equivalent to the reward for an A-rank mission.

With the peace after the Fourth Great Ninja War, such missions were scarce, leaving Konoha's finances heavily dependent on the Fire Daimyō's support.

Shikamaru had suggested Sakura try replicating the pills to reduce costs and make them accessible to more shinobi. However, despite their efforts, she and Tsunade had made zero progress.

Tsunade sighed and shook her head. "Enough. We're clearly missing a vital step. Without it, we can't even create a substitute for the simplest pill."

Sakura hesitated, wanting to say something but deciding against it. She, too, felt their efforts were futile.

"In that case, let's take a break," Sakura suggested. "Lady Tsunade, want to visit Ino's flower shop?"

Tsunade's eyes lit up. "That's a great idea, Sakura! Afterward, let's grab a drink together!"

"Ahaha… I wasn't suggesting drinking," Sakura said with a strained smile. But Tsunade had already made up her mind and was heading for the door.

The two women soon arrived at Ino's flower shop, only to find it closed. Disappointed, they decided to head to a nearby izakaya instead.

Meanwhile, Ino was at Yoichi's newly opened izakaya. Having little to do outside of running her flower shop and caring for her family, she had visited the establishment a few times since its opening.

Each time, she'd find Yoichi drinking alone. Today was no different. Seeing him again, Ino decided to join him—something she wouldn't have done in the past.

"Do you always drink alone, Yoichi-san?"

Yoichi glanced at the elegantly dressed Ino and replied casually, "It's how I unwind after a busy day. But you, a full-time housewife, drinking at an izakaya in the middle of the day? Isn't that a bit improper?"

Ino's forehead creased in irritation. "I'm not a full-time housewife! I'm a working kunoichi!"

Though annoyed by his words, she couldn't deny the calming scent of herbs that clung to him—a reminder of his work refining medicines.

"Yoichi-san, give me some advice," Ino said after a sip of sake, her cheeks tinged pink. "How do I get through this so-called 'seven-year itch' with Sai?"

Yoichi looked at her flushed face and sighed. "What can I do? Didn't I already tell you? Take a trip together. It'll help."

"Sai's too busy with missions to make time for that."

"Then help him with his missions. Aren't you a ninja?"

"I can't leave—I have a household to manage."

Yoichi offered several more suggestions, but Ino dismissed each one for various reasons.

Finally, Yoichi frowned and said, "If everything's impossible, then your marital issues are harder to solve than saving the ninja world. Figure it out yourself and stop bothering me."

Ino looked sheepish. "You're right… But, Yoichi-san, do you have any other ideas? Please, just one more. I already think of you as a friend."

"Flattery won't get you far. I'm not your friend—barely even an acquaintance," Yoichi replied bluntly. Still, seeing Ino's earnest expression, he decided to offer one last piece of advice.

"All right. Here's one more idea. Try faking an affair. Make Sai feel jealous. That'll get his attention," Yoichi suggested. "Use the Transformation Jutsu to create a fake scenario. Have a trusted friend play along. Use your son to relay the message—it'll make Sai believe it more."

Ino hesitated. "Would that even work?"

Yoichi countered, "Let me ask you this: how would you feel if you saw Sai with another woman?"

"I'd beat him senseless!" Ino declared, slamming her fists together.

"And if he were with someone else right now?"

"He'd be dead meat!"

"Exactly. If Sai cares for you, he'll react the same way. Afterward, have your friend explain everything. Problem solved," Yoichi concluded.

Ino's face lit up as she clapped her hands together. "That's brilliant! Why didn't you say this earlier?"

Yoichi smirked. "You call me a friend one moment and 'that guy' the next. Such fickle gratitude."

"Details, details. If this works, I'll treat you to dinner! Thanks, Yoichi-san!"

With that, Ino stood to leave, only to stumble slightly as the alcohol hit her. She leaned toward Yoichi for support, her body pressing against him.

Feeling her soft curves against his shoulder, Yoichi briefly froze before Ino quickly regained her balance, her face flushed with embarrassment.

"I-I'm leaving now!" she stammered, rushing out of the izakaya.

Yoichi chuckled to himself, watching her retreating figure. "The hook is set. Now, let's see how things unfold."

(End of Chapter)

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