[Naruto: Superpower Roulette] Chapter 333 (Patreon)

"That idiot Sai! Telling me not to cause trouble—is that any way to talk to your wife?"

Late at night in Yoichi's izakaya, Ino sat with a flushed face, venting her frustrations about Sai's attitude toward her.

It had been three days since her plan had failed. Sakura, realizing her daughter Sarada had spread the news, had come by the next day to apologize.

Ino had quickly reassured her it was fine—she could hardly be angry with Sarada or Inojin. But Sai's words had stung deeply. Instead of resolving her feelings, the days that followed only fueled her frustration.

Feeling uneasy, Ino had decided to go out for a drink after taking care of Inojin. Her wandering brought her to Yoichi's izakaya once again.

Among the few establishments still open late at night in Konoha, Yoichi's place stood out for its tranquil atmosphere and steep prices, making it a rare treat for many. This was her third visit, and each time, she'd ended up sitting with Yoichi without ever paying for her drinks.

Pouring herself another small cup of sake, Ino asked, "Boss, don't you think he's wrong?"

Yoichi's lips curved ever so slightly before his expression returned to neutrality. "Perhaps. But you are husband and wife—why not meet each other halfway?"

"Why should I? He's the one in the wrong!"

Ino slammed her cup on the table, her dissatisfaction evident.

Feigning helplessness, Yoichi replied, "Then what can you do? If even this plan failed, maybe you should let it go as if nothing happened. And, Ino-san, I'm just a pharmacist now, not a relationship counselor. The advice I gave you the other day was already my limit."

Ino's blue eyes filled with a mix of grievance and hope as she looked at him. "Isn't there any other way?"

"There's no other way. You've already faked infidelity—what's next, the real thing? Or perhaps just forget it ever happened and move on."

Yoichi's words, though seemingly meant to console, had the opposite effect on Ino, whose pride and strong-willed nature made her bristle further.

"That idiot. If he keeps this up, maybe… maybe it wouldn't be so bad…"

In her drunken state, Ino muttered impulsively, words she might not have dared to say otherwise. Yoichi's subtle prodding only served to fuel her frustration and bring her hidden thoughts to the surface.

After a brief silence, Ino suddenly looked up and stared at Yoichi's face—a face that was undeniably handsome, even more so than Sai's.

Although she had been married for nearly a decade, Ino's appreciation for good looks had never faded, only suppressed by the responsibilities of family life.

Her face flushed deeper, and she suddenly asked, "Boss, do you think I'm beautiful?"

"Though I can't say what you looked like in your younger years, as you are now, Ino-san, you're one of the most beautiful women not just in Konoha but across the Five Great Nations."

For a moment, Ino was stunned, then quickly covered her face, her embarrassment apparent. "Stop it! That's such an exaggeration!"

"I don't need to flatter you. While you may have a bit of a temper, your straightforward and caring nature is admirable. There aren't many women in Konoha who can compare."

"T-That's too much praise!"

Ino felt both embarrassed and flattered, her heart fluttering at his words. For a moment, she wondered, Could he like me?

But the thought quickly faded. She was, after all, married. Yet, the sincerity in Yoichi's words stirred something deep within her.

"Boss, I'm already married… someone else's wife."

Yoichi nodded calmly. "I know. But someone as devoted, beautiful, and kind as you shouldn't be doubting herself, nor drowning her sorrows over someone who doesn't appreciate her. You run a flower shop, don't you? You must know the language of flowers. Ino-san, you remind me of the cosmos—beautiful, radiant, and resilient."

"Boss…"

Ino felt as if an arrow had pierced her heart. Yoichi's words seemed to see right through her, understanding her in a way no one else ever had. A small pang of regret surfaced—why hadn't she met him earlier?

"I…"

"Enough talk for now. How about a cup of tea to sober up?" Yoichi interrupted, offering a polite smile.

Ino hesitated but eventually nodded, her defenses slowly lowering.

Yoichi led her upstairs to his residence, where the scent of herbs lingered in the air.

"Curious?" he asked, noticing her glancing around. "This is where I experiment with medicine. If you're interested, I can show you around tomorrow."

Blushing, Ino quickly looked away. "I-I wasn't peeking!"

Yoichi chuckled softly. "You're quite cute, Ino-san."

"W-What? Don't say that!"

The light teasing helped Ino relax, and as they reached the living area, she marveled at its simplicity and elegance. The room was sparsely furnished, but the large glass windows offered a stunning view of the street below, illuminated by soft lamplight.

Yoichi handed her a cup of tea. "This is a fine tea from the Land of Tea—rare and exquisite. Please, have a taste."

Ino took a sip, savoring the rich, bittersweet flavor that left a lingering sweetness on her palate. "It's delicious."

"If you like it, I'll send some home with you," Yoichi offered with a smile.

The room fell into a comfortable silence, the two of them seemingly lost in the warmth of the tea.

After a few minutes, Ino finally broke the quiet. "About earlier…"

"I meant every word," Yoichi interrupted, his gaze steady. "I know you felt it too—something we've never experienced before. Like two hearts perfectly aligned."

"W-What are you saying!?" Ino stammered, her face turning scarlet.

Yoichi stepped closer, gently taking her hand. "Ino-san, do you find this unpleasant?"

"I… I don't…"

Despite her protests, Ino didn't pull away, her heart racing as conflicting emotions overwhelmed her.

"Why not face your feelings honestly? You deserve happiness—not tears and neglect."

Before Ino could respond, Yoichi leaned in closer, his intentions clear. Her mind swirled with memories of Sai's indifference and Yoichi's heartfelt words, and she found herself unable to move.

As their lips met, Ino's thoughts blurred, lost in the moment.

The night passed in a haze of emotions, the line between right and wrong blurring as Ino gave in to a passion she had long suppressed.

xxxxxxxxxxxxx

By morning, as the first rays of sunlight streamed through the windows, Ino lay in Yoichi's arms, her mind clouded with both guilt and newfound emotions.

(End of Chapter)

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