[Naruto: Superpower Roulette] Chapter 359 (Patreon)

"Your injuries haven't fully healed. Why are you leaving the hospital? You should take this time to recover properly."

Ino's tone carried a hint of reproach as she addressed Sai. Whether she was more worried about Sai's condition or annoyed that his return would hinder her visits to Yoichi, even she couldn't say for sure.

"I'm almost fully healed. These are just superficial wounds; no need to stay hospitalized. Besides, there's a mission coming up."

As Sai opened the door and stepped inside, he quickly spotted Inojin walking out. Smiling, he addressed his son:

"Inojin, how's your training coming along lately?"

"It's the same as usual. But I'm still having trouble creating clones with Super Beast Imitation Drawing. Could you help me train, Dad?"

Sai shook his head with a gentle smile. "Not right now. If you have questions, ask your mom first. I have to head out for a mission!"

"Eh, but Mom doesn't know Super Beast Imitation Drawing. She'll just make me practice the Mind Transfer Jutsu again."

Before Inojin could finish complaining, he felt a chill run down his spine. Turning around slowly, he saw Ino's cold smile and her clenched fist.

"Hmph, whatever. You're ignoring a stronger family technique and not even trying to learn it. How do you expect to join the Ino-Shika-Cho trio after graduation?"

Sai waved his hand dismissively. "If he doesn't want to learn, then let him. He should choose what he likes to learn."

Ino, hands on her hips, retorted angrily, "What do you mean by that? If he graduates without mastering the Mind Transfer Jutsu, how will he cooperate with the other two clans?"

Sai was straightforward in his response: "There's no rule saying they must form a team. Let him make his own choices—it's better that way."

Ino grew even angrier and snapped, "So, you came back just to argue with me?"

"I didn't intend to argue. You're just wrong about this. Besides, there's nothing wrong with Super Beast Imitation Drawing. There's plenty of time for other things later."

Sai's blunt nature, reminiscent of Naruto's unwavering philosophy, often left Ino frustrated.

"Enough! If you're so eager to take charge, then you can handle Inojin's training from now on. I won't care if the Ino-Shika-Cho team can't come together!"

With that, Ino stormed off to the bedroom upstairs in a huff. Ever since Sai returned, Ino couldn't help comparing him to Yoichi. The more she compared, the more her heart leaned toward Yoichi.

Family bonds were strong, but they weren't invincible—especially when fractures began to form within.

...

Meanwhile, in the Land of Earth

The seventh and eighth otherworldly beasts both appeared in the Land of Earth. Fortunately, the sparsely populated regions meant minimal casualties in some areas. However, the back-to-back appearances of these monsters still resulted in significant losses.

Iwagakure learned from Naruto that the otherworldly beasts carried treasures. As such, the seventh beast was successfully hunted down by the village. However, the eighth beast appeared near Iwagakure itself, causing substantial destruction.

By the time reinforcements could have been sent, it was too late. Under the leadership of the Fourth Tsuchikage, Kurotsuchi, the beast was finally defeated, but at a heavy cost.

In the aftermath, Iwagakure faced massive expenses for reparations, including compensation for civilians and reconstruction efforts. Although the daimyo of the Land of Earth pledged financial support, it fell far short of what was needed.

Following Konoha's example, Iwagakure decided to sell the corpse of the defeated beast. This would not only help rebuild the village but also fund its future development.

Invitations were sent out to the other great ninja villages as well as wealthy individuals, including Yoichi. The hope was that some would be interested in purchasing parts of the beast.

At Konoha, Sakura handed an invitation to Yoichi and explained the situation.
"So, the auction is next month. Iwagakure's plan is clever, but won't this give them time to study the beast thoroughly? Who would want to buy anything after that?" Yoichi remarked.

Sakura gave an awkward smile. She had to admit that Iwagakure's actions felt calculated, unlike Konoha, which had called for an immediate auction the day after their beast was slain.

"Does Konoha plan to buy anything from them?" Yoichi asked.

Sakura shook her head. "There's an agreement among the Five Great Nations to share research findings related to these disasters. Konoha will be privy to their discoveries without needing to purchase anything."

"That makes sense. I'll join you when you head to Iwagakure."

Sakura's expression shifted slightly, and she asked casually, "Oh? Yoichi-kun, is there someone specific you hope will accompany us?"

"Is Ino going? She's a medical ninja too, isn't she?"

Sakura hesitated before answering, "Ino is currently managing the village's barrier defenses, so she won't be coming."

Pausing for a moment, she added sternly, "Yoichi-kun, Ino is married. She and Sai have a great relationship."

"Sai? Oh, Ino's husband, right? But are they really happy together?"

Feigning thoughtfulness, Yoichi continued, "Ino once asked me for advice to improve their relationship. I gave her several suggestions, but I don't know how things turned out. Have they reconciled?"

Sakura avoided eye contact. "I wouldn't know. It's not my place to pry into others' private matters."

Yoichi smiled faintly. "I see. When couples spend too much time apart, it can breed unfamiliarity. Communication is key. Isn't that the purpose of chakra, as the Sage of Six Paths once said—'to connect people'?"

"Let's not dwell on it. By the way, does Konoha plan to sell the core of that beast? It could be used to craft powerful secret medicines."

Sakura was taken aback. She hadn't expected Yoichi to know about the beast core. Konoha had only brought back a small sample of flesh and blood for study, and the core was still being preserved for further analysis.

"I'll need to ask Naruto about that. Sorry, Yoichi-kun."

"No problem. Let me know if there's any news."

Afterward, Sakura left, leaving Yoichi alone. Between dealing with various crises and making strategic moves in the ninja world, Yoichi continued his plans—balancing his identities as a businessman, onmyōji, and hidden antagonist.

(End of Chapter)

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