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Hidden Mist Village
Each village was busy analyzing intelligence and formulating their responses.
Among them, the Hidden Mist Village seemed to be the most troubled after all, their Six-Tails Jinchūriki, Utakata, was still missing.
The Six-Tails, Saiken, was a massive white slug, though it paled in comparison to the Slug Sage of Shikkotsu Forest. There was no relation between the two.
Utakata's experiences as a Jinchūriki weren't as traumatic as Gaara's, but they weren't much better either. He had a master, Harusame, who sought to free him from the burden of being a Jinchūriki.
Unfortunately, Harusame was overly ambitious and reckless. Without properly explaining his intentions, he tied up Utakata and began attempting to extract the tailed beast.
Utakata, understandably, misunderstood his master's actions as a betrayal and an attempt on his life.
The situation escalated, and in his desperation, Utakata entered a berserk state. The result was tragic Harusame was killed.
Traumatized by the betrayal and the death of his master, Utakata fled the Hidden Mist Village, lost in grief and confusion.
Since then, he refused to believe in bonds of trust, despised being called "Master," and lived as a wanderer.
When Yagura, the Fourth Mizukage, learned the truth, he was devastated. He had lost both a skilled Jōnin and a Jinchūriki due to a tragic misunderstanding.
The village couldn't afford to leave Utakata wandering outside, especially with the Akatsuki targeting Jinchūriki.
Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Yagura, Utakata had crossed paths with a girl named Hotaru. She admired him greatly and, despite his aloof demeanour, shyly expressed her desire to learn ninjutsu from him.
At first, Utakata rejected her his past had made him allergic to the idea of being called "Master." However, through a series of encounters and shared experiences, he began to warm up to her.
The question remained: who would bring Utakata back first Hotaru, with her growing influence over his heart, or Yagura's forces, searching to retrieve their missing Jinchūriki? Only time and fate will tell.
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Naruto had just returned to the village after witnessing two significant incidents. As per protocol, his first stop was the Hokage's office, where he took Sasuke to report to Minato.
"Inspection complete," Naruto said cheekily. "Now hand over the payment. One hand for the goods, the other for the reward no excuses!"
The reward for defeating Hiruko was partially allocated to the village. As for the Seventh Team's assistance in rescuing Sasuke, they considered it a goodwill effort, refusing payment.
Even Fugaku had initially offered compensation, but Kakashi, Naruto, and Sakura all declined. Ultimately, Mikoto suggested hosting a gathering at their house to express her gratitude instead, and everyone readily agreed.
The following morning, Naruto made his way to the Hyūga estate to pick up Hinata, as Mikoto had specifically requested her presence.
Hinata had played a significant role in recent events, and Naruto was more than happy to invite her.
Hinata greeted him at the door, wearing a purple off-shoulder top with three-quarter sleeves, a white knee-length skirt, and her dark hair cascading over her shoulders. She smiled warmly, radiating a quiet beauty.
Naruto's eyes lit up. "Hinata," he said softly.
"Hm?" Hinata tilted her head curiously.
"Turn around," Naruto requested.
Hinata nodded, lifting her skirt slightly as she twirled gracefully in place. The hem of her dress flared, revealing her pale calves before settling back into place.
Her hair floated and fell with her movements, with a few playful strands brushing against her face.
Naruto stared, captivated. After a moment, he murmured, "You're beautiful."
Hinata blushed but smiled gently, used to Naruto's straightforward compliments. She tucked her hair behind her ear and took his hand as they walked toward Sakura's house.
When they arrived, Sakura was already waiting at the door. Upon seeing them, she ran over, beaming as she took Hinata's hands in hers. "Hinata, you look stunning today!"
Hinata smiled and returned the compliment. "Sakura, you look beautiful too."
Sakura wore a red top, a pink skirt, black boots, and a red ribbon tied around her cherry-coloured hair. She had clearly spent extra time on her appearance, determined to make a good impression after feeling unprepared during their last visit to the Uchiha estate.
As they walked together, Sakura bombarded Hinata with questions about her outfit, hairstyle, and accessories. Hinata answered patiently, offering gentle reassurances.
Unlike Sakura, Hinata was used to seeing Kushina often and felt no pressure about visiting the Uchiha household.
Naruto, watching the two girls chatter, sighed. "Why does Sakura look like a little girl today…? Huh. Wait a second."
A familiar figure joined them Kakashi, book in hand. "Morning," he greeted lazily, falling into step behind Naruto.
"Morning, Kakashi-sensei," Sakura and Hinata chimed, though they quickly resumed their conversation.
Naruto walked ahead, hands clasped behind his head, when he noticed Kakashi still trailing him. Naruto shifted to the left, and Kakashi followed.
He shifted to the right Kakashi followed again, eyes glued to his book.
"Is that a new book?" Naruto asked, glancing at the cover, which read Make-Out Strategy.
"Indeed," Kakashi replied casually. "It's one of Jiraiya-sama's manuscripts, though this version is more polished and carefully revised."
He stopped short, realizing he shouldn't discuss the book's details with Naruto.
Naruto, irritated by Kakashi's half-answer, grinned mischievously. Spotting a lamppost ahead, he formulated a plan.
Adjusting his pace, he threw a Flying Thunder God kunai onto the lamppost and teleported behind it just as Kakashi approached.
To Naruto's surprise, there was no crash only a soft ding. Kakashi had effortlessly manoeuvred around the obstacle, his book grazing the lamppost.
He glanced at Naruto with a sigh. "Was the Flying Thunder God really necessary for a prank?"
Naruto retrieved his kunai, pouting. "You're impossible, Kakashi-sensei."
Sakura and Hinata burst into laughter, with Hinata covering her mouth to stifle her giggles. Even Sakura couldn't hide her disappointment. "We thought you'd finally trip him up!"
Kakashi sighed again. "This has nothing to do with being a 'Konoha Technician.' How much do you want me to suffer, Naruto?"
Naruto crossed his arms. "Just once! It'd be satisfying."
The group continued on their way, Kakashi's book back in hand, and Naruto plotting his next move.
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