Before long, a kunoichi dressed in a mesh undershirt covered by a trench coat strode up confidently.
"You're the one who needs a guide, right?"
"I'm Mitarashi Anko. Pleased to meet you." Despite her usual bold and brash demeanor, Anko knew to maintain a level of respect and formality in front of a delegate.
Tsk, tsk. Anko, huh?
Orochimaru's student is quite the looker! But still, she doesn't hold a candle to Raikage's legs.
"Hey! Don't you think staring at someone like that is incredibly rude?" Anko scowled, noticing the man's appraising gaze sweeping over her.
"Ah, my apologies." Deidara chuckled.
"It's just that kunoichi are so different from the noble ladies I usually encounter."
Anko huffed, crossing her arms. "You wouldn't believe how many men ogle me like that, but for some reason, I just can't seem to take an interest in any of them." She sighed, frustration evident.
"All my friends my age, even the younger ones, are already in relationships. Maybe it's because he ruined me from the start..."
"Where do you want to go?" she asked, shaking off her musings.
"Hmm, let's head to Ichiraku Ramen. I've heard it's a must-visit spot for anyone coming to Konoha."
And I wouldn't mind checking if Otsutsuki Teuchi is truly as fearsome as the rumors say.
"Ichiraku Ramen?" Anko blinked in surprise. "The ramen there is decent, but I wouldn't have thought it was famous enough to reach the ears of nobles."
Still, it wasn't her place to argue with a guest's request.
As they strolled leisurely through the bustling streets of Konoha, Deidara took in the sights. Even at night, the village was lively, with crowds enjoying the nightlife.
"How many people live in Konoha?" Deidara asked curiously.
"Hmm…" Anko scratched her head. "Honestly, I have no idea. Numbers like that aren't really my thing."
Deidara clicked his tongue. "Seriously? They gave me a guide who doesn't even know basic facts like this?"
"Shut it!" Anko snapped, clearly flustered. "Why do you even care? It's not like Konoha has as many people as the capital."
"You should be more respectful to me, the envoy. Keep this up, and I might have to report you to your Hokage."
Anko shot him a glare but quickly wilted under his firm gaze.
"Fine!" she groaned. "I'm sorry." She bowed reluctantly, her face a mixture of anger and embarrassment.
Deidara grinned. Not bad. This feels pretty good.
"Great. As an apology, you'll treat me to ramen later. A proper apology should come with some sincerity, don't you think?"
Anko exhaled in relief. It's just ramen. Whatever.
Eventually, they arrived at a small ramen shop with a simple noren curtain hanging over the entrance. The scent of fresh ramen wafted out, instantly making Deidara's mouth water.
Inside, three customers were seated: Iruka in the center, flanked by Naruto and Sasuke.
"Oh? A customer? What'll it be?" Teuchi asked warmly, dressed in his white chef's uniform. Standing beside him was his young daughter Ayame, just tall enough for the tip of her head to peek over the counter.
Deidara scratched the back of his head.
"What's the most expensive item you've got? I'll take three bowls of that!"
Naruto, happily slurping his ramen, froze mid-bite, his eyes glinting with longing.
"Iruka-sensei!" he pleaded with a hopeful look.
Iruka chuckled awkwardly. "Naruto, this teacher can't afford something like that." He patted his wallet, painfully aware of his limited funds.
"Hey, kid," Deidara called out with a mischievous grin. "Say 'Uncle, you're so cool,' and I'll buy you a deluxe ramen. What do you think?"
"Really?" Naruto's eyes sparkled.
"Of course! In fact, for every time you say it, I'll buy you another bowl—until you can't eat anymore." Deidara folded his arms smugly, as if daring the boy to try.
"Hey!" Anko hissed, leaning close with a dark expression. "You're spending my money! Don't push it!"
Deidara feigned innocence. "It's just ramen for a kid. Don't Konoha's shinobi have any compassion?"
Anko glared daggers at him but knew she'd been cornered into a moral trap.
After their meal and a stroll through the night market—which included famous dumplings—Anko's wallet was painfully empty. Her growing frustration was written all over her face.
Deidara chuckled. "Ah, youth. Getting worked up over such little things. You young folks really lack perspective these days."
"You're insufferable!" Anko growled. If not for the fact that he was just a civilian delegate, she'd have punched him already.
"And it's not even your money! Of course you don't care!"
Deidara shook his head, a teasing smile on his lips.
"You still have much to learn." He pulled out a piece of paper. "Bring me a pen."
"What for?" Anko asked, puzzled.
Deidara scribbled on the paper and handed it to her.
"How much did we spend tonight?"
Anko counted. "Thirty thousand ryo," she answered bitterly.
"Here."
Anko stared at the note in confusion. It read:
Proof of Expenses: Mitarashi Anko spent 100,000 ryo entertaining the envoy.
Signed, Deidara.
Her jaw dropped. "Wait... can you really do this?"
"Of course! Take it to your superiors and get reimbursed. The extra 70,000? Consider it my tip for you being such a great guide. Brag about it! Say you're a woman worth 70,000 ryo for a single night!"
Face flaming, Anko shouted, "Who would brag about something like that?!"
Deidara waved her off. "Go on now. And a friendly tip—make sure you get the money before noon tomorrow."
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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