Naruto: The Otherworldly Cultivator

Chapter 164: The Journey Begins

Disclaimer:

Naruto and all its characters belong to Shueisha and Masashi Kishimoto. I own nothing but the original characters I create.

"Dialogue"

'Thoughts'

-Author Notes-

Chapter 164: The Journey Begins

The next month passed by quickly.

Naruto spent most of his time training, either alone or with Hinata, who wanted to make the most of their time together before his next, much longer trip.

Occasionally, they were joined by Neji, Rock Lee, or Tenten.

Team Ten also called on Naruto a few times to join their training sessions. This gave him the chance to spar with Asuma and pick up some insights into refining his wind-style jutsu.

He found himself talking to Ino often as well. They had grown closer after her unusual experience inside his mind, but neither of them brought up the topic of their relationship, leaving things in a comfortable yet undefined state.

Then, Jiraiya returned to the village. And not long after, it was time for them to leave again.

<><><><><><><><>

After packing his belongings into storage scrolls, Naruto made his way to the Hokage's office.

The meeting, of course, began with Jiraiya being scolded.

"I shouldn't have to remind you to send regular reports!" Tsunade snapped. "No more waiting four or five months to dump everything on my desk at once."

Jiraiya gave a sheepish grin but didn't respond.

Tsunade turned her attention to Naruto. "Be careful, Naruto. That organization will be watching you."

"I know. I'm ready for it," Naruto replied confidently, though in his mind he added, 'Or at least, I will be soon enough.'

"And don't let this perverted old man blow the budget on… extracurricular activities." Tsunade's glare was sharp.

Jiraiya waved a hand, producing his latest book. "I'll have you know my recent sales are doing great. I don't need the budget for—"

"Get that filthy book out of my face!" Tsunade barked. "Don't think I don't know what's in it."

"My books are about love and passion!" Jiraiya retorted. "What's so wrong with that?"

Tsunade sighed heavily, sitting back in her chair. "Just… be careful. And if things get dangerous, don't hesitate to request reinforcements."

"We'll manage," Jiraiya assured her.

Shizune stepped forward, smiling warmly at Naruto. "Take care of yourself, Naruto. Come back safe."

"Thanks, Shizune. I will," Naruto said.

"Oh, by the way," Shizune added, "Ino asked me to teach her some healing jutsu."

Naruto blinked. "Ino? She never mentioned wanting to learn that."

"Well, she did," Tsunade said with a grin. "And if she shows potential, I could teach her more advanced techniques."

Jiraiya frowned. "Tsunade, you're not going to turn that delicate flower into a brute like yourself, are you?"

Tsunade's eyebrow twitched. "You know, Jiraiya, since you're making so much money, maybe I should cut your funding in half. You can cover the rest with your personal fortune."

"Wait, let's not get carried away—I need my money for..." Jiraya stopped talking all of a sudden.

"For what? Go on, say it," Tsunade challenged.

"Research?" Jiraiya muttered weakly.

"Get out of my office!" Tsunade roared, sending the pair out the door.

<><><><><><><><>

" Oh…" Tsunade seemed to recall something, a short moment after those two left.

" What is it?, Lady Tsunade." Shizune asked.

" Maybe I should have given them the information we received about Sasuke and Orochimaru…."

"But that's Kakashi's mission… or rather, Fox's," Shizune reminded her. "And Naruto hasn't shown much interest in going after Sasuke again."

Tsunade nodded slowly. "True. But if they're heading north, there's always a chance they might cross paths."

"Should I call them back?"

Tsunade made a gesture with her hand. " Leave it…if it's fate, they'll run into each other eventually."

<><><><><><><><><><>

When Naruto arrived at the village gates, he was surprised to see a small group waiting for him.

"Looks like you gave your friends a heads-up this time," Jiraiya said with a grin. He liked seeing that the boy had some friends at least. He could seem a bit antisocial sometimes.

"Well, it's going to be a much longer trip," Naruto admitted.

"I'll wait ahead. Take your time." Jiraiya waved and walked toward the gates, leaving Naruto with his friends.

Kiba slapped Naruto on the back. "Don't die."

Shino offered a silent nod.

Shikamaru gave him a thumbs-up, while Chouji handed over a bag of chips.

Neji bowed politely. "I wish you fortune on your journey."

And then there was Rock Lee.

"Why are you giving me this?" Naruto asked, staring at the green jumpsuit in his hands.

"Sensei always says this suit makes him stronger, so I got you an extra one!" Lee said proudly.

"Uh… thanks." Naruto forced a smile, silently vowing never to wear it.

"You're welcome!" Lee gave him a thumbs-up.

"Where's your forehead protector?" Ino asked, stepping closer to inspect his traveling outfit.

Naruto scratched his head. "Uh… I think I left it at home. I don't really need it, right?"

Ino sighed. "You're hopeless. That's the symbol of our village!"

"It's okay," Hinata said softly, untying her own from around her neck. "You can take mine."

"Thanks, Hinata." Naruto tied it around his neck, mirroring how Hinata wore it.

"And you can take this too." Before he could react, Hinata leaned forward and kissed him deeply.

"Whoa! What the—?!" Kiba exclaimed.

"How troublesome," Shikamaru muttered, glancing at Ino.

"Wait..."Kiba was looking around but no one seemed surprised by the sudden kiss. " Was I the only one who didn't know this was happening?!"

"Maybe," Shino said.

"Seems like it," Chouji said, munching on a chip with a nonchalant attitude.

"Your deduction skills need work, Kiba," Neji added. "It has been obvious for a while that Lady Hinata's relationship with Master Naruto had reached another level."

Shino nodded.

After breaking the kiss, Hinata was smiling proudly from getting a reaction out of Naruto.

"Don't forget about me." She said softly before taking a step back, allowing Ino to have a moment.

" Well, I'm not doing that." Ino huffed.

" You don't have to," Naruto answered. It wasn't like he had been expecting Hinata to do that either. The shy girl was truly no more...

Ino frowned but stepped forward to get closer. "You don't have to show off," she said before leaning close to Naruto and whispering something in his ear.

Naruto blinked. "Really? You want to do that?"

Ino nodded with a serious expression.

He glanced at Hinata, who smiled encouragingly. "If that's what you want, it's your decision."

Ino gave a quick nod before leaning up and kissing Naruto on the cheek. "Don't forget about me either."

"I won't," Naruto promised. "It'll be two years at most," he added, glancing around the group. "It'll go by fast."

"By the time you're back, I'll be an amazing kunoichi!" Ino declared.

"I won't disappoint you either," Hinata added.

"I know you won't," Naruto said with a smile. "And who knows? Maybe by then, even Kiba will be a Chūnin."

"Hey!" Kiba barked, making everyone laugh.

With that, Naruto waved goodbye to his friends and set off toward the gates, ready for the next chapter of his journey.

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