35

"Let me see... The first ninjutsu is – Multiple Shadow Clones?"

"What? How come I'm the least skilled in ninjutsu!"

Naruto raised his goggles with a headache, looking unhappy.

"Roo?"

Vulpix stood on Naruto's shoulder, seemingly sensing Naruto's displeasure and trying to comfort him.

"Vulpix, are you comforting me?"

"It's fine. Even though I'm not good at it, I believe I can learn it."

Naruto grinned and began to practice the Multiple Shadow Clone technique non-stop.

Although Naruto wasn't skilled with clones, he felt relaxed and happy learning the Multiple Shadow Clone technique.

Of course, the theft of the Scroll of Seals had caused an uproar among the other ninjas in Konoha.

After all, not every ninja knew this was part of the Third Hokage's plan.

"Well, go and bring Naruto back."

The Third Hokage didn't explain much, quickly arranging for many ninjas to find Naruto and retrieve the Scroll of Seals.

Of course, most of these ninjas were of middle or lower rank and lacked great potential. None of Sarutobi's close allies were involved.

Everything was going according to Sarutobi's plan.

If the Scroll of Seals had been truly stolen, the search would have involved special jonin, high-ranking jonin, and elite jonin, not lower-tier ninjas.

---

**Pokémon Shop**

"At this point, Naruto should have stolen the Scroll of Seals, right?"

"I wonder if, after having Vulpix, things will still unfold like in the original story?"

"Probably, since I haven't really changed much so far."

Looking at the darkening sky outside the window, Fuji muttered to himself.

Fuji had no intention of touching the Scroll of Seals and didn't plan to go near Naruto at all.

After all, it wouldn't be wise to deliberately approach Naruto at this moment.

Fuji had read many novels in his past life where the protagonist would seek out Naruto during this event, secretly learn the jutsu from the Scroll of Seals, and nothing significant would happen afterward.

Such actions were ridiculous, showing no respect for the Third Hokage's intelligence.

Sarutobi may not have been the best Hokage, but he was undoubtedly a clever politician.

If someone without Naruto's status dared to interfere with the Scroll of Seals incident, the result would likely be imprisonment. In a worse scenario, they could end up in the Torture and Interrogation Unit, suffering from painful mental ninjutsu techniques.

"Hoopa, pack up. We're going out to eat."

Stretching his body, Fuji stood up, preparing to close the shop and head out for dinner.

"Hee-hee, eat, eat! Yes, let's eat!"

Hoopa responded cheerfully.

At that moment, Fuji noticed someone running toward him out of the corner of his eye.

"Fuji! Long time no see."

Ino suddenly jumped onto Fuji's back, wrapping her arms around his neck.

Fuji quickly supported Ino's legs to prevent her from falling.

"It has been a while. Shouldn't you have graduated from the Ninja Academy today? What brings you here?"

Fuji gently placed Ino down, smiling.

Fuji and Ino were quite familiar with each other. Fuji's family lived near the Yamanaka Flower Shop, and Fuji had often teased little Ino in the past.

"I heard from Naruto that he bought Vulpix from your shop, so I came to take a look."

Ino grinned widely.

"Are you thinking of getting a Pokémon too?"

Fuji chuckled.

"Of course! Vulpix is so cute! I want one too."

Ino nodded enthusiastically.

"Well, it all depends on your luck. Here at my shop, you don't get to choose which Pokémon you get—it's drawn randomly. But I can't guarantee you'll draw a Vulpix."

Fuji chuckled again.

"I know, I know! I asked Naruto, so I'm familiar with the process."

Unlike Sasuke, who would disdain to ask Naruto for anything, Ino had inquired about the process and knew what to expect.

"Is this Hoopa? It's so cute!"

While Fuji went to retrieve the Pokémon guide, Ino approached Hoopa, attempting to poke its cheek.

Hoopa, with its flexible body, swiftly dodged Ino's hand.

"Ah, Hoopa! Let me touch you!"

"Alright! Chase me. If you catch up with me, I'll let you touch me," Hoopa said playfully while evading her.

"What are you two doing?"

After grabbing the Pokémon guide, Fuji looked over at Hoopa and Ino with a smile.

"Hoopa is being stingy and won't let me touch it," Ino complained, running to Fuji and tugging on his sleeve.

"Hoopa isn't stingy. Hoopa just… Hoopa just wants to play with Ino."

Hoopa waved its arms rapidly, defending itself.

"Alright, alright. Play a little, but let Ino touch you."

Fuji chuckled.

"Exactly, let me touch you!" Ino said, not holding back as she pulled Hoopa into her arms.

"Your body is so stiff, though! Why is it so hard?"

Hoopa, now trapped in Ino's embrace, couldn't help but complain.

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