Flying Thunder God and Ino

[Option 1: Perform a one-handed handstand push-up in front of Ino and say that your youth is burning, and earn her praise. Reward: Flying Thunder God Technique (Incomplete)]

[Option 2: Confess to Ino in person and get her consent. Reward: Eight Gates (Undying Version)]

At the moment the options panel popped up, Naruto's breathing became heavier.

With a slap, Naruto grabbed Ino's hand tightly.

"Naruto, what are you doing?"

"Ino!"

"What's going on?"

Ino was caught off guard by Naruto's sudden action, her mind going blank. But the hand Naruto had grabbed felt like it was trapped in a vice, unable to move.

"Don't go!"

Naruto spoke without thinking, afraid that Ino would just leave. At that moment, the small rewards in front of him no longer mattered.

The undamaged Eight Gates version!

If he got that, wouldn't he be able to dominate the ninja world in the future? Live a life of punching Madara Uchiha and kicking Otsutsuki?

This would mean a bright future for both of us. Whether others have a bright future or not, Naruto knew right then and there that he had to marry Ino.

"Naruto, you're hurting me!" Ino said angrily, trying to shake off Naruto's hand.

"Sorry, Ino."

Ino's words were like a splash of cold water that instantly sobered Naruto up. What was he thinking? How could he be so confused all of a sudden?

That's Ino, how could she accept his confession?

Not to mention that their relationship was nothing more than normal friends, and although it wasn't hatred, Ino definitely didn't have any positive feelings for him.

How embarrassing, he had been completely fooled by the rewards in the options.

Like a cat who only wants dried fish, ignoring the height between itself and the cabinet. If all it can see is the dried fish, forcing itself to reach it will probably just lead to the cabinet tipping over.

Ino, rubbing her reddened hand, recalled Naruto's heavy breathing and the intense look in his eyes, and she felt a strange sensation in her heart.

Naruto?

Did he... really want to see me?

Shaking her head, Ino immediately dismissed the thought. How could it be? Naruto was just a self-centered guy who liked to tease others.

Right, why did I even leave the house?

Her training had ended, her mother was guarding the store, and her father was called again by the Hokage. She was the only one at home with nothing to do.

Suddenly feeling bored, she went out to relax and just happened to run into Naruto, who was running around the village. So she sat in the dumpling shop and waited.

Why was she waiting?

Ino's heart started to race as she forgot her original purpose. She looked at Naruto, who was lying on the ground in pain, her expression dazed.

"You... are you okay?" Ino asked.

"I'm fine." Naruto struggled to stand up, spitting out the foam in his mouth, then smiled at Ino and asked.

"I've been training with Guy Sensei."

"I can tell." Ino glanced at Naruto's tight green suit and couldn't hide her sarcasm. "It's so ugly!"

"Damn it." Naruto thought to himself, glad he hadn't chosen the second option earlier, or he would have been mocked for the rest of his life.

One shouldn't be controlled by desire; one should stay grounded.

"Ino, by the way, why are you here?"

"My training ended." Ino replied casually, and she started to feel her heart settle down.

"I just happened to see you three running, so I got curious."

"That must've been quite a funny sight, huh?" Naruto asked awkwardly, imagining the awkwardness.

"Well, I wouldn't say it was funny," Ino suddenly became serious, thinking for a moment before speaking.

"Everyone has their own ninja way. People who are working hard toward their life's goals shouldn't be ridiculed."

Hearing this, Naruto was stunned.

He suddenly realized something: maybe it was because they hadn't spent much time together, but he had never really paid attention to Ino.

To be honest, Ino was much more emotionally intelligent than others her age. She was gentle yet strong.

Hearing those words from her didn't seem out of place at all.

Realizing this, Naruto immediately relaxed, no longer thinking about the options, and smiled.

"Thank you, Ino."

"Naruto, did someone take over your body? Why are you suddenly speaking like this? I... I'm not used to it." Ino turned her head away, not looking at Naruto.

"Occasionally, I can be sincere, you know?" Naruto said, feeling a little helpless.

"… Are you an idiot?"

"Stop emphasizing the obvious, I've already heard that at least ten times today," Naruto tugged at his green suit.

"Want some red bean dumplings?" Ino suddenly suggested.

"I don't like red bean dumplings." Naruto blurted out.

"Then forget it."

Ino immediately pretended to pout, but it was just a playful exchange between friends. Naruto naturally knew she wasn't actually mad.

"No, it's just that I've never had them. If you treat me, I'd like to try them," Naruto said.

"You're clearly rich, why do you want me to treat you?" Ino furrowed her brow, questioning him. "I saw you eating barbecue with a little girl last time."

Actually, she hadn't seen it herself; it was Chōji who saw them at the barbecue shop. She had learned about it from Chōji, but when it came from her, it naturally turned into something she had seen herself.

"Well…" Naruto laughed awkwardly, scratching his head. "Then let me treat you."

"Hmph."

That "hmph" sounded so full of personality, Naruto was taken aback, not sure whether to continue the conversation. Maybe he should just finish the task?

"Ahem." Naruto cleared his throat and playfully said to Ino, "Ino, I'll show you a technique I just learned."

"What?" Ino looked at Naruto.

Then, Naruto did a one-handed handstand push-up. His exhausted body was shaking all over, but even so, he gritted his teeth and shouted,

"My... youth... is burning!"

"W-what... about... it? Ino?"

That was almost squeezed out between his teeth. Ino froze, looking at Naruto's forced yet hopeful smile.

Thinking that Naruto was trying to make her laugh, her nose suddenly felt a little stuffy and she almost cried.

"Are you an idiot?"

With a thud, Naruto collapsed to the ground, covered in dust.

He had almost run out of energy, too focused on hearing Ino's words to notice the sudden change in her voice.

Naruto's eyes returned to their usual state as he lay on the ground, staring at the sky and muttering,

"It's over, it wasn't a compliment."

[Ding! Flying Thunder God Technique (Incomplete) unlocked successfully.]

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