6 Dampness

[Clinic.]

“Morning.” Ino sat at the desk, a bit helpless. “You really showed up right at my work time.”

The blond youth said, “Didn't we agree on this time earlier?”

“Yes, yes.” Ino replied with a hint of irritation, “A hero even climbed through the window to make the appointment. How could I dare not fix the time?”

Naruto smiled but didn’t respond. He glanced around and said, “It seems something here has changed.”

“Ino explained, “We installed a new core system. It’s a modern, practical application of illusion techniques. Patients feel more relaxed as soon as they enter, which helps with treatment.”

“Of course, for someone as strong as you, the illusion traces may feel a bit obvious.”

Naruto asked, “Is this another one of Orochimaru’s advanced technologies?”

Ino shrugged.

“Time flows differently in the future. It’s been less than half an hour here.”

Kakashi analyzed, “But judging from future Naruto’s words, it’s already at least the next day.”

“Also, Naruto’s attitude toward Orochimaru is somewhat subtle. But Ino doesn’t seem to hate Orochimaru intensely.”

Naruto asked, “How is Koharu’s condition exactly? Knowing would help me cooperate with the treatment.”

Ino frowned.

Having family actively cooperate is good for patients, of course, but Koharu’s psychological condition is private.

Especially since Naruto himself is a direct source of pressure on her illness.

Considering all this, Ino’s professional ethics prevented her from speaking.

But the speaker was Uzumaki Naruto.

Now the strongest in the ninja world, with an extremely persistent personality.

Seeing Ino refuse, the blond youth laughed helplessly, like old classmates catching up, raising an eyebrow with a calm and friendly tone.

“Ino, tell me.”

“I don’t want to treat this like a mission.”

His clear blue eyes locked onto her.

Calm as the sea, yet hiding an impending storm of overwhelming waves.

He said:

“—About anything concerning Koharu.”

Ino’s back broke out in a cold sweat. At that moment, she felt a tingling sensation as if prey locked by its natural enemy.

This was no illusion, but the absolute pressure brought by the gap in strength.

For the blond youth, there was nothing in this world he couldn’t do, nor anything beyond his reach.

Six Paths level.

This concept is the difference between an immortal and an ordinary person.

If Uzumaki Naruto approached something with a mission’s attitude, who in the world could stop him?

Yet Ino held firm.

Not only because he was Naruto’s old friend.

But because she respected Naruto’s character as a hero, respected her own medical ethics as a doctor, and above all respected the privacy of her patient, Koharu.

So no matter what, she could not give in.

She offered a polite smile but spoke resolutely: “I believe such matters must always have the patient’s consent.”

“Only when a patient is incapable can family be informed without permission.”

“But Koharu is currently capable of independent thought.”

“So, sorry, I can’t.”

Since becoming a doctor, Ino had toned down much of her sharpness, but when she raised an eyebrow and locked eyes with Naruto, she still carried the radiant spirit of old.

Ino had always been the most flamboyant and bright among her peers.

During the Fourth Great Ninja War, she endured the grief and pressure of the command center’s collapse and became the brain linking the Allied Shinobi Forces.

Watching Ino in the sky projection, Sakura was a bit stunned.

Such a cool Ino.

Future Naruto looked very strong; if it were her in front of Naruto, she’d surely be so nervous she’d swallow her saliva.

But Ino was defending the patient’s right to privacy.

Her stance reminded Sakura how Ino had also protected and encouraged her back then.

Because of Sasuke, they hadn’t spoken properly for a long time.

Out of some unknown fluttering feeling, she muttered, “You’re not so bad when you want to be.”

Ino immediately became proud. “Hmph, you’re flattering me?”

But... future Naruto was just too imposing!

Ino thought, even as a mere observer, she couldn’t help but swallow nervously.

How could that guy have changed so much in the future!

“Naruto became an outstanding and mature ninja,” Third Hokage sighed.

Regardless of Ino’s response, Naruto’s wording was impeccable.

His words were gentle yet firm, and he invoked care for his wife, which pressured Ino without making her feel offended.

His appearance, demeanor, and gestures all gave off a commanding aura.

Third Hokage thought Naruto resembled his father greatly.

But if it were Minato, perhaps the marital relationship wouldn’t be so strained.

Jiraiya patted his student’s head. “You’ve got to be this flexible when handling things from now on, got it?”

“You pervy sage, you’re giving me a headache!” Naruto complained.

He thought the pervy sage was missing the point; it wasn’t about flexible wording.

He truly agreed with his future self’s words.

A mission was business.

Koharu’s condition was serious; regardless of marriage, he should care about her.

Moreover—

It was only right not to treat matters concerning Koharu as just a mission.

“Ino.”

“I truly cherish her. Koharu is the only girl I want to protect in this life.”

Naruto sighed helplessly, “There’s no need to guard against me like this.”

The whole room erupted!

Countless eyes gleamed with gossip.

Wow, wow, wow!

What is this?!

A public confession!

Uzumaki Naruto actually likes Koharu!!

The male ninja who had mocked Koharu’s plain appearance before widened his eyes.

Future Naruto had transformed into a heroic heartthrob, yet Koharu remained so ordinary.

What did Naruto see in her?

Ino remained unmoved: “It’s useless to tell me. Love must be accepted by the other to count as love.”

As a friend, she was willing to trust Naruto’s character, but now she was a doctor.

“Besides, why don’t you just ask Koharu directly?” she wondered, “Isn’t being straightforward part of your ninja way?”

Hearing this, the blond youth’s cheerful smile grew faint.

Seventeen-year-old Naruto had been bright and determined, unstoppable.

No enemy in the world could defeat him, no task beyond his ability.

Now he was twenty-one.

From an earnest, passionate boy to a young man with a family and love.

Only then did he realize there were experiences no enemy could teach him in advance, and a softness no strength could overcome—

—A spouse.

Unique, transcending all social bonds.

Two unrelated people, yet because of love and legal ties, their intimacy could surpass even parent and child.

Because of this, some matters belonged solely to the couple.

Seventeen-year-old Naruto could lay his heart bare to everyone.

Because he was guiltless and straightforward.

Because of that clarity and honesty, he was admired and respected by all during the war.

But twenty-one-year-old Naruto could no longer do this.

His heart no longer belonged only to himself but held the image of another.

His softest, most vulnerable part, inaccessible to outsiders.

...His wife, Koharu.

At the same time, she was the puzzle Naruto had tried to solve for three years without success.

She was like snow, like mist, like a whirlpool.

Ino saw Naruto fall silent and wondered, “Is there really something you can’t open up about?”

The blond youth lowered his eyes and passed over the topic.

“I must understand Koharu’s condition.”

“You don’t yet understand her situation. Her mental state is unstable, and she is prone to self-harm.”

“She can’t handle this alone.”

Ino frowned. If Koharu hid her mental state from her, treatment would require more careful consideration.

However...

Ino asked, “How do you think Koharu sees you in the marriage?”

“I hope she hates me,” Naruto answered softly.

Off-topic, yet seemed to answer everything.

Ino’s expression grew stranger.

This couple’s relationship was so twisted. Fortunately, thanks to her professional training and intuition...

She could guess what kind of problem was making both avoid the subject, hesitant but wanting to speak.

Hmm.

She thought it wasn’t unsolvable.

Ino said calmly, “Actually, everyone was surprised after the war that Orochimaru wasn’t sentenced but was granted amnesty by the Sixth Hokage and you.”

Though everyone was surprised, after Naruto and Sasuke’s final battle in the Valley of the End, who could question any decision by the hero Naruto?

She meant Koharu.

Hearing this, Koharu’s heart tightened sharply.

The projection had finally reached the topic she cared about most.

And Uzumaki!

He married her but still granted Orochimaru amnesty?

Scoundrel!

Koharu had only heard of Orochimaru during the last exam round; he attacked Sasuke.

She merely disliked that S-class rogue ninja but came to deeply hate him when she learned he caused her disability.

The big shots cared about different things.

Third Hokage’s expression grew serious: “By the time Naruto got married, Konoha had already reached the Sixth Hokage.”

Frequent leadership changes do not bode well for a ninja village.

Where had the vanished Fifth gone?

Ino didn’t mention her future role at all.

So the most likely answer was—he and the Fifth Hokage had died before or during the Fourth Great Ninja War.

Third’s heart sank but he kept it to himself, not wanting to shake morale.

“Naruto can be mentioned alongside the Sixth Hokage,” Kakashi said. “If nothing unexpected happens, he should be the candidate for the Seventh.”

“And the fact that Orochimaru received amnesty shows his value then outweighed killing him. Perhaps... he made some contribution?”

Third Hokage nodded.

He had completely given up on that traitor, but the future information from the projection suggested Orochimaru might still have a chance for redemption.

“The crucial point now is the specific content of the Konoha collapse plan.”

Jiraiya understood his teacher’s mood well—he too hoped for Orochimaru’s return.

But he reminded his teacher of reality: “We can’t ignore the current conspiracy just because of Orochimaru’s future actions.”

Naruto on the projection seemed to hear their private talk and continued.

“At that time, Orochimaru allied with Sunagakure to launch an attack.”

Naruto said, “I subdued the rampaging Gaara outside the village, unaware she was trapped beneath the exam ruins.”

Ino said, “Actually, at that time except for you, no one could so quickly subdue the One-Tail. Because of you, the village suffered the least damage.”

Everyone: ?!!

“What are you saying, woman!” Kankuro exploded, glaring fiercely at Ino. “Is Gaara someone your Konoha can insult at will?”

Ino angrily retorted, “You traitorous ally, what are you saying! Colluding with Orochimaru and still have the nerve—”

Her words abruptly stopped. The entire hall suddenly fell silent.

Right.

Future Naruto had seemingly casually revealed the plot of the Sand and Sound alliance?

Feeling the gazes from all directions, Kankuro was speechless.

What now? Expose them and resist? Or flatly deny and claim the projection was slander?

The puppeteer boy chose—

“Then Gaara couldn’t have been defeated by that blond brat just now!”

He blushed furiously, clearly flustered. “You Konoha people can’t slander Gaara behind his back!”

Temari: ……

Sand ninja: ……

“Kankuro!” The red-haired youth said coldly, “Don’t speak out of turn.”

The red-haired Jinchuriki looked at Naruto in the arena, voice cruel and emotionless: “I’m going to kill him later.”

Temari felt a headache, not expecting Kankuro’s foolish reaction.

But Gaara’s thoughts were impossible—who says they want to kill a Konoha shinobi in front of the Hokage?

Now that it’s come to this...

Temari looked silently to their team teacher, an elite Jonin from Sunagakure, asking without words.

Maki, what should we do now?

Maki’s mood was heavy.

No Sunagakure ninja had the authority to decide now; she needed to contact the Kazekage quickly.

This projection was too mysterious, too important!

Damn it, why did it appear in Konoha and not Sunagakure?

Was it just because Koharu and Naruto were divorcing, not Gaara?

So unfair!

She wondered if she could safely get Sunagakure’s promising young ninjas out while pretending to cooperate with Konoha.

Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro were treasures of Sunagakure.

Especially Gaara, their feared yet proud human weapon.

Naruto casually said in the projection that he subdued Gaara; Maki couldn’t believe it.

Anyone with eyes could see Gaara was a genius, Naruto was the weakest.

If the future Naruto had improved, that might be understandable.

But this happened during the Chunin Exams!

The Konoha collapse plan was scheduled a month later. Could Naruto truly have grown strong enough to defeat Gaara in just a month?

Who would believe that? Impossible. Gaara was a trained One-Tail Jinchuriki!

But all signs showed the projection wasn’t baseless; it was their destined future.

Now that the plan was exposed, even Gaara couldn’t intimidate...

Maki’s mind was in chaos.

“Naruto can now defeat Gaara? And says it so casually?” Sakura found it unbelievable. “Is it true?”

Sasuke next to her didn’t answer.

The black-haired boy just felt the cursed seal on his left shoulder twinge again.

Naruto said, “At that time, the Kazekage had already been killed and replaced by Orochimaru. If I’d found out earlier, I could have avoided fighting Sunagakure, and Koharu wouldn’t have been isolated.”

Ino said, “That’s not the root problem.”

“No.”

“As long as I know Koharu is in danger, I will save her.”

“Before she even knew it, I was watching over her constantly.”

When saying this, Naruto didn’t seem the calm and composed hero but showed a rare stubborn boyish spirit.

It was this youthful spirit that created miracle after miracle.

Almost everyone in the world was willing to believe such a Naruto.

Except his wife.

Perhaps because... Naruto’s dazzling legendary youth had never been witnessed by her.

Naruto ignored Gaara’s threats; his mind was filled with his future self’s astonishing words.

How could he dare say that!

How could he betray him like that, saying he’d watched Koharu for so long...

Naruto blushed, took a deep breath, then dared to glance at Koharu’s reaction.

But Koharu didn’t care about his confession.

After all, Naruto said he had watched her for a long time—did he save her then?

Such words were just to be heard.

Only self-rescue was truly reliable.

Koharu thought, her first leg injury and lingering ailment happened during the Konoha collapse plan.

She was caught under the ruins caused by Orochimaru’s ninjutsu.

Yes, a Genin’s strength trapped under rubble is hard to escape.

She must stay away from the center of the storm—away from the Konoha exam site.

As the thought crossed her mind, the system responded.

[Current fate deviation value: 9]

The girl frowned slightly.

Only increased by this much?

Konoha had been fully warned; she likely wouldn’t face danger.

Logically, fate should have reversed greatly.

This slight change meant she hadn’t addressed the obsession task’s core.

Just then, the uproar from the crowd snapped Koharu from her thoughts.

Especially the Sunagakure ninjas, who seemed more shaken than the Konoha side learning of their ally’s betrayal.

The current Kazekage was Orochimaru in disguise!

No wonder he insisted on betraying allies and cooperating with Sound despite opposition!

The Konoha people were also speechless.

Third Kazekage mysteriously disappeared, Fourth Kazekage secretly assassinated—why were their Kazekage so short-lived?

Sunagakure retorted fiercely—

You Konoha have replaced four Hokage in twenty years: Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth. How is that better than us?

If you calculate, the average term of a Hokage is shorter than a Kazekage’s!

Konoha: ...

Oh no, half their sky was falling too!