Chapter 378

"Divorce?"

Sai froze, his expression blank as he processed Ino's words. Seeing the serious look on her face, he realized he hadn't misheard.

After a moment of silence, he asked, "Why?"

Sai couldn't understand. They hadn't argued recently, and he hadn't done anything that could warrant such a drastic step. If this was about the disagreement over Inojin's training, he felt it was an overreaction on her part.

"Stop this nonsense. I've been busy with missions and haven't been home much. If it's about Inojin's training, I'll let you handle it. I have other tasks to attend to," Sai said, trying to brush it off.

"Then go focus on your missions!" Ino cut him off sharply.

She glanced at Sai, memories of their past flickering in her mind. But those memories felt insignificant compared to her recent experiences with Yoichi. Resolute, she declared,

"Sai, I… I no longer have feelings for you. Let's divorce."

"Why? Ino, I—" Sai tried to ask again, panic creeping into his voice. For the first time, he truly felt afraid.

In the past, even when Ino lost her temper, Sai never thought she would leave him. But now, things were different. She was serious.

"I no longer have feelings for you, Sai," Ino said softly, lowering her head.

She continued, "Living like this is just compromising for the sake of our family. I don't want that anymore. So, Sai, let's end it."

The room fell silent. Sai, who had faced countless dangerous missions as a ninja, found himself at a loss for words in the face of this situation.

After a while, he suppressed the overwhelming sadness in his heart and replied, "If that's what you want, then I agree."

Ino let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. She felt as though a heavy weight had been lifted. Marrying Sai had been a decade-long journey, and though it wasn't devoid of feelings, she now realized her heart belonged to someone else—Yoichi.

"I don't want to tell Inojin yet," Ino added. "Let's keep this from him until he graduates from the academy and becomes a fully-fledged ninja. Until then, you can stay on the second floor. I'll prepare a room for you."

Sai nodded, his voice quiet. "I understand. I won't tell Inojin. He won't know about this until he graduates."

He didn't stay in the house that night. Instead, Sai left to find a place where he could calm his thoughts and process everything.

That night, while Inojin slept soundly, neither Sai nor Ino returned home.

Sai sought solace in a bar, drowning his emotions in alcohol, while Ino found herself with Yoichi, seeking comfort in his embrace.

As they lay together, Yoichi ran his fingers through Ino's golden hair and asked, "Ino, is something troubling you today?"

"No, Yoichi-kun. It's just… complicated. I don't know how to explain it. I've… I've finalized my divorce," Ino confessed, hesitating slightly as she spoke.

Yoichi feigned surprise, though he had anticipated this. His expression softened, and he said,

"Really? Then does that mean… we can get married now, Ino?"

Ino blushed at his sudden enthusiasm. She saw the eagerness in his eyes, which made her feel reassured.

"Tomorrow, let's go get married," Yoichi said, pulling her closer. Then, as if realizing something, he added, "No, that's too soon. It might hurt your reputation if we rush into it. How about a month from now?"

Seeing Yoichi's apparent excitement, Ino smiled. His impatience felt like a promise of security.

"I'm sorry, Yoichi-kun," she replied apologetically. "Let's wait a bit longer. I need to think about Inojin's feelings. Once he graduates and becomes a ninja, he'll be able to accept our relationship."

"Four or five years? That's too long, Ino," Yoichi protested, pretending to be reluctant. "I'll treat him well, I promise. I don't think I can wait that long—I can barely wait a month."

"I know, but please, Yoichi-kun, give me some time," Ino pleaded, her hands clasped together as she bowed slightly. Guilt weighed on her heart.

Yoichi sighed dramatically. "I suppose I can wait. But thinking about not being able to hold your hand openly feels so regretful..."

His words struck a nerve, amplifying Ino's guilt.

"I'm sorry, Yoichi-kun. I'll make it up to you," she promised.

As Yoichi enjoyed the moment, he thought about his next steps. The time would come when Ino would need to accept another presence in his life—Temari. Though she was Shikamaru's wife, their bond within the Ino-Shika-Chō trio was too strong to manipulate easily.

For now, he needed to ensure Ino couldn't live without him. Once she was entirely his, she would have no choice but to accept sharing him—even with Temari.

(End of Chapter)

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