Chapter 386

"Ino, you have to help me this time!"

After leaving the Hokage's office, Sakura headed straight to Yamanaka Ino's flower shop. Since Konoha's barrier had been rearranged, Ino no longer needed to stay in the Barrier Team constantly. Even from home, she could sense unfamiliar chakra through the barrier.

Seeing Sakura visiting her during work hours with such an urgent tone, Ino placed her hands on her hips and sighed, "Sakura, whenever you use that tone, I know it's not going to be something simple. So, what's going on?"

Teasingly, Ino guessed, "Is this about Sasuke?"

"Not even close!"

Sakura crossed her arms in an "X" shape and then, with a slightly serious expression, explained, "Although you missed the meeting, you must have heard about the decision to unite the Five Great Shinobi Villages against Kara. Today, we discussed it further, but Konoha's secret medicine supply is running low. We need to purchase more high-grade secret medicine."

Hearing this, Ino quickly understood Sakura's intentions. But what intrigued her more was why Sakura had come to her. Could it be that Sakura had noticed her relationship with Yoichi?

"It's because you're the closest to Yoichi-san in all of Konoha, so we were hoping you could negotiate with him to let us buy on credit. This mission is critically important. If we can secure more secret medicine, we can minimize casualties."

Sakura's explanation made it clear why she had sought Ino's help. Normally, Ino would have been at the Hokage's office today, but for some reason, Sakura hadn't seen her there. Instead, she had spotted Sai and assumed he would relay the message to Ino.

"Alright, fine. I'll ask him, but no promises."

Despite her internal conflict, Ino agreed. She was worried about Sakura suspecting her relationship with Yoichi, but she was equally concerned about her comrades on this mission. Even one injury or death would weigh on her heavily.

"Thank you so much, Ino! I knew I could count on you!"

Sakura beamed, then hooked her arm through Ino's as they walked toward Yoichi's pharmacy.

On the way, Sakura suddenly remembered something and tilted her head to ask, "By the way, Ino, why has Sai started drinking lately?"

Ino paused, startled. "Drinking? Sai?"

"Yes, I saw him drinking alone at the izakaya late at night not long ago. It's so strange. I know he can drink because of his Root training, but drinking alone in the village?"

Sakura's curiosity was evident. Sai's solitary drinking didn't match the disciplined persona he had always shown.

"I'm not sure, Sakura. Sai and I... never mind. If I tell you, you'll probably end up telling Sarada!"

Ino shot back, recalling a previous incident where Sakura had inadvertently shared something with Sarada.

Embarrassed, Sakura quickly apologized, "That was an accident! I promise it won't happen again, Ino."

"It's nothing, really. I just feel like Sai and I don't share much connection anymore. We've been apart recently, but I haven't told him yet because of Inojin. I'm planning to wait until Inojin graduates from the Academy before breaking the news."

Ino sighed deeply. She and Sakura had been friends for over two decades, having shared their secrets and rivalries since childhood.

"Y-You're separating!?"

Sakura's voice rose in shock before she quickly lowered it, leaning in to ask, "What happened? Why can't you tell Inojin yet? Are you two really—"

"Don't ask, Sakura, and don't tell anyone else. This is between Sai and me."

Ino's tone was calm but resolute. The separation had already been decided, and she hadn't felt any sadness, confirming that her feelings for Sai had long faded.

Though curious, Sakura held her tongue, her mind buzzing with questions. The rest of their journey passed in relative silence. Before long, they reached Yoichi's pharmacy.

After a few knocks, Yoichi, exuding a faint herbal fragrance, descended from upstairs and opened the door to let them in.

"Ino, Sakura, what brings you two here?"

Though he addressed them both, Yoichi's gaze lingered on Ino, making her blush slightly. She pouted and gestured toward Sakura to remind him to focus.

With a soft humph, Ino spoke, "We need a favor. Konoha wants to buy more secret medicine, but we're short on funds. Could you let us buy on credit?"

Sakura nudged Ino discreetly, thinking her tone was too blunt for a request.

"Secret medicine? Is it... for you, Ino? How much do you need? I recently developed a new high-grade medicine that I was planning to show you."

Yoichi's words piqued Sakura's curiosity. "Wait, are you saying that if Ino asks, you'll give her as much as she wants?"

"Well, we're friends, aren't we? But why does Konoha need so much medicine? Are you preparing for war?"

His teasing tone directed at Sakura made her frown slightly. Sensing this, he quickly changed the subject, mentioning Hinata's treasure discovery and plans for its maintenance.

"It's not about war, just a critical mission. It's vital for Konoha and the entire shinobi world. Please, Yoichi, help us."

Sakura bowed slightly as she pleaded, while Yoichi glanced at Ino, making her feel flustered.

'Why is he looking at me? We're not even married yet, and he already values my opinion this much. Ugh!'

Though embarrassed, Ino felt a surge of joy at how much Yoichi valued her.

"Konoha really needs the secret medicine this time, Yoichi. Please."

"Alright, since Ino is asking, I'll help."

With that, Yoichi stood and gestured for them to follow him upstairs to his medicine lab.

(End of Chapter)

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