Chapter 402: Gratitude for the Life-saving Favor

"That Inuzuka Kiba has a really keen nose!" Shishou couldn't help but mutter as he watched Kiba leave, before heading back inside.

He had been spending a lot of time with Pakura recently, naturally absorbing much of her scent.

After taking a shower and going to his wardrobe, Shishou realized that many of his clothes were now a bit small.

"Looks like I'll need to buy some new clothes in a couple of days."

He found something that fit somewhat, put on his mask, and locked the door, planning to buy some clothes before heading to the Inuzuka household.

"Shishou."

Just as he stepped outside, Shishou saw Sakura standing at the gate, waving excitedly.

It seemed Sakura had rushed over as soon as she heard he was back.

Shishou approached her and patted her head with a smile. "Sakura, have you been studying medical knowledge diligently?"

After the Chunin Exams and before he left for Sunagakure, Shishou had suggested Sakura start learning medical ninjutsu.

Though Sakura had been mocked for claiming to catch up with Naruto and Sasuke in the original series, her strength at the time indeed surpassed the other Konoha 12 by a considerable margin.

So Shishou decided to let her develop as she did in the original story.

Meanwhile, Kurenai had been busy training in Sage Arts, and to ensure Sakura wasn't held back, she accepted the suggestion and left Sakura in Shishou's care.

In other words, Shishou was now her mentor.

Blushing slightly from the head pat, Sakura replied, "Yes, I've completed all the basic theories and am now studying the structure of human organs."

To impress Shishou, Sakura had been studying hard, spending all her time learning when she wasn't sleeping.

Retracting his hand, Shishou waved goodbye. "I need to go to the commercial district. You head to the Inuzuka house first."

Sakura walked beside him and asked, "What are you going to the commercial district for?"

"To buy clothes."

Hearing this, Sakura's eyes lit up. This was a perfect chance to get closer to Shishou.

"I have nothing urgent. I'll go with you and buy a gift for Hana-sensei as well."

Shishou shrugged. "Suit yourself."

"Yay!" Sakura cheered inwardly at the opportunity.

...

Two hours later, Shishou returned from the commercial district, put his things away, and then headed to the Inuzuka house with Sakura.

As they entered the house, they were warmly greeted by Hana Inuzuka.

Of course, the moment Shishou stepped in, all the ninja dogs in the house, including Akamaru, scattered.

Seeing this, Hana was puzzled. "Shishou, it seems Akamaru and the others are afraid of you."

Shishou shrugged nonchalantly. "Because I'm very strong."

"That's true," Hana and Sakura both nodded in agreement.

Shishou's feats—subduing a berserk Naruto, killing the Crimson Snake, and dealing with Aburame Torune—were widely known in Konoha, making his strength surpass most of the village's ninjas.

Thinking about his age, Hana couldn't help but look at him with amazement. Shishou's power was indeed formidable.

After some small talk, Hana and Sakura went to the kitchen to prepare a feast.

Meanwhile, Shishou and Kiba played console games.

Two hours later, as night fell, Hana and Sakura finally laid out a sumptuous dinner.

During the dinner, Hana, Kiba, and Sakura each gave Shishou a gift to congratulate him on becoming a Chunin.

After dinner, just as Shishou was about to leave, Kiba pulled him into his room to continue playing games.

Seeing this, Sakura took her leave, needing to continue her studies.

Not long after, Hana came into Kiba's room, freshly bathed and in clean clothes, and kicked Kiba out. "Kiba, go wash the dishes."

Kiba's face twitched at the command, and he reluctantly went to wash up.

Hana then sat next to Shishou, picked up a controller, and played a fighting game with him.

After two rounds, which Shishou won easily, Hana put down the controller and asked, "Shishou, doesn't wearing that mask make you uncomfortable?"

From Hana's perspective, Shishou was handsome enough not to need a mask.

"I'm used to it," Shishou replied casually.

Hana's expression turned serious as she said, "Shishou, thank you for saving me back then."

She still remembered how Shishou had risked his own life to help her remove Torune's poison bugs.

"It was the right thing to do," Shishou said calmly, starting another game.

Hana picked up the controller again and said, "Shishou, I want to give you something to thank you. What would you like?"

Shishou replied offhandedly, "You already gave me a gift."

Hana smiled as her game character got defeated again. "That was to congratulate you on becoming a Chunin. This is for saving my life. It's different."

Shishou waved his hand dismissively. "It was just a small effort. No need for such gratitude."

"It may have been a small effort for you, but it was my life at stake."

"Then give me anything you want. I don't have any particular wishes."

"Just anything won't do justice to a life-saving favor."

Seeing Hana's insistence, Shishou frowned and glanced at her.

This girl was quite persistent.

Then he reached out to her face and said, "Don't move."

Hana was startled but stayed still as Shishou took off her earring. "If you're determined to give me something, let it be this."

He then took the gift box Hana had given him earlier and carefully placed the earring inside.

Hana's face turned red as she realized Shishou wanted her earring.

She stood up abruptly and stammered, "Shishou, I have something to do. Enjoy your game..."

With that, Hana quickly retreated to her room.

"Thump, thump, thump..." Hana could feel her heart racing as she sat by her door, her cheeks burning.

"Did Shishou just flirt with me...?"

She bit her lip, recalling how Shishou had saved her.

Watching Hana leave, Shishou chuckled and continued his game.

"Where's my sister?" Kiba asked as he returned from the kitchen.

"She went to her room," Shishou replied.

"Alright." Kiba picked up the controller and started playing with Shishou.

Two hours later, late into the night, Shishou left the Inuzuka house and returned home. He looked up at the moon, now hidden by clouds.

"A dark, windy night, perfect for... mischief."

With that, Shishou disappeared into the night.