Chapter 59: The Tsundere Girl, My Freedom as Collateral

Naruto hadn't expected Ino to be so helpful—wasn't this essentially a gift of wealth falling from the sky?

As for the lack of enough silver taels to match the stakes, his gaze quickly landed on the silent, beautiful Sasuke.

He had learned earlier that Sasuke was receiving funding from the Third Hokage, and over the past couple of days, Sasuke had been covering all their chaotic meal expenses.

With this thought, Naruto walked up to Sasuke.

This movement immediately drew the attention of everyone in the classroom.

The girls all looked at Sasuke with gossiping expressions, eager to see what would happen next.

Previously, they had persistently asked Sasuke if he was really in a relationship with Naruto. But Sasuke, with his prideful demeanor, either ignored them or said nothing at all. This time, they were curious to see how Sasuke would react.

If Sasuke refused to help, it would mean they weren't dating. But if Sasuke helped…

Meanwhile, the boys, being straightforward as always, glared at Naruto with threatening looks when they saw him approach Sasuke.

But who was Naruto?

Would he ever back down from a group of glares?

Immediately, Naruto switched to "green-eye mode," his gaze fixed solely on the cute and obedient Sasuke.

"Um... urgent times call for desperate measures, Sasuke. Lend me 5500 taels, and I'll pay you back in no time."

The entire class collectively blacked out at Naruto's words.

'Lend me 5500 taels, and I'll pay you back in no time?'

Was this something a carbon-based life form could even say?

Even Shikamaru, who was usually indifferent, furrowed his brows at Naruto's audacity.

"Hmph, arrogant. Let's see where your confidence comes from, thinking you can repay that soon. Naruto, do you think my chess skills are that weak?"

Naruto grew anxious when he saw Sasuke unmoved by his plea. "Did you hear me? Hurry up and give me the 5500 taels already! I said I'll pay you back soon—don't you trust my word?"

Finally, Sasuke lifted his head with a cold and calm expression.

Seeing Naruto's slightly frantic look, Sasuke found it amusing yet couldn't suppress the annoyance bubbling in his chest.

"Hmph. Don't say I'm being difficult, but I don't have any money."

Naruto began sweating buckets. "Sasuke, come on! You know this is a good deal, full of advantages for you!"

The familiar banter resurfaced, but this time, the initiative was firmly in Sasuke's hands.

"Sorry, but I really don't have any." Sasuke remained unmoved.

"You… what do you want me to do? Can't you at least let me keep some dignity in front of others?" Naruto said, exasperated.

"Heh, unless you beg me."

Sasuke, however, finally relented, a sly smile curling at the corners of her mouth. Her large eyes curved into crescents, as if this scenario had gone exactly as she expected.

Naruto felt utterly defeated. Sasuke, could you have any worse timing for being smug?

"Fine, fine. Big sister, Sasuke, I'm begging you—help a brother out!"

"Hah? Your tone… I don't really like it," Sasuke said, pouting with a haughty expression.

Naruto sighed, gathering his patience. "Ahem, dear lady Sasuke, I'm humbly requesting your assistance. Is that acceptable?"

"Hmph, now that's more like it."

The ice queen broke into a dazzling smile, so stunning it left everyone in the class in awe.

"Here."

Having achieved her goal, Sasuke handed over her wallet, throwing it to Naruto. "There's 9600 taels inside."

Naruto, overwhelmed with emotion, clutched the wallet as if it were a life-saving treasure. Were it not for all the eyes watching, he might have embraced Sasuke right then and there.

"Your help is a life-saving grace, Sasuke. Words can't express my gratitude. So… how about tonight, I—"

Before Naruto could finish, Sasuke glared at him, puffing her cheeks. "Get lost! Who's your sister? I don't know you!"

Her declaration caught the attention of the boys in class, and their eyes lit up. Clearly, the two weren't as close as they'd assumed.

"Ahem… You don't know me? Sasuke, you said that yourself."

Now that Naruto had the wallet, the power dynamic had shifted. Of course, he wouldn't tolerate Sasuke's attitude anymore.

"Fine, in that case, I won't repay you. Let's just say I found this wallet."

Hearing this, Sasuke couldn't sit still. She had been feeling satisfied after venting her frustration, but Naruto's words completely ruined her mood.

"You… Naruto, you're shameless! If you dare do that, I'll never lend you money again!" Sasuke turned away, puffing her cheeks in mock anger.

"Alright, alright. You win. You're amazing. I surrender."

Seeing Sasuke's fake anger melt into a small smile, Naruto couldn't help but feel relieved.

In truth, Sasuke had wanted to warn Naruto about Shikamaru's chess skills. She had some knowledge of his efforts and suspected he was preparing for this moment.

But with the entire class watching, she couldn't say anything without revealing their ambiguous relationship.

"Well then… I'm off now?"

Naruto's tone softened, almost testing the waters.

He thought Sasuke wouldn't respond, but just as he was about to turn and leave, he heard a soft reply.

"Mm."

Hearing Sasuke's response, Naruto didn't stop but walked confidently toward the chess match, a smile tugging at his lips.

"Hmph, Naruto, this is too irresponsible of you. Using Sasuke's living expenses as a bet—how will you repay her if you lose?"

"Exactly! Naruto, if you lose, Sasuke will suffer too!"

"With this attitude, you're not worthy of being Sasuke's boyfriend!"

A group of boys erupted in protest, furious that Naruto had borrowed money from Sasuke.

"Mind your own business. If I lose, I'll just offer myself as collateral to Sasuke!" Naruto retorted shamelessly.

This earned him a chorus of gasps and curses from the class. Even Sasuke's cheeks flushed red, and a few girls spat indignantly.

[Ding! Received 500 negative emotion points from the class girls!]

[Ding! Received 2000 negative emotion points from the class boys!]

The classroom erupted into chaos, filled with indignant challenges and complaints.

"Naruto, you're the worst!"

"Just wait until after class!"

…

Shikamaru sighed at the scene before him.

"Naruto, hurry up. If we're late, my mom's going to scold me again."

Hearing this, Naruto stopped his banter. After all, earning money was his current priority.

"Alright, Miss Shikamaru. Are we playing another endgame today?"

Feeling confident, Naruto couldn't help but grin.

"Hmph. This time, I'll set the board." Shikamaru's tone was sharp, still holding a grudge over Naruto's earlier remarks.

"Whatever makes you happy. I'm always ready."

Shikamaru glared at him, muttering inwardly, This guy's tone is infuriating, but I don't have any proof.

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