Naruto: The Prince of Lust

Chapter 228

"Then of course," Inoichi begins to follow up. "There's the cost of any business your clan chooses to incorporate into Konoha's economy-"

"Wait," a wide-eyed Ino calls, exasperated by the administration behind every clan, before turning to Karin. She's nearly disgusted with herself at the thought, voicing, "is that... That's why you passed on shopping. Oh, Kami, I'm so sorry. I wasn't thinking-"

"No, please," Karin says, pumping both palms in solidarity. "It was nice of you to offer. I was happy you did. It's just, right now, Haku and Naruto are the only ones bringing in ryō, so every coin counts."

"I'm sure it'll work out," Naruto assures the table, especially Karin.

"Naruto," Sakura speaks. "This is serious. It sounds like it's going to take a lot of ryō and effort."

Inoichi then explains to the guest of honor seated next to him, "as clan head, you have a duty to be aware of the changes you can and can't make for the good of all those you are responsible for. Trust me, they will look to you for safety, not only from physical harm but from financial harm as well."

"Mn, yeah," Naruto agrees with the experienced clan head. "I just mean, I can't see a single thing stopping me from taking care of Karin or Haku or any other Uzumaki we find. So why worry about it? Ryō, land, business... I get that it'll take more than what I have now, but that's fine, because I know I'll do my absolute best for the people I care about, no matter how long it takes."

"Spoken like a true clan head," Hanaya shares, though happily eying her husband as if to say, 'go ahead.'

"Uzumaki-kun," Inoichi starts to which Naruto interjects, "you can call me Naruto."

"Naruto-sama," Hanaya speaks. "What my husband will eventually come around to telling you is that we had two stems of the Fire Slipper Orchid. We know you gifted them, however, Kurenai-sensei has asked us to sell hers on your behalf."

The four of them walk the busy streets of Konoha's main market square. Though it's evening, there are many villagers out and hardly anyone glares at Naruto. That alone was enough for Naruto to be happy, but he was also out with three of his good friends, which doubled his elation. His happiness was so astounding, he didn't even want to think about how much money his clan now has.

Walking between Ino and Sakura, who's talking to Karin, Naruto couldn't be happier, until, slowly and unexpectedly, Ino slides the tips of her fingers down the inner side of his forearm before effortlessly slipping into his warm palm and interlacing their fingers. It was so unexpected, Naruto tilts his entire head, staring with large saucer eyes at such a blatantly public display of affection.

Naruto didn't even register the act of hold hands under moon-mixed street lighting and surrounded by a bustling crowd for several moments. Her warm, soft palm was so staggering Naruto looked around for witnesses and immediately spots a few glances; none more noticeably surprised than a blushing Sakura and Karin. Ignoring their giggling, Naruto is even more shocked when his blue eyes land on Ino's. Exception for her blushing cheeks, she was calm, serene, no more or less jovial than before she held his hand, as if being personal with him—of all people—in public didn't affect her.

'It's like she doesn't care who sees,' his thrilled mind gasps.

Not even Nai-chan has breached the public domain of intimacy and Naruto nearly couldn't function. Something as simple as purchasing four popsicles from the vendor was a formidable task for his brain to execute. Naruto simply couldn't think past the warm, pretty, caring hand he was happily holding in public. His heart was beating a mile a minute. With Ino's help, they each had a popsicle to suck on while enjoying the night walk.

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