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Natsuki chuckled. "Sasuke and I are just traveling. We won't go bother Kumogakure."
If nothing unexpected happened, Kumogakure still hadn't found Killer B.
They probably believed Killer B was really captured, which was why Darui had rushed over so anxiously. In reality, Killer B just hadn't had enough fun and went into hiding.
But Natsuki wasn't in a hurry, and he wasn't going to help either.
Last time he helped was out of goodwill. This time, not helping was sticking to his own boundaries.
Tsunade had sent documents to Kumogakure to convene a Five Kage Summit, and Kumogakure hadn't responded for quite a few days. That meant they weren't anxious—and it basically meant they hadn't formed any alliance yet.
Since that was the case, Natsuki and Sasuke had no reason to help anyway. They weren't allies.
Also, Natsuki and Sasuke really were traveling. To draw Akatsuki's attention, they made a show of it along the way, yet at night they used Hiraishin (Flying Thunder God) to jump to some hidden places to train. Travel, mission, cultivation—none of it was being neglected. Days like this were honestly pretty nice; why look for trouble?
Darui was a bit helpless. "Natsuki, Sasuke, don't be like this. You must've heard Killer B was taken, so you came to Land of Lightning to support us, right?"
"No. We're traveling."
Sasuke didn't think much of Darui trying to freeload their combat power, so he refused, crisp and decisive.
Darui had no choice but to say, "You've probably gotten the news. Kabuto used Edo Tensei (Impure World Reincarnation) to resurrect the Four-Tails jinchūriki Rōshi and beat Killer B. Which means Rōshi died after being captured. Killer B being taken definitely puts his life at risk. The Raikage-dono is extremely anxious right now, but he couldn't catch up to Kabuto.
"Natsuki can use Hiraishin (Flying Thunder God), basically the fastest in the Shinobi World, so please help us. The reward is negotiable!"
Natsuki raised a brow. "Really negotiable? If I ask for the Amber Purifying Bottle, can you agree?"
"Uh…"
Darui couldn't answer.
The Amber Purifying Bottle was said to be a tool left by the Sage of Six Paths. Operation was relatively simple—so long as you had enough chakra—but it was also extremely powerful. It was a village treasure that couldn't just be given away.
He certainly knew why Natsuki wanted the Amber Purifying Bottle. Natsuki's girlfriend was just one short of completing the full set.
But he truly didn't have the authority.
He still remembered how proactive Natsuki was last time. He hadn't expected that in such a short time things would feel so lukewarm. Was it because the Raikage-dono and Tsunade hadn't been able to reach an agreement last time? Or was there some other reason?
Darui couldn't figure it out.
Natsuki waved his hand. "Darui-jōnin, don't waste effort on us. If you're really in a rush, go search quickly!"
Darui sighed, turned, and left.
Natsuki and Sasuke didn't mind and kept strolling around, even buying quite a few little gifts.
Originally Sasuke wasn't that into shopping for things, but seeing how enthusiastic Natsuki was—picking some for Tenten, some for the future father-in-law, and also for Shino, Neji, Lee, Guy-sensei, Rinya, Megumi, Aoba-sensei, Kakashi-sensei, even Yakumo—basically piling up a whole bunch…
Sasuke thought it over and followed along, buying some as well.
He rarely thought about this kind of thing since he didn't have family now. But seeing Natsuki like this, he also thought that he would have family in the future, and right now he had friends too.
So, bringing gifts back to family and friends while away from home should be a nice experience.
Either way, Sasuke chose with real care, even discussing with Natsuki which gifts were better.
Mm-hmm. The "Second Pillar" really had changed.
When they'd just about finished shopping, they headed for the next destination—only to unexpectedly get lucky on the road and run into a weird blond uncle, with a big "iron" character tattooed on his right arm.
Natsuki facepalmed. How did they just happen to run into him here out of nowhere?
Sasuke was surprised too. "Killer B?"
Killer B blinked, realizing these two weren't from his village but from Konoha, and immediately let out a breath of relief.
He pointed two fingers at them. "Who goes there? Names, lay 'em bare. How d'you know the one and only me? Yo, fools, yo, tools—kids from Konoha, I'm the rap genius, Killer B!"
Sasuke felt the corner of his mouth twitch. This was the first time he felt he wasn't very good at dealing with someone like this.
But running into Killer B now proved Natsuki's guess: Killer B had really severed a tail to fool Kabuto, then slipped away.
And now he seemed to be deliberately avoiding the Cloud ninja.
Natsuki, however, gave a thumbs-up. "Nice bars. Ever thought about doing a live concert?"
Killer B's eyes lit up, and his speech went back to normal. "Kid, you've got taste. You get me… I do wanna hold a concert, but my big bro probably won't agree."
Natsuki said, "The Raikage is strong, but his thinking's dated. Young people are into rap now—and into basketball too. Of course he doesn't get it."
"V! You're so right!"
Getting that recognition made Killer B downright delighted. He didn't know what basketball was, but he definitely agreed that the youth loved rap.
Hands on his hips, he laughed, then remembered he hadn't asked their names yet. "You two—nice two—names, let's hear 'em, oh yeah!"
"Natsuki."
"Sasuke."
"Oh! So it's you two."
Killer B grinned, like he'd found something fun again. "Back then my bro and I were the A–B Combo, tearing it up in the Third Shinobi World War—until we ran into the Yellow Flash. His Hiraishin (Flying Thunder God) was nasty. I heard there's a kid named Natsuki who can use Hiraishin too. Since we've met, how can we not have some fun?"
Natsuki raised a brow. He hadn't expected Killer B to be this battle-happy.
Sasuke's hand instinctively tightened on his hilt. He also wanted to see how strong Killer B was—after all, he was a legend of the previous generation.
Killer B looked at Sasuke again. "I've heard of you too, Uchiha kid. Word is you awakened some kind of Mangekyō Sharingan. I'm real interested. So let's—play a round together, check!"
Natsuki and Sasuke exchanged a glance. Neither had any intention of refusing.
But Natsuki said, "Killer B, we'll take turns with you. Two-on-one would be bullying. Sasuke goes first."
"Konoha brats, cocky brats—baka yarō, this yarō—looking down on the great Killer B? The Killing Bee's killing intent will brand you with regret. You'll lose ugly!"
Killer B certainly had his pride.
He liked to play, sure, but his skills were top-tier. Being looked down on by two Konoha kids—no way he'd take that lying down.
He drew seven blades in a flash, opening with his seven-sword style and rushed straight at Natsuki.
But without Natsuki moving an inch, Sasuke had already drawn his sword and cut Killer B off. "I already said I'm first. Can't you understand, rap-uncle? Or are you the one looking down on us?"
(End of Chapter)
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