Chapter 234 — Bubble Hot Spring
Uchiha Yoko smiled apologetically.
"Sorry, Yota. I couldn't find Lady Tsunade. But don't worry — I already asked my friend for help. Lady Tsunade often goes to Pansi Cave, and the moment she shows up there, my friend will notify me immediately."
Yota blinked in confusion.
"What's Pansi Cave?"
He had never heard of such a place.
This wasn't part of the original timeline at all, and the unfamiliarity made him uneasy.
Seeing the uncertainty on her son's face, Yoko patiently explained:
"Pansi Cave is one of our Uchiha clan's businesses — a massage house and hot spring shop. Most of the workers there are from our clan. My friend serves tea and handles water there."
"Ohhh…" Yota nodded slowly.
So it really was a massage parlor after all.
For a moment, he thought it was something more mysterious.
Well… considering the Naruto world had televisions, fridges, and video screens early in the story, a massage parlor wasn't strange at all.
"Alright then," Yota said, straightening with authority. "Go bring me the ninjutsu scrolls."
Yoko hesitated.
"But Yota, you just woke up. You should rest—"
"Go!" Yota snapped, glaring. "You couldn't even bring Tsunade back. I want to learn ninjutsu!"
Yoko froze.
Her son's sudden temper and coldness hit her harder than she expected.
After being in a coma for a year… he really did feel like a stranger sometimes.
"What are you waiting for?" Yota said impatiently. "Go get them already."
He walked back into the room and sat with his legs crossed like a young master.
By now, Yota didn't bother hiding his attitude.
Everyone already thought he had mental issues after waking up — he might as well use that to his advantage. As long as he didn't act too over-the-top, no one would drag him to the Yamanaka clan for a mind probe.
And Uchiha Yoko certainly wouldn't risk something so dangerous to "check" her own child.
This was why Yota was so bold.
In his previous life, he had been a shameless rascal; calling this woman "Mom" earlier had only been an act to play along.
Did she really think he saw her as his mother?
Snapped out of her shock by his yelling, Yoko finally recovered.
Although she felt hurt, she reasoned with herself: He must have brain damage.
That thought softened her worries instantly.
"I'll get them for you now," she said quietly.
Rather than trying to persuade him again — which had no effect last time — she decided it was better to grant his request. At least it would keep him from running around outside.
---
Yoko went to the second floor. At the back was a small storage room containing her late husband's belongings — including old scrolls he had studied as an elite chūnin.
She searched for a moment before finding a wooden box tied with several blue-ribboned scrolls.
Resting a hand on the box, she pondered, then chose one carefully.
A C-rank Fire Release technique — just right for Yota's current level.
Most Uchiha weren't lacking in ninjutsu talent, and Yota himself was above average.
This should be enough for him to practice safely.
---
Yota's eyes sparkled the moment Yoko came downstairs with the scroll.
He rushed forward, snatched it from her hands, and unrolled it immediately.
"What technique is this?"
"The Phoenix Sage Fire Technique," Yoko said. "It's a C-rank fire jutsu. Strong and practical. If you learn it well, you'll definitely earn your genin placement when you return to the academy."
"Perfect. I'll learn this one."
Yota grinned confidently.
Sure, he would've preferred the famed Great Fireball or Fire Dragon Technique…
But the Phoenix Sage Fire Technique was iconic too — he'd seen Itachi use it like a scattering shower of flames. Very cool.
While Yota immersed himself in studying the scroll—
---
On the other side of the ocean, in the Land of Hot Water—
The busiest hot spring district glowed brightly beneath the night sky.
Even after dark, the streets were packed — lanterns shining, shops lively, crowds overflowing.
Naruto and Sasuke followed behind Uchiha Itachi, weaving through the bustling avenue.
"Hot springs! This is gonna be great!" Naruto shouted, nearly bouncing with excitement.
Noticing Sasuke's stiff expression, he leaned closer.
"Sasuke, why don't you look excited?"
Sasuke crossed his arms coolly.
"Tch. It's just a hot spring. What's there to be excited about?"
But Naruto caught the tiny smile tugging at the corner of Sasuke's mouth.
"Hehe… you're lying. You are happy. You're just pretending."
Sasuke turned red instantly.
"I–I'm not lying! Idiot, don't talk nonsense!"
"I'm not! If you don't believe me, ask Itachi-aniki!"
Naruto skipped over and tugged on Itachi's sleeve. "Right, Itachi-aniki? Sasuke's actually super happy, isn't he?"
Sasuke's heart jumped.
Yes, he was thrilled — traveling with his big brother and parents… this might be the happiest moment of his life.
But being called out by Naruto was embarrassing.
Itachi glanced back calmly.
"Sasuke, keep up. Don't fall behind."
"Coming!"
Sasuke hurried to Itachi's side and instinctively grabbed his brother's warm hand.
---
Fugaku's group arrived at the highest-rated hot spring in the entire district.
After a long, relaxing soak, they walked the night market streets, eating snacks and tasting local specialties.
Only after eating and drinking their fill did they head back to the inn to rest.
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