"Ino, you need to help me this time!"
After leaving the Hokage Office, Sakura headed to Yamanaka Ino's flower shop; ever since Konoha's barrier was restructured, Yamanaka Ino no longer needed to stay in the Barrier Team all the time. Even at home, she could perceive unfamiliar Chakra through the barrier.
Seeing Sakura come to her during work hours and use such a tone, Yamanaka Ino helplessly put her hands on her hips and said, "Sakura, whenever you use this tone, I know for sure it's not going to be something easy. So tell me, what's happened?"
Saying this, Yamanaka Ino guessed teasingly, "Is it something related to Uchiha Sasuke?"
"Completely wrong!"
Sakura made an X gesture with her hands and then explained to Yamanaka Ino with a slightly serious expression, "Even though you didn't attend the meeting, you should know that the discussion about gathering the power of the five ninja villages to deal with the Shell Organization was today... But Konoha's secret medicine is running low, so we want to buy more Fifth-Grade Secret Medicine..."
Upon hearing Sakura's words, Yamanaka Ino knew what her intentions were, but she was more concerned about why Sakura came to her. Could it be that Sakura had realized her relationship with Uchiha Yoichi?
"Because you are the most familiar with Mr. Yoichi within all of Konoha, we want you to negotiate to see if we can owe some debt... This task is extremely important; if we could have more secret medicine, it would greatly reduce casualties."
Sakura explained, wondering why she hadn't seen Yamanaka Ino in the Hokage Office today, even though she was supposed to go. Luckily, Sakura saw Sai in the office and thought Sai would go home to tell Ino.
"Although I'm indeed close to him... alright, alright. I'll ask, but I can't guarantee success."
Yamanaka Ino was deeply conflicted but agreed nonetheless. She was worried Sakura might figure out her relationship with Uchiha Yoichi, but she also worried about her mission partners, knowing she'd feel awful if any of them were injured or killed.
"Thank you so much, Ino! I knew you'd say yes."
Sakura said with a smile, then grabbed Ino as they headed to Yoichi Pharmacy.
While walking, Sakura suddenly remembered something and asked, turning her head, "By the way, Ino, why has Sai started drinking recently?"
Yamanaka Ino paused for a moment, then asked, "Drinking? You mean him?"
"Yes, I went home late the last time and saw him alone drinking inside the izakaya when I passed by. Honestly, it's surprising. I mean, I know he drinks for ninja tasks, but is there any mission ongoing in Konoha Village?"
Sakura said curiously. Knowing Sai came from Root, it wasn't surprising that he's used to drinking, but seeing him drink alone late at night in an izakaya felt a bit odd.
"I'm not sure... Sakura, about Sai and me... never mind, telling you might lead to Sarada finding out again!"
Yamanaka Ino said with some annoyance. She remembered how the last time she discussed something with Sakura, it ended up being leaked to Sarada.
Upon hearing that, Sakura felt a bit embarrassed and quickly apologized, "Last time was an accident; this time, I promise it won't happen, Ino."
"It's actually nothing. I just feel there's no emotion left between Sai and I, so we've been separated recently... But because of Well Array, I haven't told him yet. I'm planning to wait until Well Array graduates from Ninja Academy."
Yamanaka Ino sighed and said to Sakura. She and Sakura were too close. Ever since they were young, they shared their crushes with each other, competing until they grew up, now being friends for over twenty years.
"Separated?!"
Sakura was shocked, then realizing her voice was too loud, she lowered it and asked, "What's happened? Why can't you tell Well Array? Are you two..."
"Stop asking, Sakura, don't mention this to anyone. It's between me and Sai."
Yamanaka Ino said calmly, having confirmed her divorce. She didn't feel sad after splitting from Sai, which made her realize her feelings for Sai had ended.
After hearing Ino's words, Sakura refrained from further asking, but she now felt like a curious cat, desperately wanting to know what had happened.
Without much conversation, the two quickly arrived at Uchiha Yoichi's pharmacy. After knocking a few times, Uchiha Yoichi, with a scent of medicine on him, came downstairs to open the door for them.
"Ino, Sakura, is there something you need from me?"
Although he called out both names, Uchiha Yoichi's gaze was fixed on Ino, which made Ino blush slightly, then pout her lips, hinting for Uchiha Yoichi to restrain himself since Sakura was present.
Yamanaka Ino, like a little girl, lightly hummed and said, "I need a favor from you. Konoha plans to buy more secret medicine recently but lacks the funds, so could we owe you the payment first..."
Sakura quickly turned sideways, pinching Ino and thinking how impolite her request sounded.
"Secret medicine? Is it... for you, Ino? How much do you need? I've recently developed a new secret medicine and originally planned to tell you."
Uchiha Yoichi spoke, mentioning Upper Ninja Pill, which was already made early on but forgotten to be presented.
Upon hearing this, Sakura curiously asked, "Eh, so if Ino asks, you'd comply regardless of the amount?"
"Because of our friendship... But are you really planning to fight with this large amount of secret medicine?"
Uchiha Yoichi deliberately said this for Sakura, then changed the topic; ever since Hinata's treasure was explored, the next step was preservation and finding new treasures...
He, the shameless one, hadn't forgotten how back in Dream Master's realm, he and Yamanaka Ino made a show in front of Sakura, who was already used to sneaking around outside, several times comforting herself while doing 'bad things'.
After teasing Sakura today, she would surely be suspicious upon returning, making daydreams quite sensible...
"It's unrelated to war; it's just for a mission we have. This mission is extremely important for Konoha and the Ninja World. If possible, please help us... I'm begging you."
Sakura finished speaking with a slight bow to Uchiha Yoichi, watching him turn his gaze to Yamanaka Ino, which made Ino blush heavily.
'Why looking at her? They're not married yet, but he values her opinion so much, really....'
Though worried about Sakura finding out, Yamanaka Ino was extremely happy inside, feeling deeply appreciated by Uchiha Yoichi.
"This time Konoha indeed requires secret medicine, Yoichi... Please help us."
"Since Ino's asking, then sure."
Uchiha Yoichi said, standing up and continuing, "Let's go to the second-floor Alchemy Room."