"So comfortable!" Ino felt Haruto's warm big hand and just wanted him to keep patting her head a little longer. "I know!"
"Oh, right!" Haruto suddenly remembered something and took out a piece of armor from his space ring, handing it to Ino.
"Huh?" Ino looked at the armor in her hand, somewhat confused.
"This is a very powerful item. If something happens and I can't make it in time to save you, it can revive you on the spot," Haruto said slowly.
"What?!" Everyone around was shocked.
"Resurrect someone on the spot?!"
Wasn't that the same as having two lives?! This armor was unbelievable!
"This ninja!" the Fire Daimyo official nearby suddenly spoke up. "Would you be willing to sell that item? I'm willing to pay one million ryo! No, ten million!"
The official looked at the armor with greed. Who wouldn't want an extra life? But he was not the sort to coerce others with power. He planned to offer a high price.
But Haruto had no intention of selling it. He had specifically saved this armor for Ino, not for money—certainly not for ten million ryo.
"Sorry, it's not for sale," Haruto replied with a calm smile.
"Understood." The official sighed and gave up, seeing clearly that this was a gift and not something up for trade.
Haruto turned to Ino with a gentle look and spoke softly, "This item is called Guardian Angel. I hope it will protect you like one."
Ino stared into Haruto's deep, clear eyes, and her heart melted.
"Mhm," she nodded and leaned against Haruto's chest.
"Very nice," she whispered.
Shikamaru looked at her silently and sighed.
"Alright, let's finish the mission," Asuma said from the side, seeing the danger had passed.
Haruto was about to head back but paused when he saw Ino's reluctant expression. He decided to stay and accompany her to complete the mission.
His Golden Egg Shop was still under upgrade anyway. There was nothing to rush back to, and he hadn't left the village since arriving in this world. It was a good chance to stretch his legs.
On the way, Haruto made Ino laugh with jokes and silly stories from his previous life. Even Shikamaru and Chōji got to see another side of him—humorous and easygoing, quite unlike the image of an unbeatable powerhouse.
The group completed the escort mission and saw the Fire Daimyo official off in the capital.
The man offered a feast to thank Haruto for saving his life, but Haruto declined politely.
Soon after, the team returned to the Hidden Leaf Village.
At the border of the Land of Wind, in the Sand Village's exam convoy:
"Lord Kazekage, Orochimaru is up ahead. He requests a private meeting," Maki whispered into Rasa's ear.
"Orochimaru?" Rasa's brow twitched. "Did the plan change?"
"I don't know. He only sent a messenger, no details."
"Alright," Rasa nodded and walked out of the tent, heading for the rendezvous. Maki followed close behind, alert for followers.
They soon encountered Kimimaro, standing quietly on the path.
"Lord Orochimaru only wants to speak with Lord Kazekage," Kimimaro said calmly.
Rasa frowned. "Baki is my most trusted aide. He has full clearance."
Kimimaro didn't budge. A bone blade extended from his palm in warning.
Baki quickly stepped in. "Please, Lord Kazekage. It's alright. I'll wait here."
"Hmph!" Rasa grunted and continued forward alone, suppressing his annoyance.
Deeper in the woods, Orochimaru stood waiting.
"What is it? Did the plan change?" Rasa demanded coldly.
Orochimaru smirked and licked his lips. "Indeed, the plan has changed. I need to borrow your body."
Before Rasa could react, Orochimaru lunged. Rasa summoned his Magnet Release and swept gold dust across the terrain.
"You think you can take me so easily?! I am the Kazekage!"
But Orochimaru smiled wider. With a wave of his hand, the gold dust turned on Rasa and bound him.
"Magnet Release... a useful bloodline. I've recently gained a similar ability," Orochimaru hissed.
"Wha—?! How can you control my gold dust?!"
Rasa struggled, but the sand crushed tighter around him.
"I'll be borrowing your face. Thank you for your service," Orochimaru said with a twisted grin.
With a final crushing gesture, he obliterated Rasa in a swirl of golden sand.
"Magnificent," Orochimaru muttered as the wind carried away the dust.
End of the Chapter.
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