Escape

Considering the embarrassing scene from earlier, Ebisu sprang to his feet. This concerned his reputation from here on out, so he had to take it seriously. What if those two awful brats went around spreading rumors...

"Isn't that Ebisu, the lecherous, secretly perverted elite teacher? I heard he took one look at a beautiful woman and fainted on the spot, with blood pouring from his nose." A group of Ninja Academy students were discussing the matter animatedly.

"Yeah! Could he have some kind of health problem? He's so young, and already his body's failing him. How pitiful!" several female students said in unison.

After imagining a few possible scenarios, he realized not one of them would end well.

Ebisu suddenly sped up, his expression turning unusually grave. His hands flashed through Hand Seals, and four identical Ebisu clones appeared in an instant, each with a lively expression that made them seem unlike clones.

It was none other than the B-rank Shadow Clone Technique. Clearly, he was getting serious.

A moment later, Yi Xiang, who had fled more than twenty meters away with Naruto in tow, kept glancing back. When he saw Ebisu pursuing them at full speed, his expression immediately darkened.

This is bad, this is bad. I was so focused on figuring out how to take Ebisu down that I forgot he's a Special Jōnin. How are we supposed to get away now?!

As his thoughts raced, Yi Xiang considered several possibilities, but still couldn't see any way to escape. He then began thinking about whose appearance he could take on if they were caught.

At that very moment, Ebisu was less than ten meters away. He looked somewhat smug and disdainful, as if he hadn't expected the two awful ninjas to be so weak that he'd managed to catch up without much effort.

At this critical moment, Yi Xiang suddenly shouted, "Kaiso, use the Transformation Technique from earlier! Hurry!"

"Poof!"

Yi Xiang transformed first into a stunning, alluring woman. Naruto was a beat slower, turning into a blonde girl.

"Somebody help us! Is there anyone kind enough to come to our aid?"

The few passersby nearby heard the weak, coquettish voices and stopped in their tracks. Curious, puzzled, and greedy gazes converged on the two girls.

The next moment, just as he felt the bystanders' eyes about to land on him, Ebisu abruptly dispelled his Shadow Clones. Without a moment to think, he leaped onto the rooftops and darted away, vanishing from sight.

"You can do that too? As expected of... Big Brother Umi, you came up with another plan so quickly."

And that uncle really was strong just now. I've never seen anyone catch up with us so fast.

Naruto thought as he praised him.

Once he saw that Ebisu really had gone far away, Yi Xiang paid no attention to the many gazes around them and pulled Naruto along toward the left. He had a new plan.

Soon, the two reached their destination. Yi Xiang glanced at the sign for the Rising Sun Pavilion, confirmed it was the right place, and hurried inside.

As soon as they entered, a wave of steaming heat washed over them. This was Konoha's famous hot spring haven.

In a tree outside, Ebisu had pretended to leave in front of everyone, but had actually followed the two in secret. He hadn't managed to stop them from going inside, and now wore a troubled expression. He'd already guessed what they were up to.

Damn it! Who are these two, anyway? They're so cunning, so shameless and despicable. Am I really supposed to give up just like this?!

Remembering their flawless acting, he knew he had neither the Byakugan nor the Sharingan, and he wasn't a sensory-type ninja either. Seeing through their disguises would be incredibly difficult.

A moment later, unable to think of any other solution, Ebisu could only pace back and forth outside. At last, he shouted toward the building in frustration:

"You two from earlier, listen up! If you tell anyone what happened today or ruin my reputation, I'll find you and make you learn what despair means!"

Hearing that, Yi Xiang breathed a sigh of relief. He'd still been a little worried Ebisu might catch them. It wasn't dangerous, but Ebisu would definitely find a way to embarrass them.

He called back loudly, "You can relax. We don't intend to tell anyone. We just wanted to find someone at random to test out a new jutsu. You weren't the first person we tried it on."

Ebisu: "..."

So I was just unlucky... When did the Ninja Academy get someone as awful as you? Don't let me find out who you are, you brat!

After a brief silence, Ebisu said only, "You'd better keep your word. Hmph!"

Then he really did turn and leave. He'd originally planned to buy the Icha Icha Paradise series and some magazines at Shueisha Hall, but he'd lost all interest.

For some reason, though, the two beautiful figures, one on either side of him, kept appearing in Ebisu's mind as he headed home. The more he thought about it, the more embarrassed he felt.

After confirming that Ebisu had really gone far away, Yi Xiang still waited a while before leaving, just to be safe.

A week later, at Yi Xiang's home.

Yi Xiang, Naruto, and Sasuke sat around the table, enjoying lunch in a fairly relaxed atmosphere.

As he picked up some food with his chopsticks, Naruto couldn't help feeling surprised and curious. Three days ago, Sasuke had suddenly started coming over to Big Brother Yi Xiang's place every day for meals. Before that, he'd only come once in a while.

That meant Naruto had to fry an extra dish and cook another bowl of rice at every meal. Still, he was genuinely happy. He'd gained another friend, and he no longer had to do all the dishwashing himself.

What surprised him even more was that Sasuke seemed to have changed. He was more willing to talk with people and had even come to call Yi Xiang "Big Brother" of his own accord.

Chewing his rice, Sasuke could tell that Naruto had been surprised by this over the past few days. He couldn't help recalling that afternoon three days ago.

Three days earlier, at the training ground.

It was already evening, and the land had grown even more peaceful and serene under the setting sun. The trees along the roadside were bathed in golden sunlight, as if draped in a dazzling robe, shimmering brilliantly.

Naruto had finished training early and returned to Yi Xiang's home to prepare dinner. Sasuke was the only one still training in the vast training ground, while Yi Xiang admired the sunset, a rare sight in his previous life.

Just as Sasuke was about to head home, Yi Xiang suddenly said, "Sasuke, come over here for a moment."

Sasuke walked up to Yi Xiang, a little puzzled, and waited for him to explain.

While Sasuke looked on in confusion, Yi Xiang slipped a hand into his pocket, as if joking around. Then he cupped his hands together and whispered into Sasuke's ear:

"Anbu Ninjas are watching you, Naruto, and me. So I'll keep this brief.

The answer to all your questions is on the note I wrote. I've already put it in your pocket. Remember, read it somewhere screened from view on all sides, or under your blanket. Burn it after you've read it."

Yi Xiang finished explaining with a mischievous grin and winked at Sasuke. Then he said casually:

"Sasuke, do you think this will scare Naruto?"

Catching the hint in Yi Xiang's eyes, Sasuke replied impassively, "Do it yourself."

Then he turned and left on his own, leaving Yi Xiang behind to shake his head helplessly, looking somewhat regretful.