That Guy Doesn't Quite Fit

"My name is Uzumaki Naruto."

After speaking, Naruto calmly observed Daigo Tono. Seeing that his attitude remained unchanged and natural as he continued to introduce the garden's layout, Naruto finally relaxed.

It wasn't that Naruto cared about being treated coldly by others, but he wasn't alone this time; Ino was by his side, and he didn't want to cause any trouble that would make things difficult for her.

--Though, even now, he didn't quite understand why he had been suddenly dragged here to get a haircut.

Wasn't the atmosphere at his doorstep just moments ago supposed to be a touching one? How did it transition into getting a haircut?

Damn, the comments were right.

Women are truly hard to understand.

Meanwhile, Ino, after putting on a front for a while, let her beautiful eyes dart around. Once she confirmed there were no acquaintances present today, she finally breathed a sigh of relief.

She had been a bit impulsive today, and it wasn't until they reached Mingmie Chijian that she realized what would happen if she ran into someone she knew. She wasn't the only regular here; members of prominent families like the Yamanaka Clan, Akimichi Clan, Hyuga, and Sarutobi all loved coming here for haircuts.

Although the shop was closed today, one could never be too careful... after all, she was the one who had suddenly dragged Naruto here in a daze.

If she ran into someone like Choji or Shikamaru, it would be fine; she could just use force to threaten them into silence. But if she ran into an elder, or even her own parents, Ino would truly be at a loss, not knowing what to say.

It wasn't that she felt being with Naruto was something shameful, but if her elders discovered she had dragged him here for a haircut, she wouldn't know how to explain it... and for some reason, she felt a sense of shy annoyance.

So, why are women so hard to understand? Sometimes even they don't know what they are thinking.

Truly damn.

Ignoring the two youngsters lost in their own thoughts, Daigo Tono, who had been quietly observing them, felt a surge of confusion and surprise.

It wasn't him bragging, but he had participated in the design and arrangement of the Mingmie Chijian garden and its overall decor from start to finish. His pursuit of art wasn't just empty talk; he had genuinely treated every blade of grass, every brick, and every tile with care, resulting in the current effect that was simple yet luxurious and aesthetically pleasing.

He dared say that even across all of Konoha, his scenery was one of a kind.

Therefore, normally, wouldn't anyone coming here for the first time be at least surprised or impressed, if not intimidated?

The young lady of the Yamanaka Clan was an exception, as her family was one of Konoha's elite and she had been here more than once, but this guy named Uzumaki Naruto... why was there no reaction at all?

Where was the praise? The surprise? Come on, buddy, give me some reaction!

No matter how much Daigo Tono slowed his pace or how dry his throat became from introducing the scenery, Naruto simply nodded politely, his mind clearly elsewhere, flat and indifferent, showing not a ripple of emotion.

Yet, Daigo Tono, who was quite perceptive, could tell that this guy wasn't just putting on a front; he was genuinely unimpressed, as if all of this was merely ordinary in his eyes.

Naruto couldn't be blamed for this.

After all, he usually pondered Might Guy's kick, Obito's Kamui, Madara's Susanoo, or the First Hokage's Sage Art Wood Release: True Several Thousand Hands... while it was a bit strange for a man to think about such things, he truly didn't care about decorative displays... no matter how grand or beautiful the display, could it block a few Tailed Beast Balls?

Furthermore, his experiences in the movie theater had broadened his horizons, and the "Sage Mode" from the massive endorphin release after his workout hadn't faded yet... so unless Konoha exploded right then and there, it was hard for anything to truly surprise him.

Could this guy actually be some young master hiding his true colors? Just usually unkempt?

Daigo Tono's brain raced.

Uzumaki, Uzumaki... didn't the Land of Whirlpools fall long ago?

A prince of a fallen nation? An orphan of a powerful lineage?

Come to think of it, the Land of Whirlpools used to be a staunch ally of Konoha. I heard the wives of the First Hokage and the Fourth Hokage were both from the Uzumaki family... to think they fell despite such connections. Tsk tsk, the Ninja World is truly dangerous; it's safer to just stay in Konoha.

Daigo Tono gossiped to himself for a moment before letting it go.

It was true.

At the end of the day, he was just a barber. Guessing motives and deducing identities were just the instincts of a businessman; he didn't really care that much.

Getting the haircut done was what mattered.

Passing through the garden, they stepped into the corridor.

At the shopkeeper's insistence, Naruto took off his clothes.

Don't misunderstand.

He was just borrowing the residence's bathroom to shower.

After all, while one's bottom line could be flexible, it couldn't be non-existent. Naruto was covered in sweat and dirt, and just washing his hair wouldn't be enough. If a customer found out he had allowed someone in such an unhygienic state to sit in his chair, especially those particular noblewomen, they would surely have complaints.

Better to avoid trouble where possible.

As for a change of clothes, Daigo Tono generously lent Naruto his own kimono, saying, "Consider it a loan to a friend, no need for words!"

Naruto was the type who responded well to kindness and had no defense against others' good intentions. Since this didn't cost the boss anything and he was indeed self-conscious about being dirty, he didn't hesitate and accepted it readily.

While Naruto showered, Ino sat on the sofa in the dedicated haircutting room, waiting in boredom.

The room was large, with soft, non-glaring white light overhead and comfortable tatami mats underfoot. The folding screens on either side were painted with white cranes and cherry blossoms. Outside the window, the bright moon hung in the sky, and occasionally, the evening breeze would make the wind chimes ring crisply, echoing the soft singing of a famous Ninja World diva playing on the phonograph.

It could be said that Daigo Tono had truly mastered the art of differentiation. This place didn't feel like a barbershop at all, but rather an elegant space to clear one's mind. It was no wonder that customers who came once almost always returned.

However, Ino felt she wasn't relaxed at all.

She was even a little nervous.

As for the reason... she couldn't quite put it into words.

Perhaps it was because the idea of "seeing him after his shower" carried an inherent sense of intimacy... or perhaps she was vaguely looking forward to seeing a "clean Naruto (kimono version)"?

"Knock, knock."

At this moment, a woman dressed in a navy blue kimono patterned with silver-white wisteria flowers approached Ino and tapped the tabletop twice.

As Ino snapped back to reality, the woman tilted her beautiful oval face slightly, smiling as she held up several tea bags, seemingly asking Ino which one she would like.

"Ah, this one, please." Ino pointed randomly. "Thank you, Xin."

Xin was the only employee the boss claimed to manage, serving as an attendant at Mingmie Chijian.

She nodded gently, her willow-like waist swaying as she retreated gracefully to Daigo Tono's side. While brewing the tea, she stole glances at Ino with a look of gossipy curiosity.

[Youth is truly wonderful.]

While waiting for the water to boil, Xin gestured with sign language:

[Does little Ino like the boy she brought with her?]

[Don't go playing matchmaker so recklessly.]

Daigo Tono also signed back:

[That boy doesn't seem like a good match for Ino.]

[Why?]

[Doesn't little Ino like boys who are more elegant, with the look of a noble young master? But that boy is disheveled; his image isn't great. So, they should just be friends.]

Daigo Tono rubbed his chin and added rigorously: [Though, I do feel that boy has a decent character.]

[Oh, does little Ino like someone like Uchiha Sasuke?]

[Who is Uchiha Sasuke?] Daigo Tono became instantly alert.

[A classmate of little Ino's, just a kid. Don't be so jealous.] Xin shook her head helplessly, casting a reproachful glance at Daigo Tono.

Daigo Tono chuckled, rubbing his bald head, but suddenly, he noticed Xin's gaze shift past him, her expression turning strange.

"?"

Confused, Daigo Tono turned his head, following Xin's line of sight.

--And then, his eyes widened in shock.

Because just like Xin, Daigo Tono saw the very "boy" they had been discussing.

"Click, clack."

Wooden sandals made crisp sounds against the floorboards.

The corridor shimmered with a soft luster under the moonlight, and a breeze swept by, carrying the refreshing herbal scent of body wash. At the boundary where light met shadow at the end of the hall, a tall, upright figure—looking like a completely different person from before—was walking over at a leisurely pace.

It was Uzumaki Naruto.