Ch. 181Kakashi Invites Him for Drinks Again
Chapter Summary: “Kakashi Invites Him for Drinks Again”
Key Plot Points and Events
- After Jiraiya is driven away by Sasuke, Shao Nan remains outside the Senju residence with Kakashi. He sends the elderly Kosuke back to his guard post to rest.
- Kakashi invites Shao Nan to drink at an izakaya, hinting that attractive women will be present. Suspicious but curious, Shao Nan agrees.
- At the nearly empty izakaya, they meet Anko Mitarashi and Zhibao, a young genius from the Code Deciphering Team.
- Kakashi reveals that Zhibao specifically wants Shao Nan’s help, though Shao Nan initially protests that he knows nothing about code deciphering.
- Anko and Kakashi have secretly arranged a plan to persuade Shao Nan to help Zhibao. Anko encourages Zhibao to seduce him, partly to repay an old favor she owes Zhibao.
- Anko deliberately spills wine on Zhibao, exposing her to Shao Nan’s attention. Zhibao then acts shy and flirtatious, begging him for assistance.
- Overwhelmed by her coquettish behavior, Shao Nan immediately agrees to help. Following Anko’s cue, Zhibao kisses him on the cheek, leaving him delighted and stunned.
Character Developments
- Shao Nan is portrayed as suspicious but highly susceptible to beauty and flirtation. His attraction to Zhibao quickly overrides his doubts, and he agrees to help before learning what the Code Deciphering Team actually needs.
- Kakashi demonstrates a manipulative, playful side by luring Shao Nan out with the promise of attractive women and coordinating the scheme with Anko.
- Anko appears confident and mischievous, freely teasing Shao Nan while orchestrating Zhibao’s seduction. Her affection for Kakashi is also evident.
- Zhibao is introduced as an innocent-looking but physically striking young woman. Though initially uncomfortable with the plan, she follows through and successfully persuades Shao Nan.
- Shao Nan’s reputation has grown significantly: villagers now call him “Lord Shao Nan” and seek opportunities to meet him.
Significant Themes
- Manipulation through charm and attraction: The chapter humorously shows how Shao Nan’s weakness for beauty can be exploited.
- Romance and matchmaking: Anko and Kakashi treat Zhibao’s interaction with Shao Nan as a possible route to both practical help and romantic connection.
- Reputation and status: Shao Nan’s accomplishments have elevated him socially, changing how ordinary people address and perceive him.
- Friendship and favors: Anko’s plan is motivated partly by her desire to repay Zhibao for a past favor, showing how personal debts shape present relationships.
- Comedy and seduction: Much of the chapter’s humor comes from Shao Nan’s exaggerated reactions and the others’ deliberate efforts to manipulate him.
Character Interactions
- Shao Nan and Kakashi: Kakashi teases and misleads Shao Nan into attending the drinking party, while Shao Nan remains wary of Kakashi’s invitations.
- Shao Nan and Anko: They exchange playful, flirtatious banter, with Anko treating him familiarly despite addressing him as “Lord.”
- Anko and Zhibao: Anko coaches Zhibao and pressures her to act seductively, even engineering the spilled-wine incident.
- Kakashi and Anko: The two work together closely and share an affectionate relationship, coordinating the plan to obtain Shao Nan’s assistance.
- Shao Nan and Zhibao: Zhibao’s staged pleading and kiss immediately disarm Shao Nan, leading him to promise help without knowing the task’s details.