A Dirty Deal~ (Continued)

But they were no longer as flustered as before,

but instead.

They wore serious expressions, carefully sensing the surroundings they could not see.

Sakura's lips twitched as she looked at the two of them as if they were idiots.

My dear teammates, don't you realize that Teacher Cangyue is playing you in the palm of his hand?

Just as Sakura began feeling intellectually superior,

Whoosh!

A black shadow suddenly appeared.

Under the sunlight,

the shadow of a huge iron staff was reflected across Sakura's face.

Feeling the enormous shadow, Sakura sensed a faint ache in her throat.

She swallowed and said:

"Tea-Teacher, I was wrong... I swear, I absolutely won't tell anyone."

Aogetsu Hyuga shook his head.

"If they're training, you can't fall behind either, Sakura. Come on, I'll bestow a miraculous elixir upon you!"

They stopped and started along the way,

dragging the journey out for quite some time.

The four members of Team 7

finally returned to the village.

Naruto thrust both hands into the air and leaped straight up.

"Yahoo! Konoha! Your lord Naruto has returned!!!"

"Idiot..."

Though Sasuke scolded him,

the corners of his mouth

still curved into a faint smile.

"Let's hurry to Ichiraku! I can't wait any longer!"

Naruto looked at them expectantly.

Sasuke nodded.

At that moment, the two of them noticed Sakura waving her hands in refusal.

"Sakura, what's wrong? You don't want to eat?"

Naruto looked puzzled.

Sakura swallowed.

"I... I've already had my fill..."

Naruto scratched his head.

"I didn't see you eat anything along the way. Could it be... you secretly ate while the teacher was using the Bringer-of-Darkness Technique on us?!"

Naruto looked angry. "You had something good to eat and didn't share it!"

Aogetsu Hyuga nearly burst out laughing. That's not something you should eat, Naruto!