Hinata seemed far too deeply devoted to Naruto; adopting her would only bring added sorrow.
Pushing these distracting thoughts aside, Wu Ying asked Naruto:
"Are you full? Would you like another bowl? It's on me."
"Mister, are we friends now?"
"Yes!"
Wu Ying replied, feeling a slight inward irritation.
Instead of being called "mister" by this little blonde kid, he would much rather be called that by a little girl like Tenten.
"Then I'll have another bowl!"
Naruto said somewhat shyly.
"Boss, get another large bowl for Naruto."
The shopkeeper at Ichiraku silently went behind the curtain and got to work.
Taking advantage of this opening, Naruto started chatting with Wu Ying about interesting things happening at the academy.
Just then, the Ichiraku boss walked over carrying two bowls of ramen.
Naruto talked as he ate.
Wu Ying and Kaoumi ate their food while quietly listening to Naruto recount how he dominated the academy—
defeating this person and that person, and how he vandalized the Hokage faces...
Knowing a lot of the inside story, Wu Ying simply smiled and played the role of a good listener.
Listening to all this, Wu Ying really felt that Naruto was truly a bright and sunny person.
Perhaps, as many internet users said, there was the influence of Asura's soul, but more than anything, it was thanks to his classmates at the academy and Iruka!
Even though Iruka was a bit perverted and didn't really accept Naruto in the beginning, during all those years before Naruto became a ninja, he still gave Naruto a great deal of validation.
After parting ways with Naruto, Wu Ying took Huimei and headed straight back to the inn.
Along the way, Huimei remarked:
"That brat is very strong."
Hearing this, Wu Ying smiled, muttering to himself:
*She could sense that even now? It seems Huimei really does have the potential to become very strong in the future.*
He placed a hand gently on top of her head, glanced around their surroundings, leaned down, and whispered in her ear:
"He isn't actually strong right now; he just happens to have a monster inside him."
"I'll tell you slowly about these things later."
After that, they chatted casually about the unique ramen shop that was Ichiraku, making small talk all the way back to their lodgings.
Once they had both washed up, he told Huimei to go practice refining her chakra by herself.
Seeing that the night was still relatively young, his mind began to wander once again...
Damn it!
This world is supposedly half-ancient and half-modern, but nothing quite fits together...
Such a long night is truly hard to get through. I might as well honestly cultivate!
The next day, he got up a little later than usual.
In a place crawling with old schemers like this, it was better to be careful—his background and information had undoubtedly landed in front of them by last night.
Wu Ying took Huimei out for another meal at Ichiraku Ramen.
After leisurely finishing their meal, he inquired about the recruitment procedures and made sure there wasn't anything tricky to watch out for.
Back at their lodgings, Wu Ying casually scribbled on a sign and took Huimei out to the bustling streets.
In the end, he chose a spot right next to that legendary dumpling shop.
Borrowing a table and chairs, he set up his sign and simply waited for someone who caught his eye.
As time passed and the pedestrian traffic increased, the phrase Wu Ying heard the most was: "What a cute little girl!"
Those who were genuinely interested, however, were unwilling to leave the village to work.
Damn it!
If Naruto weren't the protagonist, all of you people in the village wouldn't even know how many times you'd have died...
A sense of resentment welled up inside Wu Ying. Recruiting someone would be ideal, but if not, so be it.
When the sun was right overhead, a pair of beauties walked over from the distance.
Of course, Wu Ying recognized the two of them.
Yuhi Kurenai had a head of glossy black hair paired with crimson eyes, giving her a mysterious and captivating aura.
Her eyebrows were arched like distant hills, complementing her pretty face, which carried a faint smile.
Without even looking at her stunning figure, one could tell she was a rare beauty indeed.
Yet Wu Ying found himself wanting to complain about her outfit.
It was neither quite a dress nor quite a cheongsam.
The right side had a sleeve while the left did not, and it was bound with various straps—beyond words.
Mitarashi Anko wore a very sharp, businesslike short haircut, with large eyes...
She definitely gave off more of a mature, boss lady vibe nowadays.
Given that she was someone who could rival Tsunade in terms of assets, it was truly hard to watch her eventually turn into a sweet potato.
It seemed that in the original plotline, Anko showed a very special interest in Naruto right from her first appearance.
Later on, when Naruto confessed his feelings to her, Anko was deeply moved and declared that she liked Naruto too...
Could the reason Anko remained single later on have something to do with Naruto as well?
Thinking this, Wu Ying shuddered.
Seeing them about to enter the dumpling shop, Wu Ying immediately stood up.
He walked right up to Yuhi Kurenai, grabbed her hand, and gave it a light kiss before speaking:
"Kurenai, nice to meet you. Would you like to come work for me? The benefits are great."
Huimei had already covered her face with her hands; her older brother was having another one of his episodes.
After speaking, Wu Ying let go of Kurenai's hand, turned to Anko, and was just about to reach for Anko's hand when—
Huimei immediately grabbed Wu Ying's arm and pulled him backward.
Yuhi Kurenai was completely dumbfounded by Wu Ying's actions.
Anko looked over in astonishment.
"Yo, Anko! Still looking so dashing and mature today."
As soon as he finished speaking, Wu Ying launched right into a classical poem:
"Red beans grow in southern lands,
How many branches come spring?
I urge you to gather more,
These are the ones of deepest longing."
When Wu Ying finished reciting, even he froze for a split second, let alone the three women present.
Huimei snapped out of it, let go of Wu Ying's arm, stepped back, and pressed a hand to her forehead with a sigh.
Casual and thick-skinned as Anko was, she could still sense that these lines conveyed a deep affection.
Suddenly, she felt a little shy.
Yuhi Kurenai glanced at Anko's reaction and finally spoke up:
"Young man, I don't believe I know you."
With that, she began looking the pair up and down.
When her gaze landed on Huimei, she couldn't help but inwardly praise her appearance.
Wu Ying waved a hand and said:
"Never mind about that. You two can think it over. Whether you want to come or not is up to you, but I certainly hope you will."
"It's just selling women's clothing, very relaxed work, and the shop is over in the Tanzaku Quarter.
Anko, what's so great about dumplings?
Always sitting alone with a silly grin, enjoying them by yourself.
Sigh!
Eat too many sweets, and you might end up turning into a ball later on."
Seeing Wu Ying talk to women this way, Huimei felt a mix of emotional sentiment and a lingering sense of incomprehension toward her brother.
At the same time, with wide, curious eyes, she darted her gaze back and forth between Wu Ying and the two beauties.
Hearing this, Anko refused to let it stand.
She could not tolerate anyone speaking ill of dumplings.
Deeply irritated, she nevertheless walked up to Wu Ying with a smile on her face.
Thinking to sling an arm around Wu Ying's neck, she found she couldn't quite reach.
With a slight trace of awkwardness, she patted Wu Ying's shoulder, pinched his cheek, and said:
"Young man, you might have a bit of charm, but you're not my type."
Wu Ying let Anko do as she pleased and replied:
"You just need to be my type."
A flush crept up Huimei's cheeks. *Is this what the adult world is like?*
*The other person doesn't even know you yet, and you're already confessing your love straight out?*
*Doesn't he already have a candidate for a sister-in-law?*
*Does my brother prefer older, more curvaceous women?*
Huimei was having her own quiet emotional meltdown...
Though she quickly recovered, occasionally darting sideways glances at Anko's ample bosom.
Yuhi Kurenai searched her memory thoroughly and confirmed she truly didn't know Wu Ying, so she began observing him carefully.
This person showed an unusually strong sense of familiarity toward them.
Anko was choked for words, momentarily unsure of what to do, and looked to her good friend Kurenai for help.
Wu Ying also looked at Kurenai and said:
"You shouldn't be so brainless when it comes to romance. Asuma is not a good match; Kakashi is much more handsome—at least better-looking than me."
Huimei had just thought her normal, good brother was back, when suddenly she felt exhausted again...
This time, even Yuhi Kurenai was struck silent.
Seeing this, Wu Ying took Huimei by the hand and walked into the dumpling shop, found a table, sat down, and waved at the two silent figures standing at the entrance.
He asked the boss to serve some three-color dango, some rice-cake-flavored dumplings, and a pot of tea.
After Kurenai and Anko came in, they sat down opposite Wu Ying and the others.
"My name is Wu Ying, and this is my younger sister, Huimei."
After a brief introduction, Wu Ying sized up Anko and continued:
"Anko, I genuinely hope you'll come work for me. Your strength is so lacking; who knows what day you might just die on a mission."
Seeing Anko bristle to argue, Wu Ying cut her off immediately:
"Don't look unconvinced. Someone is monitoring us right this second, and neither of you even noticed.
And don't bother reporting me to your Hokage.
I'm sure my file was already sitting on his desk by last night,
all because I said a few words to a kid.
Right now, it's your Hokage keeping an eye on our side.
Heh...
In a time of peace, there are still children in the village who don't have enough to eat. How ironic."
Yuhi Kurenai remained silent throughout, occasionally casting a glance at Wu Ying.
She didn't show any obvious emotional reaction to Wu Ying's earlier flirtatious actions toward her either.
When Wu Ying finished speaking, he picked up a dumpling and took a bite. It was cloyingly sweet, and he didn't like it.
"These dumplings are just so-so. Do you like them, Huimei?"
Huimei shook her head and said:
"I don't like them either."
"Oh, then let's go somewhere else to recruit people."
Just as he took two steps toward the exit, Wu Ying paused and said without looking back:
"Your Hokage should be getting ready to recall Asuma soon.
Kurenai, don't settle for less just because he's pursued you since childhood.
Love shouldn't be a matter of settling, because true love requires trials, tempering, and mutual adjustment; there is no absolute perfection.
A settled romance is nothing more than a fleeting illusion."
Anko had originally been even more annoyed with Wu Ying for bad-mouthing dumplings yet again, but hearing him say this, she felt a sliver of agreement in her heart.
Yet she stared at Wu Ying's retreating back with an unreadable expression, even giving the empty air a playful punch.
Having finished her little sequence of gestures, Anko turned her gaze back to her best friend, looking slightly concerned.
Yuhi Kurenai, on the other hand, was completely stunned.
By the time she snapped out of it, Wu Ying's figure was already out of sight.
Catching Anko's slightly worried look, she opened her mouth as if to speak, hesitated, and ultimately just shook her head gently.
After returning the borrowed table and chairs, Wu Ying walked in front, holding up his recruitment sign.
Huimei lagged slightly behind, heavy with thought, then quickened her pace to walk alongside Wu Ying.
She looked up at Wu Ying once, but ultimately asked nothing at all.
Only, her brother talked a lot today, and he seemed to have turned into a completely different person.
Such a strange brother.
Noticing Huimei's conflicted expression, Wu Ying reached out to pat her head and said:
"Are you blaming me for flirting with people the very first time we met?"
Huimei nodded, then quickly shook her head, bit her lip, and spoke in a soft voice:
"You clearly already have someone chosen to be your wife, so why go and flirt with others?
Didn't brother himself say that love must be exclusive and loyal..."
Wu Ying was certainly not going to tell the truth, so he just sighed repeatedly and said:
"They're just pitiful women too. What's wrong with me saying hello in my own way?"
Hearing this, Huimei slanted a look at Wu Ying, a flash of disdain in her eyes.
She muttered inwardly:
*Treating me like a little girl who doesn't understand anything, right?*
*You used to say men are all the same by nature and told me to keep my eyes open.*
*Hmph, my stinky brother is definitely looking at what's in the pot while thinking about what's in the bowl.*
Huimei gave Wu Ying one more deep look and said no more.
The whole day went by, and after changing locations several times without recruiting anyone, Wu Ying was at his wit's end.
He took a trip to the Konoha bookstore, but only some geography and history books held any real reference value.
Even so, Wu Ying bought a few books on geography and biographies.
He also went to the ninja tool shop run by Tenten to buy a sealing scroll, though unfortunately, he didn't run into Tenten.
Starting the next day, Wu Ying suddenly lost all desire to go out.
He spent the whole day idling around his lodgings, doing nothing.
Aside from cultivating his true essence and sketching some books of beautiful women, he spent his time supervising Huimei as she studied ancient poetry, memorized lyrics, practiced musical scores, and handled other miscellaneous chores to pass the time.
Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, a full four days had passed!
On this day, Anko dragged Yuhi Kurenai over.
Anko patted Wu Ying's shoulder as familiarly as ever by way of greeting.
Wu Ying didn't pull away either, instead studying Yuhi Kurenai closely.
She truly was like a lotus rising from clear water, showing no trace of makeup whatsoever.
Yuhi Kurenai had originally been mentally scolding Anko for lacking a bit of propriety, but seeing Wu Ying stare at her unblinkingly, she subconsciously touched her own cheek.
Anko curled her lip and gave Wu Ying's shoulder another heavy smack.
Huimei could only feel helpless.
*If you like her, why stay cooped up here every day squeezing the life out of my break time?*
Wu Ying withdrew his gaze and gave an awkward chuckle to break the tension.
"Anko, what brings you here today?"
"Can't I come see you just because there's no reason? Are you free? Why don't we go out for a stroll?"
"Let's go."
Wu Ying waved a hand in agreement, and the group wandered around Konoha together.
Yuhi Kurenai felt rather helpless.
*Could it be that my good friend wanted to find Wu Ying herself and just dragged me along as an excuse?*
She shook her head, trailed behind them, and occasionally chimed into the conversation.
Along the way, the gentleness Wu Ying displayed stirred something in Yuhi Kurenai's heart.
She glanced sideways at Wu Ying's profile from time to time.
Compared to Asuma, Wu Ying was still quite a bit more handsome.
Yuhi Kurenai hastily shook her head to banish these thoughts and glanced over at Anko.
Her own best friend had been bad-mouthing Wu Ying behind his back, yet now she was acting rather reserved.
She couldn't help but smile silently.
After accompanying Anko and Yuhi Kurenai on a brief tour of Konoha and having lunch together, they parted ways.
Wu Ying genuinely felt exhausted, even with beauties keeping him company.
Afterward, Wu Ying shut himself indoors again, refusing to step outside.
Another three days passed.
Until early this morning, Instructor Yamada finally tracked him down.
By this moment, Wu Ying could no longer suppress the restlessness and boredom churning inside him.
Like a beast trapped in a cage, he was desperate to break free from his restraints and plunge headfirst into the outside world!
Without the slightest hesitation, he ordered Instructor Yamada to head to the mission assignment desk and announce that he was fully prepared and ready to set out at any moment.
Yet this wait dragged on for a long time...