NOVEL NEXT Chapter 326: Chapter 326
"So, you're back already?"
Shikamaru glanced at Naruto, who had just appeared back at his desk, and asked in mild surprise. He had assumed Naruto would be gone for a few hours.
"Yeah, I spoke with them briefly and came right back. Shikamaru, this time the old man at Mount Myōboku—the Great Toad Sage—had another prophecy. It might be serious," Naruto said with a serious expression, causing Shikamaru to stiffen.
"The Great Toad Sage? You mean the one who predicted Kaguya's emergence?"
"That's right. His prophecies are highly accurate," Naruto confirmed. "This time, he foresaw a powerful enemy—possibly stronger than Kaguya. In his vision, even Mount Myōboku was destroyed."
"This sounds... dire. What do we know?"
"The prophecy wasn't detailed, but I managed to get some specifics about the enemy's features."
Naruto pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket. It depicted a figure with distinct features: a long tail, dorsal fins, crystalline scales, a sage-like cloak, and orbs resembling Truth-Seeking Balls hovering behind its back.
"The features... they seem reminiscent of Kaguya, don't they? Has Sasuke reported anything unusual?" Shikamaru asked, studying the drawing closely.
"No, nothing yet. I'll inform him as soon as he sends his next message. He'll need to keep an eye out," Naruto replied with a sigh. "We've had peace for so long, but it seems Sasuke's concerns were justified."
Shikamaru nodded. "If this enemy frightened Kaguya and appears in the Great Toad Sage's prophecy, they must be formidable."
After receiving funds from the village, Sakura left the Hokage's office to purchase a few secret medicines. However, with a budget of only two million ryo, she realized she could only afford a couple.
"Sakura!"
Hearing a familiar voice, Sakura turned to see Ino rushing up to her, wrapping an arm around hers.
"Ino, weren't you supposed to be at the hospital today?"
"I finished early! Are you heading home?"
Sakura shook her head, lifting the envelope in her hand. "I'm on my way to the pharmacy to buy some of their secret remedies. If their effects are as advertised, the village might stock up on them for emergencies."
Ino raised an eyebrow. "Already? But those remedies are expensive. Does the village have that kind of budget?"
Sakura gave a small laugh. "We'll test a few first. If the results are disappointing, that'll be the end of it."
The two women soon arrived at Yoichi's pharmacy. As they entered, they noticed the shopkeeper, Yoichi, shaking his head as he dismissed a dejected customer.
"Business seems decent for your third day," Ino remarked, her tone light and slightly teasing.
Yoichi shook his head. "Not really. That guy was trying to scam me by selling worthless herbs at a premium. But enough about him—what brings you two here today?"
Sakura stepped forward. "We're not here to sell anything. We'd like to purchase some secret medicines."
Yoichi's demeanor softened slightly. "Welcome. Here's the list. Let me know what you'd like, and I'll fetch it for you."
Sakura reviewed the list, her brows furrowing at the steep prices.
Ino, already familiar with the prices, couldn't help but protest, "These prices are outrageous! Can't you lower them a little?"
"There are cheaper versions, but their effects are proportionally weaker. If you're interested, I can make them to order," Yoichi replied matter-of-factly.
His bluntness only served to irritate Ino. "You—!"
Sakura quickly intervened, picking out three remedies. "We'll take a recovery pill, a strength-boosting pill, and an energy pill."
"Very well."
Yoichi retrieved three small bottles, placing them on the counter. "That'll be 1.89 million ryo."
Sakura winced internally at the price but handed over the money without complaint. After all, the village needed to test these remedies.
As they turned to leave, Ino suddenly stopped. "Hey, shouldn't you come with us to test these? What if the results don't match your claims?"
Yoichi raised an eyebrow. "You think I'd run? This shop cost me a small fortune. I'm not in it for the money."
Ino's irritation flared. "What's that supposed to mean? Are you saying we're money-obsessed?!"
Yoichi shrugged nonchalantly. "I'll come along if you agree to help me test a new remedy of mine. Otherwise, I have other things to do."
Intrigued, Sakura asked, "What kind of remedy?"
"Dragon Power Pill," Yoichi said, holding up a jade bottle. "It's designed to imbue an ordinary person with the strength of a dragon."
...
The trio arrived at Konoha Hospital, where Sakura gathered a few colleagues to assist. Yoichi suggested testing the Dragon Power Pill first, claiming it required the most immediate evaluation.
Sakura asked, "How do you propose we test it?"
"Have an ordinary person take the pill and spar against a strong ninja," Yoichi replied simply.
Skeptical, Ino folded her arms. "You're expecting a single pill to turn a civilian into a match for a ninja?"
"Exactly."
Though doubtful, Sakura found a willing participant—a hospital researcher named Moriki.
"Are you sure this won't have any side effects?" Moriki asked nervously.
"None whatsoever," Yoichi assured him.
With some hesitation, Moriki swallowed the pill. Within moments, his body began to transform. His muscles bulged, his frame expanded, and his lab coat tore slightly as he grew into a two-meter-tall powerhouse.
"Ahhh!!"
The room fell silent as everyone gawked at the transformed researcher.
"Moriki, how do you feel?" Sakura asked cautiously.
"Strong. Really strong," Moriki replied, flexing his newfound muscles.
Sakura nodded, observing him closely. "No signs of mental instability. Let's test his strength."
At her instruction, Moriki struck the ground with his fist.
BOOM!
The ground beneath him shattered, creating a crater several meters wide and deep. Cracks spread out like a spiderweb, shaking the entire area.
Ino, who had been preparing to berate Yoichi, yelped as the ground beneath her feet crumbled. She nearly fell but was caught by a firm arm around her waist.
Looking up, she saw Yoichi holding her steady. Her cheeks flushed.
"You okay?" he asked, his tone neutral.
"Y-yeah," Ino stammered, quickly stepping back.
Meanwhile, Sakura's analytical mind was racing. "This level of enhancement is remarkable. If it truly has no side effects, it could revolutionize how we handle missions."
Yoichi smirked. "Told you my remedies were worth the price."
(End of Chapter)
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