Naruto: Imitation Ninja

The next morning, Xing Liu and his companions were rudely awakened by hunger.

Who wouldn't be hungry after skipping dinner and engaging in prolonged physical activity the night before?

Thus, the group, after what felt like ages, got up early. They began by sorting through the hotpot ingredients they had planned to eat the previous night, selecting lighter items to make breakfast. Afterward, they debated whether to take a nap or find something else to do.

Before long, two steaming bowls of noodles were devoured in mere moments.

"Ah, that hit the spot," Xing Liu sighed, patting his now slightly fuller stomach.

"Big Brother, what are we going to do next?" Xiao Jiang asked, cleaning the dishes and wiping her hands with a cloth before turning to Xing Liu, who was sprawled lazily on the sofa.

"I have no idea," Xing Liu replied casually. "Do you have anything in mind? Whatever it is, Big Brother will help you make it happen."

He wasn't exaggerating. If not for something urgent, Xing Liu wouldn't have woken up this early, especially after completing a mission just the day before.

In the past, he would have lazed in bed for an entire day before reluctantly dragging himself up. But now that he had responsibilities as a married man, lounging aimlessly all day was no longer an option.

This was why he asked Xiao Jiang if she had plans—if she did, he wouldn't have to think too much and could simply accompany her.

Xiao Jiang perched on Xing Liu's lap, tapping her chin thoughtfully with her finger. "Hmm… Does it count as a plan?"

"Didn't Kushina say last night that we should check out the marketplace? Since we're up early, why not go and see if we can stumble upon some unexpected intel?"

The more she thought about it, the more Xiao Jiang felt the idea was feasible. She quickly dragged Xing Liu, who was still lounging on the sofa, back to the bedroom to change clothes and prepare to head out.

However, she underestimated Xing Liu's shamelessness. After some playful dawdling, they finally emerged from the house, Xiao Jiang's cheeks flushed red.

"We've never really strolled through the streets holding hands like this before, have we?"

Perhaps shopping was an innate skill for women, as Xiao Jiang seemed much more lively walking through the streets than she had been at home.

"Now that you mention it, you're right," Xing Liu said after some thought. "In the past, your sister Xiao Zhao was always with us. This really is the first time we've walked hand in hand."

With that realization, Xing Liu made a "momentous" decision in his heart.

"Alright then, today we'll explore every nook and cranny of Konoha's streets!"

He tightened his grip on Xiao Jiang's hand and led the way, stopping to explore anything that caught their interest.

---

"Hah… I'm finally alive again!" Xing Liu exclaimed, chugging a large pitcher of cold tea and feeling the burning in his throat subside.

"Why is it so hot today? It just rained yesterday!" Xiao Jiang wiped Xing Liu's sweat with a handkerchief before sipping her own tea in small sips.

"Exactly! I thought we'd dominate Konoha's streets together, but with this heat, let's head back and do something meaningful at home," Xing Liu suggested with a mischievous glance at Xiao Jiang.

For some reason, she seemed more radiant than she had a month ago, and he couldn't help but notice.

"No way, Big Brother! We've barely been out, and we haven't even completed our goal yet!" Xiao Jiang protested, tugging at his hand and pouting. She wasn't keen on "that thing" in broad daylight—it would leave her bedridden until the next morning. The thought alone turned her already sun-flushed cheeks an even deeper shade of red.

"Xiao Jiang? Why's your face so red? Is it the heat?" Xing Liu touched her forehead, finding only mild warmth but nothing concerning. Still, he decided they should rest at a nearby tavern.

To their surprise, though the signboard labeled it a tavern, the interior setup felt entirely different.

"Welcome!"

A server greeted them warmly as they entered. "Feel free to choose any available seat."

However, with the heat driving most people indoors, the seating options were scarce. The tavern, boasting unique decor, was far busier than its competitors.

"This is our menu," the server said, placing it alongside complimentary drinks on their table before attending to other patrons.

Looking around at the bustling crowd, Xiao Jiang marveled, "Wow, Big Brother, this tavern is amazing! I've never seen anything like it, except maybe at a gambling den."

"Well, isn't that natural? Taverns, offering both food and drink, are essential for people seeking leisure," Xing Liu explained. "And with the heat outside, why wouldn't passersby come in for a break and some refreshments? Slacking off like this is perfectly normal."

He sighed, thinking of his previous life, where it was common to work tirelessly for meager pay. If someone still chose to be a workaholic, they were truly rare gems.

"Cherish such people—they're becoming an endangered species," he muttered to himself.

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR GUYS!