The Nara clan really is plagued by misfortune.
However, Kifū's gaze shifted, "Hehe, is that so? Then I'll just have to go chat with Yoshino. Tsk tsk..."
Sure enough, this time it worked.
As soon as the words fell, Nara Shikaku's expression stiffened, and then he chuckled, hooking his arm around Kifū's shoulder, "Kifū, don't be like that, let's talk it over. Next time you come back to the village, I'll treat you, I'll treat you to a meal."
Looking at this comical pair, Yamanaka Inoichi couldn't help but smack his forehead.
"I said, we have a mission."
"Oh, right, right, right, a mission, a mission." The lazy Nara Shikaku seemed to transform into a mission expert, and as he spoke, he took the lead and walked towards the outside of the camp.
"Let's go." Yamanaka Inoichi called out to Kifū and Akimichi Chōza, who was gobbling down snacks and not saying a word.
Don't let Nara Shikaku's role as the brains and decision-maker in battle fool you, in everyday life, Yamanaka Inoichi is much more mature than him.
He's simply worried sick.
He's both a father and a mother.
One is lazy to the bone, not even wanting to move, just wanting to lie on the ground and gaze at the sky, and the other only knows how to eat, showing no interest in anything except when food is mentioned. Who knows how he's managed these past few years.
It is said that the people of the Nara family have outstanding intelligence, and only after marriage will they completely transform.
It's indeed true.
Kifū walked to Yamanaka Inoichi's side, stealthily offering him a cigarette, and raised his eyebrows at him, "Inoichi, don't be so reserved, let yourself go."
Yamanaka Inoichi's eyes twitched, glancing at the cigarette in Kifū's hand.
After hesitating for a moment, he finally took it and silently hid it in his ninja tool pouch.
He'll smoke it when no one's around.
Seeing his action, Kifū chuckled mischievously.
A repressed pervert.
He then walked to Akimichi Chōza's side and put his arm around him.
Feeling Kifū's movement, Akimichi Chōza quickly put away the snack bag, watching him with extreme caution.
Kifū couldn't help but roll his eyes, "Look how stingy you are, I'm not going to snatch your food..."
"You've already taken half of my stock." Akimichi Chōza said in a muffled voice, with an expression that said, no matter what you say, I don't believe you.
Kifū smiled awkwardly, "Aren't we friends? Friends should know how to share."
Akimichi Chōza just shook his head, not speaking.
Seeing him like this, Kifū had an idea, "As a reward, next time Shikaku treats me to a meal, I'll take you with me, you can order whatever you want, okay?"
Akimichi Chōza's expression was still somewhat doubtful, "You've already said that three times."
"Isn't that because that guy Shikaku has also said he'll treat me to a meal three times... Forget it, counting this time, a total of four meals, I'll bring you along for all of them, how about that?"
"Really?" Akimichi Chōza hesitated.
"More real than pearls!"
Seeing his attitude relax, and the snack bag wasn't being gripped so tightly, Kifū took the opportunity to reach out and grab a handful from it.
He happily ate them.
He had long become familiar with these three guys, and coupled with the fact that their ages weren't that far apart, and he also knew their respective preferences, he had them completely under his control after several missions.
Others may not be clear, but he knows clearly that these three guys will be the future heads of the Nara, Akimichi, and Yamanaka clans, the loyal support families of the Hokage lineage. Their position in Hiruzen Sarutobi's heart is second only to the Sannin.
His status as Orochimaru's subordinate, he can't get rid of it now.
He doesn't dare to casually latch onto other big shots. While the Ino-Shika-Chō trio are still growing, he should build a good relationship with them early, clinging to the three major families, so that when Orochimaru defects, he can at least get a lenient punishment.
But having said that, getting along with them is actually quite fun.
The group joked and played around, leaving the camp.
After leaving the camp, they each restrained their playful nature.
Missions on the battlefield are no joke.
"Kifū, the battle plan is the same as before. You follow us, and if we encounter enemies, don't get entangled in battle, leave it to us." Nara Shikaku instructed.
"Rest assured."
After some trekking, the four entered the Land of Fire, heading straight along the supply route of the supply unit, deep into the Land of Fire.
Not long after.
In the distance, they saw a cloud of smoke.
The group's faces turned serious, and they slowly approached.
"Be careful." Yamanaka Inoichi said in a low voice.
The group changed their formation from one suitable for travel to one ready for battle at any time. Akimichi Chōza was the strongest, Yamanaka Inoichi was on one side, Nara Shikaku was in the middle to provide support, and Kifū hung far behind.
Gradually, the distance to the source of the smoke became closer and closer.
That place completely appeared before their eyes. Supply vehicles were parked in a scene of devastation, and the bodies of the Konoha supply unit were also arranged chaotically and tragically.
"Quick, see if anyone is still alive!" Yamanaka Inoichi's face was heavy.
But Nara Shikaku's expression changed drastically, "Damn it! It's a trap."
His hands quickly formed hand seals, and several strands of shadow rapidly extended from beneath him, rushing towards the shadows of the three.
Unfortunately, his reaction was ultimately a step too late.
Boom!
An explosion suddenly rang out, hundreds of kunai attacked from all directions, and a figure quietly appeared behind Kifū.
A sharp short blade directly plunged into his back.
"Kifū!!!"
