In Konoha, This Naruto Has Decided To Take It Easy

Chapter 419 You Believe In The Jashin

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"Since that's the case, let me arrange food and lodging for you." Konan offered, but the words felt foreign on her tongue. She couldn't remember how long it had been since she'd said something like that.

Probably not since Yahiko's death.

"No need, I already have a place to stay." Naruto thought of Ajisai’s home. He had hidden there last time as well, so it would be a good idea for him to just go back there.

"You have a place to stay?" Konan looked confused. "Where?"

"Well, I don't remember the way." Naruto scratched his head, then flashed a smile, "Oh, right, can I borrow someone from you?"

"Who?"

"Ajisai." Naruto replied. He had already taken her, so this was more of a formality.

It seemed unnecessary to be sneaky now, and it’s better to be upfront. Even though Ajisai had remarkable talent, he knew Konan and Nagato wouldn't refuse.

"Ajisai?" Konan's expression became slightly strange, proving that she knew about Ajisai, "She is missing. She was a promising Genin."

"She’s not missing. I took her away."

Konan: “…”

In just a few words, this infuriating man left her speechless again.

‘You’ve already kidnapped her, so why call it borrowing? Borrow what? Uzumaki Naruto, you're so infuriating!’

Before leaving, Naruto took away one of Nagato's Chakra rods and one of Konan's non-disappearing cards.

Nagato: “…”

Konan: “…”

The two felt this guy in front of them was a strange mix. He has the habit of never leaving empty-handed, at the same time, he can give Chakra generously. His personality was utterly shameless, but somehow, he still managed to seem reliable. Compared to Jiraiya, it can be said that he had surpassed his master.

"This person is the complete opposite of Yahiko." Konan suddenly commented.

Nagato, unsure of what to say, simply nodded.

Meanwhile, Ajisai was in a state of confusion. She looked around, unable to believe her eyes. After being imprisoned for over a year, she had given up hope.

A moment ago, she was still reading a book in the seal space prison and chatting with her cellmate, Yugito. But at the next moment, she was already standing on the ground of the Land of Rain.

Before she had time to feel excited, happy, and kiss the ground, she saw the person she least wanted to see upon looking up… a blonde-haired figure with a faintly cold yet amused smile, watching her leisurely.

The two stood in the open space of an abandoned building, while a light drizzle fell outside. The streets were wet, and the air was stifling.

"You... how did you…?" Ajisai stammered. After a year in prison, her sharpness had long since dulled.

"How did I what?" Naruto replied, "Where’s your house? I forgot how to get there. Lead the way."

Ajisai was speechless, ‘This guy... Not only did he kidnapped me, but now he was planning to occupy my home? Wasn't this just bullying?’

"Oh, by the way, don't even think about running." He suddenly added, "I have a good relationship with your Tenshi-sama, you can ask her yourself."

"You've been 'borrowed' by me now, and you know what that means, right? You’re entirely under my employment now… your life is mine."

"... E-Employment?" Ajisai timidly glanced at him, "Do I get paid?"

"What are you thinking? Of course not." Naruto shot her a glance, "Employment is just a nicer way of putting it. Don't take it too seriously."

Ajisai: “…”

‘Isn't this just slavery? How infuriating!’

However, Naruto showed no signs of guilt as he leisurely followed behind her, heading to her house. In his mind, he was already planning how to exploit his ‘employee’, and considering turning Yugito into his next recruit.

However, as a Jonin from Kumogakure and the Nibi’s Jinchuriki, Yugito had much stronger willpower than Ajisai, who is just a Genin from Amegakure.

‘Just take it step by step, no need to rush.’

[Ding! Task Line III Activated: Followers of the Jashin!]

[Dear World Traveler, Rodger, Jashin has extended an invitation to you. Gather ten followers, and you’ll be rewarded with: Hashirama’s Cells Activation Technique (The complete activation of the body once and return to the age of 18)]

"Just once? Jashin is so stingy!" Naruto grumbled as he walked.

"What?" Ajisai turned back, confused by his muttering.

"Nothing, I wasn't talking to you." Naruto waved his hand and said impatiently, "Keep leading the way."

"Oh, okay." Ajisai turned back around and continued walking.

Only Naruto could see the multiple system panels in front of him. There were three task lines displayed.

The first was already grayed out: [Task Line I: Affection from Hinata, Kyubi’s Acknowledgement 73%. The host releases the Kyubi, incorrect action, the task line is lost, and has been permanently sealed.]

The second had a small bit of green progress: [Task Line II: The Land of Water Arc, Ninja Sword Collection Task Line has been opened! Achievement unlocked: Seversword, Kubikiribocho. Reward: Izanagi (One-time item), issued when all achievements are achieved.]

The third one, which had just been activated, was the weakest of them all: [Task Line III: Followers of the Jashin.]

After thinking for a moment, Naruto closed the first two panels, leaving only the third. He scrolled down and finally saw the progress bar at the bottom.

The gray progress bar mocked Naruto, as if it were a thirsty girl laughing at his incompetence. Jashin’s petty reward made Naruto extremely dissatisfied, and he vowed to squeeze every bit of benefit from Jashin in the future.

As he watched Ajisai walking ahead, swaying slightly, an idea suddenly struck him, ‘Followers? Wasn’t there a ready-made, natural follower right in front of me?’

Ajisai was walking ahead with an umbrella, her mind racing with thoughts, only for everything to become a chaotic mess again. She couldn't wrap her head around what had happened during the time she was missing.

‘How come that person become so familiar with Tenshi-sama? It would be fine if I was kidnapped, but now, I can't do anything about him. I can't even condemn him morally. Was I really sold?’

"Hey!" Naruto called her, "Turn around, I want to ask you something."

"What is it?" Ajisai turned around and looked at Naruto in confusion. Her eyelids twitched for no apparent reason, "Wh-what’s wrong?"

"Do you have a faith?" He asked.

"Do I... have one or not?" She looked at Naruto, somewhat uncertain.

She thought to herself, ‘Isn’t this up to you? Even if I did have one, if it’s not to your liking, wouldn’t I just end up back in prison? This is so unfair!’

"I think you should have one." Naruto replied calmly, folding his arms.

"I-I should have a faith?" Ajisai became nervous. She clenched her fists, looked around, and stammered, "What’s my faith?"

"Eh? You’ve forgotten? You told me yourself." He said with a gentle smile, like a wolf in sheep’s clothing, hinting, ‘You better remember, or else...’

"Oh! Right! I did say that! But I seem to have a bad memory." Ajisai said, and her palms were full of sweat. The thought of returning to prison filled her with despair.

She was only eighteen years old, and she was sure that the time inside that prison moved differently than outside. If she were sent back to that place, even if she came out a year later, her heart would have aged.

"No problem, I remember. You believe in the Jashin." Naruto said to her with a smile, "The Jashin of the Land of Hot Water, who grants his followers immortality."

"Yes! That's it! I believe in the Jashin." Ajisai swallowed hard and replied without hesitation.

‘What is the Jashin? Can you eat it? Whatever, who cares… it’s better than going back to prison!’ Ajisai watched Naruto's smile grow wider, and then motioned for her to continue leading the way.