NARUTO: Starting with Hinata

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"Of course."

Shizune said without hesitation, "But I don't know how to gamble."

"Just follow Sensei and bet as she does."

Shiki adjusted his sunglasses and said, "Sensei is your guiding light."

"Huh?!"

Shizune stretched out her voice, as if waking from a dream, clapping her hands excitedly, "Why didn't I think of this sooner?"

While this strategy may not work for all gambling games, it should be useful in simpler ones. Winning isn't necessary; as long as they don't lose, it's a victory.

"Use the transformation technique to gamble."

Shiki paused and cautioned, "If you don't hurry, Sensei may lose a lot."

"Here, take this."

Shizune hesitated for a moment, then handed him a flare, "Use it if you're in danger, and any nearby Konoha ninja will come to your aid."

"Got it."

Shiki nodded obediently.

The Fire Country's capital not only has Konoha's resident ninjas but also the Twelve Guardian Ninjas, led by Asuma. In theory, it's quite secure, which put Shizune at ease.

Besides, Shiki had enough skill to protect himself; even most chunin wouldn't stand a chance against him.

"Once you buy the wine, come find us at the casino."

Shizune patted his head before turning away.

Shiki sighed in relief. He had finally managed to get Shizune away. Now, he could go see Konan.

Two days ago, he and Neji went to the black market near Konoha. There, he found the mission for Karin's rescue, listing a member of the Akatsuki known as the White Tiger.

The Akatsuki's reputation wasn't widespread in the Five Great Nations, but their legend was alive on the black market. Mysterious and powerful, they had an exceptionally high success rate, accepted difficult and well-paid missions, and were generally seen as trustworthy.

Shiki had arranged to meet at an izakaya, which also sold sour and bitter wines—two birds with one stone.

Leaving the alley, Shiki walked into the busy street. Scanning around, he quickly spotted his target.

"Welcome!"

The young woman at the front desk smiled politely, then hesitated, "Children aren't allowed to buy alcohol."

"I'm buying it for my teacher."

Shiki pointed towards the casino next door, "She'll be here soon."

The woman seemed unsure but finally relented when Shiki showed her a thick stack of cash.

"I'll take half a pound of sour and bitter wine." He requested.

"Sure!"

The woman took the money and quickly brought two jugs of wine.

"Thank you."

Shiki accepted the bottles, "I'll reserve a table."

"Please, help yourself."

It was still early, so the pub was empty. Shiki found a seat by the window.

Suddenly, two lines of text appeared before his eyes:

[Two wine worms and four kinds of wine—sour, sweet, bitter, and spicy—can be combined to form a second-level Gu worm with the four flavors of wine worm.]

[Do you wish to cultivate them together?]

Shiki sighed with relief; it seemed he had bought the correct wine. He opened a storage scroll and carefully stored the jugs. He'd merge the worms after he leveled up.

"Your menu."

The woman placed the menu in front of him.

"Thank you."

He glanced through it; though small, the izakaya offered a wide variety of dishes, from sashimi to grilled and stir-fried options.

He ordered two glasses of orange juice. It was still morning, and he wasn't hungry, so he'd wait.

He wondered when Konan would arrive.

Closing his eyes, Shiki decided to meditate and cultivate.

"Welcome."

Ten minutes later, he heard the woman's voice again. Shiki opened his eyes. A new customer had entered.

The young woman had an aura that kept others at a distance. Her hair was a striking shade between light blue and purple, swaying slightly as she walked, styled in a bun with a paper flower on the right side. She had light purple eye shadow and a lip piercing. A black cloak adorned with a red cloud pattern wrapped around her, leaving only her beautiful, cold face visible.

"May I help you?" The young woman asked, regaining her composure.

Konan ignored her, focusing on the only other person in the pub. She frowned slightly.

A six-year-old boy?

Or was it a coincidence? But he matched the description of her employer—sunglasses, black cloak.

As she hesitated, the little boy waved at her.

Konan felt slightly uneasy.

What's going on? The person who casually handed over a million ryo is a little boy?

Whose young master was running around freely?

"Please, have a seat."

Shiki pushed the orange juice toward her.

"Are you the employer?"

Konan looked at the orange juice, her voice flat.

"Yes."

Shiki nodded. He had considered using a transformation technique, but figured it didn't matter. By the time he met Akatsuki again, he'd be grown up, and Konan probably wouldn't recognize him.

"Alright."

Konan asked, expressionless, "When do we depart?"

According to black market rules, the employer pays first, and the task is accepted with payment upon completion. Since Shiki had already paid, Konan didn't refuse, even though her employer turned out to be a child.

"Are you alone?"

Shiki asked, puzzled. The Akatsuki usually worked in pairs.

"I'm enough on my own."

Konan replied indifferently.

Kusagakure was a small village nestled between other nations, with only a few jonin. Given her high mobility, Konan was confident she could rescue Karin before anyone could react.

"And since you requested only me, I can manage alone."

The Akatsuki organization was currently short on funds, so saving resources wherever possible was essential.

"You'll need to take me with you."

Shiki said after a moment's thought. He wasn't looking for trouble, but rather wanted to make an impression on Karin as soon as possible.