Killer Bee, who had been wearing his headphones, vaguely caught the word "idea" from Naruto's muttering. His expression changed instantly. He yanked the headphones off, hooked an arm around Naruto's shoulders, and pressed him down slightly as the two bent forward together.
"Naruto, please don't get any dangerous ideas."
"Before I came here, my big brother warned me—if I cause trouble this time, it'll disgrace Kumogakure."
"He already made it clear: no more Kumogakure rap for me for the rest of my life. Hosting events, performing, even participating—strictly forbidden."
"It's not that I'm scared, y'know? It's just that the situation's way too deep this time. You're still young—you can't handle it~"
"There are three massive barrier formations set up inside and outside this place. There's no way we could slip out quietly."
Killer Bee lowered his voice and earnestly advised Naruto right beside his ear.
After hearing this, Naruto's face fell instantly. He lowered his head, looking at Killer Bee with a mix of grief and indignation.
"Uncle Killer Bee… you really disappoint me."
"I never thought your love for rap would be limited to Kumogakure alone."
"I thought you dreamed of a bigger stage. Greater ideals. Loftier ambitions."
Hearing that, Killer Bee immediately panicked and smacked Naruto on the head.
"You little brat! You can question my ninja strength, but you never question the rap soul burning inside me!"
"How could I not have higher ideals and ambitions?"
"Hold your head high, yo!"
Naruto shoved Killer Bee away, clasped his hands behind his back, and looked at him with sorrowful concern, as if he genuinely pitied him.
"How tragic… how lamentable~"
"If you were to stand before the entire ninja world, letting everyone know that someone like Killer Bee exists—"
"Not just a shinobi, but a great rapper—that would be unprecedented. Something that would never be repeated."
"You might even be crowned with titles like God of Rap or King of Rap."
"What a shame. It seems Uncle Killer Bee is content with carving out a little niche in Kumogakure and calling himself the rap leader."
"But you're right, Uncle Killer Bee. Becoming famous in the ninja world is extremely difficult."
"Being famous in Kumogakure alone is already an incredible achievement."
"You're right… the waters are too deep. A youngster like me really can't handle it~"
With that, Naruto turned around and walked away dejectedly, his shoulders slumped, his expression bleak.
Smack!
Killer Bee's palm landed squarely on Naruto's shoulder.
"Wait, kid."
Naruto turned back slowly, his expression fragile and mournful—like a tragic heroine of the ninja world.
"Uncle… is there anything else?"
"If even you don't have that kind of courage, then maybe you should just stay here."
"That Ninja Kill game looks pretty fun."
Looking at Naruto like this, Killer Bee felt as if his conscience were bleeding.
Just a minute ago, this kid had been full of positivity, ambition, and fearless dreams.
And now… I did this.
I crushed the backbone of a passionate young shinobi!
Damn it, Bee!
How could I do something that destroys a young ninja's will?!
No—this won't do. I have to set him straight again!
"Naruto," Killer Bee said solemnly, "your uncle was just testing your inner resolve."
"Your determination, your will, your spirit—they've all deeply moved me."
"Let me accompany you as we chase this great dream together!"
"This is the unyielding ninja spirit!"
Naruto instantly transformed into a starry-eyed fanboy, eyes sparkling brightly.
But deep down, he was already grinning like crazy.
(＾－＾)V
Yeah~ First place, secured~
With that, the two of them headed over to Yugito Nii and Fū.
Yugito felt an indescribable, unsettling vibe coming from the pair and instinctively went on guard.
"What are you two planning to do?"
"Naruto? You're here~?"
Yugito and Fū reacted in completely opposite ways at the same time.
Killer Bee walked straight over to Fū's side.
"Fū, Naruto and I have a brilliant plan. Interested?"
Fū tilted her head slightly and nodded.
"Sure~ I'm bored anyway."
"We're planning to—"
"Uncle! Isn't this a bit much?!"
"Uchiha Hikaru didn't say we could—"
"Fū," Killer Bee interrupted smoothly, "your uncle's known for a long time how you feel about Naruto."
"If you support him and stand by his side now, you'll win his heart sooner or later!"
"As the saying goes, when a girl chases a boy, success comes easily. Don't you want to—"
"…You're right. I'm in!"
On the other side, Naruto faced Yugito's wary gaze and immediately unleashed his ultimate technique: sweet talk.
"Sister-in-law, I actually have something I want to ask you to help with."
Naruto spoke earnestly, wearing an honest, well-behaved expression.
"Sister-in-law…?"
When Yugito heard that title, her guard relaxed slightly. An indescribable warmth rose in her chest, though she still forced herself to remain composed.
"Ahem. Go on. If it's something I can help with, I will."
"Well, sister-in-law… it's like this."
"Actually, as far as I know, I have several sister-in-laws."
"Sister Kurenai, Sister Anko, Granny Tsunade, Sister Saya, Sister Shizune."
"They've all participated in the ninja war in one way or another. Do you think they were—"
"What did you just say?!"
Yugito exploded instantly.
Over the past two years, she had already uncovered Uchiha Hikaru's complicated romantic history. He had admitted it himself, and the two of them had even fought fiercely over it back then.
Later, she had been persuaded—by Hikaru himself.
But now, hearing about all these other women while realizing she wasn't included among them…
That hit hard.
"Go on," Yugito said coldly. "I'm listening."
Her face darkened, her eyes flashing with dangerous intent.
Naruto hesitated, suddenly unsure whether to continue.
"Well, actually—"
"Stop stalling. You're fussier than a woman!"
"Besides what I mentioned earlier, there's also Konoha's Dean Nono, Uchiha Sister Izumi, and many others who have feelings for Brother Hikaru."
"So, sister-in-law, are you—"
Crack.
Sharp chakra claws suddenly extended from Yugito's fingertips, piercing straight through the empty glass in her hand.
"Don't try to provoke me with cheap tricks just to get to the front lines."
"As a sister-in-law, it's my duty to look after my junior."
"I'm definitely not angry."
Naruto stared at the faintly surging chakra aura behind Yugito and swallowed hard.
This sister-in-law…
She seems to have a really bad temper…
(;ﾟДﾟ)
So far, excluding the five people still locked in their Ninja Kill match, Naruto's Tailed Beast Squad had already gathered four members.
Naruto turned his gaze toward the other side of the room, where the five "Ninja Kill" players were still locked in an intense showdown.
Next…
It's your turn to be recruited too!
...
...