Naruto: All My Targets Are Ninjutsu

Chapter 148 "The Old Father's Gaze" x2, The Deal with Orochimaru (Two-in-One)

"—Is this young man the recently rising star, Mikami Yuu-shinobu?"

Kurenai Yuu turned her gaze to Yu Mikami, looked him up and down a few times, and then said in a deep voice, "I heard that you have performed exceptionally well on the southwestern front recently. Even Jiraiya-sama's battle reports have mentioned your names many times. You are truly a force to be reckoned with."

"You flatter me, Senior Yuzuri. I only did what I was supposed to do, and it is nothing compared to the achievements of you seniors."

Yu Mikami is neither humble nor arrogant.

Hiroshi Nohara, standing nearby, burst into laughter: "Haha, Yuu-chan, you're so modest! What you've done puts many adult ninjas to shame. And it's not just on the battlefield; even this raw cola—it's all thanks to you and Lady Tsunade that we were able to appear!"

"Oh?"

Yuhi Makoto was genuinely surprised this time: "You mean that black drink that's been all the rage in the village lately? I heard it has a unique flavor and is in high demand, and even the Hokage praised it after tasting it. So its appearance is related to the third genin?"

"you do not say."

As they were talking, the owner of BBQ Q brought a waiter to the table, exchanged a few pleasantries with Mikami Tajima with a big smile, placed a large plate of fruit on the table, and put a whole case of "raw cola" next to it, saying it was a free gift.

Although these cola bottles were sourced from Mikami's workshop, once they reached BBQ Q, they became part of the latter's product. Therefore, this "gift" was reasonable and also helped Mikami Tajima save face.

Although the latter wasn't the type to be vain, he couldn't help but smile at this moment: "Yu, please share the cola with everyone."

"it is good."

Mikami Yu got up and started working.

Nohara Rin also came to help.

As bottles of cola were placed to everyone's left, Hiroshi Nohara urged everyone to start eating. The slices of meat on the grill began to sizzle, with oil dripping onto the charcoal fire, filling the air with a fragrant aroma.

"The meat's ready, eat up! It won't taste good when it gets cold! Let me tell you, this grilled meat with cola is absolutely amazing, a lot of people have been coming to BBQ Q just for this lately — Shinku Jonin, would you like to try some?"

"Um."

Yuhi Makoto nodded and was about to pick up her chopsticks when she heard her daughter's voice coming from across the table. However, it wasn't directed at her, but rather at the white-haired boy beside her: "Yu, this piece of meat is grilled just right. You should try it. You just came back from the front lines, so you should eat more to replenish your nutrition."

As she spoke, Kurenai casually picked up a piece of golden-brown, crispy beef brisket and placed it on the plate in front of Yu Mikami, a faint, perfectly timed smile on her face.

"Uh, thank you."

Yu Mikami said.

Seeing this, Nohara Rin pursed her lips, then picked up a slice of pork tenderloin and brought it over, saying gently, "Yu-kun, this pork tenderloin is very tender. I remember you like this the most."

"By the way, these mushrooms taste pretty good too. I heard they're all freshly picked that day, and they're incredibly delicious with the sauce on them. Yu, shall I get you one?"

"And this too—"

Yu Mikami: "————"

Kurenai frowned almost imperceptibly, casting a fatherly gaze at Yu Mikami.

Originally, Yuhi Shinku had a certain appreciation for Mikami Yu. After all, Mikami Yu was now considered "someone else's child," graduating as the "top student" of the Ninja Academy, defeating Asuma, and later being one of the first batch of genin to go to the front lines among the graduates, repeatedly achieving great feats. A few years ago, when the village ninjas were educating their own children, they liked to say, "Look at Kakashi."

In the past year, people have started to compare her to Yu Mikami.

After all, Yu Mikami came from a commoner background and had a period of obscurity at the Ninja Academy before soaring to great heights just before graduation. This resonated with most people, who felt that their own children might have the opportunity to replicate this experience.

But now————

Kurenai Yuhi's feelings were somewhat complicated.

What... what's going on? Could it be that my daughter is interested in this boy? How can that be! They're so young! That kind of thing... shouldn't we wait at least five years before considering it?

More importantly————

As a father, he hadn't had food served to him by his daughter in a long time! How did this kid get to enjoy it!

the other side.

Hiroshi Nohara was also a little skeptical.

Well, he did have a bit of a father-in-law's attitude towards Yu Mikami. After all, the two families had known each other for many years, knew each other inside and out, and the two children had grown up together since childhood, practically childhood sweethearts. Now they were even members of the same team, so it was a perfect match.

If they could further strengthen their ties on this basis, it would be a good thing for both families.

but----

Where did this Kurenai come from?

Does he want to become a competitor to his own daughter?

Why does it feel like my daughter is a bit less attractive? Even though Yuhi Makoto wasn't more handsome than me, how come her daughter is so beautiful?

In a short time.

Yu Mikami was the center of attention, flanked by Rin Nohara's gentle gaze and Kurenai Yuhi's faint smile, while opposite him were the stares of his two elderly fathers. Even though he was used to all sorts of things, he felt a little uncomfortable at this moment and could only bury his head and eat in silence.

Finally, Mikami Tajima realized what was going on and stood up to smooth things over: "Don't just eat meat! Come on, try this raw cola! I'll open it for you! This cup is to celebrate Yu and Rin's safe return, and to wish everyone all the best in the future!"

"————Okay, cheers!"

Everyone raised their glasses and clinked them together.

The icy black liquid, accompanied by strong bubbles, rushed into her throat. The unique sweetness and tingling sensation made Kurenai Yuhi savor it carefully, a hint of admiration flashing in her eyes: "Hmm—this taste is indeed quite interesting. No wonder it attracts so many young people."

"Right?"

soon.

The adults then shifted the conversation to the situation inside and outside the village.

There's no need to elaborate on the area outside the village.

After more than half a year of the war between the wood and sand, even the most oblivious person could see that this war was not going to end anytime soon. As for the eight people sitting at the table now, it was uncertain how many would still be alive in two years. Apart from the Mikami couple and Nohara Misae, no one else could remain uninvolved.

As for the village—

"Speaking of which, are all of you going to participate in this year's Chunin Exams?"

Kurenai Yuhi thought of this and looked towards Yu Mikami.

"Yes, Shinku-senpai, that's the main reason we came back this time."

Nohara Rin nodded in response.

"Yeah----"

Yuhi Mako smiled and said, "This exam is quite large. In addition to the genin from our village, several smaller ninja villages have sent people, and Iwagakure might also send some. Coincidentally, I am also on the list of examiner candidates, so I might meet you in the exam room."

"Yu Mikami, we can have a chat then. I hope to see an even better performance from you."

When she mentioned "communication," Yuhi Shinku paused slightly, as if she was implying something.

However, Yu Mikami didn't care.

It's just the Chunin Exams—what other tricks could they possibly pull?

If the difficulty of the exam increases, then everyone will be different, and he won't be the only one bearing the burden.

Furthermore, given the methods Mikami Yu currently possesses, unless there's a Kage-level shinobi or a Tailed Beast Jinchuriki hiding among the examinees to sabotage them, he could easily pass even if he sent a shadow clone to take the exam. Therefore, who the examiner is really not that important.

Next.

Yuu Mikami eats his meal in peace, occasionally glancing up to say a few polite words.

Nohara Rin and Yuhi Kurenai would occasionally serve him a couple of bites of food or some soup, each time tugging at the nerves of the two elderly fathers.

Only Mikami Tajima and Mikami Aoi had smiles in their eyes: Hmm—it seems our son has indeed grown up, not only on the battlefield, but also now that he's back.

The two girls in front of them, Lin was someone they had watched grow up, and her character was impeccable; she was very sensible in her actions. Although they were meeting this girl named Hong for the first time, she seemed to have a good appearance and personality, and her father was a Jonin of Konoha — sigh, it's so hard to choose, they both seem so good.

Forget it, let our son figure out this problem himself. As his parents, we should just wait and see him settle down and start his own family.

that's it.

The adults had different thoughts.

The three children were being affectionate.

After the meal was finished, the three families paid their bills and said goodbye at the restaurant entrance, the slightly awkward atmosphere finally eased.

Kurenai Yuhi waved her little fist and said, "Good luck on the Chunin Exams!" Then she waved goodbye to Yu Mikami and Rin Nohara, and followed her father home.

"Hey, Tajima, what are you laughing at?"

Hiroshi Nohara noticed Mikami Tajima's expression.

"Ahem—I just remembered something happy."

Mikami Tajima, too embarrassed to admit he was agonizing over his daughter-in-law choice, coughed a few times and changed the subject: "By the way, Hiroshi, why don't you apply for retirement too and come help me run the factory? Let's make 'Sheng Kele' bigger and stronger, and create new glories together."

"We'll talk about it later."

Hiroshi Nohara shook his head: "The village needs manpower right now, how can I retire at this time? Sigh, sometimes I really envy you, Tajima. Even though you're injured, staying in the village is safer than going to the battlefield, and you also have such a good son—"

"Don't say that, it's all fate. When I was first injured, I thought I was going to die, it was really unexpected that I survived."

Mikami Tajima looked wistful.

Seeing the atmosphere suddenly become somewhat heavy, Mikami Aoi spoke up at the opportune moment, teasing, "Hiroshi-nii, you're still young, you can have another one with Misae. If you have a son, you can ask the Third Hokage to name him, like Yu said, and call him Nohara Shinnosuke." He'd definitely be no less handsome than our Yu.

"Nohara Shinnosuke? — He sounds like a rebellious kid."

Hiroshi Nohara pondered for a moment, then burst into laughter: "But if we really had a son, that would be great too. Rin would be a wonderful older sister. When he grows up, he'll be about ten years younger than Yu, maybe he could become Yu's apprentice, haha!"

that's it.

The two families returned to their doorsteps amidst laughter and conversation, then waved goodbye and went back to their respective houses to rest.

The next few days passed peacefully.

There's still no news from Tsunade; we don't know if she's studying the experimental data or slacking off at the casino.

Yu Mikami took some time to visit the Konoha Research Institute and met with Orochimaru.

"—Oh? Is this the blood sample of that Scorching Release user?"

Seeing what Mikami Yu took out, Orochimaru licked his lips: "Mikami-kun, you really know how to surprise me."

"But you want the latest information on neural activation techniques? Does that mean you've already started practicing them?"

In response to Orochimaru's question, Mikami Yu pursed his lips: "Not yet, but I've had some inspiration lately and want to confirm if it's correct."

"----Yeah?"

Orochimaru narrowed his golden eyes, scrutinizing Mikami Yu for a moment before looking away. "That technique... my research progress is limited. The one I gave you last time was basically the latest result. Since you have inspiration—then come with me and continue researching it. We should make a breakthrough."

-

"----good."

Yu Mikami nodded.

Although helping Orochimaru with his research carries certain risks.

However, for the sake of "neuroactivation therapy," they had no choice but to accept it.

If the duration of the "Overload Pulse" could be extended to one or two minutes, Mikami Yu was confident that he could further enhance his close-combat skills. Considering the potential rewards, some necessary risks had to be taken. If anything went wrong, he could always go back to Tsunade.

The encounter with Orochimaru was just a minor incident.

In the past few days, Obito came to see Mikami Yu and Nohara Rin several times, dragging them to the training ground to train and "prepare" for the Chunin Exams.

Obito and Rin were a little nervous about the exam, worried that if they underperformed, they might fail to get promoted.

But Mikami Yu didn't take it to heart at all. He would usually just send a shadow clone over to practice with the two of them, while his real body would go to other secluded places to secretly train his trump cards like "Neural Activation Technique," or go to help Orochimaru—

Busy with experiments.

The practice of Shadow Clone Jutsu will also be counted towards Mikami Yu's main body, increasing the affinity of ninjutsu. It's a win-win situation, as it doesn't interfere with either aspect.

Also.

Two days ago, Matt Dai passed the interview with Mikami Tajima and became a full-time employee of Mikami's workshop.

Although this person was a genin, he was strong and energetic, capable of doing the work of four or five people, which greatly pleased Mikami Tajima. He even increased the production target for the following month from 4 bottles to 5 bottles.

If this goal can be achieved successfully—

Perhaps the bet between Yu Mikami and Tsunade can be fulfilled ahead of schedule.

It was the fourth day after returning to the village.

Minato Namikaze, who had disappeared for several days, finally reappeared before Yu Mikami and the others: "Yu, Rin, Obito, how have you been these past few days?"