DISCLAIMER: I DEFINITELY DON'T OWN NARUTO (SOURCE: JUST TRUST ME ON THIS ONE HAHA)
Ch.21 - Assimilation of Information
As night fell, Team 10 found themselves amidst the task of setting up camp. After a long day of travel punctuated by intermittent breaks, they had made significant progress on their journey to Mori no Kuni (Land of Forests). Being far away from Konoha's rainy weather, they reveled in the tranquility of the night and the milder climate. Asuma, their seasoned leader, once again directed his students to prepare the camp. Ino and Shino were assigned the duty of arranging their belongings, while Naruto was tasked with gathering firewood.
After a short while, each of them completed their respective tasks. Asuma gathered his students together for a discussion. "Naruto, Ino, both of you, listen up. Shino, this exercise involves the two of them as well," he addressed his attentive pupils.
Inquisitive, Ino spoke up. "Asuma-sensei, what are you going to teach us?"
"Now that I know both of you have an affinity for fire release, I will be instructing you in some useful fire jutsus," Asuma explained.
"Awesome!" Naruto exclaimed with enthusiasm.
"Calm down, Naruto. Where was I? Ah, yes. The first jutsu I will teach both of you is the Katon: Hoteri Ougigata no Jutsu (Fire Release: Flash Fan Technique). It isn't primarily an offensive technique, but rather a practical one that comes in handy when you need to start a fire quickly. However, if you're willing to expend more chakra, you can make it somewhat viable for combat. Nevertheless, the hand seals for this jutsu are as follows: Tiger - Bird - Ram," Asuma elaborated.
"That's it?" Ino inquired.
"Yes. Were you expecting something more elaborate?"
"Honestly, I was."
Asuma demonstrated the technique by conjuring a burst of fire in the shape of a cone, emerging from his mouth. Both blondes found it mesmerizing and were eager to try it themselves.
It took them some time to master the jutsu, as they took turns igniting the campfire. Once the flames danced merrily, they gathered around, sat by its warmth, and enjoyed their dinner. Engaging in light-hearted conversation, they whiled away the evening before retiring for the night, ready to resume their journey to Mori no Kuni (Land of Forests).
The team's arduous journey spanned two and a half days before they finally arrived at the town of Migashisonogi—a modest settlement with scattered houses. As they entered, they observed the locals engrossed in their daily activities, with no apparent signs of any gangs. Asuma led his students to a nearby inn, where they planned to stay for a few days or perhaps even weeks, depending on the length of their mission.
Asuma rang the bell on the counter, but no one appeared initially. After a brief moment, a middle-aged man descended from the upper floor. "Ah, customers! I apologize for the delay; I was tidying up the rooms upstairs. How may I assist you?"
"We would like to book two rooms, please. Could you inform us of the number of beds in each room?" Asuma inquired.
"We offer rooms with either one or two beds, sir. It's entirely your choice," the man replied obligingly.
Asuma contemplated his decision, knowing he preferred a room to himself, which meant opting for a single bed. The remaining three beds would be for his students, who would have to determine their own sleeping arrangements. 'This will serve as a valuable exercise for them—an opportunity to learn the art of compromise,' Asuma pondered to himself.
"Very well. I'll take a room with a single bed, and they will have a room with two beds. You three can decide among yourselves how you wish to arrange your sleeping quarters. I expect no disturbances or quarrels. Is that understood?" Asuma emphasized, ensuring his students comprehended his instructions loud and clear.
- In Their Room -
Shino, Ino, and Naruto stood inside the room, their eyes fixated on the two beds before them. Although each bed was spacious enough to accommodate two people, the decision wasn't as simple as it seemed. All three of them harbored a desire to secure a bed for themselves, yet Asuma's warning echoed in their minds, discouraging any potential arguments or disputes.
"Alright... How should we settle this?" Ino queried, her voice filled with a hint of uncertainty.
"Perhaps we can combine the two beds to create a larger one and then divide it into three equal sections," Shino proposed, offering a solution.
Intrigued, Ino contemplated her teammate's suggestion, but she ultimately dismissed it, recognizing the importance of respecting the room's arrangements. Undeterred, Ino proceeded to present alternative ideas.
Meanwhile, Naruto's attention shifted towards a closet on the right side of the room. Curiosity piqued, he opened it, revealing a futon and additional pillows. "Hey, guys, look what I found—a futon and extra pillows."
"Ah, then we can utilize those. Two of us can sleep on the bed while the remaining person uses the futon and spare pillows on the floor," Ino proposed, considering the newfound resources.
"I am content with that plan, but we still have one predicament. Who will sleep on the bed, and who will take the floor?" Shino inquired, seeking resolution.
Naruto and Ino locked eyes, and in a burst of synchronized urgency, they dashed towards one of the beds. "DIBS!" both blondes exclaimed in unison, leaving Shino alone in his decision.
"It appears that I will be sleeping on the floor, then," Shino stated, his tone monotonous.
Ino and Naruto felt a twinge of guilt upon realizing Shino's situation. Ino directed her gaze towards Naruto, attempting to manipulate his emotions. "How could you, Naruto? Claiming the bed all for yourself," she scolded, accompanied by a sly smirk.
"Hold on a second. You sprinted to the bed just as quickly as I did, so why don't you offer your bed to Shino and sleep on the floor?" Naruto countered, standing his ground.
"No, you give up your bed," Ino retaliated, refusing to back down.
"No, you!"
"No, you!"
"No, you!"
"NO, YOU!" Ino's voice boomed, a tad too loud. Realizing her mistake, she swiftly covered her mouth, anxiously awaiting any repercussions. Moments passed, and it became evident that they had escaped trouble unscathed. Breathing a sigh of relief, Ino shifted her attention back to Naruto, who was now facing her. In a moment of inspiration, she devised a brilliant plan. "Why don't you two share a bed? After all, you're both guys," Ino suggested.
Naruto was almost inclined to agree, but the thought of Shino's bugs sent a shiver down his spine. He couldn't fathom the idea of creepy-crawlies disturbing his slumber. Reluctantly, Naruto declined Ino's proposal. Deep down, he genuinely felt sorry for Shino, knowing he hadn't been given a fair chance to decide. Furthermore, he understood that Ino wouldn't be able to rest well if she slept on the floor. With a sigh, Naruto climbed off the bed and approached Shino.
"Take the bed, Shino. I'll sleep on the floor," Naruto offered.
Shino was about to protest, but Naruto insisted, assuring him that he was accustomed to sleeping on the floor. Nodding in agreement, Shino handed back the futon and pillows that Naruto had found in the closet.
With their sleeping arrangements settled, they left most of their belongings in their respective room and descended the stairs, where they found Asuma standing by the counter, awaiting their arrival.
- With Asuma -
Asuma lightly tapped the counter's bell, catching the attention of the innkeeper. After a brief pause, the middle-aged man returned, his face lined with worry. "Yes, yes, any issues with the rooms? I hope not," he inquired.
"No, the rooms are fine. I just wanted to ask you a few questions," Asuma replied, his tone calm and composed.
"And what might those questions be?" the man asked cautiously, his eyes darting around the room.
"By any chance, do you have any information regarding the gang that has recently established themselves in this town?" Asuma questioned, his words laced with intrigue.
The man's anxiety became palpable, as if an invisible presence lurked nearby, listening to their every word. "I... um... may I ask as to who is asking?" he hesitated, his voice quivering slightly.
"We are shinobi dispatched from Konoha. Rest assured, Mister...," Asuma trailed off, waiting for the man to introduce himself.
"My name is Hirabayashi Kunio. You can call me Kunio," the man introduced himself with a mix of apprehension and curiosity.
"Ah, I see. Well, I am Sarutobi Asuma, Kunio-san. I assure you, anything you share will be held in strict confidence. It appears that someone from this town has sent a request to Konoha for assistance in dealing with this gang," Asuma explained, his words carrying a sense of determination.
"I see... Since their arrival, this town has fallen into shambles. Most businesses have been forced to close, with the exception of bars and... other establishments," Kunio quietly divulged, hoping that his words would not reach the ears of unwanted bystanders.
"Please continue," Asuma urged, his eyes fixed on Kunio, eager to gather more information about their task at hand.
"I don't know much, but something tells me those establishments are under the control of that cursed gang. However, take my words with a grain of salt. Additionally, they have seized control of the town's pier and docks," Kunio elaborated, his voice filled with a mix of fear and frustration.
"And do you happen to know who their leader is?" Asuma inquired, his curiosity piqued.
"I've heard rumors that their leader goes by the name of Gato or something of the sort," Kunio revealed, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
"And where can I find this Gato?" Asuma probed further, his gaze unwavering.
"I'm afraid I don't know, sir. I apologize," Kunio replied, a hint of disappointment in his voice.
"I understand. Thank you for your cooperation, Kunio-san. We will put an end to this situation once and for all," Asuma assured him, a glimmer of determination shining in his eyes.
"I am grateful for your assistance. Thank you very much, Sarutobi-san," Kunio expressed his gratitude sincerely.
"It is our duty," Asuma nodded, acknowledging Kunio's appreciation.
Asuma then approached his three attentive students, who awaited him near the door. Ino, unable to contain her curiosity, inquired about their conversation, prompting Asuma to relay the information they had acquired. He stressed the significance of gathering information as shinobi, utilizing all available sources. However, he cautioned them to verify the reliability of the gathered intel, as misinformation could lead to disastrous outcomes.
"We shall proceed to a tavern now. Most towns have one, and it serves as a hub for information. That's where we may find what we seek," Asuma informed his students, his voice laced with anticipation.
"So, are we going to interrogate people at the tavern?" Naruto sought clarification, his eagerness evident.
"Not quite, Naruto. People at taverns do not take kindly to interrogation. As shinobi, we have two options. The first is to persuade individuals to willingly share information in exchange for something. The second, more forceful approach involves extracting information, but it carries greater risks and is often unwise. Both methods can be effective, depending on the situation and personal preference," Asuma explained, guiding Naruto's understanding.
Naruto nodded, absorbing his sensei's explanation, which sparked further questions within him. Asuma welcomed his student's curiosity, appreciating his eagerness to learn. He observed that his teammates, too, were attentive, absorbing the information imparted.
"Only two options? That's it?" Naruto mused aloud, his mind racing with possibilities.
"In this particular context, yes. However, there are other means of obtaining information, depending on the available resources. We can employ informants who leak valuable information in exchange for certain favors, though caution must be exercised as they may prove untrustworthy. Another approach involves the use of spies, but such endeavors demand time and expenses. The rewards, however, include a steady stream of information as long as their cover remains intact. Additionally, we have shinobi like Ino," Asuma elaborated, capturing Naruto's attention.
"Ino?" Naruto's curiosity piqued, his interest fully engaged.
"Yes, it's known as the T&I (Torture and Interrogation Force). Ino's father works within that division and is highly skilled in his field. The Yamanaka Clan specializes in mind-related abilities. If we capture someone with vital information, we can bring them to the T&I department. If the individual refuses to cooperate, a skilled mind reader can delve into their thoughts forcefully. These are just a few of the common methods available," Asuma shared, his words painting a vivid picture.
Naruto found the process of gathering information captivating, understanding its pivotal role in executing successful missions. They continued their journey until they stumbled upon a building that bore the signs of a bustling tavern, evident from the lively atmosphere and crowd within.
On their way, a sign confirmed their suspicion, solidifying the building's identity as a tavern. Asuma briefed his students on the necessary precautions before entering. "Considering what Kunio-san mentioned about Gato and his gang potentially owning most of the bars in this town, I want the three of you to utilize the Henge no Jutsu (Transformation Technique) to assume different identities before entering. Just it back and watch me do it, be sure to take notes and don't be too obvious. If a server asks if you want a drink, simply state that you're awaiting a friend. Lastly, be prepared in case things go south. Do you understand?" Asuma instructed, addressing his attentive students who nodded in unison.
Shino, Ino, and Naruto found a discreet alleyway to perform the Henge no Jutsu (Transformation Technique), skillfully altering their appearances to match their desired disguises. Naruto opted for his familiar guise used during visits to buy packaged ramen or his recent grocery shopping excursion with Ino. Shino transformed into a bald, middle-aged man, while Ino chose to adopt the appearance of a taller, slender woman with brown hair. Naruto couldn't help but notice the resemblance to her mother in her transformed state. With their disguises in place, they entered the tavern individually, minimizing any suspicion. Asuma, on the other hand, didn't bother altering his appearance but merely removed his vest and hitai-ate, blending in effortlessly.
- Inside The Tavern -
The three of them settled into a booth, positioned not too far from the bar where Asuma had taken his seat. They chose this spot strategically to observe their sensei's approach to gathering information. Despite the bustling atmosphere of the tavern, the noise level remained relatively low, allowing for clearer conversations. The establishment was unquestionably busy, with numerous patrons occupying the space.
After a few minutes, a server made their way to their booth, ready to take their orders. Ino followed their sensei's instruction, informing the server that they were still waiting for a friend. Asuma's advice proved effective, seamlessly deflecting any further inquiries.
- With Asuma -
Asuma approached the bar, determined to gather information about Gato. The bar was not overly crowded, and a man sitting nearby seemed lost in his own thoughts. Asuma paid no mind to the stranger's gaze and proceeded to place his order.
"Barkeep! I'll have some sake," Asuma called out to the bartender.
The bartender observed him, curiosity gleaming in his eyes, before preparing the drink and handing it over to Asuma. "Will that be all, sir?" the bartender inquired.
Asuma swiftly finished his drink and seized the opportunity to pose his question. "By any chance... do you happen to know the whereabouts of a man named Gato?" he asked.
The bartender's eyebrow arched as he responded, "Who's asking?"
"The name's Morino Tatsuya. A buddy of mine mentioned that Gato is the man to apporach if you're, uh... looking for 'employment'. I'm looking to find him, but I have no clue what he looks like," Asuma explained, subtly hinting at a darker subtext behind the word "employment."
"Sorry, don't know him," the bartender replied promptly.
Refusing to leave empty-handed, Asuma decided to coax the bartender into sharing information about Gato. He produced a roll of Ryo, suggesting it might jog the bartender's memory, and placed it on the counter. The bartender's eyes flicked from the bribe to Asuma.
"On second thought, I do recall a man by that name. He's usually dressed in a suit, wears sunglasses, and stands around five feet tall. He's quite wealthy and often spends his time at the local brothel. If he's not there, he can likely be found in his heavily fortified estate located in the nearby woods," the bartender disclosed.
"I see... Anything else I should know?" Asuma inquired, hoping to glean additional details.
The bartender hesitated, his memory fading. "I'm not entirely sure... My recollection is becoming a bit hazy again," he admitted.
Asuma fixed the bartender with a determined gaze and retrieved another roll of money, using it as a bribe to coax further information. "He is usually accompanied by bodyguards, and his big-ass fortress is well defended. It's situated to the north of here. You won't miss it; the things fucking huge, you'll see it from a distance," the bartender added.
Satisfied with the exchange, Asuma downed his final saucer of sake, leaving payment for his drinks on the counter. He glanced discreetly at his students, signaling that it was time to leave the tavern now that they had obtained the desired information. Team 10 exited the establishment and decided to grab a meal before returning to their inn, preparing for the tasks that awaited them.
- At The Inn -
After an early dinner, Team 10 engaged in a discussion regarding their next course of action now that they had information about Gato's whereabouts. Their plan involved locating the gang leader and observing his regular routine in order to identify an opportune moment to confront him. Asuma deduced that Gato's gang was primarily motivated by monetary gain, considering the bartender's description. Removing the main source of funding from the equation could potentially lead to the gang's downfall, unless Gato had exceptionally loyal henchmen under his employ.
With the team meeting concluded, Asuma bid his students farewell and retired to his own room, seeking some much-needed rest. They were well aware that they had a demanding task ahead of them, requiring their full energy and focus. Shino, Ino, and Naruto found themselves alone in their room. Fatigue from their extensive travels weighed heavily on them, prompting a collective decision to call it a day and recharge. They understood the importance of conserving their energy, as they would undoubtedly need it for the challenges that lay ahead.
Extra
It was late at night, and Naruto found himself unable to fall asleep. Despite his belief that he could sleep on the floor, it turned out that he was simply accustomed to the floor in his own apartment. Frustrated, Naruto tossed and turned on his futon, struggling to find a comfortable position. His restlessness disturbed Ino, who woke up due to the commotion. She glared at Naruto, questioning why he was still awake.
"Naruto, could you please keep it down? I'm trying to sleep here. And why on earth are you still awake?" Ino whispered, irritated.
"Sorry, Ino. I just can't seem to get any sleep on the floor. This futon is too thin, and it hurts my back when I lie down," Naruto explained, his voice filled with frustration.
Ino observed Naruto's struggle for a moment, sighing in exasperation as she analyzed her teammate's predicament. Determined to find a solution, she got up and approached Naruto, taking hold of his futon. Naruto watched with confusion as Ino began rolling it up into a tube.
"Um, Ino, what are you doing with my futon?" Naruto asked, perplexed.
"Just be quiet and wait for me to finish," Ino instructed him, focused on her task.
Once Ino completed the rolling process, she placed the futon tube in the middle of her own bed, effectively forming a partition. "There, you sleep on the right side, and I'll sleep on the left side," Ino declared, pulling Naruto towards the bed.
Naruto hadn't expected Ino to share her bed with him. Ino understood why Naruto didn't want to share a bed with Shino, as his bugs still unnerved them both. It was a compromise to ensure Naruto's comfort.
Now lying on the divided bed, with the futon tube acting as a barrier between them, Naruto expressed his gratitude. "Thanks, Ino. I really appreciate you compromising for me," he whispered to his platinum-haired teammate.
Ino, feeling sleepy, gave a brief response. "Don't mention it. But don't get any perverted ideas, Naruto," she warned him. Naruto, taken aback by the comment, hastily responded, "W-What? I'm not a pervert, Ino. Thank you very much." Ino couldn't help but giggle at Naruto's flustered reaction before bidding him a goodnight and returning to sleep. Naruto echoed the sentiment, and the two blondes settled back into slumber, preparing for the challenges that awaited them on the following day.
(A/N: Hey guys, sorry for the super late upload. Didn't expect to get the flu which made recovery take longer. But I am feeling much better now, thank you for the kind words and wishing me to get well, I really appreciated it and it made me smile during the times I felt like a huge sack of shit hahaha. Shoutout to Atomsk the Pirate King and thundertail ^^. Anyway, that's the end of this chapter. Anyway, as I said less fluff more progression. I hope yall are still enjoying this fic and sorry for the long wait. I am truly sorry. Thanks for the continued support, I really appreciate it cheers ^^)