DEUT...!
Although he had been just an elementary school student before traveling through time, Morkel still understood the basic physiological differences between men and women.
So, as if nothing had happened, he calmly withdrew his hand and looked at Shion with a serious expression. "Miss Shion, please don't be like this. I have already made my position clear. Men and women should maintain a proper distance."
Shion's expression froze.
58: "..."
Now he suddenly cares about the difference between men and women? What about back at the ancestral hall? He held her hand back then! And when she threw herself into his arms, why didn't he mention this?
Fuming, Shion turned away and stomped off.
Ino, who had been watching the scene unfold, smirked in satisfaction. Little girl, you have no idea what you're up against! I've spent years trying to win over Morkel. You're still a long way from matching me!
A Difficult Choice
After the two women finished their silent competition, Kakashi approached Morkel. "Morkel, do you want to return to Konoha with us?"
Morkel shook his head.
Both Kakashi and Asuma tensed slightly. They had already heard rumors about Morkel and Naruto leaving the village. When they had gone to question Tsunade, she had told them that Morkel was away on a classified mission. But what kind of secret mission would require such an open-ended departure?
The thought of losing two of Konoha's greatest talents deeply unsettled them.
After a moment, Kakashi exhaled and said with a small smile, "If this is your choice, I respect it."
Asuma nodded. "Yeah."
Morkel returned their nod. "Naruto and I are heading to the Land of Demons to collect our reward money. See you later, Kakashi-sensei."
With that, he and Naruto hurried after Shion, leaving Kakashi and Asuma standing in place, their expressions filled with mixed emotions.
"I really hope to see them again," Asuma murmured, lighting a cigarette.
"Who doesn't? But we can't force them back," Kakashi agreed.
Asuma exhaled a puff of smoke and added, "No, I mean, I hope they come back soon enough to attend my wedding."
"Wait, you're getting married?" Ino asked, surprised.
Asuma sighed. "Why are you so shocked? Kurenai and I have been together for years. It's time we made it official. Though lately, she's been so obsessed with her genjutsu training that she's been a little cold toward me... but I can't just abandon her."
A Shocking Discovery
A few days later, in the Hokage's office, Asuma was finishing his report on the recent demon incident. Once he concluded, he hesitated before asking, "Hokage-sama, is there any news about the Third Hokage?"
Tsunade's expression darkened, and she shook her head. "No. I'll inform you as soon as we hear anything."
Asuma sighed. "Kurenai and I were supposed to get married in ten days, but if my father is still missing, the wedding will have to wait."
At that moment, the door burst open, and Shizune rushed in, panting and sweating.
Tsunade frowned. "What's wrong? Speak slowly."
Shizune hesitated when she saw Asuma still in the room. Sensing the situation, Tsunade motioned for Asuma to step out.
Once he was gone, Shizune took a deep breath. "Anbu has found the Third Hokage's body at the Fire Country's border."
"What?!"
Tsunade's face paled. The Third Hokage had been her mentor, a man of immense power. How could he have died so inexplicably?
"The medical team is examining the body now," Shizune continued. "But... it's likely related to Orochimaru."
Tsunade clenched her fists before exhaling sharply. "If Orochimaru is responsible, I will make sure he pays. Inform the entire village—Sarutobi Hiruzen's funeral will be held tomorrow."
Outside, Asuma sat against the wall, his body trembling as silent tears fell down his face.
A Bounty Beyond Expectation
Meanwhile, in the Land of Demons, after returning Shion to her homeland, Morkel and Naruto collected their well-earned reward. The amount was staggering—tens of millions!
Even more surprising, the Daimyo of the Land of Demons personally offered Morkel a position as his bodyguard for 100 million ryo a year.
Despite the tempting offer, Morkel declined.
Firstly, he had no interest in being tied down by nobles. Secondly, bodyguard work might seem easy, but it would limit his freedom. More importantly, there was more money to be made elsewhere.
Morkel had learned that bounty houses operated in every major country. Some rewards were worth hundreds of millions! Instead of guarding someone, why not hunt criminals and collect the bounties himself?
At that moment, he and Naruto were inside a bounty house, browsing the latest hit list.
"Fifth Hokage Tsunade—150 million ryo."
"Fourth Raikage of the Land of Lightning—160 million ryo."
"Third Tsuchikage Ohnoki—160 million ryo."
"Konoha's Wood-Style genius, Morkel—250 million ryo!"
Morkel froze.
"DEF...!!!"
His bounty was even higher than the Kages?! Why?!
Thankfully, the drawing of him on the bounty poster was atrocious, barely resembling him at all.
Naruto, laughing, pointed at his own entry. "Look! I'm on here too! But my bounty is only 10 million. Yours is in the top five! 250 million ryo!"
At Naruto's loud exclamation, the entire room fell silent. Dozens of bounty hunters stared at them.
Morkel's forehead creased with irritation. It was too late to cover Naruto's mouth.
A burly man grinned and raised his weapon. "Brothers, we outnumber them! If we take Morkel down, we'll all be rich!"
The room erupted in excitement as hunters brandished their weapons.
One man, more cautious, warned, "You fools! This guy single-handedly took out dozens of Elite Jōnin from Cloud Shinobi! Think before you act!"
But the greedy ones ignored the warning and charged.
Morkel sighed, drawing his Kusanagi sword.
ABU!
In an instant, his blade extended, sweeping through the air with deadly precision.
Puff!
The burly man's head fell to the floor.
Silence.
Morkel raised his sword, smiling coldly. "Anyone else?"
The hunters shook their heads, backing away. The dead man's bounty had been 1 million ryo, which Morkel promptly collected.
Then, he turned to the bounty board, scanning the targets.
Kakuzu, Akatsuki member—80 million ryo.
Hidan, Akatsuki member—55 million ryo.
Morkel smirked. "Found my next targets."
Meanwhile, in the Land of Lightning, Kakuzu sneezed. Hidan scoffed. "Don't tell me you're getting sick?"
Kakuzu frowned. "No... I just have a bad feeling."
Mourning and a New Mission
Back in Konoha, the Third Hokage's funeral was held. Morkel and Naruto stood before the grave, their hearts heavy.
Tsunade approached and asked, "What's next for you two?"
Morkel didn't hesitate. "We're heading to the Land of Lightning. We're going after Akatsuki members."
Tsunade nodded, trusting his decision. "Take care of Naruto. And if you have the chance, visit Jiraiya in the Rain Village."
Morkel smirked. "Will do."
With that, Morkel and Naruto disappeared into the horizon, ready for their next battle.