After leaving Sai's house, Naruto and Jiraiya parted ways, and Naruto had another task to attend to.
"Pervy Sage, I'm leaving first. I have some things to handle," Naruto said.
Jiraiya nodded, smiling. "Yeah, Naruto, go ahead and take care of your work."
Without further delay, Naruto activated the Flying Thunder God Technique and teleported instantly, leaving Jiraiya momentarily stunned.
"What's gotten into him?" Jiraiya muttered to himself, scratching his head. "He's in such a hurry, even saying goodbye directly with the Flying Thunder God. Hmph… he's really growing up. This era belongs to the young shinobi now. I should focus on making sure Tsunade understands the details about the marriage ceremony."
Meanwhile, Naruto teleported directly to Orochimaru's location, unsure of the exact whereabouts. The Flying Thunder God Technique saved him time searching, arriving instantly at the lair.
"Oh! Naruto! I didn't expect it to be you!" Orochimaru exclaimed, startled. Around him were Kabuto, Suigetsu, Jugo, and Karin, the four of them surrounding the area.
Naruto tilted his head. "What are you all doing here?"
Karin immediately grabbed Naruto's hand, her eyes wide with worry. "Naruto! You have to help me!" she cried.
Naruto scratched his head awkwardly. "Karin, let go of my hand first. Calm down, let's talk about this carefully."
Suigetsu, arms folded, smirked. "It's simple. Karin's been trying to get close to Sasuke, but Sasuke keeps avoiding her. Naturally, Karin thinks he's rejecting her, but it's not about dislike—he just… has his own reasons."
Karin pouted, frustrated. "Why doesn't he understand? Sasuke has accepted me as his friend—why can't we be closer? But he keeps running away! Naruto, please help me!"
Naruto recalled his earlier conversation with Sasuke about this matter. "Karin… I've already helped Sasuke sort through his feelings. He hasn't made any moves yet because he needs time. You might be jumping ahead."
Karin's eyes shimmered with frustration and a hint of tears. "I've tried so many times, but he always avoids me! Does he… dislike me?"
Naruto placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "No, Sasuke doesn't dislike you. He's just very cautious. When you were close to him, you didn't sense how much his chakra control was being affected, did you?"
Karin paused, reflecting. "No… I was too focused on trying to provoke him. I didn't notice any change in his chakra at all."
Naruto nodded, understanding. "Exactly. Sasuke is an iceberg personality. He needs time to process emotions. You have to go slowly. If you push too hard, he might pull away completely. Patience is key."
Karin's frown softened as she absorbed Naruto's words. "So… I just need to wait?"
"Yes. Give him time. He's aware that closeness will come eventually. For now, you need to pace yourself. Too fast, and it could backfire," Naruto explained.
Suigetsu chuckled, showing his sharp teeth. "See, Karin? Naruto knows what's going on. Sasuke's avoiding you for his own reasons, not because he dislikes you. And believe me, it's not like your efforts are meaningless—they just need proper timing."
Karin's eyes brightened. "Really? So… Sasuke isn't ill or weak?"
Orochimaru, observing silently, shook his head. "Of course not. Among the subjects I select, I ensure no flaws exist. Sasuke's body has always been perfect. There's no kidney failure, no weakness—he's an exceptional physical specimen."
Karin's face lit up. "Really, Orochimaru-sama?"
Orochimaru nodded. Kabuto added, "Sasuke's body has been carefully cultivated since childhood. He was chosen as a perfect experimental subject. That's why the curse seal was implanted early—it wouldn't be done otherwise."
Suigetsu smirked at Jugo. "See, you're still too naive. Ninjutsu doesn't depend on raw physical health. Look at Orochimaru—his health is poor, yet he's mastered countless forbidden jutsu. Sasuke is in perfect condition, so stop worrying, Karin."
Karin laughed, relief flooding her features. "Thank you, everyone! I feel so much better now. Sasuke isn't sick, and he isn't rejecting me because of my efforts!"
Suigetsu rolled his eyes. "Don't get too smug. It's just that Sasuke isn't ready. That's all."
Naruto patted Karin's head. "Exactly. Don't rush him. The more patient you are, the better things will go. If you try too much, he'll retreat. This is his nature—ice-cold on the surface, but deeply loyal to those he cares for."
Karin nodded solemnly. "I understand… I'll wait for him."
Naruto smirked, half teasing. "And when the time is right, maybe some wine, a little persuasion, or even a carefully timed approach from Orochimaru—he can give you advice. But nothing overboard. Subtlety is key."
Karin's eyes sparkled, feeling as if a new world had opened before her. "I see… I have to be patient, subtle, and smart. Got it!"
Orochimaru waved his hand, a small smirk on his face. "I will not teach you… such matters. That's your problem, young lady."
Karin turned to Kabuto, pleading silently. Kabuto adjusted his glasses and, with a slight glint in his eyes, whispered, "Fine… but do not tell Sasuke. Consider this a gift."
Karin's face lit up, filled with anticipation. "Thank you, Kabuto-sama!"
Naruto chuckled. "Alright, Karin. You've learned your lesson. Now, let's give Sasuke some space and let things progress naturally."
Karin nodded, a newfound determination shining in her eyes. "I'll follow your advice, Naruto! I won't rush him!"
With that, Naruto prepared to leave, satisfied that Karin had gained some insight. Suigetsu and Jugo followed silently, and Orochimaru and Kabuto exchanged knowing looks, aware that their protégés were slowly maturing—not just as shinobi, but in matters of the heart.
As Naruto activated the Flying Thunder God Technique once more, leaving the lair behind, he couldn't help but smile. "Sometimes, patience is the most important jutsu of all," he murmured.
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