"Congrats, so how are you going to spend the points?"
"I don't know. I was thinking I might want to save them a bit. The [Advanced Academy Tactics] skill book you gave me requires thirty WIS. I imagine it will probably need thirty STR or DEX for the next level of taijutsu. I guess it depends on which hits max level first and then if I have the book or not.
"Good plan," said Shikamaru, smirking in approval of his friend's decision.
"Have you had any more luck at the library with the kekai genkai stuff?"
"I found a brief mention of the Uzumaki clan but nothing concrete unfortunately," answered Shikamaru.
"Cool. Maybe I can ask the old man about it. I haven't bugged him in a long time anyway."
"Have you told him about your ability yet?"
"Not yet, I haven't had reason to tell him about it yet. I will eventually it just hasn't come up."
"Troublesome, blonde," grumbled Shikamaru.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah," said Naruto waving him off.
The rest of practice was pretty quiet, just grinding out the experience for the new technique for Naruto while chatting with Shikamaru and eventually Chouji who decided to join them.
Afternoon taijutsu practice was fun, Naruto got to beat up on several of the civilian children, grinning the whole way through. Shikamaru got beat down first by Sasuke then by Ino before fighting one of the civilians and winning.
After class was done, Naruto made a mad dash for Higurashi Weapons. He'd been saving his Ryo and it was now burning a hole in pocket just waiting to upgrade his gear. But first he needed to complete his delivery quest.
"Yo, Higurashi-san, I'm here to work," shouted Naruto excitedly as he entered.
"Alright brat," said Hiten, setting a box on the counter.
Quest Alert
Deliver the Goods: Make the Higurashi Weapons delivery in place of the regular delivery girl.
Deliver the box to the Nara Clan in fifteen minutes or less.
Completion Award: 500 Exp
500 Ryo
Increase reputation with Higurashi Weapons
Increase reputation with Nara Clan
Completion Failure: 100 Exp
100 Ryo
Decrease reputation with Higurashi Weapons
Decrease reputation with Nara Clan
Naruto accepted, collected the box and bolted out the door. This would be the first time he's delivered to a clan. All the past deliveries went to various government buildings, usually the Hokage Tower. Luckily, he actually knew where the Nara Clan compound was thanks to his friendship with Shikamaru. This would also be the first time he'd gotten possible reputation with one of the clans.
"[Chakra Sprint]," whispered Naruto, feeling the chakra charge into his legs and allowing him to run forward at an incredible pace.
It took Naruto about five minutes to reach the Nara Clan compound gates. Then another five arguing with the rude guards before Shikamaru finally showed up.
"What's up, Naruto?" asked Shikamaru.
"I have a delivery for your family from Higurashi Weapons. But the two guards are being dicks about it," explained Naruto.
One of the guards tried to protest, "Now see here you little-"
"Thanks," said Shikamaru, holding out his hands.
Naruto smirked and handed him the slip to sign for the package then the box. Naruto took the signed receipt from Shikamaru. "Thanks, Shikamaru, you're a real life saver.
You've completed the delivery just in time. Return to Higurashi Weapons to claim your reward.
"That was a close one," grumbled Naruto, closing the message window.
"See you in class tomorrow," said Shikamaru, waving good-bye to his friend as he carried the box inside.
"See ya," returned Naruto, before turning and running back to Higurashi's.
Completion Awarded: 500 Exp, 500 Ryo, +50 to reputation with Higurashi Weapons, +50 to reputation with Nara Clan.
You are now 'Honored' with Higurashi Weapons.
"Good work, Naruto. You've been a real asset the last few months. Tell you what, going forward you can take a 15% discount on anything I sell," offered Hiten.
"Thank you very much, Higurashi-san," Naruto thanked him profusely. "It's definitely time for some upgrades.
Higurashi grinned at the thought of a sale. "So, what are you looking for?"
"Everything," said Naruto greedily, his hands grinding together as he looked around the shop.
"Why don't we start with the basics and go from there?" suggested Hiten. The man shuddered momentarily clearly thinking of someone else for a moment. "Let them never meet," he grumbled quietly.
"Okay, so I'm not leaving here today without some gloves, maybe a better jacket and pants, definitely better shoes. I wouldn't say no to some bracers or shin guards either."
"And how much have you got to spend this time?"
"13500, that leaves me with 2000 for expenses and stuff," said Naruto, he'd clearly been thinking about this for a while.
"Well alright then," said Hiten. "Let's start with your jacket."
Naruto followed him, "Oh, and I want orange. It doesn't have to be all orange like my old stuff was but I need some. I've been going through orange withdrawals, it's not cool man."
Hiten chuckled. "Burnt Orange good enough?"
"Ooh, yeah it is," said Naruto, his eyes instantly sparkling.
"Try this on," Hiten said tossing a short-sleeve jacket at Naruto.
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