"What are these?" Kaminarimon Etsureki asked, puzzled, as he took the two faintly glowing stones.
"Gelel Stones, Life Stones, call them what you will," Naruto explained. "When you train in the future, use your chakra to draw out the energy within them. They'll be quite beneficial for your bodies."
It wasn't that he was reluctant to give them more Gelel Stones. The truth was, their current strength was too low; possessing too many Gelel Stones would actually harm them. Besides, given their physical conditioning, it would likely take them several months to fully absorb the energy contained within just these two stones.
"Beneficial?" Kaminarimon Etsureki held the two Gelel Stones under the light, examining them closely. "Can these two little stones really save this physique of mine?"
"No one can save you from your flab but yourself," Naruto said, exasperated. "It strengthens the inside, not the outside. After absorbing these two little stones, your chakra reserves should probably double."
"That powerful?" The two were astonished.
The energy contained within Gelel Stones was life energy, essentially a branch of Yang Release. And the most basic manifestation of Yang Release was physical energy. The reason it would have such a noticeable effect on the two of them... It was like pouring the same liter of water into a bottle versus into a lake—the effects were completely different. Their bodies' capacities were like bottles, while his was like a lake. For him, the effect of Gelel Stones was negligible; but for them, the life energy contained in a single Gelel Stone was enough to fill their 'capacity' to the brim.
"No need for the exchanged glances. I've already given them to you; I'm not taking them back." Seeing their looks, Naruto knew exactly what they were thinking and cut them off. "These might be treasures to you, but to me, they're just so-so."
"Thank you, Naruto." Although he said that, neither of them was an idiot. They naturally understood the significance of the items in their hands. Having been in Konoha for so many years, they had never heard of anything that could increase a ninja's chakra reserves.
"I don't need to say much to Izuno. It's mainly you," Naruto said, looking at Kaminarimon. "Although your dream isn't to become Hokage, if you want to promote electric trains throughout the entire shinobi world, formidable strength is indispensable."
"Due to your limited strength and Konoha's stable environment, you haven't seen the true shinobi world. You might think everywhere is as peaceful and stable as the Land of Fire. But I have to tell you, the shinobi world isn't as calm as it appears on the surface. Its waters run very deep, and very murky..."
Hearing this, the two couldn't help but exchange a glance, then looked at him together and nodded heavily, indicating they understood.
"Alright, it's getting late. You two should go back and get some rest," Naruto said, then stood up and walked towards the private room's door.
"Will we see each other again?" Kaminarimon couldn't help but ask.
Naruto paused briefly. "We will. After all, we're all still young."
He went to the front desk, settled the bill for the meal, and then melted into the crowd, disappearing at the end of the street.
"I'm home." Shikamaru plopped down in the entryway and took off his shoes.
"Welcome back. You must be tired," his mother said, poking her head out. "Rest for a bit; dinner will be ready soon."
"How does it feel to be a Chunin?" Nara Shikaku asked with a smile.
"One word: tiring. Two words: troublesome. Three words: really troublesome," Shikamaru slumped into a chair.
"You'll get used to it," Nara Shikaku smiled faintly.
Knock, knock!
"Who would be visiting at this hour?" Shikamaru looked at his father, puzzled.
"Today's work should be done, right?" Nara Shikaku was also a bit baffled. Please don't let it be an urgent mission. It's a rare chance to have dinner at home...
Shikamaru sighed and pushed himself up. The task of opening the door naturally couldn't fall to his old man. Seniority was a crushing weight. "Coming."
Click~
"Yo!" Naruto said, looking at the stunned Shikamaru and handing over a gift he was holding.
"What are you doing here?" Shikamaru was instantly flustered. How could the timing be this perfect? My old man's once-a-week home dinner, and he just happens to run into him.
"Shikamaru, who is it?" Nara Shikaku's voice came from inside the room.
"A friend," Shikamaru replied to his father, then whispered to Naruto, "Go quickly. Give me a location; I'll find you right away."
"Relax." Naruto patted his shoulder reassuringly. "If I dared to come, I definitely came prepared."
"Uh..." Shikamaru then realized and chuckled self-deprecatingly. "My mind's a mess. I actually forgot you know the Flying Thunder God Technique."
"Have you had dinner yet?"
"Mind if I join you for a meal?" Naruto asked with a smile.
"Come in," Shikamaru gestured.
In the living room, Nara Shikaku's expression remained unchanged as he watched the two walk in. "Speaking of which, this is your first time visiting our home. Sit," he gestured.
"It was a bit rushed; I couldn't prepare anything special. Please forgive me," Naruto said as he took a seat.
"You two chat. I'll go check on the kitchen," Shikamaru said, feeling a slight sense of relief.
"Are you planning to stay long this time you're back?" Nara Shikaku asked. His tone was natural, as if chatting about everyday matters with a junior, not at all treating him as a Konoha missing-nin.
"You know as well as I do, there's no place for me here," Naruto shook his head slightly.
"...Konoha has wronged you," Nara Shikaku sighed.
"No one has wronged anyone. Konoha is a big family; it needs to consider the overall interests. At that time, my existence could have endangered that whole," Naruto said.
Hearing this, Nara Shikaku stared at him, at his clear eyes, and remarked with emotion, "You've grown up. If Minato could see you now, he would surely be gratified."
"He has already seen."
"Is that so..." Nara Shikaku fell silent. "It seems Minato is also disappointed with the current Konoha."
"Father actually hoped I would return to Konoha," Naruto said, recalling the conversation his family had in the mental space.
"And your choice?" Although he already had an answer in his heart, Nara Shikaku couldn't help but ask. If Naruto chose to return, it would be like a powerful shot in the arm for Konoha, which was already showing signs of decline. Whether in terms of strength or prestige, Konoha would reach another peak, second only to the era of the First Hokage.
"Protecting Konoha was my father's path, not mine." Naruto shook his head slightly. "I have my own ideals, my own path."
"If you return, I can recommend you to be the Sixth Hokage," Nara Shikaku said gravely.
Naruto was stunned, because he saw no hint of joking in the other's expression. In other words, he was serious.
"I can make a promise on behalf of the Nara, Akimichi, and Yamanaka clans. As long as you are willing to return to Konoha, we will jointly recommend you as a candidate for the Sixth Hokage."
"For a missing-nin, is it worth it?" Naruto couldn't help but ask.