In the second grocer, Mr. Mitsuwa took over the tender from one of their cashiers and proceeded to charge Ino-in-Naruto's guise, four hundred and eighty ryo for a single candy bar when the price tag clearly says ten ryo.
At the first word of outrage, Ino got Naruto banned from the grocery store for life.
Both Kurenai and Ino were shocked and regretful for getting Naruto banned. "Let's try not to ban him from the weapons shops," Kurenai says as they walk the crowded markets.
"Well, that asshole overcharged me by over four thousand percent for a stupid candy bar!" Ino yells, feeling an absolute need to defend herself. She hadn't even done anything wrong. More than that, Ino had done so much to avoid the blond blue-eyed boy, and now she's literally disguised as him.
Ino was stressed enough. "I could buy premium steak for that amount!"
They walk the market toward their next destination. No longer disguised as Naruto, Kurenai explains to Ino as they walk, "it's critical shinobi fuel their body for maximum performance.
I had wondered why instant ramena meal lacking many essential vitamins and mineralsseemed to be the only thing he eats. Now we know."
"I still don't see why this matters," Ino shamelessly admits. Sure she wasn't expecting to be treated like that but Naruto must've deserved it somehow. "For all we know, he probably pulled a prank on Mr. Mitsuwa," Ino reasons.
"That's a possibility," Kurenai agrees. "We're investigating because I want to know how much Uzumaki-kun is accountable for. Imagine what happened to you at Mitsuwa's happening to him all the time for no reason."
"That doesn't make any sense," Ino comments. "No one can be that mean for no reason. I'm certain Naruto's done something."
"Well let's see what we learn," Kurenai states.
Kurenai enters the familiar shinobi weapons shop, 'Ten Out of Ten,' a few minutes before Ino, henge'd as Naruto, strolls in as she imagines he does. Kurenai is greeted warmly by the man in Chinese garb. The shop's owner, Dny-san, is enthusiastically helping Kurenai, while Ino waits.
Like Ino in her clan's flower shop, Dny-san's daughter also works in the weapons shop but the bun-haired girl refuses to help Ino-Naruto. Ino even calls to the girl, who only replies she's busy stocking.
"Gathered enough aggravation you mean," Ino totes. "Kami, I was ready to kill someone! How could anyone who has the honor of selling clothes ever treat another human being like that? Fashion is beautiful and that idiot needs it more than anyone!"
"At least we're more aware of why he has so many jumpers," Kurenai adds. "The only place that would sell him an outfit has boxes of unsaleable merchandise."
"That orange garbage shouldn't exist in this world and he's selling it one at a time for as much as premium shinobi linen! How does Naruto not murder someone? And did everyone get together and just agree to call him a demon? 'Demon this,' and, 'Demon that' It's urgh!"
"Keep in mind this is more difficult for you because you're accustomed to a significantly different mode of address," Kurenai reminds the platinum-blond. "You're the heiress of the Yamanaka Clan and he's just an orphan no one likes. Obviously, they would treat you with more respect.
Remember, he's accustomed to this even if he shouldn't be."
"I guess, but still," Ino argues. "That doesn't explain everything."
"Well, hopefully Iruka-sensei can help fill in some of the gaps," Kurenai tells the girl as they begin to leave.
"Iruka-sensei," Ino repeats. "Why him?"
"Aside from this 'Ji-chan' of his, Iruka-sensei is the only other person that seems to know him," Kurenai affirms. "I'll meet you at the hospital next Sunday, visiting hours."
Ino remains silent, taking it all in, and simply nods.
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