"Anyway, thanks to Qianmei's timely action, we managed to restore the situation. When we get back to Konoha, I'll treat everyone to yakiniku!" Uenome offered.
"Great!"
"Then it's settled!"
After this mission, Asakura noticed that his relationship with Uenome, Hoshinohara, and Keita Hyuga had grown closer. The cold attitude they once had toward him was gone, and they started to accept him as part of the team.
Though Asakura was curious about why so many shinobi from the Sand Village had gathered in the Rain Country, he knew better than to ask Uenome about it. As a ninja, it was his duty to carry out missions without prying too much into the reasons behind them. Questioning the mission could lead to complications, especially in these tense times.
Soon, war would likely break out, and Asakura knew survival would be his top priority.
After dealing with the fallen enemy shinobi, Uenome led Asakura, Hoshinohara, and Keita Hyuga back to Konoha. Along the way, Hoshinohara and Keita Hyuga engaged Asakura in conversation, warming up to him. They were both curious about their new teammate, recognizing his potential and wanting to get to know him better.
"Hoshinohara, I heard you help out at Konoha Hospital when you're not on missions, right?" Asakura asked casually.
"Yes," Hoshinohara nodded. "My mother works there, and she taught me some medical ninjutsu. When I'm free, I help out at the hospital."
"Oh, I see," Asakura said, his interest piqued.
Hoshinohara noticed his curiosity. "Is something wrong? Why do you ask?"
"I'm interested in medical ninjutsu. Do you think I could help out at the hospital when I'm not busy?"
Keita Hyuga, overhearing this, was surprised. "Why would someone as talented in combat as you want to be a medical ninja?"
Asakura smiled. "I don't want to be a medical ninja. I just want to help when I have some free time. I'll still go on missions with you guys."
Uenome chimed in, "Asakura, you have extraordinary talent in ninjutsu. From what I've seen in this mission, I was planning to spend some time training the three of you when we get back to the village. But if you want to focus on medical ninjutsu..."
"Teacher Uenome, I think you misunderstood," Asakura quickly clarified. "I'm only interested in studying medical ninjutsu during my downtime. If you're going to train us, I'll be there."
"Ah, if that's the case, I can ask for you at the hospital," Hoshinohara offered. "They're always looking for help, and with the rising number of wounded, I'm sure they'd welcome an extra pair of hands."
"Thanks!" Asakura said gratefully.
"Why do you want to learn medical ninjutsu, anyway?" Keita asked, still puzzled.
"I'm just interested in it," Asakura answered vaguely, not wanting to reveal his true motivations.
In the ninja world, power was everything. While medical ninjas were important, they were often seen as secondary to combat ninjas. Despite this, Asakura had his own reasons for wanting to study medical ninjutsu. He knew that mastering chakra control could lead to greater opportunities, possibly even the study of forbidden techniques.
As they neared Konoha, Asakura thought more deeply about his future. It wasn't just about becoming strong in battle; it was about becoming skilled and resourceful in all areas. With war looming, he needed every advantage he could get.
Once back in Konoha, Uenome went to the Hokage's office to submit their mission report, leaving the others to wait outside. The mission had been dangerous, but it had brought them closer together.
After the report was filed, Hoshinohara and Keita convinced Uenome to join them for a celebratory yakiniku meal.
"To our new teammate!" Keita raised his glass, and the others joined in with a cheer.
As they ate and laughed together, Asakura couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging. He wasn't used to making friends, but these teammates were slowly becoming more than just fellow shinobi. They were becoming a source of support, something he hadn't expected.
At the end of the night, Uenome begrudgingly paid the bill, commenting on how they had eaten him into poverty. But there was a smile on his face as he said it.