Chapter 196: The Lotus of Konoha Will Bloom Again [Continued] (Patreon)

Chapter List: Naruto: Sakura Blizzard

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"???" Hayate, inexplicably thanked by Lee, was full of questions. Had he complimented this bizarre kappa-headed fellow?

"Although I'm pleased that you consider me a worthy opponent, I won't be holding back!" Lee declared, one hand behind his back and the other extended towards Hayate. "Now, it's time for me to get serious!"

"I didn't praise you!" Hayate frowned, perplexed. Was there something wrong with this kappa-headed guy's brain? He had just made a casual remark. How did it end up as praise?

"I understand you're too shy to say it directly, but I get it!" Lee, inheriting Guy's unique thought process, automatically interpreted Hayate's words in his favor, flashing an understanding smile.

"…" Hayate felt mentally exhausted. How was he supposed to communicate with someone whose thought patterns were so peculiar?

"Come on, let's give it our all and finish this duel of youth!" Lee challenged, taking a deep breath and launching himself towards Hayate with lightning speed, not forgetting to warn, "I'm coming…"

"What a strange guy…" Hayate couldn't make heads or tails of Lee's quirky personality. However, he didn't dare underestimate Lee's assault, pulling out two kunai to meet the charge.

"Konoha whirlwind…"

Once more, a Konoha whirlwind kick flew towards Hayate's head, blocked by his right arm, while his left-hand's kunai counter-attacked towards Lee's leg.

In the instant his attack was thwarted, Lee reacted. He pushed off Hayate's right arm, using the momentum to retreat, narrowly evading the kunai.

Upon landing, Lee didn't pause, continuing his onslaught from various angles. Yet strangely, Hayate seemed to anticipate every move, defending appropriately as if he could clearly see Lee's tactics.

"This kappa-headed guy from Konoha is pretty fast!" Temari, observing Lee's agility, was slightly surprised but not worried for Hayate. "Unfortunately for him, he's still far too slow for Hayate!"

"You're very confident in him!" Sakura, although puzzled by Hayate's moves, never doubted Lee's chances.

"Much as I dislike the guy, I have to admit, his talent is exceptional," Temari conceded grudgingly. "Especially his speed. This kappa-head may be quick, but Hayate is used to this level of speed!"

"Speed, you mean Swift Release?" Sakura narrowed her eyes. If she wasn't mistaken, the Hidden Sand Village's unique Kekkei Genkai, Swift Release, significantly enhanced one's speed. Could Hayate possess this Kekkei Genkai?

"You know about Swift Release?" Temari was surprised. This Kekkei Genkai was rare, belonging to a minor bloodline and wasn't famous in battles, known by few outsiders.

"I've heard a bit. It's a decent Kekkei Genkai that boosts speed," Sakura smiled. "He'd stand a good chance against others, but unfortunately, he's up against Lee - a true speed expert!"

"Anybody can talk big!" Temari scoffed. "Maybe a descendant of the Uchiha clan with a Sharingan could counter Hayate, but this kappa-head stands no chance!"

"Wanna bet on it?" Sakura proposed with a grin. "Let's see who's faster between Lee and your Hidden Sand Village's Hayate. If I win, I'll supply your village with goods worth a billion every year. You can choose whatever you need. If I lose, you'll marry into our Konoha. How about that?!"

"What a bizarre wager," Temari deadpanned, full of disbelief. They were planning to attack Konoha in a month. Considering Hayate's Kekkei Genkai, she didn't expect to lose but was skeptical about Sakura's offer. "Why should I trust you'll uphold your end of the bet?"

"Because I'm a Haruno, the major shareholder of Tenka Kai," Sakura spread her hands, feigning helplessness. "To you, a billion may seem a lot, but for me, it's chump change. Once you marry Shikamaru, it'll just be pocket money!"

"Haruno? You're related to the rising Haruno Group? And you're a shareholder of Tenka Kai?" Temari was taken aback, reaffirming the correctness of their KonohaCrush Plan against these wealthy capitalists. Then she realized something. "Wait, who's Shikamaru, and why would I marry him?!"

"He's the laid-back guy with the pineapple-shaped hair. Seems slack, but he's smart!" Sakura pointed at Shikamaru, relaxing with his hands behind his head. "His father, Shikaku Nara, is Konoha's strategist, the Third Hokage's right-hand man. You'd be a perfect match, both strategically and socially. It's fate, even if you're reluctant now!"

"I'd never end up with that pineapple head!" Temari retorted, disgusted. "I have no interest in someone so perpetually lazy."

"Don't be so quick to deny, young lady. Fate is unpredictable," Sakura wiggled her finger mysteriously. As the matchmaker, she wouldn't let this pair escape.

"I won't argue pointless matters!" Temari brushed off the idle talk, more concerned about the bet. "Are you sure you can afford the billion?"

"Don't worry about that. I can easily handle such an amount," Sakura assured nonchalantly, her recent earnings rendering money mere numbers.

"Fine, as long as you can pay, I accept the wager!" Temari was confident. Despite their differences, she believed in Hayate's abilities. If Sakura was offering so much for nothing, why would she refuse?

"Let's sign a contract to avoid any backtracking."

Sakura produced a contract, ensuring no future denial from Temari.

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Next Chapter >>Chapter 197: The Lotus of Konoha Shall Bloom Again [Continuation]