LRAB Page 265
Page 265
"You heard what your mother just said, didn't you?"
“If you grow up to be like your father, believing that money can solve everything, then your mother may never want to go back with you.”
He turned around and called to the still somewhat dazed Konohamaru: "Let's go, Konohamaru. Our mission is just escorting, not selling ourselves."
After taking two steps, Naruto stopped again, looked back at Hikaru, and his tone became deep and powerful.
It was as if he was not only speaking to the light, but also reiterating to himself and Konohamaru: "We became ninjas not just for money."
"We are also doing this to protect something important, and to realize our own dreams and goals."
"These things cannot be bought with any amount of money. You'd better take care of yourself, little prince."
After saying that, he didn't linger and led Konohamaru to the caravan's resting place.
Guang stood there blankly.
Naruto's last few words were like a heavy hammer, striking his worldview, which had always been filled with the idea of money above all else.
Money... there are things it can't buy?
How much are these things worth?
For the first time, he was greatly confused and shaken by the logic his father had instilled in him.
Standing there, at a loss.
However, Naruto's tall and glorious image crumbled instantly once he was out of the light's field of vision.
As soon as they returned to the corner where the caravan was encamped, they made sure no one was paying attention.
Naruto suddenly grabbed Konohamaru's shoulder, and the two of them squatted down at the same time with perfect timing, hugging each other and their bodies trembling violently.
"Ughhhhh! Fifty million taels! Konohamaru! That's fifty million taels!"
Naruto lowered his voice and let out a painful, heart-wrenching wail: "That could buy a super-huge villa!"
"I'll eat Ichiraku Ramen every day until I'm sick of it! I'll add double the amount of chashu, braised egg, and naruto rolls! I'll never have to go on a mission again!"
Konohamaru, his face contorted with grief, nodded vigorously, tears welling in his eyes: "That's right! Naruto-nii-san! Why don't you want to!"
"Although that kid is annoying, fifty million taels... fifty million taels!"
"We can buy the latest ninja tools! The best training scrolls! We can even post our own missions!"
The two men, who had never seen such a large fortune before, embraced and wept bitterly.
It felt like I had missed the only chance in my life to get rich quick, and the heartache was unbearable.
Meng Huang watched from the sidelines as the two boys, completely lacking any semblance of decorum, were "heartbroken" over the huge sum of money they had "lost."
He sighed helplessly, rubbing his forehead, and muttered under his breath, "Boys...sometimes they really are...I just can't understand what they're thinking..."
One second they were righteously lecturing the Little Prince that money isn't everything.
The next second, she burst into tears, clutching her head, because she had refused the huge sum of money?
Perhaps this complex creature is a ninja?
Menghuang felt that her worldview had also been slightly impacted.
Chapter 285 Mission Complete? Holy crap, a coup!
On the vast blue sea, a huge cargo ship is cutting through the white waves.
We sailed toward the distant island, which resembled a crescent moon embedded in the azure waves.
The sea breeze, carrying a salty, damp scent, dispersed the heat and dust brought by the desert.
We experienced a long journey overland and a tedious desert trip.
The expansive and magnificent sea view before them filled Konohamaru, Moegi, and Udon with excitement, and the three of them clung to the gunwale.
He pointed at the flying fish leaping out of the sea and the occasional dolphin, shouting loudly.
Naruto, with his arms crossed, leaned against the outer wall of the cabin, looking at his three energetic subordinates with a relaxed expression that suggested the mission was about to be completed.
The Land of the Moon, Mikazuki Island, is the only country located on a crescent-shaped island.
It is known for its abundant mineral resources and unique seascape.
The escort mission was about to be completed, and the thought of the generous reward that was about to be received filled him with joy.
Once they return to Konoha, they can rest for a few days and enjoy Ichiraku-san's special ramen.
He felt exceptionally happy.
"We're almost there..."
Naruto stretched, his bones cracking softly: "Overall, this mission was alright... except for the client being a bit odd, there was no increase in difficulty midway through."
A few days later, the cargo ship slowly sailed into the main port of the Moon Kingdom.
The port is large and has all kinds of ships moored there.
Merchant ships, fishing boats, and even a few seemingly powerful warships from all over the world were present.
Workers busily loaded and unloaded goods like ants, the air filled with the smells of the sea, spices, and a faint mineral scent.
In the distance, the capital city of the Moon Kingdom, built against the mountain, is clearly visible.
The white buildings gleam in the sunlight, winding along the crescent-shaped coastline, culminating in a magnificent palace complex at the highest point.
"Wow! What a beautiful country!" Menghuang couldn't help but exclaim.
"They look really rich!" Konohamaru's focus was as genuine as ever.
Udon, however, was more interested in the huge cranes and mountains of ore at the port.
Prince Manyue straightened his robes and resumed his haughty demeanor.
Accompanied by Little Prince Guang, he was the first to walk down the gangway.
Officials were already waiting at the port with their guards. Upon seeing the full moon, they immediately bowed respectfully.
Naruto and his three companions followed closely behind as guards.
Everything seemed to be going smoothly, and the handover ceremony was about to be completed.
However, when Prince Manyue led Naruto and the others under the "escort" of the royal guard.
As Naruto walked toward the private cable car leading to the mountaintop palace, he keenly sensed something was amiss.
The members of these guards had overly cold and wary eyes.
Their positioning subtly surrounded Prince Manyue and the "outsiders" he brought.
His hand never left the hilt of the knife at his waist.
The palace servants they encountered along the way, upon seeing Prince Manyue return, did not show any joy; instead, their eyes darted around and they quickly lowered their heads to avoid him.
"It's a bit strange..."
Naruto lowered his voice and warned the three people beside him, including Konohamaru, "Be vigilant, something might be wrong."
Konohamaru and his two companions immediately suppressed their curiosity, instinctively moving closer together and secretly reaching for their ninja tool pouches.
The cable car slowly ascends, offering a panoramic view of the port and city.
The closer one gets to the palace atop the mountain, the more pronounced the somber and tense atmosphere becomes.
The number of guards at the palace gates far exceeded the normal standard, and each of them had a solemn expression, as if facing a formidable enemy.
When the cable car finally arrived at the platform in front of the palace, Prince Full Moon stepped out.
A middle-aged man dressed in magnificent minister's robes, with a goatee and sinister eyes.
Surrounded by a group of elite warriors, they stood in front of them.
He was none other than Nasadaba, the most powerful minister in the Moon Kingdom.
"Welcome back, Your Highness Full Moon."
Shadaba bowed slightly, but his tone was not respectful at all; instead, it carried a hint of mockery.
Prince Manyue frowned, seemingly sensing the unusual atmosphere: "Shadaba? What are you doing here? Where is Father?"
Nasadaba straightened up, a fake sigh appearing on his face: "Alas, what a pity."
"His Majesty the King was advanced in years. Hearing that Your Highness had been attacked by sand bandits during your journey, he was overwhelmed with worry and unfortunately... fell seriously ill and passed away last night."
"What?! Father?!" Prince Full Moon was struck dumb, his obese body swayed, and his face turned deathly pale.
A smug sneer flashed in Shadaba's eyes as he continued, "According to the laws of the kingdom, a country cannot be without a ruler for a single day."
"Given that Your Highness... well, you have been busy with business for a long time and are unfamiliar with state affairs, and that you were attacked while escorting important supplies, it is clear that you have lost your prestige and ability."
"After deliberation among the ministers, in order to stabilize the situation and protect the Moon Kingdom, I, Nasadaba, will temporarily assume the position of Regent! As for you..."
His tone suddenly turned cold and cruel, and with a wave of his hand, he said, "Prince Full Moon has colluded with foreign ninjas, harboring treacherous intentions, and may even be plotting to murder the old king!"
"Take him down! And kill all the Konoha ninja he brought with him!"
Prince Manyue was filled with shock and anger, but the surrounding warriors pounced on him like hungry wolves!
High above the palace, more archers appeared, their cold arrows aimed at them!
"Protect the client!" Naruto roared, instantly switching into battle mode!
The battle erupted instantly! Chaos reigned on the palace platform!
Naruto immediately shielded Prince Mangetsu and Prince Hikaru, using both fists and feet to instantly knock away several samurai who rushed at them.
Konohamaru, Moegi, and Udon stood back to back, desperately resisting the enemy's attacks.
Moegi's shuriken aimed precisely at the archers, disrupting their aim;
Udon uses the Substitution Technique and simple Earth Release techniques to create obstacles;
Konohamaru, however, fought even more fiercely, using shadow clones in combination with taijutsu to temporarily hold off the attack.
However, the enemy was too numerous and clearly well-prepared.
What's more troublesome is that three figures, like ghosts, burst out from the chaotic battle and locked onto Naruto!
The leader had long, light red hair, a slender figure, a delicate face, but eyes as cold as a venomous snake.