The fierce tiger stirred, poised and ready to launch a powerful attack.
Chizhao swiftly drew a sharp Shuriken from her leg pouch, flicked her wrist, and accurately threw it at the beast, intending to deter its movements.
However, the tiger was not only unafraid of the Shuriken but became even more enraged. Its fierce gaze, like a torch, shot towards the four, letting out a chilling growl.
"Why didn't it work...?"
Konohamaru saw the tiger unmoved and actually started to get cold feet, his steps involuntarily retreating.
"Konohamaru, Moegi, Ise Udon, you use your ninja tools to attract its attention. I'll quietly approach and take care of it."
Chizhao didn't notice Konohamaru's abnormality and calmly continued to deploy her tactics.
"Huh? No, that won't work! That tiger is bigger than you, you can't do it!"
Unexpectedly, Konohamaru started to speak disheartenedly. Chizhao looked down at him, her tone calm:
"But didn't you say you wanted to save that little deer earlier? Do you choose to give up when faced with an opponent stronger than yourself?"
She paused, then continued:
"If Naruto knew about this, what would he think of you?"
Konohamaru's heart was deeply touched. The image of Naruto sternly scolding him as a 'coward' flashed in his mind. He lowered his head with a complex expression, remaining silent.
Moegi and Ise Udon worriedly approached him:
"Konohamaru, are you okay...?"
To ignite Konohamaru's fighting spirit, Chizhao deliberately put on a cold expression:
"What happens to that little deer has nothing to do with me. Since you're not sincerely trying to save it, then I suggest you leave this place before that tiger changes its target."
"What are you talking about... I'm not running away..."
Konohamaru suddenly raised his head, his young face filled with determination:
"I am the Hokage's grandson, the one who will defeat Naruto and become Hokage. I will never become a 'coward'."
He pulled out a Shuriken, stood up from the ground, and the scarf around his neck at this moment looked like a majestic cape.
"Just attract its attention, right! Moegi, Ise Udon! It's time to show our squad's strength!"
"Yes!"
"Yes!"
The other two were swept up by Konohamaru's emotions. They all stood up resolutely, pulled out their Shuriken, and threw them, successfully attracting the tiger's attention.
At this moment, the injured little deer also realized the danger around it. It struggled to stand up but fell again due to the wound on its leg.
The clever tiger also seemed to notice the immobile little deer, so under the distraction of Konohamaru and his friends, it finally changed its target.
It set its sights on the three seemingly delicious cubs, and with a deafening tiger roar, it pounced.
The tiger's massive body leaped into the air, and the three, in its shadow, hugged each other and screamed in fear.
At this critical moment, Chizhao leaped from the side, holding a thick wooden stick, and struck the tiger's head hard.
The tiger instantly saw stars and fell heavily to the ground.
It struggled to get up from the ground, shook its head, and roared angrily at the figure standing before it.
But when it saw Chizhao holding a gleaming Kunai, her eyes glowing red, and a wicked smile on her face...
It instantly turned into a docile cat, tucked its tail between its legs, and darted into the bushes behind it, disappearing from sight.
"Hmph, you have good judgment," Chizhao chuckled softly, putting the Kunai back into her leg pouch.
【Good deed progress +3】
So amazing...
The three children watched Chizhao's back, a sense of reverence subtly rising in their hearts.
The little deer's wails brought their attention back. Moegi then pulled out her portable medical supplies and slowly approached it.
"Konohamaru, Ise Udon, come help!"
Moegi called out to her companions while gently comforting the little deer:
"Good boy, don't be scared."
The little deer seemed to sense their kindness, its emotions gradually calmed, and it cooperatively lowered its head, its pair of cute antlers revealing a tender pink color in the sunlight.
Chizhao squatted down nearby, watching Moegi's skilled movements, and couldn't help but praise:
"I didn't expect Moegi to be so thoughtful, always carrying medical supplies."
Moegi looked up and smiled, two red clouds appearing on her cheeks:
"Because Konohamaru and Ise Udon are always getting into trouble and getting hurt, so I've developed this habit."
"That's great, Konohamaru, I'm starting to get jealous."
Konohamaru, standing nearby, proudly lifted his face, looking smug:
"Hmph! Of course! My Konohamaru's squad is the best!"
This kid, he's really not modest at all.
With the combined efforts of the three, the little deer's wound was properly bandaged.
Under everyone's expectant gaze, the little deer slowly stood up and tentatively took two steps.
Then it gently lowered its head and intimately nudged Konohamaru's cheek with its soft nose.
Bright smiles instantly bloomed on the three children's faces as they interacted closely with the little deer.
Chizhao watched this warm scene from the side, a soft smile unconsciously appearing at the corner of her lips.
Just at this harmonious and beautiful moment, a crisp whistle suddenly sounded from not far away, breaking the tranquility.
The little deer heard the sound, immediately perked up its agile ears, and rotated them flexibly.
It glanced at the confused group, then limped steadily towards the direction of the whistle.
"Where is it going?"
Ise Udon pushed up his glasses, his innocent little face full of confusion.
"We'll know if we follow it!"
Konohamaru, full of curiosity and energy, took the lead and ran after the little deer.
Seeing this, Moegi also quickly jogged to catch up, followed by Ise Udon who had come to his senses.
"Hey! Don't run off!"
Chizhao looked at their receding figures, frowned, and clicked her tongue.
Fearing they would get lost in the vast forest, she also followed without hesitation, complaining helplessly in her heart:
Why do I feel like I've become their babysitter?
The long whistle continued to echo ahead, and as they drew closer, the whistle became clearer, and the scene before them suddenly opened up.
Chizhao raised her hand to shield her eyes from the dazzling sunlight. After her eyes adjusted for a moment, a familiar yet surprised voice came from ahead:
"Chizhao?!"
That voice...
She lowered her arm and looked in the direction of the sound, only to see Shikamaru holding a metal whistle, standing among a herd of deer with a look of surprise.
The surrounding plain was covered in a fresh color under the sunlight, Shikamaru's clothes fluttered with the breeze, and his usually listless eyes brightened considerably the moment he saw Chizhao.
The herd of deer surrounded him, exuding a peaceful and gentle aura.
Before she could speak, Ise Udon pointed at Shikamaru and shouted excitedly:
"Ah! It's the big brother who was so good at eating BBQ yesterday!"
Chizhao, instantly alert, covered Ise Udon's mouth and whispered in his ear:
"Let's not mention that anymore!"
"It's true! And the skirt big brother wore yesterday also left a deep impression on me!"
Unexpectedly, Moegi also started loudly agreeing. Chizhao hurriedly went to cover her mouth again, starting to sweat profusely.
"Hey! You too, don't say anything..."
Shikamaru's eyes, which had been bright, instantly returned to their usual dead-fish look.
The corner of his mouth twitched slightly. The intelligent he had already realized something was amiss, and he put his hands on his hips, speechless:
"What exactly are you all talking about?"