Chapter 163: Ino's Beauty Salon

Time keeps moving forward. Haruto spent his afternoon devising scenario after scenario, ensuring that every step he took was calculated with precision. As night fell, Haruto walked towards the cafeteria, a place bustling with the academy's students.

Hatred-filled spies followed Haruto's every step, but Haruto didn't care. For Haruto, their gazes were nothing more than small insects that were bothersome. Haruto spent that night peacefully, enjoying dinner without any significant interruptions.

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The next morning, Haruto prepared to leave the City Academy. Second-year students were given a week off, granting Haruto the freedom to move around. Haruto intends to meet the clones he has prepared. Haruto's plan must begin immediately.

As night falls, Haruto has planned to go to Mei Li's house, but this morning he will use to meet with the clones and devise a more detailed strategy.

After Haruto ensured everything was ready, he would step out of the City Academy and head to the market. The narrow alley between the market was bustling with the noise of city dwellers shopping, yet Haruto remained focused.

In one of the hidden alleys, Haruto paused for a moment. With a smooth movement, Haruto then transformed into Shikamaru.

This new form allows Haruto to move more freely without drawing attention. Shikamaru's steps were light as he walked towards Ino's Beauty Salon, the place that was his destination today.

When Haruto—now in the form of Shikamaru—entered the salon, the fragrant scent of flowers immediately filled Shikamaru's nose. The beauty salon is filled with colors and the scent of essential oils.

In the corner of the room, Ino is busy attending to a woman. Seeing Shikamaru enter, Ino momentarily averted her gaze. When they met, a moment of tension filled the air.

"Shikamaru? What's going on?" Ino paused for a moment, looking at Shikamaru with raised eyebrows.

"Uh... yeah, Ino..." Shikamaru nodded, giving a brief greeting.

"Wait a moment, I'm almost done," Ino said before refocusing on serving the woman sitting in front of her.

"Of course," replied Shikamaru while sitting, crossing his arms over his chest, looking relaxed yet alert.

The woman being served by Ino, named Alleta, turned for a moment, her gaze filled with curiosity.

"Is that your friend, Miss Ino?" Alleta asked gently, looking at Shikamaru with curiosity.

"Yes, that's right. That's Shikamaru, the laziest guy I know. Shikamaru is also the owner of this beauty salon." Ino smiled and replied while gracefully combing Alleta's hair.

"Fufu... is that how it is? May I talk to your friend after this? I would like to discuss a few things about business, of course, if it's not too much trouble." Alleta smiled faintly.

"Of course, even though I'm not sure Shikamaru will be enthusiastic about serious matters," Ino chuckled softly, then replied while glancing at Shikamaru with a mischievous smile.

"Hey, Ino! Don't say unnecessary things. I don't like discussing serious matters," Shikamaru protested with a weary expression on his face.

"Hemph! You just want to laze around! Don't you want to see this place grow, Shikamaru?" Asked Ino in a teasing tone.

"Hah... No need. Besides, the purpose of this place isn't for that—" Shikamaru sighed deeply, then stared at the ceiling with a bored expression.

"Making women more beautiful, not just beautiful on the outside, but also on the inside. Helping them become better, right?" Before Shikamaru could finish his words, Ino interrupted him with a softer voice.

Shikamaru bowed his head, took a deep breath, and gave in to the argument.

"... Yeah, as you said," Shikamaru murmured with a tired face, but a slight smile crept at the corner of his lips.

After a while, Ino finished her service for Alleta, who then paid Ino, and Ino handed over the change. Alleta stood up and walked over to Shikamaru, a polite smile painted on her face.

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Shikamaru," greeted Allet, her voice soft yet full of authority.