Chapter 273: A Beauty’s Invitation
"Alright, hurry up and finish cleaning up the battlefield and head back to the village," Minato said, breaking the ice between them. If he hadn't, it was hard to tell how long this group would keep chatting.
"Alright," Nawaki responded, his tone firm. "Pain, take care of her. The rest of you hurry up. We'll leave in half a quarter of an hour."
"Yes," came the unanimous reply.
With that, everyone got to work. It didn't take the full allotted time to clean up the battlefield. Bloodstains were washed away with Water Release, leaving the area looking as if nothing had happened.
"You're the one who saved her, so finish the job," Nawaki said to Nagato before turning to leave. "Let's go."
Nagato didn't even get a chance to refuse. The rest of the group followed Nawaki, tacitly agreeing to leave Nagato and Nonō behind. In an instant, the two were left alone, staring blankly at each other.
"Why don't I carry you on my back?" Nagato finally broke the silence.
"That... that's fine," Nonō replied, her tone conflicted but with a hint of hidden delight. She didn't mind the idea at all.
"Here." Nagato bent his knees slightly, half-squatting in front of her.
"I'm ready." Nonō reached around his neck and held on securely, wrapping her legs tightly around his waist.
"Well, I'm off then," Nagato said as he clasped his fists together, bracing them against Nonō's thighs for support. Then, with swift steps, he sprinted after the group.