Reborn!

29: Returning Home

"Is it safer to have a stronger person steer? How about having Baki-sensei step up as the... aeronaut?" Temari piped up. "Not that I look down on you, Uzumaki Naruto, but..."

"I think if Naruto can't do it, there's a bigger chance of crashing if Baki-san pilots," Kakashi turned her suggestion down directly.

"Even if this aircraft falls apart, I will be able to protect all of you," Sōjirō interjected. "So, you don't have to worry."

"Protect, huh? Then I'll be in your care, kōhai," Kakashi replied merrily.

"Hn," Sasuke grunted in classic Uchiha style, something he has not done in a while.

Sakura rolled her eyes, while Naruto helpfully translated, "He said, 'Just board the damned thing.'"

Gaara was genuinely impressed.

"You could infer that from that incomprehensible sound?" he marvelled sincerely.

"It's the first language that every Uchiha speaks," Naruto revealed, scratching his cheek. "I could pick up on a few simple meanings after knowing him for a while, but I learned the language recently."

"I have a list of definitions and the various sounds associated with them," Sakura admitted.

"It's a language heavily dependent on context. The same sound can mean at least twenty different things," Naruto corrected her.

While Gaara looked mindblown by the revelation of the Uchiha secret, Kankuro readily flattered, "Shishō's knowledge is so profound!"

Naruto felt bemused, knowing that the second child of the Kazekage family was hoping to get more tips by boosting his ego.

He knew the childish schemes of his disciple but acceded to him anyway.

"Centre of gravity matters. When you add accessories to your puppets, make sure that they are balanced, and that heavier weapons are equipped lower than lightweight ones," Naruto apprised.

Kankuro's eyes brightened as he ingested the new tip that he just received.

"Then if I have tank-type puppets, I should make their weight concentrated at their base so they wouldn't fall over so easily!" he thought aloud, gushing. "Shishō, you're amazing!"

He applied the newfound knowledge very quickly.

Naruto discerned that he had on his hands a genius puppeteer.

If he educated Kankuro well, he might be able to stand in the same league as Sasori and leave his name in the continent for generations to come.

After much fuss, the ten were finally seated on the Hikōki.

"I would recommend strapping yourselves down with those seatbelts," Naruto cautioned while activating the windshield.

A series of clicks resounded as the terrified passengers fastened their seatbelts.

The seats were equipped with heaters to keep riders warm at high altitudes, but since they would be flying higher than during the outgoing trip...

"There are blankets under the seats. If I was in your position, I would be wrapping myself up with them right now," Naruto advised. "Place your luggage there instead."

"But it's really hot in Suna," Kankuro said in dismay.

Despite their confusion, the Suna members obediently wrapped themselves up in blankets.

Naruto fished out his old goggles which fell out of favour so long ago when he first received a hitai-ate and put them on. Then, without any indication to alert his passengers, the aircraft took off steadily with the combined efforts of Naruto and Sōjirō.