Naruto stood still, watching the retreating backs of the Suna siblings. Then, without looking, he asked softly, "Karin… did you feel it?"
Karin's eyes narrowed. "Yeah. It was faint, but unmistakable. That chakra… it felt like yours. A Bijuu."
Naruto nodded. "Yeah. Suna has the Ichibi. What was its name again…"
A voice rumbled inside him like a distant growl from a thunderstorm.
"Shukaku."
It was Kurama, deep and gruff as always.
Naruto grinned. "You once called him annoying. But where's that coming from? Sentiment, furball?"
If Kurama were a human, he might've turned red. Instead, he huffed, his tone awkward but honest."He is annoying. Loud, twitchy, and unstable… but still. He's my sibling."
"I see…" Naruto said softly, the wind brushing past like a whisper of old pain and old bonds.
Outside, Naruto muttered aloud, "Shukaku. The Tanuki of Sand and Chakra."
Karin tilted her head. "So? What are we gonna do, Nii-san?"
Naruto shrugged, a calm confidence in his voice. "Wait. Observe. We'll deal with whatever comes, when it comes."
Then, he turned on his heel, facing the trio of kids still huddled in the alley.
"Alright, Konohamaru. Spill it. What exactly did you do to get a Suna genin on your tail?"
Konohamaru scratched the back of his head, embarrassed. "I… kinda bumped into him?"
Naruto sighed.
Udon and Moegi stood beside Konohamaru, clearly rattled. Moegi clutched her sleeve, and Udon's glasses were fogging from nervous breathing.
"You bumped into him," Naruto repeated. "Kid, that guy could've crushed you like a paper doll. Being the Hokage's grandson won't save you from people who don't care about titles. Out there, they don't see status. They see strength. And if you're weak…"He let the sentence hang like the blade of a guillotine.
Konohamaru looked down, guilt beginning to bloom in his chest. "Sorry…"
"Not to me," Naruto said gently, pointing to the two beside him. "To them. Look at their faces."
Konohamaru turned—and for the first time, really looked. Moegi's eyes were moist. Udon's knees trembled. They'd been terrified for him.
His face softened. "I'm sorry, guys," he said, bowing his head.
But before his forehead could touch the ground, Moegi and Udon rushed forward and pulled him up.
"We're okay, idiot," Udon mumbled.
"You were just being you," Moegi added, sniffling.
The tension faded like a breeze through leaves. The three shared a small laugh, the fear now a memory.
Naruto watched them skip away to play again, the weight on their shoulders lifted.
Karin leaned closer, smiling. "You're a good big brother, you know."
Naruto smiled, a little mischievous glint in his eyes."Then, what am I to you, Karin?"
Karin blinked, flustered for half a second. But before she could respond—
"There you two are! Do you know how tired I am from searching all over for you?" Sakura's voice rang out as she stomped toward them, hands on her hips.
Naruto turned with a grin, pointing right at her lips."Tired? Then maybe I should give you a little treat to recharge."
Sakura's eyes widened slightly—then narrowed with mock suspicion. But she gave the smallest nod, the barest tilt of her chin.
In a flash—swift as a leaf on the wind—Naruto leaned in and kissed her. A quick, tender press that lit the moment like a spark in the dark.
Beside them, Karin sighed dramatically."They seriously have no sense of place or timing…"
After a few seconds, they pulled apart, smiling at each other like two people who'd known pain and found comfort in one another.
Karin cleared her throat and asked, "So? Why were you searching for us?"
Sakura crossed her arms. "That Kushina kaa-san called you both. Said it's time for lunch."
Naruto blinked. "She could've just pulsed chakra into the kunai I left at home. I would've come instantly."
"She tried," Sakura replied. "But I stopped her. Told her I'd go find you two myself."The tone in her voice hinted at something unspoken—maybe a little possessiveness, maybe just an excuse to spend a few more minutes together.
Naruto chuckled. "I see… Alright then, let's head back."
Karin nodded, smirking at the unspoken exchange.
As they walked back home, Naruto walked in the center, his hands held gently by both girls—Karin on one side, Sakura on the other. It was a strange little triangle, but somehow, it worked. It wasn't just affection—it was family, born of battle, blood, and bond.
"So, Sakura," Naruto asked as they strolled through the streets of Konoha, "How are you handling the Chunin Exams? You need a full team, don't you?"
Sakura smiled. "Easy. I'm joining you three."
"Huh?"
"I don't have a team right now. But Tsunade gave special permission. Said it herself—you're technically a four-man squad now."
Naruto blinked. "Wait, we're a team of four now?"
Karin smirked. "Guess that means we're stuck with her."
Sakura stuck her tongue out teasingly. "You always hog him, Karin! I barely get any alone time with my boyfriend, y'know?"
Karin crossed her arms, one brow raised. "Okay, okay—what do you want me to do? File a complaint with the Hokage? He's the one who made our team, not me."
Sakura smirked. "So… you are giving him to me?"
Karin scoffed, fire flashing in her eyes. "Like hell I am."
Naruto sighed like a tired husband walking between two feisty wives—which, let's be honest, wasn't too far off. But even as they bickered, he grinned. They both confessed. They agreed to walk this path together with me. And yet here they are… arguing like cats on a windowsill. I guess I really do need to start scheduling time for both of them. But first… I've still got some things to fix. After that? My whole life is theirs.
"Hey…" he said suddenly, softly.
Both girls turned toward him.
"I love you two," Naruto said. No smirk, no teasing—just raw honesty, the kind that hits like sunlight through storm clouds.
They both froze, caught completely off guard.
But then, almost in perfect sync, their expressions softened.
"Love you too…" Sakura whispered.
"Love you, idiot…" Karin mumbled right after.
Then… silence. A peaceful, comfortable silence, with all three simply walking together—hands intertwined, hearts aligned.
Soon, they reached the front door of their home, where the warm scent of lunch drifted out like an open-armed welcome.
The next day.
The Academy hall was packed. Rows upon rows of genin stood, a buzz of energy crackling in the air. Rival villages, fierce gazes, and whispers of past missions filled the room.
"Whoa… look at this crowd." Naruto whistled. "So many people showed up for the Chūnin Exams, huh?"
He glanced around at his friends gathered nearby—Team 7, Team 8, Team 10, and Guy's squad. And of course, Sakura stood beside him, arms folded, eyes sharp.
"Anyway… y'all ready?" Naruto asked, tilting his head to the side with that confident grin of his.
"We were born ready," Ino replied with her usual sass, flipping her hair.
Hinata gave him a confident nod. "Yes, Naruto-kun." Her voice was soft, but her eyes had fire. "With you I feel braver."
Sakura sighed, placing a hand on her hip. "With you, I don't know what I should be more worried about—the exam... or you." But there was a small smile hiding in her sarcasm.
Karin simply smirked, "Pfft. Easy-peasy."
Shikamaru? Lost in the clouds. Probably dreaming of clouds. Sasuke? Scanning the room like a hawk looking for his next kill. The Uchiha brooding aura was turned up to eleven.
Kiba whispered to Akamaru, who barked in agreement. Shino's shades reflected the room's light as he quietly analyzed everything. Meanwhile, Neji stood like a silent sentinel beside Hinata, ever the protective cousin. And Lee…
Oh, Lee was mid-speech.
"THE FLAMES OF YOUTH WILL IGNITE THIS HALL!" he declared, striking a dramatic pose that earned a few side-eyes and sweatdrops.
Naruto blinked. Why are all the boys either brooding, calculating, barking, or philosophizing about youth? Can't I have one normal dude friend? He thought.
Lee turned toward Naruto with that eternal spark in his eyes. "Naruto! Let us make this even more glorious—with a competition!"
Naruto leaned in, intrigued. "Alright, what are the stakes?"
Lee pumped his fist. "If you pass before me, I shall run around the village ten times—nay, a hundred times! But if I pass first, you shall do the same!"
Naruto smirked, lifting his hand. "Deal."
The two clapped palms, sealing their dramatic agreement. A few nearby genin raised their eyebrows. Some chuckled. Others took notes—because in the Chūnin Exams, everything could be a strategy.
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[A/N: I missed a chapter last time, so I'm dropping two together to make it up to you all. Thanks a ton for the support—you guys are seriously the best!]