After leaving Otogakure, Naruto did not return directly to Konoha. Instead, he brought Uchiha Hikari to a city in the Land of Rice Fields.
Although it was far less prosperous than the capital of the Land of Fire, it was still relatively bustling.
For Uchiha Hikari, who had grown up in the Warring States Period—either killing on the battlefield or being imprisoned and confined by her clan—
the bustling crowds, lively hawking calls, and luxurious shops around her were all exceedingly novel.
However, having long been trained and used as a weapon also made Uchiha Hikari nervous around such sights.
She instinctively moved half a step closer to Naruto, her dark eyes vigilantly scanning their surroundings.
Noticing Hikari's unease, Naruto slowed his pace. Looking at her dark blue robe, he comforted her, "Don't be nervous. I'm just taking you to get a change of clothes."
Hearing this, Uchiha Hikari froze slightly.
She lowered her head to look at what she was wearing, then raised it to look at Naruto. Only then did the wariness in her eyes ease a little.
A few minutes later, Naruto brought Hikari into a busy clothing store.
The store was filled with all kinds of garments. Hikari's eyes lit up at the sight, and she immediately stepped forward to start picking through them.
Naruto casually looked around as well, choosing a gray hooded coat that suited Hikari. He also bought a fox mask from the mask shop next door.
A few minutes later, when Uchiha Hikari emerged from the fitting room, even the shop owner could not help taking a few extra looks, praising her again and again.
At that moment, Uchiha Hikari wore a brown headband that held back the smooth black hair before her forehead.
She wore a pink tailcoat on top, paired