As Hinata left, only Teacher Kakashi, Karin, and Sasuke remained by Naruto's side.
Naruto first took Karin to the house he had previously asked Kakashi to help rent.
"We're here." Naruto stood there, his voice far gentler than usual. "Karin, today must have scared you."
Karin hurriedly shook her head. Though a trace of lingering fear remained in her eyes behind her glasses, there was far more relief. "No... With you here, I wasn't scared at all!"
Karin paused, lowering her voice. "It's just... I caused everyone trouble..."
"Don't say that." Naruto cut her off, his tone firm. "You didn't cause any trouble. Danzo's target was me from beginning to end. You were only an excuse he used."
"Starting tomorrow, no one will use those rumors to hurt you again. From now on, settle down in Konoha without worry. Focus on practicing the medical Ninjutsu and Uzumaki Clan secret techniques I taught you."
"Mm!" Karin nodded forcefully, clasping her hands before her chest as though making a vow. "I'll definitely work hard. I'll never hold you back again!"
Only after watching Karin enter the house and close the door did Naruto turn around.
At that moment, Sasuke, who had been standing nearby, spoke. "I'm leaving too. But this time, thanks to you, I was able to deal with one of my enemies so quickly."
Naruto looked at him without surprise.
Sasuke tightly gripped the scroll containing numerous sealed Sharingan. His face showed little expression, but exceedingly complicated emotions churned in those dark eyes.
The satisfaction of avenging part of his great hatred, the weight of facing his clansmen's remains, and the frustration over his own lack of strength.
Sasuke knew that he had mainly relied on Naruto to kill one of his enemies today, while he himself had barely played