After seeing Hinata, Naruto went home to change before leisurely heading off to see Tsunade. As it happened, just as he was about to leave, Karin returned from the Land of Snow, and the two met at the door.
"Naruto, you're back!" Karin said delightedly.
"Yeah, I just got back. I was about to go see Granny Tsunade. How about you? How have you been? I heard your squad went to the Land of Snow to help them establish a Ninja Academy. How did it go? Did the mission go smoothly?" Naruto asked with a smile.
Karin smiled and nodded. "Yes, everything went well. The children there were all very well-behaved, and they were fun, too."
"I see. That's good. I need to get to Granny Tsunade's now. Let's talk later," Naruto replied.
Having gone so long without seeing Naruto, Karin was reluctant to part with him. She stammered, "Oh, okay. Then y-you go ahead. I'll wait for you at home. Um... oh, right! I just remembered, I need to report on the mission's progress to Lord Hokage, too. Why don't you wait a moment? I'll change and go with you."
Although Naruto found this a little strange, he didn't think much of it and readily agreed. "All right, then. Go change. I'll wait here."
As soon as Naruto agreed, Karin hurried inside. Watching her rush off, Naruto said in puzzlement, "What's gotten into Karin? She's acting kind of strange. Well, never mind. She's always been a little strange."
Before long, Karin came out in a new outfit she had bought especially while in the Land of Snow. It was a beautiful pink dress that complemented her complexion and went perfectly with the Crystal Necklace Naruto had given her.
Her face slightly flushed, Karin looked at Naruto. "What do you