Konohamaru and his two companions used their speed to run circles around the bandits, but the bandits had strength in numbers. With so many enemies swarming them, the three could not defeat them easily. Just then, Princess Yukihime came up beside Naruto and asked, "Naruto-kun, how is it going? Are Konohamaru and the others all right?" Her voice was filled with concern for them.
"Princess Yukihime, what are you doing here? Didn't I tell you to stay in your tent?" Naruto asked, his tone carrying a hint of reproach.
Princess Yukihime looked a little hurt. "But... but I'm worried about Konohamaru and the others. If I hadn't wanted to go to the Land of Iron, they wouldn't have run into something like this."
Seeing her hurt expression, Naruto realized he had been a little too harsh. He smiled at once. "Don't worry. Konohamaru and the others are fine, and you don't need to blame yourself. This is their mission, after all, and something they have to face to become proper ninja. Relax. I'm here. If they're in danger, I'll step in."
Princess Yukihime had already learned from the Daimyo that Naruto was a very powerful ninja, though she had no clear idea just how powerful he was. Yet for some reason, looking at his smiling face made her feel inexplicably at ease, and her heartbeat quickened.
A little shy, Princess Yukihime lowered her head, her cheeks flushed. "Then... then I'll leave everything to you, Naruto-kun."
Naruto smiled. "You can leave it to me. Nothing will happen to Konohamaru and the others. I'm just giving them some training. Princess Yukihime, you and your maid should return to your tent and rest. I'll let you know when we're ready to leave."
The maid beside Princess Yukihime smiled. "That's right, Princess. Lord Naruto