For the rest of the outing, Hanabi stayed beside Karin, watching her warily. Karin sensed Hanabi's hostility, but she did not mind. In fact, she was even a little hopeful, because she could tell that Hanabi liked Naruto too. Hanabi hid it well, but she could not escape Karin's perception.
Karin thought, As things stand, Hinata is the only person in Naruto's heart. No other girl can get in, but Hanabi is an exception. She's Hinata's little sister, and a little sister Naruto has watched grow up. He dotes on her more than most people could imagine. If I join forces with Hanabi, I should be able to claim a place in his heart.
Having decided to use Hanabi as her opening into Naruto's heart, Karin walked up beside her and said, "Hanabi, there's something I'd like to talk to you about."
"What could I possibly have to talk about with you, you little vixen?" Hanabi asked warily.
Karin was not offended. "Don't make me sound so awful. If I'm a vixen, then what are you? A little sister seducing her future brother-in-law?"
Hanabi instantly flared up. "What did you say? Do you want me to teach you a lesson right now?"
Unfazed by Hanabi's anger, Karin said, "All right, don't get upset. I really do have something to tell you, but it has to be just the two of us."
Hearing that, Hanabi grew a little curious about what Karin wanted to tell her. She nodded in agreement.
Once Hanabi agreed, Karin called out to Hinata and Naruto, who were walking ahead of them. "Naruto, Hinata, I'd like to go watch the bonfire festivities with Hanabi. We won't be joining you for the rest of your stroll."
Naruto and Hinata turned around and looked at Karin and Hanabi in