It wasn't until later, when Yakumo—who had always protected her and had even become her best friend—told her that Naruto had already fallen for a girl back in Konoha, that Kazahana Koyuki realized the reason wasn't anything else. She had simply "come too late."
And today,
in the Snow Ninja Village,
Kazahana Koyuki had finally met the girl who had captured Naruto's heart.
Hinata Hyuga.
At first glance alone,
Kazahana Koyuki had to admit
that the girl possessed a unique charm.
A gentleness that soothed the soul.
A warmth that came naturally to her.
Most of all, she had a graceful, poised air.
Even Koyuki, a woman herself, couldn't help but be dazzled by her.
Most importantly,
the look Naruto gave the girl was so tender, so gentle.
Knowing about it beforehand was one thing.
Seeing it for herself was another.
When she realized this,
Koyuki felt a faint ache in her heart.
"Koyuki..."
Seeing the unmistakable dejection on Koyuki's face,
Yakumo, standing beside her, stepped forward with concern and gently wrapped her arms around Koyuki's waist, calling to her softly.
"It's all right. I'm fine, Yakumo. I've known this for a long time, haven't I? Don't worry."
Hearing the obvious concern in her best friend's voice,
Koyuki gave a light shake of her head. She lifted her eyes again and gently wiped away the tear that had gathered there.
Her heart seemed to have steadied once more.
"Even if I might be too late, I won't give up. At the very least, I'll prove that no one can outmatch my love for Naruto!"
"Mm! I'll definitely support you, Koyuki!"
"Mm! Even if it takes time, one day I'll wear down that blockhead!"
"Naruto won't escape the grasp of this queen!"
"Um, Koyuki, your character and the whole tone have