Naruto was slightly taken aback, then nodded firmly.
"Yeah, time is tight. Whether it's the Five Great Shinobi Villages or the Akatsuki, we have to finish putting our plans in place as soon as possible."
"Then, Naruto, be sure to stay safe. You're the hope of Snow Ninja Village and the Land of Snow!"
Kazahana Koyuki pressed her lips tightly together. It seemed as though she wanted to say more, but in the end, all she could manage were these somewhat dry words.
Naruto smiled gently, his expression warm.
"Yeah, I will. Don't worry, Koyuki!"
His words were soft.
"Neji!"
"Right!"
As they turned to leave,
Whoosh!
Whoosh!
Naruto and Neji each leaped away. The moment the barrier was lifted, they vanished from the Snow Shadow's office and headed toward the mainland once more.
Watching in the direction Naruto had gone,
Koyuki laced her fingers together and squeezed them. Her brow furrowed, and her eyes filled with endless worry.
"Don't worry, Koyuki. Naruto will be fine. He's the strongest person in the Shinobi World now!"
From her seat nearby,
Yakumo walked softly over to Koyuki's side and linked her arm with Koyuki's right arm. With a confident, reassuring air, she said,
"Mm, I know, Yakumo. It's just that I still can't quite calm down."
Koyuki forced a faint smile and spoke softly.
No matter how strong Naruto was,
and no matter what he was going to do,
every time Naruto left the village,
Koyuki's heart would rise into her throat.
To Koyuki,
Naruto was no longer merely someone she admired. He had become the greatest pillar of support in her heart.
Naruto, you have to come back safely.
Watching the place where Naruto had disappeared,
Koyuki silently prayed once more in the depths of her heart.
Meanwhile, elsewhere,
Naruto sped