At that moment, everyone began boarding the ship.
Chiye Jun turned around, took the luggage, and helped Hinata and Ino aboard.
The three headed toward the cabin, chatting and laughing, completely at ease with one another.
Kazahana Koyuki suddenly felt a little sad and lowered her head forlornly.
"I envy them so much. Their friendship is so deep. Unlike me, all alone, wandering everywhere..."
Shikamaru, Kiba, and the others noticed her.
Every one of them froze where they stood.
Choji's chips spilled onto the ground and were eaten by Akamaru, yet he did not even notice.
Holy crap!
Tall!
A tiny A4 waist!
Crane-like legs!
Peach!
She was simply flawless.
"So the person we're protecting really is a female movie star!"
Unable to contain their ecstatic joy, everyone swarmed around her.
They chattered away like a flock of newly feathered magpies.
Naruto's voice was especially loud.
"Miss, I didn't lie to you that day, did I? I, Naruto Uzumaki, really am a ninja, and someday I'll become a ninja who's Hokage!"
"Idiot!"
Sasuke sneered and calmly walked away.
Still as cool and arrogant as ever.
The Third Hokage had personally come to see them off and was now bidding Asuma a tearful farewell.
"My boy, just go on, then. You all do your best, and don't miss your old man too much."
Kakashi leaned against the railing, still reading that dirty manga, though his eyes could not help glancing toward the shore.
Finally!
That guy in green appeared.
"Kakashi, go without worry. This Azure Beast will help you look after your younger siblings..."
The passenger ship set sail.
It headed for the distant Snow Country.
During this trip, the crew of The Adventures of Princess Gale would also film the sequel aboard the ship.
Everyone set up the equipment.
The