Konoha.
Inside Naruto's room.
Kakashi, Sasuke, and Hinata had all grown used to this and promptly made room.
Karin and Mei Terumi, who were brought over next, stared in utter shock at Naruto as he took his hands off them.
"There's actually a ninjutsu like this?"
"I can understand Karin being surprised, but Older Sister Mei, how many times did you see it on the ship?" Naruto asked, puzzled.
"I thought you could only use it on yourself." Mei Terumi marveled. "In theory, space-time ninjutsu that transports other people over long distances takes an enormous amount of chakra. How come it looks so easy for you?"
"Does it take that much?" Naruto tilted his head.
Hearing that, Karin quietly sensed Naruto's chakra, which felt so warm to her. It was still abundant, with almost no noticeable decrease.
From their earlier conversations, Karin had also learned that Naruto's surname was Uzumaki, and that they could be considered relatives.
But she was far more interested in Sasuke, who had saved her, than in Naruto.
"All right, we've saved ourselves some effort, but we still have to head to the Land of Wind next." Kakashi cut off Naruto's chance to keep unwittingly showing off and looked at Mei Terumi and Karin. "Before that, though, you two need to come with me to see Lord Hokage."
"As for you three, consider this a break. I'll get in touch with Naruto later and have him contact you."
"...Kakashi-sensei, why do I have to notify them? Can't you just contact them yourself?"
Naruto was speechless.
"Because you're convenient!"
Kakashi said it without a hint of shame.
The convenience of the Flying Thunder God Technique had been demonstrated to the fullest on this journey. Unfortunately, although Minato-sensei had taught him a little back then, learning this ninjutsu