"..."
Adult Sasuke paused at those words, looking at the group of female ninja chatting and laughing, as well as the "high officials" conversing with all sorts of expressions.
No wonder Hinata acted as if she hadn't seen anything...
"He really is something."
"All right, next I need to arrange for the others to spread word of Naruto's trip as quickly as possible. Who knows when or under what circumstances the Ōtsutsuki will launch a surprise attack..."
Jiraiya stretched, then turned to make the other arrangements.
"Are you sure it's all right to leave this to Naruto alone? Should I follow him...?"
"Alone? Of course not."
Jiraiya waved a hand, his tone unconcerned. "He's not acting alone. Can't you figure it out?"
"...I see."
Adult Sasuke blinked, then understood.
Watching Naruto's retreating figure, he too withdrew his gaze.
Some time after leading the group out of Konoha, Naruto quietly activated his sensory abilities over the surrounding area, though he was still chatting and laughing on the surface.
Daytime is fine. When I'm asleep at night, Kurama, you just need to keep a little—a little—closer watch for me!
"Rest assured. The slightest disturbance won't escape my senses..."
The Nine-Tails spoke with complete confidence, then glanced at a figure in the Inner Space whom he hadn't seen in some time. "But even if you don't wake up, it'll be fine. Minato should be used to controlling your body by now."
"Naruto, I'll help keep watch at night too. Sleep without worrying."
Minato smiled and nodded.
I get the feeling neither you nor Dad trusts me much, Kurama. I'm very alert too... And Dad, didn't you already try and find that you couldn't use Metamorphosis Mode?
Naruto grumbled.
Indeed, two days earlier, when they came up with this diplomatic bait plan, Minato had