Undercurrents

"Huh? So Sasuke-kun didn't just become your neighbor, he's your landlord too, Naruto-kun?"

In class the next day, Hinata looked stunned.

"Yeah! He only told me when we headed out this morning. He said he agreed to let the village take back the Uchiha Clan's land, and then the village gave him a huge, huge, HUGE pile of money! And then that guy actually bought the building I live in!"

Naruto turned to look at Sasuke's still-empty seat and gritted his teeth. "He's going to sign some contract with the village today. No wonder he was looking at me so strangely yesterday! Damn it, just thinking about having to pay him rent makes me feel awful!"

So that's what happened. Come to think of it, Naruto-kun did mention last time that the village arranged his current housing.

Understanding dawned on Hinata, and then a thought sprang into her mind—

Could I ask Father to let Naruto-kun come live with us... Oh, what am I thinking?!

"...Hinata?"

"Ah! No, it's nothing!"

"Huh? What's wrong? You didn't answer what I just asked."

Naruto tilted his head and gave Hinata a puzzled look.

"S-sorry." Hinata quickly lowered her head. "I spaced out. What did you ask, Naruto-kun?"

"I was asking what's up with Neji. He's been staring at me since last night, and he hasn't stopped since I picked you up this morning."

Naruto glanced out of the corner of his eye at Neji, who sat behind him, staring fixedly at him. He rubbed the tip of his nose in confusion.

"Well..."

Hinata hesitated for a long moment. "Actually, after I got home yesterday, Brother Neji, Father, and my little sister all seemed a bit strange. Maybe something happened at home again, but they haven't told me."

"Huh, being in a big clan