"Ahaha..." Kakashi scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "This really is embarrassing..."
A jonin stronger than Naruto? He wouldn't dare claim that.
When he had gone to the Land of Snow to investigate during his time in the Anbu, he had been around Naruto's age. Back then, he hadn't defeated Nadare Rōga, one of Kazahana Dōtō's trusted subordinates whom Sandayu had mentioned.
Now, though, that probably wouldn't be much of a problem for him.
"No time to waste. Sandayu, the ship you booked was supposed to set sail today, right?"
"Ah... yes, yes!"
"Come on, let's get everything loaded!"
The film crew moved with such astonishing speed that everyone from Konoha stared in disbelief—except Naruto.
"Director, I'll help you carry things too!"
"Whoa, you can carry all that equipment? You've got incredible strength, young man!"
In a sense, Director's words were the best recognition Naruto could have received. He was positively delighted and threw himself into hauling equipment with gusto.
"...Accept reality." A somewhat cool voice sounded beside Kazahana Koyuki. "And if you still want revenge, seize this opportunity."
"What... do you mean?" Kazahana Koyuki frowned at Sasuke, who stood beside her.
"Nothing in particular. My assigned task is to keep you safe," Sasuke said evenly.
"You?" Kazahana Koyuki eyed the bandages still wrapped around Sasuke with suspicion. "How about you look after yourself first, little boy?"
"Then shall I have Hinata take over?" Sasuke asked with a cold smile. Observant as he was, he had noticed when Naruto brought her back that Kazahana Koyuki seemed more afraid of Hinata than of Naruto.
"..." Remembering the intimidating air of that little girl earnestly declaring that she would kidnap her and take her back, Kazahana Koyuki immediately lost her nerve. "Then... surely I don't have to stay beside you all