After enjoying a warm, cozy breakfast, they went together to a nearby pet shop and carefully picked out a soft, comfortable dog bed for Big Yellow.
Only then did Naruto and the others return to his home, carrying the new bed and Big Yellow, chatting and laughing along the way.
Once they set the dog bed beside the living room sofa, Big Yellow excitedly leaped into it, turned around a few times, then settled down comfortably, clearly delighted with his new bed.
With the little fellow settled, Naruto, Ino, Hinata, and Hanabi prepared to head to the training grounds.
However, they had barely taken a few steps beyond Naruto's courtyard gate when a clear, slightly hurried female voice came from behind them:
"Please wait, Lady Hanabi, Lady Hinata!"
Everyone turned toward the voice and saw a young woman hurrying over.
She had delicate features and wore the Hyuga Clan's traditional, simple clothing, but over it was an apron trimmed with exquisite white lace that did not quite match the style of her clan attire. A Konoha forehead protector rested on her brow, and a barely perceptible trace of tension showed in her expression.
Hyuga Natsu
"Natsu?"
Hanabi recognized her immediately. She was Hyuga Natsu, the maid from the Hyuga Branch Family who had once looked after her daily needs.
Hinata greeted her softly as well. "Natsu."
Hyuga Natsu approached and first bowed slightly and respectfully to the two young ladies of the Main Family.
Then her gaze quickly swept over Naruto and Ino beside them. A complicated flicker of hesitation crossed her eyes, but in the end, she lowered her voice and told Hinata and Hanabi, "My ladies, the elders... wish to see you immediately."
"The elders?"
Ino frowned, keenly sensing that something was wrong.
Naruto's reaction was even more