Soon, Naruto, Neji, and Karin headed to the Yamanaka Clan's home. Finding no one there, they went to the Yamanaka Flower Shop instead.
Before they even entered, they could hear the girls' bright laughter and chatter coming from inside.
Clearly, Hinata, Hanabi, and Ino were there.
When Naruto pushed open the shop door and walked in with Neji and Karin, who followed close on his heels, the warm, peaceful atmosphere inside seemed to freeze.
Rino Yamanaka, who was arranging flowers behind the counter, spotted them first. A welcoming smile immediately appeared on her face. "Oh, Naruto's here, and Neji too... Who's this?"
Her gaze settled on the red-haired girl behind Naruto, and a flicker of surprise crossed her eyes.
Almost at the same time, the door to the backyard slid open. Hearing the commotion, Ino poked her head out first. "Naruto? Perfect timing! We were just... Huh?"
Her voice cut off abruptly.
Hinata and Hanabi, who had been following her, squeezed through behind her.
All three girls' gazes landed on Naruto and the unfamiliar girl beside him, who had vivid red hair and stood with her head lowered, clutching his sleeve.
Time seemed to stand still for a few seconds.
Ino was the first to react, her green eyes widening instantly.
Her gaze darted between Naruto and Karin. When she noticed how obviously Karin relied on him, her eyes suddenly sharpened.
Hinata's fair cheeks went pale the instant she saw Karin.
She instinctively covered her mouth, her pale eyes widening slightly as her gaze flitted anxiously between Naruto and Karin.
Especially when she saw Karin pressed close to Naruto, her hand even clutching his sleeve, an inexplicable pang of jealousy and unease seized her heart.
Her lips parted, but no sound came out. She merely twisted her fingers together without