"So it's Princess Gale."
Hearing her call him "Mr. Yōya" with that teasing air of a long-awaited reunion, Naruto instantly relaxed. A relieved smile spread across his face, and recognition and nostalgia flickered in his eyes.
The visitor was no enemy, but an old acquaintance-Kazahana Koyuki, the current Daimyo of the Land of Snow.
He took his hand off the wooden sword, casually shut the door, and walked into the living room. The tension in the air dissipated, replaced by the easy atmosphere of old friends reuniting.
"What brings you here?"
Naruto asked curiously as he took off his shoes.
"You didn't even let me know beforehand."
Still holding Big Yellow, Kazahana Koyuki blinked her beautiful eyes and replied in a matter-of-fact tone tinged with smugness, "To establish diplomatic relations with the Land of Fire, of course! As the Daimyo of the Land of Snow, isn't it perfectly normal for me to make an official visit to an allied country?"
She was talking about official business, but the lively glint in her eyes suggested that her purpose went well beyond that.
As she spoke, she freed one hand and patted the empty spot beside her on the sofa, moving so naturally that she seemed to be the owner of the house.
"Have a seat."
She beckoned him over with easy familiarity.
"Hey, hey." Amused by the way she had made herself the host, Naruto couldn't help protesting, "This is my house, you know."
Rather than accepting Kazahana Koyuki's invitation, he walked straight over to Karin, who was still standing beside the sofa with her cheeks puffed out, sulking.
He reached out naturally, gently took Karin by the wrist, and led her to a chair at the dining table.
"You're making it seem like I'm the guest here."
Naruto pressed lightly