Sakura jumped at Uchiha Hikari's sudden appearance and the utterly unceremonious way she grabbed Naruto's ear. She instinctively let go of his hand, her face still carrying her earlier shock and complicated feelings about what he had said, now mixed with fresh bewilderment.
Another petite figure slipped silently out from Naruto's right like a kitten. It was Hanabi Hyuga.
An apparently innocent smile graced her face, though mischief and displeasure lurked in her eyes as she reached up and grabbed Naruto's other ear.
"Oh, dear, Naruto~"
Hanabi spoke in a syrupy-sweet voice that instantly gave Naruto goosebumps, while her grip on his ear was anything but gentle.
"You're-so-bad!"
"Something like this..."
Imitating Hikari, she brought her face close to Naruto's, her breath brushing his right cheek.
"Shouldn't you at least have a little 'discussion' with us first? You just decided all on your own to be 'a nice guy who brings warmth to everyone'? Hmm?"
An attack from both sides, both ears held hostage!
Naruto was caught in the middle, sucking in sharp breaths of pain. He could no longer maintain any pretense of composure or solemnity. All that remained was an awkward grimace and the despair of knowing he was done for.
Still gripping Naruto's left ear, Hikari coldly turned her gaze toward Sakura, who stood beside them, dumbfounded.
Her gaze was sharp as a blade and openly appraising, yet it seemed just a tiny bit... softer than when she looked at Naruto?
"You."
Hikari pointed her chin at Sakura, her tone leaving no room for argument.
"I'll give you a chance to 'join us.'"
"Come here and pull his cheeks."
As she spoke, Hikari's free hand had already seized one of Naruto's cheeks without the slightest hesitation and tugged it hard.
"Teach him a lesson. Let him know