Only then did Naruto nod in satisfaction, returning to his gentle, big-brother tone. "Good kids. All right, pack your things, walk slowly, and keep quiet. No horsing around in the hallway, either. Don't disturb the other classes still having lessons. Understood?"
"Un-der-stood-"
The children answered in perfectly synchronized whispers, then began swiftly packing away their writing supplies and observation notes as quietly as they could.
Watching from the side, Shino's mouth curved slightly beneath his sunglasses.
Naruto really did still have a way with children.
He quickly packed up his teaching materials and the mission document, then nodded to Naruto. "I'll go get ready, then. I'll leave right away."
"Yeah. Be careful out there." Naruto patted Shino's shoulder, offering his fellow ninja some encouragement.
Soon, the children filed out of the classroom on tiptoe, unable to hide their excitement. As they passed Naruto, they couldn't help looking at him with admiration and curiosity.
After leaving the classroom, Shino looked at the spiral mark on his shoulder and decided not to change clothes after all.
You're always so reliable, Naruto.
Naruto also opened his hand, looking at the insect Shino had slipped into his palm when he handed over the mission document.
Shino's as dependable as ever!
After years of knowing each other, Naruto and Shino had understood each other's intentions in an instant.
"You're saying this coffin... is a gift for me?"
Hiashi's gaze was sharp as lightning as he stared straight at Naruto, as though trying to dig his true intentions out of those seemingly clear blue eyes.
Hadn't I been open-minded enough?
"Yes, Uncle Hiashi."
Hiashi's heart sank almost instantly. He nearly lost control of his expression, his brows drawing together almost imperceptibly as his sharp gaze swept over the coffin before returning to Naruto's face.
*Is