Naruto enjoyed this moment of peace. Traveling around with Hikari lately had left him utterly exhausted.
This time, Hikari had stayed home to rest instead of coming along.
The unification of the shinobi world was nearly complete. All that remained was some simple cleanup work he could leave to others.
That was true of the small countries, and of Kirigakure, the last of the Five Great Nations Naruto had yet to conquer.
Naruto's other companions needed military achievements, so he had left Kirigakure for Sasuke, Shikamaru, and the others to earn theirs.
As he met Hinata's eyes, a faint, pleasant shampoo scent drifted into his nose, carrying the fresh fragrance of flowers and grass.
Hmm?
Naruto paused slightly.
This scent... seemed familiar?
He thought back carefully. The fragrance was rather like the shampoo he usually used.
He had not expected Hinata to use the same shampoo as him.
Was it a coincidence?
Or... had she chosen it deliberately?
The thought only flashed through his mind.
What drew his attention more was the natural scent of a young woman beneath the shampoo's fragrance, wafting from Hinata.
Seeing Naruto lean closer, Hinata hurriedly rolled away and sat up.
"N-Naruto-kun... I, I..."
She stammered "I" for ages without managing a complete sentence. Her mind had gone blank, and her heart pounded so hard it felt ready to leap out of her throat.
Countless thoughts collided in her mind, leaving her so embarrassed she wanted to disappear.
What was my sister doing?
Hanabi, who had woken long ago but was secretly pretending to sleep, was utterly baffled when she sensed her sister's movements.
She had thought that, with her sister's feelings for Naruto practically written all over her face, she would at least quietly enjoy this rare, tender moment "alone" with him, even if