After Naruto briefly explained Otohime's origins to Uchiha Hikari and Karin, the atmosphere finally eased a little, though Hikari still eyed Otohime with scrutiny.
The group crossed the moonlit stone path in the front courtyard and headed toward the main house.
Hikari took the opportunity to sidle quietly up to Naruto, reaching out with two fingers to give the sleeve of his Hokage Robe a gentle tug.
Naruto lowered his head and met her eyes, which had returned to pure black.
The Sharingan's eerie glow was gone, but the meaning in her gaze was unmistakable. Should we find a chance to... get rid of her?
Naruto shook his head slightly.
His calm gaze conveyed a clear message: No need.
Although Otohime was an Otsutsuki, for now, her position and allegiance still leaned toward his side.
Given the current gap between Naruto's strength and Otohime's, and his ability to keep the situation under control, there was no need to resort to a cheap trick like luring her in to kill her.
If it really came to a fight, it would probably be only a little harder than dealing with Urashiki had been, but it would still be a hassle that could introduce unnecessary complications.
There was no need for that right now. He would see how things went.
They had barely stepped into the backyard when they heard the faint clink of cups and murmured conversation.
Looking up, they saw two figures seated in the little moon-viewing pavilion in the backyard-Tsunade and Shizune.
A sake flask and several small dishes sat on the stone table, and the two women were leisurely sipping their drinks beneath the full moon.
Naruto stopped in his tracks, a question mark slowly rising over his head: ?
What was going on?
*It wasn't as though Tsunade