After an exhausting day, the Sixth Hokage returned home.
Naruto had built this mansion himself using Wood Release ninjutsu.
It was exceptionally sturdy and durable, resistant to earthquakes and strong winds, and remarkably easy to expand or remodel. All he had to do was infuse it with chakra and guide its growth.
Electrical wiring and the like had to be added afterward, but Naruto had left space for it, so installing wires would be no trouble.
As he pushed open the courtyard gate, warm light and the aroma of food greeted him, easing some of the day's fatigue and the accumulated mental pain from his failed Shadow Clone training.
When he entered the dining room, Karin was setting the last dish on the table.
She took off her apron, her long red hair tied simply behind her head, her eyes smiling behind her glasses. "Naruto-kun, you're home! Dinner's just ready. Eat while it's hot."
The table was laden with dishes that looked, smelled, and tasted delicious. Karin had clearly put a great deal of care into them.
Naruto glanced around and noticed that Hinata and Hanabi were absent.
Seeming to notice his confusion, Karin explained, "Hinata and little Hanabi went back to the Hyuga Clan. They said they felt bad staying here so long.
It's just the three of us at home today."
She pointed to Uchiha Hikari, who was sitting quietly beside her. Hikari nodded to Naruto in greeting.
The girl had intended to leave it at a nod, yet for some reason, she did not look away.
Naruto smiled at her, and the corners of her lips lifted slightly.
The three then sat down to eat.
Just then, soft footsteps sounded from the entrance hall.
Naruto turned and saw two figures whose arrival surprised him a little.
Konan