Kazahana Koyuki pressed her cheek against Naruto's. The touch of skin brought a tangible warmth, while strands of her dark blue hair brushed faintly against him, tickling his skin.
Her voice was soft, carrying a barely perceptible sigh, yet unusually clear:
"All right."
She seemed to be soothing herself as much as whispering to Naruto.
"I don't expect you to give me the same place in your heart as them."
As she spoke, a faint shadow passed through her eyes, but it was quickly replaced by a brighter gleam, tinged with mischief and resignation.
"All I want..."
She tilted her head slightly, her nose almost touching his ear, her breath warm. "Is for you to love me a little more than you would anyone else."
Afterward, she stayed in that intimate, slightly dependent position rather than pulling away immediately, as though drawing comfort from their brief closeness.
Inside, however, conflicting emotions churned.
Just as I thought...
Kazahana Koyuki sighed inwardly.
Someone like Naruto was powerful, held an exalted position, and possessed his own distinctive charm and sense of responsibility. Despite his youth, he had already stirred up the entire shinobi world...
It was only natural for someone like him to attract women's attention.
She had prepared herself for it. Even when she decided to let her feelings take their course, she had vaguely anticipated possible "rivals."
But being prepared and hearing it firsthand were two very different things.
When Naruto said in that calm, even tone, "We've already set a wedding date, the girls and I," her heart still sank despite herself.
More than one...
And they're already discussing marriage, with their families' approval.
What did that mean?
It meant that Naruto had long since reserved clear, important places for certain people in his plans for life and in his