"Ah, um... r-really?" ⁄(⁄⁄•⁄ω⁄•⁄⁄)⁄
Seeing Snake Aunt's large eyes sparkle and her face flush, Naruto nodded.
"Of course. You know my plan is to help Sasuke awaken his Sharingan. If he found out about this ability of mine, it would throw off all my plans."
Yes, Naruto deliberately concealed many of his abilities, not because he distrusted Sasuke, but because he needed to give Sasuke a helping hand during their decisive battle at the Valley of the End. He had no choice.
In fact, according to his plan, he had not intended to reveal his identity to Snake Aunt this time.
But plans could never keep up with change. Even Naruto had not expected Snake Aunt to care so much about him that she would secretly protect Sasuke alone after he left the arena.
After all, Snake Aunt was the Third Hokage's personal disciple, so she surely knew the Telescope Technique. Sasuke had already fought her in the Forest of Death, and she must have picked up his chakra signature.
That meant wherever Sasuke went, as long as he stayed within Konoha's boundaries, Snake Aunt could find him with the Telescope Technique. Sooner or later, she would discover Naruto's relationship with Sasuke.
That was why Naruto had decided on the spot to reveal his identity to Snake Aunt ahead of schedule.
"Oh, I see." In the end, Sixth Brother's words were still all about Sasuke, which made the blush on Snake Aunt's face fade slightly.
Of course, her feelings for Sixth Brother were simply admiration and reverence. Even before learning his overall plan, she had known that no one could shake his devotion to Sasuke.
"What? You're not upset, are you?"
Hearing Snake Aunt's lukewarm response, Naruto smiled and lifted his chin, inviting her to taste the red wine.
"Of