After spending a long time taking stock and weighing his options, Naruto finally made his decision.
He vanished from the Villa and went straight to Haku's office at the Daimyo's Residence.
"Older Brother Naruto, what brings you here?" Seeing Naruto appear, Haku set down her documents and hurried over, tilting her head happily as she asked.
"Well, a few things."
Haku thought for a moment. "Is it about that envoy from the Land of Rain?"
Naruto shook his head, then walked over and sat down at the desk. "Haku, we need to get the Land of Waves running at full capacity. I have a vague feeling that a catastrophe is brewing."
Haku's expression changed at his words. She nodded solemnly. "I'll listen to everything you say, Older Brother Naruto. Whatever you ask me to do, I'll do it."
Watching Haku make such a suggestive remark with a perfectly serious face, Naruto pretended not to notice. He immediately took out a blank sheet of paper and a pen, then listed the areas they needed to prioritize in detail.
"Oversee this yourself."
"All right."
Haku accepted the plan and immediately studied it carefully. Yet even as a leader Naruto had painstakingly trained, she felt immense pressure after reading it.
"For the next while, I'll be going into seclusion to practice Ninjutsu. You won't need to make an extra portion for me anymore."
An inexplicable ache filled Haku's heart. She grabbed Naruto's hand and asked anxiously, "Will you be going somewhere far away? When will you come back?"
Seeing her genuine concern and anxiety, Naruto smiled and drew her into his arms, gently patting her shoulder.
"I'll find an island within the Land of Waves where no one will disturb me. But don't worry. I'll still leave a Shadow Clone hidden here. I