For a child of commoners to win Tsunade's favor was intriguing in itself.
What was more, Sakura had learned Monster Strength and the Yin Seal, becoming the true successor of Tsunade, one of the Sannin. Sometimes, Zou Hyuga could not help wondering whether she was a Senju in disguise.
By then, the youngsters had reached Zou Hyuga and Oto Uchiha.
"Big Brother Zou." Naruto clasped his hands behind his head and greeted Zou Hyuga with a grin.
Zou Hyuga nodded lightly and said, "Oh, Naruto. Thank you for looking after our young lady."
"Helping friends is what you're supposed to do," Naruto said, patting his chest.
Zou Hyuga smiled without answering, watching the flushed Hinata and Sakura beside her. His gaze left both girls feeling a little embarrassed.
After a pause, Zou Hyuga looked at Sasuke. Sasuke had avoided looking directly at him the whole time, his gaze drifting and evasive.
Perhaps Oto's training had been too harsh.
Just then, dark figures flashed across the nearby rooftops, catching Zou Hyuga's keen attention.
Unless his eyes were deceiving him, that should have been an ANBU squad, most likely the ANBU Squad led by Kakashi.
A hint of confusion also flickered in Oto's eyes. Nothing had happened in the village lately that warranted deploying ANBU.
Noticing her look, Zou Hyuga took the lead and continued toward the movie theater with Oto, narrowing his eyes slightly.
Team Kakashi was also heading toward the movie theater. Aside from Kazahana Koyuki, Zou Hyuga could think of no reason to dispatch ANBU there.
What puzzled Zou Hyuga, however, was whether the Third still had the energy to concern himself with other countries' affairs in the face of the Akatsuki crisis.
As he recalled, Konoha had only begun intervening extensively in other countries' affairs during Tsunade's rule.