Hinata's face turned pale.
She had always known Naruto liked Sakura.
But even so, she had quietly liked Naruto for a long time.
In her heart, liking someone didn't require them to like her back. But that didn't mean it didn't hurt when that someone openly declared their feelings for someone else—especially right in front of her.
"Naruto, how could you say that?" Kiba Inuzuka clenched his fists, visibly agitated. Even Akamaru growled in disapproval at Naruto's words.
Shino Aburame's expression darkened, and kikaichū beetles stirred restlessly beneath his sleeves.
"I didn't say anything wrong," Naruto replied seriously. "If you like someone, you should say it out loud. Hinata and I… we're good friends, but I've always liked Sakura. That's just the truth."
Naruto wasn't oblivious—he could tell Hinata had feelings for him. But in his mind, being honest about his feelings wasn't wrong.
This was still before the events of the Fourth Great Ninja War—before Naruto's feelings toward Sakura gradually began to fade and before he fully realized Hinata's unwavering affection.
At this point in the timeline, Naruto was still very much convinced that he was in love with Sakura.
Kimimaro took the opportunity to stir the pot: "Although I still think you like Sasuke, I support you being honest about your feelings."
"Hey, do you have to add that every time?" Naruto shot him a glare.
Kimimaro just shrugged. "I'm only saying what I believe. That's what I really think."
Kiba and Shino exchanged glances, their expressions turning complicated. Naruto's lack of a strong denial when Kimimaro brought up Sasuke was… interesting, to say the least.
The awkward silence was broken by Hinata's soft voice. "Let's not argue. We should head back as soon as possible."
"Hinata…" Shino looked at her delicate expression and felt a twinge of sympathy.
"It's okay, Shino." Hinata forced a smile. "Naruto is right. If you like someone, you should be brave enough to say it."
"Then why don't you—"
"I'm fine, really."
Hinata knew Shino wanted to ask why she hadn't confessed her feelings to Naruto. But that wasn't something she could do now—not when Naruto had just clearly said he loved someone else.
Hinata had always been shy. In the original story, it took the destruction of Konoha and the pain of seeing Naruto beaten by Pain for her to finally confess her love—three years from now.
For now, it was just silent concern and quiet companionship. Though Kiba and Shino had long been aware of her feelings and tried to support her, Hinata herself had never directly expressed them.
Before leaving, Hinata took Hanabi aside and spoke with her privately. When they parted, she gave Kimimaro a strange, unreadable glance.
"What's with that look Hinata gave you?" Karin asked, puzzled.
"I told my sister to stop liking Naruto and to just like Big Brother like me," Hanabi said, puffing her cheeks. "And she actually laughed at me, saying I was just daydreaming. Hmph! I even said I'd be willing to share Big Brother with her, but she was still ungrateful."
"Haha, our little Hanabi is so generous?"
"Of course!" Hanabi crossed her arms proudly. "Father said he'd let me marry Big Brother when I grow up. Even Karin-nee-san didn't get angry. Doesn't that mean I'm just as tolerant as her?"
...Well, that logic couldn't be argued with.
Kimimaro silently gave thanks to Karin for being such a "good" role model and leading Hanabi down this… unique path.
Karin was the type of person who would do anything for the one she loved. In the original story, even after Sasuke got married, her feelings didn't waver. But this time, her affection was returned—by Kimimaro.
She wasn't the type to push other girls away, nor would she silently walk away either. Somehow, that attitude had rubbed off on young Hanabi.
They soon left the Land of Fire, intentionally bypassing the Land of Grass to avoid unnecessary conflict for the time being.
After crossing through the Land of Waterfalls, they neared the border of the Land of Earth.
"I wonder if we'll run into Kurotsuchi," Karin muttered, scanning the horizon.
"…Didn't you say you didn't want me to meet her?" Kimimaro asked with a raised brow.
"I didn't want you to meet her," Karin corrected with a sly grin. "But since we're in the Land of Earth already, it would be a shame to pass up the chance. I mean, we even visited Fu in the Land of Waterfalls."
Kimimaro could only shake his head. It was best not to try and understand a woman's logic.
When they passed through the Waterfall Village, they had taken the time to visit Fu and stayed for two days.
Fu had been doing well lately. Thanks to the Uzumaki bloodline enhancement serum, she had even more energy than usual. She was overjoyed to see her friends and hosted them warmly.
Unfortunately, Fu couldn't join their journey.
"Look, there are a lot of people up ahead."
Karin pointed toward a small hill, where a stream of people were entering and exiting a modest wooden building.
"A restaurant?" Kimimaro narrowed his eyes. "Looks like it's bustling. Let's check it out."
"A restaurant? Hmph. There's no way their cooking is better than yours," Karin said with a pout.
"I'm sure there are many people better than me at cooking," Kimimaro replied modestly. "Besides, cooking every day is tiring."
His culinary skills were indeed exceptional—so much so that even Guren, who always liked to oppose him on everything, never once complained about his cooking.
They approached and discovered the place was a small roadside shop famous for its curry rice.
"Let's give it a try!"
The shop owner, a cheerful elderly woman, welcomed them with enthusiasm and recommended the house special.
A moment later…
"So spicy!!" everyone cried out in unison.
Out of the six people, three were sticking out their tongues from the heat of the spice.
"Hanabi, can't handle spicy food?" Kimimaro asked calmly.
"Mhm… it's so spicy!" Hanabi fanned her mouth with her hand, her eyes watering. "But it also tastes really good!"
Karin grinned, slurping down another spoonful. "Of course it does. This old lady's curry rice is on par with Kimimaro's cooking—maybe even better!"
Jugo silently nodded, his cheeks full, and discreetly passed a glass of water to Guren, who was clearly struggling with the heat. She accepted it with gratitude, drinking in large gulps until her face regained some color.
"Kimimaro, stop looking after just Hanabi! I'm dying over here too!" Suigetsu shouted, clutching his throat. "Is this stuff even edible?! How are you guys eating it like it's normal?!"
Kimimaro calmly took another bite. "You all lack appreciation. Spicy food has its own kind of satisfaction."
An elderly woman in an apron laughed as she approached their table. "Young man, is this your first time here? You're eating like someone who's truly enjoying my Curry of Life. But don't worry—some people just aren't cut out for spicy food." She cast a knowing glance at Suigetsu.
Suigetsu looked like he wanted to retort, but Kimimaro stopped him with a hand on his shoulder.
"Grandma," Kimimaro said politely, "your cooking is excellent. I can taste it—in this curry, you've blended…" He began listing spices and techniques with practiced ease.
The old woman blinked in surprise. "You know your way around a kitchen, huh? Not many young people these days do. My son, Shinji, was the same—always experimenting with spices. He was a real chef."
"What happened to him?" Karin asked curiously.
"He's been missing for a while now," the woman replied with a sigh. "I'm too old to go searching. I keep hoping he'll wander back on his own. Kids these days… always chasing something. But with how dangerous things have gotten around here, I worry."
Kimimaro's eyes narrowed slightly. "Dangerous?"
"There's this strange family—calls themselves the Kurosuki. They've been holding funerals lately… for people who aren't even dead."
"What did you just say?" Suigetsu suddenly stood, water dripping down his chin.
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