Chapter 155: Flashback ends
These three had trespassed just as I was on my way to the Land of Whirlpools. Without wasting any time, I teleported back to the Land of Fire, riding in on my horse.
"Take me to them. I'll talk to them directly," I told my clone.
He nodded and guided me to where they were being held. Handing the horse's reins to him, I stepped forward, surveying the group.
As I approached the three intruders, my focus was drawn to the two women—one with striking blonde hair and the other with fiery red hair. The man? Honestly, he was just background noise to me at that moment.
"Samui, Karui, and..." I glanced briefly at the man. "Oroi, right? My clone already filled me in. So, what's the big idea, sneaking into the Land of Fire? Thought you could just waltz in without permission?"
Samui stepped forward, her calm demeanor not betraying any panic or fear. "We're not here to cause trouble, Naruto. We came to investigate what happened to the Fire Daimyo. We've heard rumors and needed to confirm them. That's all."
I crossed my arms and gave her a skeptical look. "You do realize that sneaking around like this makes you look suspicious, right? Especially when tensions between villages are still a thing."
Karui, as fiery as her hair, jumped in. "We're not spies, if that's what you're implying! We've been stranded and had no choice but to act quickly."
"Stranded, huh?" I said, tilting my head slightly. "And you didn't think to just send a message or request safe passage? No, you thought sneaking in was the better option?"
Samui sighed, clearly the more level-headed of the group. "We didn't have time to follow the proper channels. We didn't think it would escalate to this."
I leaned closer, locking eyes with Samui. "You're lucky it was me who found out and not someone less understanding. But this still doesn't explain why you're so interested in the Fire Daimyo's death. That's Konoha's business."
Oroi, finally finding his voice, added nervously, "We're not here to interfere. We're just following orders to gather information."
"Orders, huh?" I smirked. "From Raikage himself, I assume?"
Samui nodded. "Yes. He wanted us to ensure that this incident doesn't disrupt the balance between villages."
I straightened up, my smirk fading. "Fine. I'll let this slide for now. But you owe me for not tossing you out of the Land of Fire immediately."
Karui scowled. "Owe you? What do you mean?"
I grinned, my playful tone returning. "Well, I could think of a few ways... Maybe a favor? Or at least a proper explanation when you're back in your village."
Samui and Karui exchanged glances before Samui spoke up. "We'll comply. But only if you ensure our safety while we're here."
"Deal," I said, extending my hand. Samui shook it firmly, while Karui folded her arms, still looking annoyed.
"Now," I continued, "let's get you three somewhere less... uncomfortable. And next time, maybe don't try sneaking into my territory. Got it?"
They nodded, and I gestured for them to follow me. As we walked, I couldn't help but glance at Samui and Karui again. Something about them intrigued me, though I wasn't sure what. One thing was certain—this encounter wasn't something I'd forget anytime soon.
After arranging for Samui, Karui, and Omoi to stay in an inn, I made it clear they weren't allowed to leave the Land of Fire until the Kage Summit was over. "Consider this a precaution," I told them, though it was partly just to keep an eye on them—and, of course, because it was amusing.
But staying in one place could get boring, so every now and then, I'd teleport directly into their room, catching them off guard.
The first time, I appeared in the middle of the room while they were eating. "Miss me already?" I said with a grin, making Karui nearly choke on her food.
"Naruto! Knock first, will you?" Samui said, her calm voice tinged with mild irritation.
I smirked. "Knocking's too boring. Besides, you should always be ready for surprises, right?"
Karui glared at me. "You're doing this just to mess with us, aren't you?"
I shrugged. "Maybe. Or maybe I just enjoy your reactions."
Samui rolled her eyes, though I caught the faintest hint of a smirk on her lips. "You're impossible, Naruto."
"Impossible but entertaining," I quipped before disappearing again, leaving them to grumble in peace.
Another time, I showed up while they were training in the courtyard behind the inn. "Hey, mind if I join?" I said casually, leaning against a tree.
Karui swung her practice blade at me without warning, and I dodged effortlessly. "What's your problem?" she snapped.
"Relax, I'm just here for some fun," I said, smirking. "Besides, you need the practice if you want to land a hit on me."
Samui sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Naruto, do you ever take anything seriously?"
"Not really," I replied with a grin. "But don't worry—I'll make sure you're all safe until this is over. You have my word."
Despite their complaints, I could tell they didn't entirely mind my visits. And honestly, I enjoyed the distraction—it kept things interesting while we waited for the summit to conclude.
As the flashback ended, I found myself standing in the present, watching Samui and Karui clinging to Mabui like lost children, tears streaming down their faces. It was a stark contrast to the badass women I remembered from the future. Back then, they carried themselves with confidence and an aura of authority, especially when they came to Konoha after the Pain arc.
But now? Now they were... different. Vulnerable, emotional, and utterly dependent on Mabui's presence. It was honestly baffling.
"Man," I thought, scratching the back of my head. "How did things end up like this? These two were supposed to be the epitome of cool, and now look at them. Kishimoto really missed the mark when he sidelined so many characters in Shippuden. At least in the early days, everyone got their moment to shine. Here, it's like I'm the only one carrying the weight of the entire ninja world."
A mischievous grin spread across my face. "If only I had a camera right now," I mused silently. "I'd snap a picture of this moment and tease them for years to come. Can you imagine the look on Karui's face if I showed her this during a sparring session? Priceless."
Still, as much as I wanted to poke fun, I couldn't deny the genuine bond between the three women. It was clear that Mabui meant the world to Samui and Karui. And, in a way, it reminded me of the bonds I had with my own teammates and friends. Even the strongest ninja needed someone to lean on, after all.
"Guess I'll let them have this moment," I thought, stepping back slightly to give them some space. "But they'd better be ready, 'cause I'm not letting this slide so easily next time."
I gave them some time to cool off. After nearly half an hour, Mabui, Samui, and Karui finally came out of the room.
"Thank you, Naruto," Mabui said, with Samui and Karui echoing her gratitude.
"Don't mention it," I replied casually. "I just did what needed to be done. I'm not the type to kill everyone I see. But don't you want to check on the other guy in that room?" I gestured toward Oroi's room.
"It's okay," Mabui said, a little dismissively. "If these two are fine, then he should be fine too."
"But I think he might be having a heart attack by now," I said with a grin. "You know how he's always so negative. Now, being treated like a fugitive in an enemy village? That's probably his worst nightmare."
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