"Naruto-kun's ancestors helped design and build our home, Neesan?" Hanabi asked in wonder.
"It would appear to be so," Hinata said.
"You know, from what Naruto-kun told me, you girls do have some traits of an Uzumaki," Honoka said, catching both Hinata and Hanabi's attention.
"Neesan and I are of Hyuuga descent. How could we have Uzumaki heritage?" Hanabi inquired.
"You have traits of an Uzumaki not by heritage, but by characteristics. Back in Nami no Kuni, Naruto-kun said how both you and Hinata act very much like me. It was clear to me that Naruto-kun like girls who reminds him of his big sister," Honoka teased.
"Honoka-nee!" Naruto grunted.
"What? It's true that you said that," Honoka replied with a grin.
"You didn't have to let them know that!" Naruto said.
"It's all right Naruto-kun. I find it endearing," Hinata said.
"I find it weird," Hanabi said.
"Does the idea of being admired by Naruto-kun because of our similarities in characteristics displease you, Hanabi?" Honoka inquired.
Hanabi blushed, then replied with a slight stutter, "No! I mean…I d-didn't mean it that way! It's just that I've known Naruto-kun for a couple of years, longer than you, no offense. And the idea of being compared to someone who's now his new big sister just seems unusual."
"It's understandable that it would feel awkward at first, considering that you haven't gotten to know me yet. Therefore, allow me to briefly state the facts: the three of us care deeply for Naruto-kun as he cares deeply about us, we're all attached to him and he regards us as precious to him, and we're very protective of him as he is of us and we won't tolerate anyone defaming him in front of us, no matter who they are."
Hinata nodded in agreement and Naruto himself felt happy about how cherished he was. Hanabi too recalled how angry she got several days ago when Neji started badmouthing Naruto to her face before she sternly silenced and dismissed him from her sight.
"I admit I'm left with no room to argue, though Naruto-kun can be such a pain at some times," Hanabi remarked.
"I love you too Hanabi," Naruto snorted. Hinata giggled at the both of them as Honoka simply smiled, happy that she was able to melt whatever ice was there between herself and Hanabi.
(That Evening; Elsewhere)
The Suna nins were lodging in their rented hotel rooms. They were briefed by their Jounin sensei Baki before being allowed to rest for the rest of the night. Temari was leaning on the window ledge while looking out at the full moon shining brightly in the cloudless night sky. As she was doing so, her mind began to drift off.
"I am far from worthy of possessing let alone touching such exceptionally polished gemstones such as the one standing before me. Yet, just to be able to look, even from afar with my unworthy eyes, gives me reasons to appreciate women who refine themselves into kunoichi that are more than meets the eyes."
Why am I thinking of his words all of a sudden? Temari thought, Strong women who refine themselves into kunoichi that are more than meets the eyes.
No one ever said things like that about me before…Ugghhh! What am I doing? Why am I letting what he said get to me? Temari mentally sighed before she recalled his latter words.
"Hinata is my prized girlfriend, who possesses radiant moonlit pearls for eyes."
Looking at the moonlight while remembering Naruto's words about Hinata made Temari feel an emotion that felt foreign to her; a particular emotion that troubled her and it was aimed at Hinata, who she had never seen or met yet.
"Thinking about a certain blond, are we? I never knew you had a soft spot for younger men," Kankuro taunted as he entered the room. Temari turned and shot him a hardened glare that promised immense pain if he said another word on the subject. Kankuro shrugged and walked off out of the room as he said, "Gaara's on the roof; just thought you should know."
Kankuro closed the door behind him, leaving Temari alone with her thoughts. Looking back out the window, Temari thought about the reasons they were in Konoha. She and her people knew what their main objectives were, and as a loyal Suna kunoichi, she had her duty to carry out. Regardless of her priorities though, Temari felt the need to take care of some things, starting with an inner conflict that started up since her meeting with Naruto.
His prized girlfriend…why does that bothers me so much? Temari wondered with a strained sigh…
The Chuunin Exams are underway, with local and foreign ninja entering Konoha to participate in the exams. While this is taking place, Naruto and Honoka are making moves to make the conspiracy to erase their clan from history known to the populous.
Will they succeed in their objectives, and with what results?
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