For those who cannot use chakra, every day in the Snow Country is cold.
Naruto bought several thick winter clothes, quilts, and plenty of coal for Konan at the market.
Konan put on her winter clothes and tied her long blue hair into a bun. She no longer wore the fake flower and didn't apply blue eyeshadow.
Naruto had said the blue eyeshadow looked ugly and asked her to change it, but after trying many alternatives, she concluded that none looked better. So she simply stopped using any.
Seeing Naruto work so hard for her, Konan felt both happy and a little sad because she knew he would be leaving soon.
"We're going to rescue people. It's too dangerous. It's not suitable for you to come along," Naruto said after finishing packing.
They no longer stayed at the B&B. Naruto had bought a fairly large house in this small town, giving him a stable base in the Snow Country.
"I know. I'm just a burden now," Konan said, pursing her lips.
"Don't say that. I don't dislike you."
After washing his hands, Naruto opened the door and reached into the snow to dig out a can of Coke.
The Snow Country acted like a natural refrigerator. Just toss your drink outside to chill—just remember where you left it.
"So you are admitting I'm a burden?" Konan said, sounding aggrieved.
"Tch, don't be so proud. That doesn't suit you."
Naruto opened the can and drank the icy Coke in one gulp.
A big sip of cold soda in the dead of winter had its own charm.
Konan crossed her arms and looked away. "Then how am I supposed to act around you?"
Naruto tossed the empty can into the trash and took a few steps forward. He looked up and compared their heights: Konan was 170cm, and Naruto stood at 167cm.
He couldn't make proper eye contact with her unless she looked down.
But that wasn't a big issue. As a rich and powerful young man, Naruto didn't need to spoil women.
He held Konan's cheeks in his hands and forced her to lower her head so he could meet her eyes.
"You don't need to do anything. Just be yourself. I was joking earlier."
"Why drink ice-cold Coke? Your hands are freezing."
Konan grabbed Naruto's hand and slid it under her clothes, warming it with her body heat. She trembled from the chill at first, but Naruto quickly channeled chakra into her, not only warming her up but healing her a little more.
That fleeting sadness he gave her was gone in a moment, replaced by warmth.
"So you're really not taking me? I could at least cook for you," Konan said.
"I told you, it's dangerous. Just wait for me here."
Seeing her melancholic face, Naruto stood on tiptoe and patted her head with a smile. "Good girl."
It was a bit ridiculous—a shorter guy patting a taller girl's head—but Naruto didn't care. He liked to be in control.
"Fine. Just be careful," Konan said, bending slightly to let him pat her head.
After all the outrageous things they'd done together, a pat on the head was nothing.
Konan had overheard Naruto's plan yesterday. He would go rescue people, and she, having no chakra, would be of no help.
But she really didn't want to leave him. Because ever since she woke up, Naruto had been her whole world.
"Be safe."
"Don't jinx it."
Naruto hugged her, pressing a finger to her lips and looking into her eyes.
Konan said nothing more, just lifted her thick cotton coat and pulled Naruto inside. They warmed each other inside the coat.
Then, they kissed.
Konan lowered her head on her own.
She had eaten honey that morning. Her lips were still sweet, making the kiss intoxicating.
Naruto kicked the door shut, picked up Konan—taller than him—and walked toward the bedroom.
"Since you're leaving, love me properly today," Konan whispered after their kiss.
Around two in the afternoon, the warmest part of the day, snowflakes were smaller and fewer.
Naruto braved the snow and met up with Sasuke, Shikamaru, and Neji at the town gate.
The three didn't talk much. Maybe their relationship wasn't great.
"Naruto," Shikamaru greeted.
Neji nodded in greeting. Sasuke, however, turned away with a cold snort.
Naruto suppressed a sigh. This rebellious son still needed a beating.
Naruto nodded slightly. He was a father now, and it was better to avoid awkward interactions.
Once they returned to the village, he would reveal the truth. Then they could get along as father and sons.
"Naruto, you're pretty good at picking up women," Shikamaru commented.
"That's true," Naruto said proudly. If he weren't good at it, he wouldn't have won over so many women.
He counted over ten women he'd gotten close to so far.
Another step closer to his dream harem.
Shikamaru didn't expect such a frank answer. "Now Ino insists on marrying you, and you're here with an older beauty. What are you planning to do about her?"
"She might start hating you."
Naruto raised an eyebrow. Was this rebellious son trying to get him to be loyal to Ino?
Son, do you realize if your dad actually did that, your mom would hate you?
"Tch," Sasuke scoffed. "Don't worry, Naruto has no heart. He doesn't care if Ino hates him or not."
"Besides, those girls won't hate him. I saw him swear in front of Sakura and Ino that he'd find lots of women, and they just fell harder for him. It was ridiculous—"
Suddenly, Sasuke collapsed into the snow.
"Peace at last!" Naruto said, brushing his hands.
This disrespectful child needed a beating.
One day, when the truth came out, Mikoto would surely give him a beating of her own.
"Neji, carry your brother."
"Huh?! Me? Carry him?!"
"Yes. Let's go."
Neji wanted to protest—he and Sasuke weren't even close.
But Naruto's serious expression silenced him.
"Fine. I can't beat him. I won't argue."
He carried Sasuke, and they moved out.
Naruto was pleased. Shikamaru and Neji were obedient sons. Sasuke, though, remained a thorn.
Before they left town, Naruto slipped Konan's Akatsuki ring onto his left hand.
His shadow clones remained in town to protect Konan. She couldn't use chakra, and Naruto had to be sure she was safe.
But he also wanted to test her.
No matter how well they got along recently, Konan had a past with Nagato and Yahiko that ran deep.
What if she remembered and betrayed him?
Even Madara and Hashirama could be killed by a surprise kunai.
If Konan ever tried to stab him in his sleep...
Naruto doubted she could succeed, not with Uzumaki China inside her, but he wouldn't take chances.
He needed to stay alert.
Northern port of the Snow Country.
A massive ship approached slowly. Over a hundred people were aboard.
Haku and Zabuza had killed only those who resisted or misbehaved. Most passengers remained alive.
On deck, the cold wind blew hard.
A lone figure stood at the bow, eyes full of anticipation for the snowy land ahead.
"Haku," Zabuza approached, keeping a respectful distance.
Haku didn't like anyone but Naruto getting too close.
And now, her power had far surpassed Zabuza's. He had no say.
"You didn't use genjutsu on Yuhi Kurenai and Hinata today. Did you forget?" Zabuza asked.
Ever since boarding, those two had been trapped in illusions created by Orochimaru and Haku.
At first, Haku hesitated. But after Orochimaru's persuasion, she hardened her resolve.
Kindness was now only for the one she loved.
After Orochimaru left, she continued using genjutsu, powered by her immense chakra.
"Not today. We'll see Naruto-sama soon. He can handle it."
Just mentioning Naruto made her breath quicken. She blushed.
Zabuza sighed. "What's so great about that yellow-haired brat that makes you worship him like this?"
He'd raised Haku like a daughter. And now, she belonged to someone else.
"Zabuza, what are you muttering about?"
"Nothing. Just reminiscing about my old days in the Hidden Mist."
Haku glared coldly. "You better not be badmouthing Naruto-sama. Or you're going to the punishment room."
"Yes, ma'am!" Zabuza bowed.
He grumbled inside. Raising a daughter? No, it was like raising a parent who scolded him.
Still, he had raised her and would follow her now.
"Naruto Uzumaki, you better treat her right. Or I'll cut you down, even if it costs me my life."
The ship docked, sending waves crashing to shore.
Haku led her team down the dock.
The dock guards rushed forward, hoping for a bribe.
Haku didn't even glance at them. She looked to the sky and murmured:
"The Snow Country belongs to me."
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