Naruto Karyuden

Chapter 46: Academy Days V - Shinobi Union 1

ACADEMY DAYS V - SHINOBI UNION I

Uzumaki household

Konohamaru jumps in one place as a warm-up, loosening up his arms as he does. "Alright, big day's near! You're gonna cheer me on, right, Bro?"

Naruto laughs from his spot on the sofa. "Of course I will. I know you're gonna knock 'em dead."

"Are you nervous?" Kotori asks.

"Hah! Me, nervous?" He puffs out his chest. "Of course not! I got nothing to fear. I'm the heir to the Sarutobi clan, one of the founding clans of the Leaf! Ain't no one can match me."

Kotori lightly pouts. "Is it really that impressive to be heir? Everyone talks about it- you, Kashiwama... Does that make you stronger?"

"Well, I mean, not really, but we have to keep up our image, you know? We're not just fighting for ourselves but the whole clan, our family. And now that includes you, too!" Konohamaru grins.

Kotori tilts her head. "It does?"

"Yeah! You're bro's family and bro's my bro so you're... my... sis?"

Hinata walks up to the table, placing down a mug in front of Konohamaru. "I think 'niece' is the proper term, although that's not entirely correct in this scenario, either." She then sits down with Naruto and Kotori on the sofa.

Naruto scratches his head. "Yeah, it's not exactly a normal thing we have going here."

"Either way, you're family now. So watch me real close at the exams, okay? I'm gonna show you how you become Chunin! Take notes when you take the Exams."

Kotori eagerly nods. "We'll cheer you on!"

"I know you will." He then squints at Hinata. "But someone here has... conflicting allegiances."

"Pardon?" Hinata cocks her head in confusion, silky hair sliding down her shoulder. "Oh, you mean Hanabi?"

"Yeah, I mean... her ." He doesn't even want to say her name. "If we end up fighting at the Exams, who're you gonna root for?"

Hinata gives a warm smile. "You've both grown to be such strong and capable shinobi. I want both of you to succeed and keep growing."

Konohamaru throws his arms up. "See, that's what I mean! You're too nice, you know."

"Lay off it, Konohamaru." Naruto laughs. "She's awesome, is what she is."

"... You've changed." Konohamaru judges.

A knock on the door interrupts their moment.

"I'll get it!" Kotori hops off and opens the door to be met by Karin.

"Hey, kid. Your... dad here?" Karin still has trouble referring to these two as father and daughter, given their difference is only 10 years. Hardly enough for a parental connection but, hey, they seem to be making it work.

"Yeah." She turns back to the room to call out, "It's Karin!" She opens the door wider to allow Karin to enter if she wants to. She doesn't seem to.

Naruto stands up from his spot and goes to see why his cousin's come. "Hey, Karin. What's up?"

"The other villages should be arriving any time now. If you want to meet them, you should get going."

"Thanks, Karin!"

Hearing the news, Hinata also stands up. "We should go meet them now. The other Union representatives should be there already."

"Yeah." Naruto nods and quickly goes back to don his orange cloak before he and Hinata make their way outside.