My Brother's a Jinchūriki!

Chapter Sixty-Two- Powerful New Rivals!

"Huh." Naruto crossed his arms and made a face as he muttered to himself. "It's not like her to act so suspicious like that..."

Sakura turned to look back at where Natsumi disappeared to, then glanced back at Kankuro out of the corner of her eye. "That was weird... it definitely seemed like she knew him... and he clearly recognized her... but how?"

Sasuke looked at Kankuro briefly, then stuck his hands into his pockets. "She was obviously lying." He glanced at Naruto as he continued to mutter to himself. "And that guy's too big of an idiot to notice."

Konohamaru blinked and quickly tugged on Naruto's sleeve, interrupting him as he whispered.

"Niichan... with how suspicious she was acting... what if Natsumi neechan and that guy are secret lovers?"

"Secret..." Naruto repeated quietly under his breath, then his face reddened in anger as he grabbed the boy's shoulders and shook him. "N-No way! There's no way Natsumi could ever like a guy like that! Why'd you even suggest that?!"

"B-But...!" Konohamaru held up his hands. "It seemed like..."

Naruto gritted his teeth and balled his hands, turning to Kankuro. "Hey! Clown face! How do you know Natsumi?!"

"Clown face?" Kankuro clenched his jaw and glared, then closed his eyes for a moment and smirked before opening them again. "Whether I do or not... isn't really your business."

"Not my—!" Naruto glared back, breathing in harshly with his nose like a bull. "Why, you—! She's my sister! Of course it's my business! I won't let a guy like you get close to her!"

"Naruto, don't irritate them." Sakura hissed at him, holding her arms close. "These guys are kind of letting off a dangerous aura. Who knows what would happen if he got them riled up?"

"Answer me!" Naruto pointed. "Do you know her or not?"

"Wouldn't you like to know?" Kankuro titled his head up slightly to snub him.

"You're really irritating me." Gaara narrowed his eyes at Kankuro.

Kankuro gulped and turned, rubbing his head. "S-Sorry."

"We're leaving." Gaara turned and leapt away.

Temari gave Kankuro a long stare, then the two of them followed after.

"Hey!" Naruto shouted and held up his fist. "We're not done yet! Get back here so I can pummel you!"

Naruto moved to follow, and Sasuke gripped the back of his jacket to stop him abruptly, then let go.

"Save it for the Chunin Exams."

Naruto growled and glared after the Sand Genin, then at Sasuke, grumbling to himself as he stomped slowly off.

"Stupid clown-faced Sand guy... I oughta... I'm gonna..."

Sakura let out the breath she had been holding. "I 'm not sure what's going on at all... but it seems like it's going to be troublesome."

----

"Hey, Kankuro." Temari looked at him sideways, keeping her voice quiet. "That girl was the same one who met with the Kazekage, wasn't she?"

He didn't answer, and she walked closer to him and narrowed her eyes. "Something happened. Tell me."

"Be quiet." He turned his head and Temari's eyes widened slightly.

"Hey, did something really happen with her?"

"I said be quiet."

She let out a short laugh and leaned in closer. "So, that's why you came back with half your face smudged. How did that happen?"