Naruto was about to activate his Instantaneous Movement to transport all three of them directly to the hot spring hotel when a thought struck him.
"Hinata, where's Neji? I haven't seen him."
Neji was one of Naruto's friends, which meant he'd naturally been invited to this gathering. If Neji hadn't left yet, Naruto wouldn't mind bringing him along. It would only take a second, and the more the merrier.
Hinata's expression flickered with memory. "Oh, about an hour ago, when Hanabi and I were still getting ready, Cousin Neji was here at the compound. I asked if he wanted to wait for you so we could all travel together."
She paused, her brow furrowing slightly. "His reaction was... strange. He got very tense when I suggested it, almost nervous. He waved his hands and said 'No need, no need! I'm meeting up with Lee and Tenten first. We'll go together.' Then he left very quickly."
Hinata had found the response odd at the time. Naruto-kun was so fast, after all. Traveling with him would be incredibly convenient. She couldn't understand why Cousin Neji would refuse such an offer.
What she didn't know was that Neji had fled the compound specifically to avoid the possibility of Naruto arriving early and deciding they needed to "maintain their friendship" with another sparring session. The memory of his last beating was still fresh, and Neji had no desire to repeat the experience before a relaxing hot spring visit.
Better to leave early and avoid the risk entirely.
"He said he'd meet us there," Hinata concluded.
"That's too bad," Naruto said with genuine disappointment. "I was hoping we could travel together. Maybe strengthen our bond a bit on the way."
Hinata and Hanabi both failed to notice the slightly ominous undertone to that statement.
"Well, no matter!" Naruto shifted Hanabi more securely on his shoulders. "Let's go!"
He activated his technique.
The world blurred.
In the next instant, all three of them stood at the entrance of the hot spring hotel.
The hotel was an impressive establishment, built in traditional style with elegant wooden architecture and carefully maintained gardens. Lanterns hung along the pathways, their warm light creating a welcoming atmosphere as evening approached.
A man in formal hotel attire spotted them immediately and rushed over, his face lighting up with recognition.
"Welcome, welcome!" he said, bowing deeply. "Naruto-sama, Lady Hinata, Lady Hanabi! We've been expecting you. The finest private room has been prepared according to your specifications."
The hotel manager, having been informed by Hiashi himself about tonight's gathering, understood the significance of these guests. The Hyūga clan was a major shareholder in this establishment, which meant the family's members were always treated as VIPs.
But seeing Naruto holding hands with the eldest daughter of the clan head? That told the manager everything he needed to know about priorities.
This young man is going to be part of the Hyūga family, the manager thought. The patriarch made it very clear: provide the absolute best service to Naruto.
And even without the Hyūga connection, the manager would have been extremely attentive. Word of Naruto's strength had spread throughout Konoha's business community. Smart people didn't treat someone that powerful with anything less than utmost respect.
"Thank you so much," Naruto said warmly. "Hiashi-sama has been incredibly generous. I really appreciate his consideration."
I need to find a proper way to thank him, Naruto thought. Maybe I should befriend him formally. Show my gratitude properly.
The idea of subjecting Hiashi to "the process" seemed like a perfectly reasonable expression of appreciation in Naruto's mind.
"Sir," Naruto asked the manager, "have my friends arrived yet?"
"All present and accounted for, Naruto-sama," the manager replied with a smile. "They're gathered in the main lounge, waiting for you and the young ladies. Please, follow me."
The manager led them through the hotel's entrance. Once they entered the more public areas, Naruto gently released Hinata's hand, though he continued carrying Hanabi on his shoulders.
He'd learned that Hinata, despite her growing confidence, still became painfully shy when displaying affection in front of crowds. She would practically try to bury her face in her collar like a startled turtle.
Better to be considerate and spare her the embarrassment.
"This way, please," the manager said, guiding them down a brightly lit corridor. The distinctive mineral scent of hot spring water grew stronger with each step, mixed with hints of cedar and lavender.
As they rounded a corner, Naruto caught a glimpse of a distinctive figure entering a small private room ahead. The silhouette was unmistakable: bowl-cut hair, over 1.8 meters tall, moving with that particular energetic gait.
Wait, was that... Guy-sensei?
Naruto's brow furrowed in confusion. At lunch, he'd specifically asked Lee to invite Might Guy to the gathering. Lee had explained that his sensei had left the village early that morning on a mission, so he wouldn't be available.
Did he finish the mission early? Naruto wondered. It's the only explanation. Guy-sensei wouldn't lie about something like that.
Naruto made note of the room number. He'd check on Guy-sensei after greeting everyone else. With so many people already waiting, it would be rude to delay further.
"Here we are, Naruto-sama," the manager announced, stopping before a set of sliding doors. "The lounge."
Naruto could already hear voices inside, particularly Shino's unmistakable drone as he explained something at length to someone.
The manager opened the doors with a flourish. "Naruto-sama, Lady Hinata, Lady Hanabi. I hope you enjoy your evening."
"Naruto!" several voices called out simultaneously as they entered.
The lounge was spacious and comfortable, with low tables arranged throughout and cushions for seating. Naruto's friends had clearly been there for a while, helping themselves to the provided refreshments while they waited.
Iruka waved from one corner, looking slightly uncomfortable in his casual clothing. Kakashi sat reading near the window, his visible eye crinkling in greeting. Sasuke stood with Choji and Shikamaru, while Lee practiced his stretches enthusiastically in the center of the room. Zabuza and Haku occupied a quieter spot, looking somewhat out of place but present nonetheless.
Ino, Sakura, and Tenten had claimed a table together, already chattering excitedly about the hot springs.
"Alright, everyone's here!" Naruto announced cheerfully. "Let's get started!"
The hotel manager led the large group down another corridor, this one branching into two directions. At the end of each branch stood impressive doorways marked with signs: "Male Bath" and "Female Bath."
Before the group could split up, Naruto crouched down to address Kurama, who'd been perched on his shoulder in miniature form.
"Kurama," Naruto asked seriously, "do you want to go to the male bath or the female bath?"
The question hung in the air. Everyone stopped, suddenly interested in the fox's answer.
Kurama's tails swished once. He lifted his small head with obvious pride and sniffed disdainfully.
"Hmph. The female bath, obviously. It won't be nearly as crowded."
Without waiting for a response, Kurama leaped gracefully from Naruto's shoulder directly into Hanabi's arms.
"Kurama!" Hanabi squealed with delight, hugging the soft fox close. "You're so fluffy!"
Girls, as a general rule, loved furry things. This was an immutable law of nature.
Naruto and Sasuke exchanged glances, both thinking the same thing: So Kurama really is female. That explains the dresses.
Neither of them noticed the slight twitch in Kurama's ear, or the way the fox's expression suggested intense satisfaction at successfully maintaining his deception.
The group divided naturally.
Male bath: Naruto, Sasuke, Choji, Lee, Shikamaru, Neji (who'd arrived early and was trying to be invisible), Shino, Kiba, Zabuza, Haku, Iruka, Kakashi, and Kabuto.
Female bath: Hinata, Hanabi, Ino, Sakura, Tenten, and Kurama.
Naruto had specifically requested separate bathing areas rather than a mixed bath. Despite his straightforward nature regarding most things, he understood that some boundaries were important to maintain. Everyone would be more comfortable this way.
The male bath was enormous, easily capable of accommodating thirty people simultaneously. Steam rose from the mineral-rich water in lazy spirals. Along the edges sat sterilized towels, fresh robes, and platters of sliced fruit and cold drinks.
"This is incredible," Choji breathed, already eyeing the fruit platter.
"We should wash first," Kakashi reminded everyone, gesturing toward the washing stations along one wall. "Standard hot spring protocol."
As the children of various prominent clans, most of those present were familiar with proper hot spring etiquette. They'd visited such establishments regularly throughout their lives.
Naruto, of course, was the notable exception. His childhood hadn't included luxury hotel visits. But he followed everyone else's lead, copying their actions as they rinsed off thoroughly before entering the main pool.
One by one, they slipped into the hot water.
"Ahhhh..." The collective sigh of contentment echoed off the walls.
The temperature was perfect, hot enough to make muscles immediately relax but not so hot as to be uncomfortable. Mineral salts in the water made skin tingle pleasantly.
"This is heaven," Choji announced, already half-submerged with his eyes closed.
"Troublesome to move now," Shikamaru agreed, finding a comfortable spot in a corner.
Naruto remained standing on the edge, not yet entering the water. Everyone looked at him questioningly.
"I'm going to invite Guy-sensei first," Naruto explained. "I saw him earlier when we were walking down the corridor. He must have finished his mission early. It would be rude not to include him."
"Guy-sensei is here?" Lee sat up immediately, his eyes shining. "That's wonderful! My passionate sensei can join us for this youthful gathering!"
"I'll be right back," Naruto promised. "Don't wait for me, everyone relax."
He left the bath area, heading back toward the corridor where he'd spotted that distinctive silhouette entering a private room.
The others settled into the hot water, conversations starting up as the warmth worked its magic on tired muscles.
None of them noticed the slight frown on Kakashi's face, or the way his visible eye tracked Naruto's departure with concern.
Guy left the village this morning, Kakashi thought. His mission was scheduled to take three days minimum. He can't possibly be back yet.
So who did Naruto see?
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