Chapter 36: Party Invitation

Tsunade stormed out of the Hokage's office, frustration bubbling beneath the surface.

Meanwhile, Naruto and Karin made their way to the Hyūga residence. Naruto had decided to invite Hinata's family first—including Hizashi-ojisan and his son, Neji.

As they stepped inside, Karin's grip on Naruto's sleeve tightened. The sight of so many people with pale, pupil-less eyes unsettled her. She felt their silent stares, her nerves prickling with discomfort.

Sensing her unease, Naruto gently squeezed her hand, his touch reassuring. "No need to worry," he said softly, his voice warm and steady. "They may look scary at first, but trust me, they're good people once you get to know them."

As if on cue, several Hyūga members approached, their previously stoic faces softening as they greeted Naruto with familiarity and respect. Some even asked about Karin, their gazes curious but not unkind.

Naruto smiled and patted Karin's back. "She's my distant cousin," he introduced proudly.

Karin blinked, surprised at how naturally he included her. A few of the Hyūga nodded in acknowledgment, and gradually, the stiffness in her shoulders eased. The once-intimidating eyes didn't seem so frightening anymore.

A familiar voice called out. "Naruto, it's been a while." 

Hizashi Hyūga approached with his usual calm demeanor, his eyes briefly shifting to Karin before settling back on Naruto. Neji stood beside him, his young face composed but carrying the weight of discipline instilled in him. 

"Hizashi-ojisan!" Naruto grinned, his carefree attitude making the otherwise serious atmosphere lighten. "I came to invite you all to a celebration at our home. Mom's making a feast, and we found two long-lost Uzumaki clan members, so we're throwing a party!" 

Hizashi raised an eyebrow. "Two more Uzumaki?" 

Naruto nodded and gestured toward Karin. "This is Karin, my cousin. And her mother, Kana, is with my mom right now." 

Neji's gaze lingered on Karin, who hesitated before offering a small bow. "It's nice to meet you," she said softly. 

Hizashi observed her for a moment before giving a small nod. "The Uzumaki clan… they were once close allies of Konoha. It is good to know that not all was lost." 

Naruto grinned. "Exactly! So, are you guys coming or what?" 

Hizashi chuckled. "It would be an honor." 

Neji remained quiet but glanced at Karin, sensing her nervousness. "You're not used to this many eyes on you, are you?" 

Karin blinked before shaking her head. "Not really... but Naruto-Nissan said you're all good people." 

Neji's lips twitched slightly at Naruto's influence. "He's annoying, but… he's not wrong." 

Naruto laughed. "See? Even Neji agrees with me!" 

Karin smiled at the exchange, feeling her discomfort slowly fade. Maybe this village wasn't so bad after all.

Naruto made sure Karin met almost everyone he knew—which, at this point, was practically the entire village. He started with the Hyūga clan, then moved on to the Uchiha, introducing her to Fugaku, Mikoto, and even a young Sasuke. After that, he brought her to meet all of his friends. 

At first, Karin was reserved, clinging to Naruto's sleeve whenever new people surrounded her. But as the introductions continued, she slowly began to warm up, especially around Hinata, who greeted her with a shy but kind smile. 

However, when they reached the group of Naruto's closest friends—particularly Sakura and Ino—Karin's demeanor changed. She became noticeably clingy, standing in front of Naruto as if to shield him from the two girls.

Her eyes narrowed slightly whenever Sakura or Ino got too close, and she held onto Naruto's arm like a lifeline. 

Naruto, oblivious as ever, just ruffled her hair with a chuckle. "Relax, Karin. These are my friends." 

Karin pouted but didn't let go. She didn't fully understand why, but she didn't like the way those girls talked to her Nii-san. 

To Naruto, it was just sibling possessiveness, and he found it kind of cute. Little did he know, everyone else saw something entirely different. 

After inviting all his close friends and family, Naruto took Karin to one of the places that meant the most to him. 

"Karin, this is one of my favorite places," he said, stopping in front of a small but welcoming ramen stand—Ichiraku Ramen. 

Karin tilted her head, looking at the simple wooden shop with a skeptical expression. "What? It's just a shop," she said, genuinely confused. How could something so ordinary be so special to him? 

Naruto didn't try to explain. Some things were better experienced than told. With a knowing grin, he simply took her hand and led her inside. 

"Come on, you'll understand soon enough."

As they stepped inside, the warm, savory aroma of freshly made broth and noodles filled the air. The small shop had a comforting, homely feel to it, with steam rising from pots and the sound of chopsticks clinking against bowls. 

"Oi, old man Teuchi, Ayame-nee, I'm back!" Naruto called out with excitement. 

The elderly ramen chef turned around, his face lighting up as he saw Naruto. "Ah, Naruto! It's been a while! And who's this little one?" 

"This is Karin, my cousin," Naruto said proudly, placing a hand on her head. "She's new to Konoha, so I'm showing her all the important places… and of course, this is at the top of the list!" 

Teuchi chuckled. "Well, if she's family, then she's always welcome here." 

Karin still looked skeptical. "But… it's just ramen," she mumbled. 

Naruto gasped dramatically, clutching his chest as if he had been mortally wounded. "Just ramen?! Karin, you wound me! Ichiraku isn't just a ramen shop—it's the best ramen shop in the world!" 

Karin blinked at his theatrics, but Ayame, Teuchi's daughter, laughed as she placed two steaming bowls in front of them. "Here, give it a try before you judge." 

Naruto handed her a pair of chopsticks with a confident grin. "One bite and you'll understand." 

Karin hesitated, then took a small bite. Her eyes widened as the rich flavor exploded in her mouth. The perfect blend of broth, noodles, and toppings melted on her tongue. 

Naruto watched her expectantly. "Well?" 

Karin swallowed, then quickly took another bite. And another. Before she knew it, half the bowl was gone. 

Naruto smirked. "Told you so." 

Karin, still chewing, gave him a begrudging look before mumbling, "Okay… it's pretty good." 

Teuchi chuckled. "Pretty good, huh? That's a new customer for life." 

As they ate together, Karin realized something—this place wasn't just Naruto's favorite because of the ramen. It was because of the warmth, the people, the feeling of belonging. And for the first time in a long time, she felt like she was part of something special too.

After having ramen, Naruto tried to pay the old man but refused. He sighed and left after farewell with them.

After finishing their ramen, Naruto reached for his wallet, but Teuchi, the old man behind the counter, waved him off with a warm smile. 

"Consider it a welcome meal for your little sister," Teuchi said kindly. 

Naruto sighed, knowing it was pointless to argue. Instead, he smiled in gratitude and bid farewell before leading Karin out of the shop. 

As they walked through the village, Naruto glanced at Karin, who was now brimming with energy, skipping along the path and kicking small stones playfully. 

"So, what do you think of the village?" he asked, watching her reaction. 

Karin spun around, her red hair swaying with her movement, and beamed up at him. "Nii-san, this is the best! I didn't know a village could be so beautiful and welcoming. The people here are so kind. I love it already!" 

Hearing her words, Naruto felt a warmth in his chest. "Good to know you love the village," he said, ruffling her hair fondly.

Determined to make her first day in Konoha unforgettable, he took her to all the places that could bring her joy—the bustling markets, the training fields, even a quiet spot by the river where he often sat to think. 

By the time they returned home, the sky had begun to glow with shades of orange and pink. The village, now bathed in the warm hues of the setting sun, felt more like home than ever.