Chapter 18: Midnight Talk

Before they knew it, most of the day had passed.

The carriage came to a stop in a small town. Seeing that the sun was already setting, Sandayū decided they'd spend the night there.

Naruto hopped off the carriage and looked around with curiosity.

Passing travelers and merchant caravans bustled about, taverns and eateries lined the streets, and in the distance, neon signs shimmered in colorful flashes.

Judging by the two coachmen's eager expressions, it wasn't hard to guess what kind of establishments those were...

Sandayū booked several rooms at a local hot spring inn one each for the three of them, and one shared room for the two coachmen.

"We haven't even asked where are we heading?"

"Capital of the Land of Fire."

During dinner in the inn's guestroom, Naruto asked his question while digging into a luxurious seafood feast.

Koyuki Kazahana sat silently beside Sandayū, eating with barely a word.

"You've heard of that popular movie, The Princess Gale, right?" Sandayū said proudly, "Koyuki played the lead role! Since the first movie was such a hit, the investors want to strike while the iron's hot and start filming part two."

"Sounds exhausting…"

Naruto didn't care much for movies. Too much hassle.

Unlike singing, which could be done in a few minutes, filming a movie took months. Not to mention the endless mishaps one small problem could stall the entire production. It all just screamed trouble.

"Wanna give it a try?"

Sandayū looked at him expectantly. "Naruto-kun, I have high hopes for you. With your looks and talent, you could easily be both an actor and a singer!"

"You're giving me way too much credit…"

Naruto gave an awkward chuckle and waved it off. He could sing, sure.

But acting? That was a whole different beast. He could probably cringe his way into creating a crater in the Uchiha compound.

His personality was the type that posted all kinds of wild stuff online but clammed up in real life.

He was the loudest clown around friends, but the second a stranger walked in, he turned into a cold, deadpan wall.

It wasn't the camera itself that made him nervous it was the people behind it.

He couldn't imagine filming an intense love scene while surrounded by a whole crew. If he accidentally, you know, reacted... then he might as well call up Black Zetsu and ask about the Infinite Tsukuyomi.

Maybe it was Naruto's presence, but Sandayū was in high spirits that night.

He drank a few small cups of sake with dinner and even enthusiastically dragged Naruto off to the hot springs afterward.

Later, as he lay in bed, Naruto could faintly hear snoring coming from the room next door.

Moonlight spilled through the window and onto his face. Staring up at the star-filled sky, he felt his heart beating steady and strong in his chest. A rare moment of peace washed over him.

He sat up, opened the window, and with a light leap, grabbed hold of the eaves above.

Just as he was about to pull himself up, he froze.

He felt it someone was watching him.

After years of being under constant surveillance, he knew that feeling too well.

He looked down and met a pair of striking, ice-blue eyes.

It was Koyuki Kazahana.

The girl's brows were slightly furrowed with a faint, lingering sorrow. Her long black hair fell loose over her shoulders as she leaned on the windowsill, looking at him in surprise.

"You're a ninja?"

"I'm not."

Naruto shook his head, let go of the ledge, and landed squarely against the wall like it was flat ground. "You're not sleeping?"

"Can't sleep."

Koyuki's eyes dropped to his feet. "But you're clearly using chakra."

"I'm only using chakra. Doesn't mean I'm a ninja. I never registered officially, so that makes me a civilian."

"I see…"

Resting her chin on her hand, Koyuki studied him with interest. "So… where were you going?"

"To the roof. Stargazing. Wanna join me?"

"Sure."

Kids always had a soft spot for rooftop adventures, and Koyuki was still under ten she agreed without a second thought.

Before she could react, Naruto reached through her window, grabbed her, and pulled her out in one swift motion.

The world spun around her, and before she could let out a squeak, they were on the roof.

Heart pounding, she patted her chest to calm herself, then looked over to find Naruto already lying back, arms behind his head.

"You brute!"

"Don't waste your breath complaining…"

Naruto crossed one leg over the other, looking relaxed as the wind played through his golden hair. His clear blue eyes reflected the starlight, and his handsome face was softened by a quiet smile.

For a moment, Koyuki just stared at him, spellbound. It took her a few seconds to snap out of it. She shook her head and gently patted her flushed cheeks before sitting down beside him.

"You… don't like Konoha?"

"Nope."

"I heard it's the most prosperous shinobi village in the world."

"Doesn't mean I like it."

"I see…"

Koyuki fell silent, propping her chin on her knees as she stared into space.

"So you're not planning to go back?"

"Depends how I feel."

Naruto turned his head slightly to look at her. "You're looking for validation, aren't you?"

"I am not!"

She snapped back, a faint blush spreading across her cheeks.

"It's fine. Running away can be shameful, but it works."

Naruto's tone was light and unconcerned. Koyuki flushed deeper. She hated people who saw through her like that.

She huffed and turned away, arms crossed, clearly stewing over something.

Eventually, the silence became too much. She peeked back at him, eyes hopeful.

"Do you really think it works?"

"Not always. Depends on the situation."

Naruto shrugged. "The biggest problems in life usually come looking for you. You can run for a while, but not forever."

Her expression paled.

It was clear something in his words struck a nerve. She pulled her knees in tight, curling up into a small ball, her bare, pale feet pressed close together.

"If Konoha ever comes to take you back… what will you do?"

"They're already trying to."

"…What?"

Koyuki blinked. "You're a rogue ninja? No, wait you're not even a ninja. Then why are they after you?"

Naruto paused, searching for the right words. In the end, he realized he didn't know how to explain it to a little girl.

"Because I'm really strong."

"Liar!"

Koyuki rolled her eyes. She figured he probably just sneaked out of the village on a whim.

"What about you? You've asked a ton of questions shouldn't you share something too?"

"There's nothing worth telling."

She huffed and stood up with a pout. "I'm going back down. Take me."

"You're so much trouble… We just got here."

Naruto sat up and shuffled over to her. Without warning, he scooped her up in a princess carry.

In a blink, they were outside her window again.

He slipped through and placed her gently inside. Koyuki's cheeks were slightly pink as she turned back to him.

Just as he was about to leave, she called out.

"I hate the snow."

"Got it."

Naruto didn't even look back.

Behind him, Koyuki stomped her foot in frustration.

"What a hateful boy!"

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NEXT CHAPTER: Sugar Mommy

Naruto arrives in the bustling Capital of Fire, only to find himself caught between cramped employee housing and the teasing generosity of Princess Koyuki—who may or may not be his new sugar mommy. With snappy banter, unexpected charm, and a late-night izakaya adventure on the horizon, this chapter blends humor, heart, and a dash of mischief. A must-read for fans of playful dynamics and subtle character chemistry!

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