Konoha: Naruto's abnormal life choices

Yamanaka Rino paused in the courtyard of the Sarutobi residence, a flicker of doubt crossing her elegant face.

The noblewomen of Konoha's prominent clans maintained close personal relationships and knew each other's temperaments well.

Sarutobi Hazuki had always been known for her warmth among them. Normally, she'd welcome them in directly. But now, she was speaking to them from inside the house, asking them to wait in the courtyard.

It was just turning to dusk—not yet late enough for Hazuki to have gone to bed. If it had been, the ladies wouldn't have visited.

Even stranger: there wasn't a single servant in sight.

Had Hazuki sent them off on errands?

Rino glanced at the beautiful woman beside her. Seeing no sign of confusion on her face, Rino began to wonder if she was simply overthinking.

Forget it. Maybe the Sarutobi family just had a private matter going on.

Finally, after what felt like forever, the door opened.

Sarutobi Hazuki appeared, dressed in a formal black kimono. She brought a hand to her lips and gave a soft cough.

"Apologies—I caught a cold. I took some medicine and just managed to come out," she explained.

She stepped onto the porch in her wooden clogs and gestured toward the courtyard pavilion. "The room is a little stuffy—let's sit outside and talk."

Rino quickly noticed Hazuki's slightly flushed cheeks and followed her, concern in her voice. "You've caught a cold? That's unusual."

Next to her, the ever-composed Mrs. Hyuga, Hinata Mari, smiled gently.

As she trailed behind them, the veins around her eyes briefly bulged—the sign of a quick Byakugan scan. She let out a faint chuckle.

"Sometimes, catching a cold can be good. It's not healthy to go too long without getting sick," Mari said cryptically.

Hazuki, preoccupied with nerves and the lingering image of Naruto seeing her change into that kimono, missed the implications of Mari's comment. She only gave a polite laugh and led the group to the pavilion.

Being a widow invites all sorts of scrutiny.

The moment she'd heard someone approaching earlier, Hazuki had panicked. She instantly regretted sending Konohamaru away.

If word got out that she had done her makeup, dressed up in a kimono, and locked the door to meet alone with a young man…

She wouldn't even get the chance to explain before being condemned as shameless.

Luckily, the locked door had bought her some time. She'd just barely gotten away with it.

[Friend "Sarutobi Hazuki"'s corruption value increased by 2%, now 88%!]

Inside, Naruto quietly moved to the door, opened it just enough to peek through, and watched the three women walking toward the pavilion.

Just thinking about Hazuki changing clothes earlier had his blood racing again.

His thighs felt warm—almost singed.

"Tch, tch, tch… unforgettable," he muttered.

Naruto closed the door gently and sat back down to wait. There was still corruption value to be earned.

Bored, his mind drifted to the mysterious third guest.

"Who was that woman? She's gorgeous."

He already knew Sarutobi Hazuki and Yamanaka Rino well enough.

But the Hyuga woman puzzled him.

She had a tall, graceful frame, alabaster skin, and a presence as serene as dew on a leaf—shining yet calm.

If she could associate so freely with women like Rino and Hazuki, her status must be high.

His first thought was that she might be Hinata or Hanabi's mother.

But her forehead was partially covered, and the Hyuga main house never concealed their foreheads. Only branch family members did, to hide their cursed seal.

But then—why would a branch family member be mingling with elite noblewomen?

"Smack!"

At the pavilion, the three noblewomen sipped tea in the cool evening air, more radiant than the starlit sky.

Hinata Mari had just refilled everyone's cup when the sound of a palm hitting the stone table startled them.

Sarutobi Hazuki looked stunned. "Rino, did you just say that Uzumaki Naruto confessed to you?"

"I did."

Rino covered her mouth demurely, waving her hand with exaggerated modesty. "I don't know what's up with today's youth. Imagine falling for an old woman like me, and with Ino standing right beside us, too. I was so embarrassed."

Despite her words, her glee was unmistakable.

Hazuki frowned. "Didn't you say your husband Hai was planning to set Ino up with him? But now he likes the mother instead—what are you going to do?"

Rino sighed dramatically, covering her face. "Well, maybe once I'm truly old in a few years, the young man's infatuation will fade."

Despite her tone, joy sparkled in her eyes.

Hazuki made a clicking sound with her tongue, clearly annoyed. So what if Naruto liked Rino? Big deal.

That brat used to trail her all day. Today he even had the nerve to hug her.

Hinata Mari, amused by Hazuki's pout, teased, "Hazuki, you're jealous of Rino, huh?"

Rino played along. "Oh please, Hazuki is far more beautiful than me. No wonder Naruto fell for her!"

Hazuki blushed, snapping, "You've all been married for years. What's there for me to be jealous of?"

Both women exchanged knowing smiles that made Hazuki flush even more.

Her frustration with Naruto was rising rapidly.

Thankfully, the topic didn't last too long—it wasn't the kind of thing they could share outside their circle. Even their husbands wouldn't hear of this conversation.

They moved on to talking about their children.

Hazuki complained about Konohamaru's antics. Rino griped about Ino's teenage mood swings.

Hinata Mari looked downcast. "You're both luckier than me. At least your children are home. My Neji's been away on a mission for so long, and he hasn't even sent a letter. I wonder if he still thinks about me…"

The conversation turned somber.

When the tea was finished, the stars were bright and the sky was deep.

Rino yawned and rose. "Time to head home."

Hazuki breathed a sigh of relief and stood to escort them—only for Hinata Mari to speak up.

"I still have something to discuss with Ye Yue. I'll be staying the night. You don't mind, do you?"

She clasped her hands and tilted her head with a soft smile.

Hazuki's mind went blank.

Outside the Sarutobi residence, Yamanaka Rino glanced at the stars.

"That's odd. Mari didn't say anything about staying overnight."

She paused, then shrugged. "If Ino wasn't home, I might've stayed too. Would've been fun."

"And that brat—he confesses to me, and Ino's still angry about it," she chuckled.

"Kids these days…"

Back at the Sarutobi compound, Hazuki's heart was full of dread.

Still, she managed a calm smile. "Mari, I'll prepare a guest room. I'm still sick—I wouldn't want to pass it on to you."

She coughed again for effect.

But Hinata Mari gently took her hand. "I'm not afraid of a cold. Let's share your room."

Hazuki's eyelids twitched. "Actually—it's still early. How about we take a walk first?"

Mari raised an eyebrow, then smiled knowingly. "Sure."

Hazuki let out a breath of relief.

She hoped Naruto had already left. With his skills, sneaking out unnoticed should be easy.

No one must ever know she dismissed all the servants and met a man in private. Even if he was still young, it would ruin her.

But Naruto had no plans to leave—not until the corruption value was maxed out.

"Still not back yet?" Naruto sighed, staring at the ceiling.

Only seven hours left.

He had planned to finish this task in two or three.

But he needed that 100% illusion resistance—it could be a lifesaver against techniques like Tsukuyomi or even Infinite Tsukuyomi.

No room for error.

If Hazuki didn't return soon, he'd go find her himself.

What he didn't know was that Hazuki was desperately trying to stall her friend.

She'd walked around the entire compound with Hinata Mari for half an hour.

Surely Naruto had left by now?

He must be smart enough to realize now wasn't the time to fool around.

Feeling slightly reassured, Hazuki started to relax—until Mari leaned close and whispered, "Ye Yue, your lover's still here. Looks like he hasn't picked up on your signals yet. Want to walk around some more?"

The words hit Hazuki like a thunderclap.

Mari shook her head softly. "Ye Yue, I'm from the Hyuga clan. Why try to hide this from me?"

The air grew tense.

Hazuki frowned. "He's not a lover. Just a younger friend. I only invited him for a simple meal."

Mari gave a slow smile. "Really? You dismiss the servants, lock the door, and hide him in your room?"

Hazuki knew there was no use lying.

She clenched her fists and bit her lip. "What will it take for you to keep this a secret?"

Mari laughed. "What are you saying? We're friends. Of course I'll keep your secret."

Hazuki blinked.

Mari continued, "You've inspired me, Ye Yue. We're both widows. Our lives aren't easy. I've thought about remarrying, but I held back for Neji's sake—and my sister's."

"But tonight, watching you… I felt hopeful again."

"I'll keep your secret. But can you do me a favor in return?"

Beside the still pond, Hazuki met Mari's gaze.

There was longing there, deep and unmistakable.

She used to admire Mari. But tonight, she seemed like a stranger.

Still, she couldn't deny the truth: years of loneliness take their toll.

The wind stirred. Clouds passed over the moon.

"Will you help me, Ye Yue?" Mari asked softly.

Hazuki stared at her for a long time… and finally nodded.

"Fine. If it really matters that much to you… I'll help."

Half an hour later, the clouds drifted away.

Moonlight spilled across the courtyard.

Naruto, bored and frustrated, stood up.

"There's still seven hours. That's enough time."

If Hazuki was with others, he'd wear a mask and pull her into his space.

But as soon as he opened the door—

Sarutobi Hazuki was already standing there, cheeks flushed.

"Naruto-kun," she said quietly, "I have a favor to ask."