Chapter 421 : The New Home of Karin
With Naruto's help, Sasuke had finally bought a house for Karin.
It was a modest yet elegant two-story wooden building, one that once belonged to a wealthy merchant in Konoha. After the merchant relocated to a larger estate, the residence was left behind, waiting for someone new to make it a home. Now, under the golden light of the afternoon sun, that someone was Karin.
Naruto led Sasuke and Karin up the narrow stone path toward the house, his hands casually behind his head. His smile was wide, his voice cheerful as always.
"How's it going, Sasuke? Don't you think this place looks nice?" he asked.
The Konoha real estate agent, who had been trailing behind them, laughed heartily and puffed out his chest as though the house's virtues were his own. "Oh, Naruto-sama, Sasuke-sama—you truly have sharp eyes. This location is excellent! It's close to the market, so shopping is convenient, and it's just far enough from the center of the village that it isn't too noisy. The balance is perfect!"
The man gestured to the balcony, his grin widening. "And look here! As soon as you open the doors, sunlight pours right in. It's perfect for drying clothes or sitting out in the winter to soak up the warmth."
Karin stepped forward, her ruby-red eyes glimmering as she looked around. The sun pooled across the polished wooden floors, filling the rooms with warmth. A smile spread across her lips. For the first time in years, it wasn't the sterile chill of Orochimaru's laboratories or the damp corridors of dungeons she was looking at—it was a home.
Naruto tilted his head toward Sasuke. "So? What do you think?"
Sasuke's dark eyes scanned the interior for a long moment before he gave a small nod. "It's good."
Naruto grinned, satisfied. "And what about you, Karin?"
Karin tucked a strand of red hair behind her ear, her cheeks faintly flushed. "Not bad at all," she said softly, though her eyes betrayed far more joy than her words did.
Naruto clapped his hands together. "Well, that settles it. I'll buy the place!"
Before Sasuke could protest, Naruto had already waved the real estate agent over and was reaching for his wallet pouch. But Sasuke raised his hand.
"Wait. I have money now. I'll buy it."
Naruto shot him a pointed look, his blue eyes narrowing. "Forget it. Let me handle this. If you buy it, you know how it'll look. Sakura will think you bought this house just for Karin, and then…" He trailed off, smirking. "You know exactly what will happen."
Sasuke hesitated. As always, Naruto had cut straight to the point. He pictured Sakura's fiery temper, the glare she'd give him if she believed this was an open display of favoritism. Slowly, Sasuke exhaled.
"…Fine. You buy it."
Naruto smirked and gave him a thumbs-up before walking off with the real estate agent to finalize the paperwork.
Karin, meanwhile, could no longer contain herself. As soon as Naruto disappeared down the stairs, she clutched Sasuke's arm tightly, her eyes bright with emotion. "Sasuke… thank you. I never thought that one day, I'd have my own house."
Sasuke turned toward her, his expression calm as always, but his gaze softened.
She looked around again, her hands trembling as she touched the wooden walls. The warmth of the sun filtering in through the windows washed over her pale skin. For years, she had been nothing but a tool—an experimental subject, a sensor, a healer whose value was measured only by the bite marks littering her body. She had been treated less like a person and more like merchandise to be traded.
But now… now she was here, with Sasuke by her side.
Her voice cracked as she whispered, "It's like a dream. I never thought someone like me—someone without a village—would ever have a place to call home."
For the first time in her life, the emptiness in her chest was filled with warmth. Happiness, real happiness, spread through her heart until her eyes glistened.
Sasuke seemed to understand what she felt. With rare gentleness, he lifted his hand and brushed his fingers through her hair. His voice was low, almost tender. "Everything will be fine from now on."
Karin's breath hitched. She had longed for acknowledgment, for love, for someone to see her as more than a tool. Now, as Sasuke's words sank into her, she finally felt it—his quiet affection. She wrapped her arms around him, pressing herself to him as though afraid he might vanish.
For a long moment, the two simply held each other, the afternoon sun bathing them in light.
Then came a knock at the door.
"Oi," Naruto's voice called. "I don't want to disturb you lovebirds, but one of you still needs to sign the papers!"
Sasuke and Karin glanced at each other and shared a small smile. Sasuke inclined his head toward the door. "I bought this for you. Go on, sign it."
Karin's eyes shimmered with emotion as she nodded. She stepped outside, her hand steady as she signed her name. With that, the house officially became hers.
Naruto beamed. "Congratulations! Karin, you're still considered an outsider for now, but once you and Sasuke get married, you'll officially be recognized as part of the Leaf Village."
Karin's voice trembled with gratitude. "Thank you, Naruto."
Naruto waved her off with a grin. "No need to thank me. Just make sure you two invite me to the housewarming feast."
He stretched, then exhaled. "Alright, I've got my own stuff to take care of. You'll need furniture, dishes, and all sorts of things for this place. Sasuke, take Karin shopping. I'll head back first."
Sasuke clasped his best friend's shoulder in a rare gesture of camaraderie, and Naruto laughed before leaving with the real estate agent.
As Naruto walked back through the village streets, his mind drifted to his own future. His home with Hinata was the same house that once belonged to his father, the Fourth Hokage. The small apartment he'd grown up in—the one assigned to him by the Third Hokage—was never truly a home. But the house his father had left behind… that had been renovated by the Hyūga clan for his wedding.
This time, though, things were different. He had resources now, wealth inherited from the fall of Akatsuki. He wouldn't let Hinata's family carry the burden again.
By the time he returned home, determination was etched on his face. He found Minato and Kushina waiting.
"Dad," Naruto said, "I want to renovate our house. With the family growing, we need more space. I want it to be right for Hinata and the kids we'll have in the future."
Minato nodded approvingly. "I was thinking the same. A wedding demands more than just tradition—it demands preparation."
Kushina grasped her son's hand warmly. "Don't you worry, Naruto. Find someone to handle the work, and your father and I will oversee everything. You just focus on the other responsibilities."
Naruto's heart swelled. Having parents—real parents—was a blessing he never thought he'd experience.
That very day, he took Minato and Kushina to meet with the property agent again, discussing renovations. Most of Konoha's buildings were wooden, which made adjustments simple. Plans were sketched, schedules arranged, and the payment secured.
With that settled, Naruto decided to check in on another couple—Sai and Ino.
He knocked firmly at their door. "Oi, Sai! You home?"
The door creaked open, and Sai stood there, his usual pale face brightened with uncharacteristic energy.
"Ah, Naruto. You're here."
Naruto smirked. "Look at you, grinning like an idiot. Guess it's true what they say—when a man's in love, it shows on his face."
Sai chuckled awkwardly, but his eyes were full of warmth. "It's thanks to you, Naruto."
He ushered him inside, where Ino greeted Naruto with a smile.
"Naruto, welcome!"
Caught off guard, Naruto scratched his cheek. "Ah, sorry. I didn't realize you were still here, Ino. I hope I'm not intruding."
Ino shook her head. "Of course not. Stay for dinner."
On the table sat freshly prepared dishes, steam curling up into the air. Naruto grinned. "Heh, looks like I showed up at just the right time."
They weren't strangers, so he sat with them comfortably, chatting as the evening meal began. Sai eventually brought up Sasuke, curiosity flickering across his face. Naruto told them the truth about Sakura's acceptance of Karin. Ino's eyes widened in disbelief.
"She really agreed…?" Ino whispered.
Naruto nodded, chewing thoughtfully before answering. "Sasuke's situation is complicated. The Uchiha clan doesn't have many members left. Expanding the clan is important—and I encouraged him to think about it this way. He carried a lot of guilt and burdens, but now he's finally able to move forward. That's something to celebrate."
Sai nodded. "Finding happiness in your own way… that's what truly matters."
Naruto chuckled, glancing between Sai and Ino. "And you two, huh? Looks like things are official now."
Ino's cheeks flared crimson. Naruto grinned knowingly. A woman's blush, he thought, spoke louder than any confession ever could.
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