Chapter 224 — A Small Favor
Thanks to the world's highly advanced medical ninjutsu—and her own Uzumaki bloodline—Karin's mother recovered quickly.
Within just two weeks, she was already able to walk on her own again.
After being discharged, she and Karin moved directly into the new home Fugaku had arranged for them next door.
---
"Karin! Karin, are you home?"
Naruto's unmistakably loud voice echoed through the neighborhood, reaching not only Karin's house but also Fugaku and Mikoto inside theirs.
A couple of quick knocks—and the door opened.
Naruto looked up to see a gentle-faced woman who resembled Aunt Mikoto in temperament… except her face and neck were covered with dense bite marks, stark and frightening.
An ordinary child would've been startled.
But Naruto wasn't an ordinary child.
"Hello, Auntie! I'm Karin's classmate. My name is Uzumaki Naruto—Uzumaki like the spiral, Naruto like the naruto roll!
Is Karin home?"
He looked her straight in the eye with complete sincerity, smiling brightly.
It was as if he didn't see the bite marks at all.
Karin's mother was taken aback—but pleasantly so.
The little boy's genuine warmth left a deep impression on her.
"Ah, alright. Little Naruto, please wait a moment."
She turned her head and called warmly, "Karin! Your classmate Naruto-kun is here to see you!"
---
Karin, who had been eating breakfast at the dining table, didn't catch the name—only that someone from her class had come.
"Coming!"
She hopped off her chair and walked toward the door, filled with curiosity.
When she arrived, she saw a boy her age standing beside her mother—sunny blond hair, round goggles, a bright smile, and whisker-like markings on his cheeks that made him unforgettable.
She recognized him immediately.
This boy was always cheerful in class, and his smile always felt warm.
Uzumaki Naruto.
He had even greeted her once before, which made her remember him clearly.
"Hello, Naruto-kun," Karin said politely. "Did you need something from me?"
Naruto rubbed his hands, grinning.
"Actually, it's nothing big! I just wanted to ask you to help me and Sasuke ask the teacher for leave."
Before Karin could respond, Naruto continued speaking enthusiastically:
"Sasuke and I are going on a trip with Uncle Fugaku and Aunt Mikoto today! So we're not going to school. We want you to help us ask for leave, hehe!"
---
Karin blinked.
A trip?
Her heart stirred.
Traveling with family… how wonderful would that be?
For a moment, she imagined going on a trip with her mother.
But she quickly shook her head.
Her current life was already infinitely brighter than the days in the Grass Village.
She shouldn't ask for too much.
Setting her thoughts aside, she nodded without hesitation.
"Okay. Leave it to me. I'll let the teacher know for you and Uchiha Sasuke."
Karin also had an impression of Sasuke.
Handsome. Extremely handsome.
The most handsome boy she had ever seen in her life.
Compared to Sasuke, the boys back in the Grass Village were like ordinary pebbles next to a flawless, gleaming gem.
There was simply no comparison.
---
"Mm-hmm! Thanks! Bye, Karin! Bye, Auntie!"
Naruto waved cheerfully at both of them and sprinted off back toward Fugaku's house.
Karin's mother watched his energetic little figure disappear and said warmly:
"Karin… congratulations. You've made a wonderful friend."
Karin pursed her lips.
Was Uzumaki Naruto her friend?
She wasn't completely sure.
She didn't want to lie, so she simply didn't answer.
Her mother didn't press the issue.
"Come on, let's finish breakfast. And remember to tell the teacher about Naruto-kun and Sasuke-kun when you get to school."
"I know," Karin replied.
---
Meanwhile, Naruto burst back into the Fugaku household, rushed to the table, and slurped down a massive mouthful of noodles.
Slurp.
"Mission accomplished!"
Sasuke looked at him speechlessly.
Naruto swallowed and raised a peace sign proudly.
"Karin said she'll handle the leave request!"
Sasuke let out a quiet breath of relief, joy blooming in his chest.
A trip with his father, mother, and beloved older brother sounded perfect.
…If only Naruto the idiot weren't coming.
"If only he weren't here, this would be perfect," Sasuke thought.
But then another thought crept in…
Without Naruto, things might be a lot less lively.
Sasuke sighed internally—and accepted reality.
Having the big idiot Naruto along wasn't so bad after all.
A small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.
---
Fugaku lounged comfortably on the sofa.
Seeing the boys finish their noodles, he called out:
"If you need the restroom, go now—we're leaving soon!"
Naruto hadn't planned to go…
but the moment he saw Sasuke walk toward the bathroom, he suddenly felt an overwhelming urge to pee.
So he dashed past Sasuke in a blur.
"Ahhh! I have to use the big toilet!"
Sasuke's eye twitched.
Just a moment ago, Naruto was walking toward the sofa—not a hint of needing the restroom.
This idiot…
Shaking his head, Sasuke headed upstairs instead.
There was another bathroom on the second floor. It was a bit of a walk, but perfectly fine.
---
By the time Sasuke and Naruto emerged, Mikoto had finished packing the clothing for the trip.
Fugaku had chosen the Land of Hot Water as their destination—a leisurely week-long trip to enjoy the famous hot spring district.
Mikoto packed five sets of clothes for each person and sealed everything neatly into storage scrolls.
For ninja, traveling was wonderfully convenient. No heavy bags required.
---
"Alright, let's go!"
Fugaku gave a wave and was the first to step into the carriage.
The carriage itself had been rented by Uchiha Ryoichi.
After the Pansi Cave incident stabilized last month, Ryoichi had personally requested to return and serve Fugaku again.
Fugaku, who had always had a good impression of the man—his first subordinate after transmigration—agreed immediately.
Naturally, as a household attendant, Uchiha Ryoichi would accompany them on their trip as well.
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