Back to Konoha
Kiba was walking through Konoha's streets when, in a puff of smoke, three children appeared.
"I'm Udon—I like math!"
"I'm Moegi—the sassiest kunoichi in the academy!"
"And I'm Konohamaru—I'll be Hokage one day! Together, we are the Konohamaru Corps: terror to teachers and bullies alike!" the trio declared, striking triumphant poses.
"Hey, nice one, Kono‑kun! I didn't even notice you until you were right here!" Kiba replied with amusement.
"YATTA! We did it! We fooled the boss—our plan to trick his nose worked!" Konohamaru shouted. They'd followed Kiba from a distance, rubbing themselves in grass to mask their scents, and rode a breeze to avoid detection.
Konohamaru had first met Kiba years ago, when fleeing his sensei and bumping into Kiba walking Akamaru. The bold child instantly befriended him—especially after Kiba began calling him "Kono‑kun."
"Do you have time to train us in ninja ways? We want to play hide-and-seek—or learn stalking skills—Boss," Konohamaru pleaded, eyes wide and hopeful. Meanwhile, Moegi scratched Akamaru's favorite spots, and Udon pulled out a notepad full of all the advice Kiba had given over the years.
"You little brats are shameless," Kiba chuckled. "Pulling those cheap tricks to bribe us? I'm proud!" Akamaru panted happily at the attention.
"Wow, no wonder you ended last in our promotion. To play ninja with those kids at your age… shame on you, Kiba." Sakura, passing by, teased him.
"Shut up, Sakura. I ended last because my skills aren't what the academy tests for. None of my combo jutsu, tracking, or survival skills counted. Don't get me started on the taijutsu—they expected me to fight by hand when I use claws for effectiveness. And we're not playing ninja—we're teaching them ancient family tracking and survival techniques. So, shut up, Sakura!"
"N-ne, Boss—Is this girl your girlfriend?" Moegi asked.
"No, Kono‑kun. Besides, she's obsessed with the Uchiha bastard—like every other girl," Kiba said, sounding a bit defeated.
Before Sakura could respond, Konohamaru piped up with a grin: "What a relief, Boss. I couldn't imagine you with that pink‑haired flat‑chested girl with a huge forehead."
As he rubbed the back of his head awkwardly, he didn't notice the danger behind him. "How dare he!? HOLY PUNISHMENT IS IN ORDER!" Sakura shrieked. Kiba reacted instantly, shouting, "Run, Kono‑kun—run!"
Konohamaru sprinted away with Sakura in pursuit, the others trailing behind. Rounding a corner, he collided with someone.
"Tsk! Watch where you're running, brat!" snapped a dark, sand-clad shinobi, grabbing him by the collar.
"Let him go, Kankurō," said the blonde kunoichi behind him.
"Nah—I think I'll teach him a lesson," Kankurō retorted, tightening his grip.
"Let me go, you ugly cat-pyjama weirdo!" Konohamaru snapped. Temari snickered as her brother grew angry.
Then a voice cut in cold: "You'd better release the kid. I don't know what you Sand ninja are doing, but you'll be in serious trouble if he's harmed."
Kankurō found himself face-to-face with Team 7, still holding Konohamaru. "You sure you want trouble, Pinky?" Temari asked, hand on her fan.
Before things escalated, two sharp blades pressed to their throats. "You people really need to chill. The exam starts in two days. What's the point of getting banned before it even starts?"
"YOU!" Sakura shouted as Naruko sealed her twin blades.
"Oh come on, Sakura‑san! My name's only one letter—how could you forget it? H‑chan, hold me—my heart can't bear this disappointment." Naruko dramatically clutched her chest and forehead. Hinata caught her as she swooned.
"N-sama, have you considered acting instead of being a kunoichi? You're a natural!" Haku quipped softly.
"Greetings, Team 7—and you in the tree," Hinata called calmly, "why don't you come down for a proper introduction?"
Sasuke grunted. "Why for?"
"I wasn't talking to you, Uchiha‑san—but to the boy beside you." Sasuke blinked as the red‑haired child dropped down: Gaara of the Sand.
"Release the kid, Kankurō. You're shaming our village," Hinata added firmly. Kankurō and Temari glared at each other before nodding silently; he let Konohamaru go.
"And you are?" Hinata asked.
"We are N and H Uzumaki—this is Haku‑san, and our sensei, Bee," Naruko replied, throwing an arm around Hinata's shoulder.
Sasuke replied curtly, "Uchiha Sasuke." He stared at the group.
"I'm Sabaku Gaara, and these are my siblings, Temari and Kankurō," the boy said. "Mother says you're strong. I look forward to facing you."
"Oh! May I call you nicknames?" Naruko asked excitedly. "You'll be Suna‑suna‑one, you Suna‑suna‑girl, and you Suna‑suna‑makeup!"
Gaara's eerie grin unnerved the Konoha nin and terrified his siblings.
As the Sand trio departed, Bee approached his team. "So?" he asked.
"Number one," Naruko answered crisply. The Konoha team looked confused, but Haku nodded, understanding the reference.
Before Sakura could question things, an ANBU unit appeared. "Kumo-nin, please come with us. The Hokage requests your presence. The honorable grandson must accompany us as well."
Konohamaru rolled his eyes and muttered "fine."
Hokage's Office
Hiruzen Sarutobi stood looking out the window as the ANBU escorted the Kumo nin and his grandson inside. He dismissed the guards and sealed the room for privacy.
"Welcome back, Naruko. It warms this old man's heart to see you. You look good with your new appearance. And congratulations are in order, am I right, Hinata-chan?"
Konohamaru looked on in confusion as his grandfather hugged the two foreign kunoichi like family.
"It's wonderful to see you again, Jiji. I've missed you all these years. But please—for now, call us N and H," Naruko teased, offering a foxy smile.
"We're honored to see you, Hokage-sama. This is Haku Momochi, and our sensei, Bee—the Raikage's brother."
"You don't have to be so formal, H-chan," Hiruzen replied, smiling. "Please, call me Jiji. I'm delighted to see the next generation of Uzumaki. I'd love to hear your story, but my schedule's overwhelming. Bee-san, thank you for caring for them. Would you accept lodging in my Sarutobi clan compound instead of a hotel? I'd be honored."
"It would be our pleasure, Hokage-sama. Thank you," Bee replied humbly.
"Konohamaru-kun, I have a mission for you. If you plan to be Hokage one day, you must learn to keep secrets. Are you ready?"
"Yes, Grandpa!" Konohamaru exclaimed eagerly.
"These aren't ordinary foreign nin—they're envoys of the Raikage, sent to form an alliance. N-chan was once from this village; our own people beat her and banished her behind my back. H-chan was Hinata Hyūga, clan heiress—and also betrayed. If not for Bee-san, they'd be dead. You must not speak of this to anyone, not even friends. This is S‑rank secret." Konohamaru nodded solemnly.
"I promise, Jiji. I swear on my name—and on my dream to be Hokage!" he declared. Naruko shared a nostalgic smile.
"Good. You'll escort N and H wherever they go—except for the exams. You'll likely hear bad things about them, but endure them. You are their guide to the village and their friend. Then escort them to the Uzumaki guest house. You may also bring Udon and Moegi—but no secrets! And feel free to nag them into training—deal?"
Hiruzen beamed at the last part.
"Enjoy the rest of your day, friends. I hope to be home for dinner—I just wish I could burn all this paperwork," he said with a sigh. Naruko burst out laughing—hard. Before she could explain, she was rolling on the floor, tears of laughter streaming from her eyes.
Hearing the laughter, Hinata covered her mouth and began laughing too.
"Haahahahahaha, oh man—this is rich! Jiji, want to know the ultimate jutsu for dealing with paperwork?" Naruko choked out.
Hiruzen, wide-eyed, nodded. "Please, tell me!"
Naruko strutted to the door and paused, looking back with a mischievous grin: "Shadow clones."
Once the Hokage knew they were alone, he fainted right on the spot.
Streets of Konoha
After slipping into the guest house gifted by the Sarutobi clan, the Uzumaki couple followed Konohamaru, as instructed by the Hokage. The rest of the Kumo team joined them too.
"Where are we going, kiddo?" Hinata asked.
"Jiji told me to bring N‑chan somewhere… I'm not allowed to say. It's my first official mission—I'm sooo gonna ace it!"
As they walked, the group couldn't ignore the wary, sometimes hateful stares cast their way. Turning a corner, they stood before a ramen stand painted bright red—faintly familiar to Naruko. Her eyes watered at the nostalgic scent of Ichiraku's ramen.
"N‑chan, look!" Hinata whispered, pointing to a framed photo with small offerings beneath it. Naruko sank to her knees, tears of joy spilling down her cheeks.
Meanwhile, Konohamaru handed a letter from the Hokage to Ayame. After reading it, she gasped and rushed into the kitchen where her father, Teuchi, was cooking. "WHAT?!" he shouted, as both hurried outside.
"Is it really you?" Ayame gasped, eyes wide.
"It's me—yes, I'm back," Naruko replied shakily. "I… I can't believe this."
"They've even updated whisker marks to match!" Teuchi teased gently.
Naruko lowered her hood to reveal her whiskers. Both Ichiraku owners gasped again.
"Oh my kami, how I missed you!" Ayame sobbed, pulling her into a tight hug.
"It's so good to see you, N‑chan! We were so worried—but we always believed you were alive," Teuchi ruffled her hair affectionately.
"Teuchi‑old‑man, Ayame‑nee‑chan—I'm back!" Naruko cried like a child.
They treated the group to free bowls of ramen, eyes full of tears. As the stand was quiet, they asked Naruko about her last eight years. She shared a brief summary of her journey.
"I've missed you so much. Let me introduce you to my team. This is Bee‑sensei—also the one who saved me. This is Haku‑kun—don't let his looks fool you, he's a boy. And my wife, H‑chan—the reason I'm still alive." Naruko pulled Hinata into a warm hug.
"Well, congratulations are in order," said Teuchi with a chuckle.
"Teuchi‑san, Ayame‑san, even though we're legally married, we haven't had a proper wedding celebration yet," Hinata added. "We'd love to have you both there." The Ichirakus were visibly moved.
"H‑chan, I know we shouldn't pry, but… would you like to hear about your family? I'm close friends with…" Konohamaru paused to whisper to Hinata. "...someone... called Navi."
"'Navi‑chan' sounds good to me," Naruko agreed gently.
"Would you like to hear about Navi‑san?" Konohamaru asked.
Bee suggested they walk through the village while chatting. Their guide filled them in on the last eight years—how the Hokage had cheered when Naruko and Hinata were found, and how he'd been furious at anyone celebrating Naruko's disappearance. He'd also reduced the civilian council's power, though it still held influence.
"Navi‑san is very serious. She works harder than anyone to exceed her clan elders' expectations. She's strong—strong enough to be a genin by now. I'm the only one who stands a chance against her, thanks to training from Jiji," Konohamaru continued. "We've gotten along with Udon and Moegi too, but we don't see her often. She's so focused on perfection that it's unhealthy. I've seen something no one else has. I haven't mentioned it to Jiji, but...," he hesitated, concern in his eyes, "...she's acting. She hides to protect herself and those close to her. She cries alone because she misses her sister. When I confronted her, she told me that her sister was there for her—her first five years filled with a loving presence. She learned from her clan's branch members that her sister wanted to abolish the—" (Konohamaru whispered the Seal name) "—and that she plans to carry out her sister's dream."
Hinata gasped. Naruko hugged her gently. They were deeply touched by Konohamaru's honesty.
"Hanabi‑chan's father is a shadow of himself now. Her cousin resents the main family. She's alone in her own clan. Nobody knows she's home. She can't carry this weight without breaking... or worse." Konohamaru's voice cracked.
"Thank you, Konohamaru‑san," Hinata said, bowing deeply. He blushed.
"No one knows you're back—and no one knows I know. I can be your bridge. I can tell her—and I will keep her secrets. Please, help me help Navi‑chan. She needs a friend who won't break." His sincerity was palpable.
Hinata took a steadying breath. She had her own life to protect, but she couldn't abandon a family member in need.
"Konohamaru-san... I trust you with this mission: reunite two long-separated sisters. If you fail, Navi‑chan could be sealed with the Caged-Bird seal, and relations between Kumo and Konoha could sour. Understand?"
He snapped into a perfect salute. "AY AY, MA'AM!"
"Very well. Here is what you will do…" Hinata paused, plotting a course of action.
Konoha, Next Morning – Chūnin Exam Day 1
During lunch break under the giant trees, Konohamaru whispered to Udon and Moegi:
"Stay back. I need to talk to the lone Hyūga."
He led them deeper into the forest, far from prying eyes.
"Hanabi, could we speak privately?" he asked softly.
Intrigued, Hanabi followed him.
"Hanabi‑san, I have important news. You mustn't tell anyone. Jiji asked me to say—your sister and the other one... they're here, undercover in Konoha. Taking part in the exams."
"Are you serious? Is it really her?" Hanabi's voice trembled.
Konohamaru put a finger to his lips. "She asked that we call her 'Moon‑chan.'"
Hanabi paused—remembering the lullaby about the sun and moon as sisters. "It's her!" she whispered. "How can I meet her? Is she safe?"
"I don't know where they are exactly, but Jiji will tell me when. They're disguised—dangerous if revealed. But if you want, I can mention you've asked to see her."
Hanabi nodded, hopeful, glancing around.
Just then, Mizuki appeared.
"What are you doing here?" he sneered.
"Clan business, sensei. You know better than to snap at the grandson of lord Third." Konohamaru replied with calm dignity.
Mizuki stiffened, holding back. "Clan ninja—always sneaking around."
Konohamaru's jaw tightened. "False. We had permission to roam. But you're spying on the Sarutobi and Hyūga heirs. I can file a complaint."
Mizuki's eyes burned. "So—grandson of the Hokage has a fiery girlfriend?"
Konohamaru took a step, voice cold: "Sarutobi-san had proposed an alliance through marriage, but he supports me, not you. You should leave before I lose patience."
Each word from Konohamaru cut like a blade. Mizuki shrank from her.
Once he fled, Hanabi turned to Konohamaru.
"Marriage? Really?"
He shook his head. "That was a ruse. Your image as highborn stops gossip. I'm here for you—and Moon‑chan."
Hanabi's mask fell. She hugged him, grateful and teary.
"Count on me, Hanabi‑san," he whispered.
"Konohamaru—you can call me 'Hanabi‑chan' when we're alone." She blushed, and he did too—bright pink.