You're Making Me Jealous

With a loud clang, the door shut behind them.

Naruto figured it was about a high-level meeting. The Ino–Shika–Cho trio was deeply interconnected, and if they had to take a stance, it would undoubtedly be united. Their opinion was also likely influenced by Tsunade's perspective.

Jiraiya had long left the village, retaining only voting rights. He was essentially a figurehead of a teacher, having told Tsunade he'd be gone for at least six months. His focus was on investigating the Akatsuki organization, specifically Itachi Uchiha's involvement. Before leaving, he'd promised Naruto to return every six months to train him.

"You've gotten taller," Ino commented as she walked ahead, hands behind her back, glancing at Naruto, who was ambling behind.

"Maybe. Must be the nutrition catching up," he replied. Over the past few months, his body had grown significantly, though it was unclear if this was due to the system's influence or the natural growth of his physical form.

"You used to only come up to here," she said, gesturing to her chest, then raised her hand above her head. "Boys really do grow fast."

"I wouldn't know about others, but I'm definitely growing fast."

"Failed the mission to retrieve Sasuke?"

"Your intel's pretty sharp."

"Not really. Just a guess," Ino said, walking with her hands clasped behind her back. "I didn't have much of a bond with Sasuke, but he was the childhood crush of every girl."

"With his personality, once he sets his mind on something, he won't give it up."

Walking side by side, Ino took the lead, guiding them toward a quieter area.

"You're making me jealous, you know," Naruto teased.

"Jealous? Of what?" Ino replied with a playful grin. "Sasuke's always been handsome. No girl wouldn't like him."

"Well, Hinata might be an exception."

"What?"

"You heard me. Hinata."

Ino smirked. "Now you're making me jealous!"

"Of what?" Naruto grinned back. "Hinata's so sweet and gentle. Who wouldn't like a rich and kind girl?"

"I'm rich too!" Ino muttered under her breath.

"What was that?"

"None of your business, you pervert!"

When Naruto had first arrived in this world, it was summer, and things had looked bleak. Now it was September—scorching sun, rampant greenery, the Third Hokage gone, and Sasuke a rogue ninja.

At least things seemed to be improving—except for unsealing the Nine-Tails.

"Are you spacing out again?" Ino asked.

"Huh?" Naruto snapped back to attention, meeting Ino's mildly puffed cheeks and dissatisfied expression.

"Follow me," she said, grabbing his arm and leading him into a quiet alley.

On the east side of Konoha's main street, a shaded alley stretched out. The vines climbed crookedly along the walls, giving the place a cool, damp atmosphere.

The sound of their footsteps echoed loudly in the quiet passageway. At the end of the alley, Ino pressed Naruto against a wall.

"What's this all about?" Naruto asked, confused.

"I told you, I had something to tell you," Ino replied.

"Did it really have to be this secluded?" Naruto felt a little awkward. Ino didn't seem to notice how close they were.

Naruto could see the soft curves of her neck and the pale, smooth skin below. The faint scent of flowers surrounded him, and his heart skipped a beat.

"What's with that look?" Ino frowned. "Why do you look... excited? Ugh, gross!"

"I'm not!" Naruto scratched his cheek awkwardly, forcing a chuckle.

"Ew! You're definitely thinking something perverted, aren't you?"

"Who wouldn't? Ino's so pretty; it's impossible not to think about it."

"Well..." Ino hesitated, turning her head slightly. Despite trying to keep her composure, her blushing face betrayed her embarrassment.

Her pale cheeks and neck were tinted a soft pink, making her look as delicate and sweet as a strawberry cake.

"I... I wouldn't care about being someone's object of fantasy or anything," she muttered.

"Can we leave out the word 'gross,' at least?" Naruto sighed.

"Nope." Ino stepped back, crossing her arms and adopting a defensive stance. "And stop drooling over me, you creep!"

"Sorry, but I can't forget how you looked in that maid outfit," Naruto teased.

"That was the most humiliating moment of my life!" Ino growled, losing her composure.

"Well, it's etched into my memory forever," Naruto replied smugly.

"You!" Ino's chest heaved with frustration. "You better pray I never get the upper hand over you!"

"Looking forward to that day."

"Ugh!" Taking a deep breath to calm herself, Ino fixed him with a serious gaze. "What I'm about to tell you is top secret, got it? Not a word to anyone."

"Got it." Naruto nodded, his expression turning serious.

"Then lean in closer," she said hesitantly. "We can't let anyone overhear."

Naruto smirked but leaned in anyway.

"What?!" Ino blushed furiously. "You're messing with me again!"

"No, really. If you're too far, you'll have to speak louder, and someone might hear us. That would defeat the purpose of coming here, wouldn't it?"

"Well, when you put it like that..." Ino hesitated, realizing he had a point.

"You're not embarrassed now, are you?" Naruto teased.

"Of course not!" she snapped, regretting her words immediately.

Naruto's triumphant smile made her face darken for a moment, but she pressed on.

"Stop grinning!" She pinched his side. "Listen carefully, because I'm only saying this once!"

"Got it," Naruto replied, still smiling.

"Ugh!" Ino leaned in closer, her warm breath tickling his ear as her voice trembled.

"I... I forgot what I was going to say."

"What?!" Naruto turned sharply, his face suddenly mere inches from hers.

Their lips almost touched, the heat of the summer sun bearing down on them.

Naruto could see Ino's blue eyes widen, reflecting his face in their depths.

Far away, birds chirped rhythmically, their calls blending with the whisper of the summer breeze.

Sometimes, a girl's blush speaks louder than words.

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