Path Of War

"I can't believe we made these!" Naruto exclaimed, savouring the sweetness.

Mrs. Yukiko gave him a warm smile and said, "We owe a lot to you for bringing my shop back in business."

Naruto was happy at her words. "It was nothing! Honestly, when I found out you called specifically for me, I was more than willing to help."

Then Mrs. Yukiko's expression changed. "Called for you? That's strange... We didn't personally request your help. ..."

"Huh?" Naruto wondered, now confused.

"Yeah," Aya added. "We thought someone tipped off the Leaf about our trouble since the authorities here weren't doing anything."

Come to think of it, Naruto thought, Aya never showed that she was expecting Naruto. She was even apprehensive despite seeing the Leaf headband on his forehead.

Naruto's head spun with the revelation. "If you didn't call and no one informed the Leaf..." his voice trailed off, staring at nothing in amazement. "Then who sent me?"

Mrs. Yukiko shrugged, bewildered but content. "I have no idea. But we're glad you showed up when you did, and we really wouldn't have known what to do without you!"

"It's funny how things work out," Aya added, laughing lightly.

Naruto stood up and said, "I'll make sure to include this in my report! Granny Tsunade—I mean the Hokage—said that someone asked for me."