Transcending Realities: A Journey to Reclaim Home

While we were enjoying our bath, on the other side, in the women's bath, an unexpected encounter was unfolding.

Just a few minutes earlier, Tsuna and Shizune had stepped into the steaming bath, eager to relax after the long journey. But as soon as they entered, they froze, both visibly surprised to see a familiar face seated across the spring.

"Hi, Hokage-sama," came the familiar voice of Temari, who greeted them with a small smile, her usual composed demeanor intact.

Recovering quickly, Tsuna returned the greeting. "Hello, Temari. How are you doing?" she asked warmly, stepping further into the water.

Temari nodded respectfully before responding, "I'm doing well. It's been a while since I've had the chance to enjoy something like this. And you, Hokage-sama?"

"Ah, same here. Traveling all day takes its toll," Tsuna replied, sinking into the warm water with a sigh of relief.

Shizune, who had been quiet so far, smiled politely. "It's good to see you, Temari. Is your whole team here?"

"Yes," Temari replied. "Gaara, my father, and Kankuro are on the men's side. We're taking a small break before the summit begins."

Tsuna exchanged a knowing glance with Shizune before saying, "Well, it seems the summit is attracting everyone, doesn't it? I'm sure we'll have a lot to discuss when the time comes."

Temari simply nodded, though her calm expression betrayed a hint of curiosity about the meeting to come. The atmosphere, though initially tense, began to lighten as the three women settled in and allowed themselves to relax in the soothing springs.

"Anyone else arrive with you two?" Temari asked, her tone casual but tinged with curiosity.

"I think you already know the answer," Tsuna replied, a faint smirk playing on her lips as she leaned back against the edge of the spring.

Temari let out a small chuckle, shaking her head. "Oh, then he's on the other side, isn't he?"

"Yeah," Shizune chimed in, glancing at Temari. "He's probably already having a discussion with your siblings and your father right about now."

Temari raised an eyebrow. "That sounds about right. He never misses an opportunity to stir the pot, does he?"

Tsuna smiled faintly. "That's Naruto for you. Always unpredictable, but that's exactly why he's the one everyone keeps an eye on."

Temari nodded, her expression thoughtful. "I suppose. He's… different, but there's no denying his impact."

"True," Shizune agreed. "But I'm sure he's managing to turn even a simple bath into something memorable on your side."

The three shared a brief laugh, the tension melting away as they allowed themselves a rare moment of peace in the warm spring waters.

"Did Naruto really get involved in that… incident?" Temari asked, her tone laced with a mix of disbelief and curiosity.

Tsuna leaned back, letting the warm water soothe her muscles as she responded with a faint smirk. "Well, you could probably guess the answer yourself. When Naruto sees something disturbing, especially something that troubles other people, he can't help but get involved. It's just who he is. So… yes."

Temari sighed, shaking her head with a small smile. "Why am I not surprised? He always dives headfirst into chaos. It's like he's drawn to it."

Shizune chuckled softly. "That's Naruto for you. He doesn't just watch from the sidelines; he takes action, whether it's his business or not."

"And that's what makes him both admirable and frustrating," Temari added, her tone light but genuine. "Still, it's hard not to respect his determination."

Tsuna nodded. "Exactly. He's unpredictable, but it's that same nature that makes him stand out. You'll see soon enough how everything he does has a purpose, even if it doesn't seem like it at first."

Temari let the words sink in, her expression softening. "I guess I'll have to trust that he knows what he's doing… as usual."

"Then… does he have any plans to stir up problems at the summit?" Temari asked cautiously, her brows furrowed in concern.

Tsuna sighed, leaning back against the edge of the spring. "I've already told him to keep things under control," she admitted, her tone firm but tinged with uncertainty. "But with Naruto, you can never really predict how he'll act. He has his own way of doing things, and it usually leaves everyone guessing until the last moment."

Shizune nodded in agreement. "That's true. He always has a plan, even if it's not obvious to anyone else. Still, whatever he does, he usually has good intentions."

Temari crossed her arms, visibly uneasy. "I just hope whatever he does doesn't escalate into something we can't handle."

Tsuna gave her a serious look. "If there's one thing I've learned, it's to expect the unexpected with Naruto. That said, you're not wrong to be cautious. All of us need to be prepared in case this summit doesn't end peacefully. If it leads to war, we'll need to act fast."

Temari's expression hardened, understanding the gravity of Tsuna's words. "Then I suppose we'll see how things play out. But I'll keep my guard up just in case."

Tsuna nodded. "That's all we can do for now—stay alert and be ready for anything."

"But he promised to handle everything himself if anything happens," Tsunade said, her voice filled with frustration. "But do you think I'd just sit still and let him?"

"No," Temari replied firmly. "I'd help him in any way I could. That's my duty, not just as an ally, but…" She hesitated briefly before continuing. "…as someone who respects his strength ,determination and also loves him."

Tsuna's expression softened, but the irritation lingered. "Yes, but that's exactly what infuriates me. He's always trying to carry everything on his own shoulders, as if the world depends solely on him. That reckless selflessness—" She clenched her fists beneath the water. "It's admirable, but it's also maddening."

Shizune nodded in agreement, her voice quiet but steady. "He's strong, but even the strongest need support. He needs to understand that leaning on others isn't a sign of weakness. It's what makes a true leader."

Temari glanced at both women, her expression thoughtful. "Then maybe it's up to us to remind him of that. If he won't lean on us, we'll have to step forward and stand with him—whether he likes it or not."

Tsuna smirked slightly at that. "You've got a good head on your shoulders, Temari. Maybe together we can knock some sense into him."

Shizune chuckled softly. "It's worth a try, though knowing Naruto, it might take more than a few reminders."

The three women shared a moment of understanding, united in their determination to support Naruto, no matter how much he tried to shoulder the burden alone.

While the three were engaged in their conversation, Temari suddenly turned her attention to Shizune, her gaze sharp and curious.

"Shizune, it's obvious you care deeply about Naruto. Do you love him?" Temari asked bluntly, her tone leaving no room for evasion.

Shizune's cheeks turned crimson as she floundered for a response. "N-No... I mean, of course not!" she stammered, her voice betraying her denial.

Temari smirked knowingly, but it was Tsuna who spoke next, her arms crossed as she observed Shizune with an almost maternal affection. "Why are you so flustered, Shizune? If you truly don't love him, there's no reason to be this defensive. Just admit it. I've been watching you for years—you're not fooling anyone."

The room fell into an awkward silence, the weight of Tsuna's words lingering in the air. Shizune fidgeted nervously, avoiding their gazes as she battled her inner turmoil.

Finally, she took a deep breath, her voice trembling as she broke the silence. "Yes," she admitted softly, her hands clutching at the hem of her robes. "I love him. But... I'm afraid to say it outright because I don't know if he'd ever feel the same way about me. What if he doesn't accept me?"

Her vulnerability hung heavy in the room, and for a moment, neither Tsuna nor Temari said a word. Instead, they shared a glance that spoke volumes—this conversation was far from over.