Chapter 78: Chapter 12
Hima's gaze was fixed on the scene below her, and she could feel the heat of anger rise within her, a tangible force threatening to explode. The sight of Naruto and Pam together sent a wave of jealousy and fury coursing through her veins. Daddy, how could you let that woman touch you so closely? The thought consumed her, gnawing at her insides. Her hands were clenched into fists, her nails digging into her palms as her eyes narrowed with fury.
Her emotions were raw, and her heart felt as though it were breaking. She could barely stand the sight of Pam so close to Naruto—close in a way that Hima believed was reserved for her, and her alone. She hated the way Pam looked at him, the way she smiled, the way she touched him. Hima had always thought that she was the only one who truly understood Naruto, the only one who mattered to him. To see someone else—especially someone like Pam—interfere in that was a betrayal that she couldn't tolerate.
Kara, sitting beside her on top of the skyscraper, had noticed her intense focus and her clenched jaw. Kara, ever perceptive, could tell that something was troubling Hima, but she didn't press right away. Instead, she continued eating her ice cream, letting the silence between them linger for a moment. She studied Hima's tense expression, her brow furrowed in deep concentration. Kara couldn't help but wonder what could be occupying Hima's mind so deeply.
"What are you looking at?" Kara finally asked, her voice light, trying to break the tension.
Hima didn't immediately respond, still lost in her thoughts as she watched the couple below. Kara, curious as ever, decided to take a look herself. Her eyes followed Hima's gaze, and soon she saw what had caught her attention. A couple in the park. At first glance, it seemed like a normal, innocent scene. But then, Kara's sharp eyes caught sight of something strange. Wait, is that Poison Ivy?
The realization hit her like a ton of bricks. Poison Ivy? What is she doing with that man? She looked closer, her mind racing with questions. Poison Ivy was known for her plant-based powers and for her deep connection to the natural world, but what was she doing with a man Hima seemed to be so deeply attached to?
Kara could see the way Ivy was looking at him—soft, affectionate, like she truly cared for him. She wasn't sure what it meant, but it didn't feel normal. Who is this man? Kara wondered, confused. To her, he didn't seem special beyond his well-sculpted physique and handsome features. But there had to be something more, something she wasn't seeing.
Maybe it's something about him, or maybe it's just me not understanding. Could this man be the one who has Phoenix in such a daze? Kara's thoughts sped up, each one tumbling over the other in her mind. Is he her boyfriend? And if so, is he cheating with Poison Ivy?
Her mind spun in circles, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease settle in her stomach. What was going on? There were too many questions and too few answers.
Hima's voice broke her from her thoughts, and she glanced over at her friend, who seemed to have snapped out of her reverie, though the anger was still palpable in the air around her.
"Nothing. Just remembered something annoying," Hima replied after a pause, her tone cold and distant.
Kara frowned slightly, sensing that Hima wasn't being completely honest. But she didn't press further. She knew Hima well enough to know that when her friend was in a mood, pushing for answers wasn't always the best approach. Instead, she offered a simple gesture of support.
"Well, if you want someone to talk to, I'm here," Kara said softly, her voice warm and genuine. She wanted Hima to know that she could always confide in her, no matter what.
Hima seemed to consider her words for a moment before shaking her head slightly. "Thanks. I'll do so when I need it," she replied, her voice tinged with a faint sense of gratitude. "Also, sorry, but I need to leave now. Let's meet tomorrow."
Before Kara could say anything more, Hima leaned over and gave her a quick hug. The gesture was brief, but it carried with it the weight of Hima's unspoken feelings. With that, Hima vanished from the spot with the flicker of a teleportation spell, leaving Kara alone on the rooftop.
Kara stared at the empty space where her friend had been just moments ago. Teleportation really is useful, she thought, a quiet admiration in her voice as she looked at the city below. But there was something more on her mind now—something she couldn't shake. What was really going on between Hima, Naruto, and Poison Ivy? And what role did she play in all of it?
With a sigh, Kara took another bite of her ice cream and stared out at the city, her mind swirling with questions of its own.
Naruto sat quietly, his coffee mug in hand, eyes focused on the news broadcast, his thoughts far from the peaceful morning routine he had hoped for. The world was in turmoil over Raven's shocking confession of manslaughter and her request for punishment. It was unexpected and left the world grappling with the implications of her actions. Despite the gravity of the situation, Naruto couldn't help but feel a small sense of amusement.
"Mea, your friend is really something," he muttered, raising an eyebrow, his gaze still glued to the screen. He was intrigued by Raven's boldness, though he understood the complicated web it had woven around her.
Mea, who had been sitting nearby, looked anything but pleased. The news had shaken her to her core, especially since Raven had been one of her idols. She felt a deep embarrassment at Raven's impulsive decision to confess and take responsibility for something so significant without consulting anyone. Mea, too, couldn't shake the gnawing guilt that she had left her friend in a vulnerable position.
"Is she even thinking at the moment? I shouldn't have left her alone," Mea thought, her mind spiraling with concern for Raven.
"Father, what should we do?" she asked, her voice laced with worry. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on her, and she knew that any decision they made would have immense consequences.
Naruto smiled gently, setting the mug down on the table and turning to look at his daughter. "What do you want to do?" he asked, his tone calm and collected, as though he were more interested in hearing her perspective than giving orders. He trusted Mea's judgment, even when it came to high-stakes situations like this.
Mea hesitated for a moment, then smiled faintly as she rushed over to her father, hugging him tightly. "Love you, father," she said, her words full of gratitude and warmth. Despite everything, she could still find comfort in his presence.
Without another word, Mea quickly pulled away and left, her urgency clear. "I'll go rescue Raven," she said, her tone determined. She vanished in an instant, her teleportation spell carrying her away to where Raven needed help the most.
Naruto watched her go, his eyes thoughtful. "What a hasty child. This isn't something she can handle alone," Kurama's voice rumbled inside his mind, his concern for Mea's well-being evident.
"I agree," Naruto replied quietly. "But this is her path, and I can't always protect her from everything. Besides, Raven's situation is far from simple, and this will require a delicate touch. I think I should get involved—but from the shadows."
Kurama's voice took on a slightly more amused tone. "So, you'll send Riana, then? Seems like you're trying to keep your hands clean while still getting results."
Naruto chuckled softly. "Riana's more than capable of handling it. I'll provide support, but it's best if we let her take the reins. As for me... I'll operate from the shadows, as usual. I can't risk making a spectacle out of this."
"Whatever you think is best," Kurama replied, though a hint of impatience was laced in his words. "But at least let me have some fun! I've been napping for too long. I'm bored."
Naruto smiled, the familiar banter with Kurama grounding him. "Fine, we'll have some fun, but you'll control the environment. Let's make it interesting."
"Good! Finally, some action," Kurama grumbled, the excitement evident in his tone as Naruto connected with the planet, letting Kurama work his magic.
While his mind was occupied with the impending mission, Naruto couldn't help but think about his daughter, Hima. He could feel her emotions shifting, and something told him that she was still upset with him. He sighed, pushing his thoughts toward the upstairs, toward her room. He hoped she had calmed down since their last conversation, but the feeling in his gut told him otherwise.
When Naruto entered Hima's room, he found her lying on her bed, her eyes wide open despite the late hour. She hadn't slept. The sight of her restless made something tug painfully at his heart.
"Hima, my precious jewel. Why are you doing this?" Naruto murmured gently, sitting beside her and reaching out to stroke her hair. She glanced at him, her expression unreadable, but Naruto could see the uncertainty in her eyes.
"Daddy, do you not need me anymore?" Hima's voice was thick with sadness, a hint of vulnerability breaking through.
The question caught Naruto off guard, and a pang of confusion struck him. "Why would you say that?" he asked, genuinely puzzled by the sudden shift in her mood.
"Daddy spent the day with another woman yesterday and didn't tell me. Does Daddy want to replace Hima with another woman?" Hima's words tumbled out, and Naruto could feel the weight of her insecurities pressing against him.
His heart tightened. "Of course not. I will never replace you with anyone. You are my top priority," he reassured her, pulling her into a warm hug. He felt a strange, unfamiliar pain in his chest as he said those words, not fully understanding where it came from.
Hima clung to him tightly, her emotions swirling in a mix of frustration and love. In her mind, she had convinced herself that if she could stop her father from pursuing any romantic relationships, she could protect the bond they shared.
"Daddy, you can find another wife, but please inform me next time," she said with a small, forced smile. She was trying to mask the chaos of her thoughts, but Naruto could see through it. He knew that beneath the smile, she was still struggling.
Naruto smiled warmly, trying to lighten the mood. "Of course, my little princess," he said, brushing a kiss on her cheek before standing up. "Anything else?"
Hima hesitated for a moment before asking, "Can we go on an outing today? It's been so long since we went outside together."
Naruto chuckled, grateful for the change in subject. "Okay, get ready, and we'll spend the day outside." He gave her a playful wink before leaving the room, his mind now focused on the day ahead.
But as he walked away, a strange sensation lingered in his chest—a deep unease that he couldn't quite place. I felt something so wrong inside my heart. What is wrong with me? he thought, the question haunting him as he prepared for the day's events.
The road ahead was uncertain, and the complexities of his relationships were beginning to intertwine in ways he hadn't anticipated. Yet, Naruto knew one thing for sure: he would always protect his family—no matter the cost.