Naruto cleaned up the campsite, rolling up the sleeping bags, trying not to cry. Where was Kuri? He could still feel her in his arms. How could this have happened?
Looking up, Naruto met eyes with a pretty girl. She was wearing a kimono, holding flowers.
"Who…who are you?" Naruto asked, surprised.
"Call me Haku." Haku said. "So…you were visited by the phantom?"
"Phantom?" Naruto stared at her. "What phantom?"
Haku smiled knowingly. "He's the one who took your kunai."
"What?!" Naruto was shocked.
Haku picked another flower. "The phantom is mysterious and strange. All the young girls…and boys…fall in love with him." She leveled her gaze at him. "Your little friend, too."
"No!" Naruto denied. "Kuri-chan wouldn't!"
Haku leaned down, eye-to-eye with her. "Is she the one you love?" When Naruto didn't answer, Haku continued. "You will get infinitely stronger as you protect her." Haku got up to leave, then turned back. "By the way…I'm a boy."
Naruto stared after him in shock.
He was prettier than Kuri! Well, almost.