Short version
Kurenai arranges for Naruto to receive extra taijutsu training from Maito Gai, and takes him shopping for a more practical outfit and fresh weapons — although the villagers' hostility makes their trip more difficult. Her supportive attitude and his teammates' lack of hostility marks them as some of Naruto's precious people, and renews his determination to keep them safe.
Longer version
Early in the morning, Kurenai meets Might Guy and Rock Lee at their training ground. She offers a deal to teach Tenten and Lee in genjutsu, if Guy will give Naruto extra lessons in taijutsu in the early morning. Guy agrees.
Kurenai arrives at the Hokage's office, and voices her consternation over Naruto's situation. Hiruzen explains that he knows, but the villagers act on their own accord. Elders and clan leaders petition for Naruto's execution or exile, and various villagers have tried to kill him. The Hokage refuses the former, and the ANBU foil the latter, but the villagers still despise Naruto in their hearts. Despite this, Naruto has prevailed to reach his current position. Kurenai briefly references the tragedy of her team, blaming it on village treachery, and the Third is supportive, but notes a lack of evidence and therefore cannot take action.
Kurenai meets Naruto outside the tower, and reveals her agreement with Guy and Lee. The two go shopping, but certain shopkeepers try to mistreat Naruto. In particular, Kurenai is angered by a sexist shopkeeper, whom she intimidates before leaving. She gives Naruto a lecture on human nature and sexism. They next stop at a tailor from Wave Country named Ikitaro, from whom they select a dark green and grey outfit with Guy-inspired weights for Naruto, along with other customary ninja equipment. Once fitted, Naruto feels unsettled about being a serious ninja. Kurenai reassures him, explaining that it is normal for shinobi to feel that way, but stresses the value of Team 8 keeping each other safe. Next, the two arrive at the weapon shop of Tenten's father, who details the relation between physical growth and weapon specialization. Kunai and shuriken are purchased from him, along with exploding tags.
Hinata sits in the garden of her mother, reminiscing on her sparring exercises with Shino and Naruto. She also recollects her father's abusive, unsatisfiable disposition. Hiashi was unimpressed and cold to Hinata's passing the exam. Considering her life a failure, Hinata hopes to still accomplish something, perhaps with a noble death, but she is then peturbed by this negative train of thought. Hinata also recalls the animosity between Kurenai and Hiashi. Hiashi was incensed that Kurenai was her team leader, and even more so that Naruto is her teammate. Hinata leaves the Hyuuga residence to meet her team.
Shino Aburame is puzzled by his team. His devotion to rationality is made clear, but this contrasts with his teammates who appear to defy reason. Naruto's progression of ability is erratic, and Shino's kikaichu are ominously wary of him. Hinata's affection and faith in Naruto also perplexes Shino. The Aburame questions Kurenai's reasoning for team selection, but keeps his frustration masked.
In his new outfit, Naruto realizes that he is confounded by the villagers' changing reactions to him. He also considers how investigative and instructive Kurenai is, in contrast to most of his past instructors. He recognizes how involved and attentive she is to him, and how she emphasizes the importance of the team. Naruto realizes the significance of the acknowledgment and respect received from Iruka, Kurenai, Hinata, and Shino. The possibility of them becoming true friends both excites and worries Naruto, and he resolves to protect them with his life.
Naruto's resolve explodes into killing intent, which Kurenai and several villagers detect. She discerns his thought process, and appreciates his strong will, recognizing it as a powerful asset for the team.
Tropes:
- Adaptation Dye-Job: Naruto receives a dark green and grey outfit to be more inconspicuous.
- Bunny-Ears Lawyer: Might Guy, as usual. Kurenai theorizes that this characterizes jonin in general due to the stress of the job.
- The Chains of Commanding: Hiruzen elaborates that even though he works to keep Naruto safe, he cannot control every deed of the villagers, and they shun Naruto however they can anyways.
- Challenge Seeker: Might Guy, once again. Kurenai exploits this to sway him into taking her deal.
- Original Character: Ikitaro, a tailor from the Land of Waves who emigrated due to an economic depression.
- The Spock: Shino might as well be titled "Insect Spock."
- True Companions: This, or at least the possibility of it, is what gets Naruto so fired up.
