In front of the Yamanaka flower shop, Yamanaka-san was still seated outside, glancing at the sky with growing concern.
It was already late. Why weren't they back yet?
Just as worry crept in, she spotted her daughter approaching. Ino was being carried on the back of a boy her age. For a moment, Yamanaka-san froze.
Was Ino hurt?
She quickly stepped out to meet them.
"Mom! I'm back!" Ino called out brightly when she saw her, just as Fujimoto Tōma gently set her down.
Yamanaka-san scanned Ino and let out a quiet breath of relief. No injuries.
"Ino, how can you let someone carry you like that?" she scolded lightly.
"Well… I couldn't walk anymore," Ino said, clinging to her arm and acting cute.
"Couldn't walk?" her mother replied flatly. "You were playing too much again, weren't you?"
Ino fell silent, cheeks red, looking away. Caught.
"I'm sorry for the trouble," Yamanaka-san said, turning to Tōma. She paused when she noticed he wasn't even breathing hard. Good stamina for a child.
"It wasn't any trouble," Tōma replied politely. "I should be thanking Ino for guiding me."
"See?" Ino perked up immediately. "Tōma said so!"
Her mother shot her a look, then sighed. "Don't be so stiff. Just call her Ino. Wait a moment. I'll add something. No refusing."
Tōma hesitated, then nodded.
A short while later, Yamanaka-san returned with a carefully decorated bouquet of carnations.
Tōma blinked. He was pretty sure he'd only bought one flower.
"Go on," she said, noticing his expression. "The rest are from Ino and me. Consider it a birthday gift for your mother."
"Yeah, take them," Ino added.
"Thank you," Tōma said sincerely as he accepted the bouquet. "Then… I'll be heading home."
"Tōma! See you at school tomorrow!" Ino waved enthusiastically.
"See you," he replied, already turning away.
Yamanaka-san watched his retreating figure, a thoughtful look on her face. Such a good kid. Almost too composed.
She chuckled to herself. What am I thinking? Of course he's a child.
That night, she mentioned the incident to her husband after he returned home.
"Hm," Yamanaka Inoichi said after hearing it. "I think I know him. He should be my classmate's son."
Yamanaka-san leaned in with interest as he continued. "Both parents were shinobi. His father passed before he was born. His mother works at Akimichi Chōza's barbecue place now. From what I've heard, she's diligent."
"No wonder he's so mature," she murmured.
—
At the Fujimoto home, everything was ready.
The cake was placed neatly on the table. The room was spotless. All that was left was to wait.
Forming a hand seal, Tōma summoned a shadow clone. It went out immediately to watch for Fujimoto Sana. Once she was close, it would disperse and send the signal back.
Soon enough, the information reached him.
He lit the candles, then pulled the curtains closed. The room dimmed, candlelight flickering softly against the walls.
Outside, Sana walked home as usual, thinking about dinner. She hadn't even realized what day it was. That date had stopped mattering to her long ago.
Reaching the door, she unlocked it and stepped inside.
She froze.
The room was dark. Candlelight danced gently. A cake sat waiting. And beside it—
"Mom," Tōma said softly, holding out the flowers. "Happy birthday."
Sana took the bouquet mechanically, stunned.
"Uh… you can make a wish and blow out the candles," Tōma added, glancing at the flames.
The next instant, he was pulled into a tight embrace.
Warm drops soaked into his shoulder.
Tōma stiffened, silent. He didn't quite understand why tears were falling, but he understood enough to stay still.
He made a quiet decision then. No matter what happened, he'd always come back on this day. Every year.
When Sana finally pulled away, she smiled through damp eyes.
"I already made my wish," she said gently. "And it's already come true."
"Then… maybe make another one?" Tōma suggested after thinking for a moment.
She laughed softly. "Alright."
Closing her eyes, Sana leaned forward and blew out the candles.
May my child live safely. May he grow strong. And, if I can be a little greedy… let me see him happy, loved, and with a family of his own.