[Check Out My P4treon For +30 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! And get chapters before publishing them here for free on my p4treon][https://p4treon.com/talkfictome]
===
The instant Naruto finished eating, Ino stood without hesitation, her fair hand closing naturally around his wrist. With just enough pressure to make her intention unmistakable, she pulled him toward the door. Inside, no one batted an eye; the scene had long since become routine.
Shikamaru didn't even lift his lids, lazily sipping the last of the fish broth in his bowl. Sasuke, meal done, remained expressionless as ever, absorbed in polishing a kunai. They had watched this play out countless times over the years; it no longer stirred a ripple in their hearts.
Only Hinata, hands clenched tightly in her lap, betrayed any reaction. Head bowed, she screamed inside: When will I have the courage to walk straight up to Naruto-kun and take his hand, just like Ino?
Outside, the morning breeze carried the faint salt and moisture of the sea. Ino towed Naruto to the shade of a tree before finally letting go. She tilted her face up, emerald eyes sparkling with delight.
"Naruto, that was so cool just now!" Her voice rang clear. "That brat needed a good lesson! Let's see if he dares throw tantrums again."
Naruto leaned back against the rough bark, a wry, tolerant smile tugging at his lips. "The kid… his grandfather raised him crooked. So young and already copying the old man—bullying the weak, scared of the strong, venting on innocent people. But change his environment and he can still turn around."
Environment shapes a person deeply. Naruto knew that better than anyone.
Ino pouted, her toe scuffing absently at a pebble. "Anyway, what've you been up to?" she switched topics, half-complaining. "You haven't come by forever; feels like ages since we talked."
Naruto gave a helpless chuckle. "Lately it's either training or missions—every slot's packed. And since we're not on the same team, our breaks never line up. I was stuck on the key to a new Ninjutsu until dawn yesterday, then headed straight here to help in the Land of Waves."
Ino's grievance melted like early-spring snow. "Next time… next time you're free, promise you'll call me."
Naruto nodded solemnly. Suddenly remembering something, his eyes lit up. "By the way, how's business at the Yamanaka flower shop? Last time I passed by, you'd gotten in some new hydrangeas—blooming like clouds of dreamy blue-purple mist."
Ino's eyes sparked; flowers were her favorite subject. Instantly animated, she bubbled over, "Ah, those hydrangeas! I hand-picked the premium batch—perfect weather, peak bloom! Besides them, we've got rare new orchids, and…"
She rattled off shop stock and market prices, her golden ponytail dancing. Naruto listened quietly, his smile gentle and his attention fully on her.
"Youth really is wonderful."
Kakashi lounged on the wooden step, chin propped in one hand, his visible right eye curving in an amused crescent.
"Yeah," Asuma arrived hand-in-hand with Kurenai Yuhi and sat beside him. Though still pale, Kurenai looked far better today. Leaning against Asuma, she watched the pair under the tree. "Seeing them so full of life reminds me of us back then."
"Of our generation, only Guy is still running on pure youth," Kakashi sighed. At the mention of Guy, he could almost see the green spandex and the blinding "Nice Guy" pose.
The others weren't as indifferent as they pretended. Kiba and Akamaru had their heads stacked together, peering over the windowsill. Shino hid behind a swaying curtain. Shikamaru and Choji lounged nearby, ears straining. Sakura and Hinata peeked through the half-open door.
When Naruto finally glanced back, he found the eaves packed with his comrades. Each cradled snacks Choji had generously supplied, munching contentedly while they stared—an audience waiting for the next act.
"You guys…" Naruto was caught between laughter and despair at the shameless spectators.
Ino's cheeks flamed scarlet; she stamped her foot. "What are you looking at! There's nothing to see!"
Kakashi, still lounging, lazily turned a page of the innocuously jacketed Romantic Ninjutsu Tales of Shimura side-story and replied without looking up, "Carry on. Don't mind us; we're just resting our feet."
Asuma, fighting a grin, added solemnly, "Absolutely. We've just finished lunch and came out for air—enjoying the morning breeze." He performed an exaggerated deep breath to prove it. Even Kurenai couldn't hold back a soft laugh at their teasing.
===
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 80 on my patreon, go check it out
exclusive 18+ character images, and early chapters, please visit my Patreon. Thanks for your support!
p4treon.com/talkfictome
if you want more updates == supports with power stones
Every 15 Power Stones == Bonus Chapter
every three 5-star reviews == Bonus Chapter