---

  Scene: Academy Courtyard – Morning

  The sun filters through the trees as students gather lazily, bags slung over shoulders, chatting half-heartedly.

  Yuta stands beside Boruto, Sumire, Shikadai, and Metal Lee. There's tension — not loud, not aggressive — just quiet, lingering unease.

  Shikadai (scratching the back of his head):

  “So... uh… are we gonna pretend nothing happened yesterday?”

  Boruto (arms crossed, avoiding eye contact):

  “Tch… it's not like I’m mad. Just… confused.”

  Sumire (softly):

  “She hasn’t even looked our way today...”

  Just then, Sarada enters, walking stiffly beside Ryouta. Her eyes are hidden behind her glasses, her shoulders tense like she’s carrying something much heavier than a school bag.

  Everyone quiets.

  No one greets her.

  Yuta steps forward, sighing softly.

  Yuta:

  “You guys don’t have to act weird around her… She's not the enemy.”

  Everyone looks up, surprised.

  Yuta (gently, without looking back):

  The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

  “She’s a good girl. Don’t let one moment decide everything.”

  He walks past them — and as he does, he passes Sarada.

  Their eyes lock, just for a second. Long enough to say what words couldn’t.

  Long enough to remember what they lost.

  Yuta turns away.

  Sarada doesn’t move.

  She clutches her bag tighter, nails digging into the strap. Her lip trembles.

  Ryouta, noticing, sighs and wraps his arms around her from behind.

  Ryouta (teasing, but warm):

  “Jeez… Don’t cry. You’ll make me look like the bad guy.”

  Sarada (voice shaking):

  “…You’re already the bad guy.”

  They both laugh faintly. But her eyes still look where Yuta disappeared.

  ---

  Scene: Aria’s Moon Palace

  A soft wind blows through the open balcony of the crystal palace floating over the Moon’s edge. Aria, dressed in ceremonial silks, stares down at the Earth.

  Aria (whispers):

  “…Did my return… hurt him?”

  Toneri steps beside her, his arms folded, gaze fixed on the horizon.

  Toneri:

  “It stirred what was buried. So yes… in a way.”

  Aria (soft smile):

  “...Can I still call him Sylus? Even if he’s Yuta now?”

  Toneri (gentle):

  “You were almost married the day he died. That right never left you.”

  Aria (closing her eyes):

  “Then Sylus… I’ll watch you from here. Even if you’ve forgotten me.”

  ---

  Scene: Park – Late Afternoon

  Ryouta lies on a bench, arms behind his head, eyes lost in the sky. The clouds move slowly.

  A small shadow looms over him.

  Himawari (in Japanese, smiling):

  “Onii-chan… Ryouta. What happened?”

  Ryouta (chuckles bitterly):

  “Always cleaning up everyone else’s mess… and still, no one notices when I fall apart.”

  Himawari (sitting beside him):

  “Then can I watch your downfall, Ryouta-onii-chan?”

  He turns, stunned.

  Ryouta:

  “You’re just eleven, kiddo. I’m fourteen. We’re from two different worlds already.”

  Himawari (grinning):

  “Then I’ll grow fast… so you never feel alone.”

  His eyes soften. He leans down, resting his head gently against hers.

  In the distance, Kakashi watches silently from under a tree.

  For a moment…

  He sees Hinata in Himawari.

  And Naruto, tired and young, in Ryouta.

  He quietly turns away.

  ---

  Scene: Konoha Bar – Evening

  Dim lights. Quiet music. Two familiar men sit at the bar: Iruka and Kakashi, already a few drinks in.

  Kakashi (half-drunk, glass in hand):

  “Y’know… Naruto and Sasuke might actually become in-laws…”

  Iruka (raises an eyebrow):

  “What?”

  Kakashi:

  “Sarada’s chasing Yuta. She has for a while now. And it won’t stop. Mark my words… girls will be chasing that boy for years. One's already on the Moon.”

  Iruka (laughs):

  “Aria, right? Yeah, that’s one dramatic love triangle…”

  Kakashi (leans forward):

  “And now Himawari’s acting like Hinata… to Ryouta. That boy’s breaking down and no one’s watching. Not because he’s alone… but because he has too many people around him… and none to lean on.”

  Iruka:

  “Damn... That’s heavy.”

  Kakashi (smirks faintly):

  “That’s Konoha now… One big emotional mess.”

  They both laugh. Then sigh.

  Kakashi slumps forward, head hitting the table with a thud.

  Iruka:

  “…And he’s out.”

  Iruka groans, slinging Kakashi’s arm over his shoulder.

  Iruka (muttering):

  “I swear, next time I’m drinking alone…”

  They stumble out of the bar, drunk and laughing like old war veterans remembering love, loss… and a whole lot of regrets.

  ---

  End of Chapter 29 – “Those Who Watch From Afar”