---

  After feeding Hinata, the sky had fully darkened, and the two returned to Konoha. Naruto decided to settle on the top of the Hokage Rock.

  The view here was expansive, and it was typically a quiet pce where few people visited.

  However, tonight it seemed unusually lively, with groups of people gathering to enjoy the location.

  Some were in groups of three or five, others moved in pairs, and a few had even lit bonfires, creating a warm, festive atmosphere.

  "Huh? Shikamaru, Temari?" Naruto spotted familiar faces among the crowd.

  "Naruto? Hinata?" Shikamaru also noticed the two of them.

  Naruto grinned and leaned over, bumping Shikamaru lightly with his shoulder. "So, what's going on here? Why are you two together?"

  "Don't say that like it's something ambiguous!" Temari retorted, pointing at Hinata. "Aren't you two together?"

  Naruto grabbed Hinata's hand and raised it, grinning mischievously. "We're together officially right, Hinata? So, you two are dating too, aren't you?"

  Temari's face turned red, though it was unclear whether it was from anger or embarrassment. "You idiot!"

  Shikamaru sighed, already looking weary. "Don't jump to conclusions, Naruto. My dad asked me to help coordinate with Temari regarding the upcoming Chunin Exams. He's been busy tely, so he passed the responsibility to me."

  Temari nodded in confirmation. "That's exactly what's going on."

  Naruto tilted his head. "Wait, isn't your dad in charge of the Chunin Exams? Why does it involve you, Shikamaru?"

  Shikamaru gave him an exasperated look. "Naruto, I'm just a genin. I still have to take the exam I'm not running it!"

  "Oh, right," Naruto said, scratching his head as the memory returned. "You didn't even get to fight in the final round since it got interrupted."

  Suddenly, a small firework shot up into the sky, lighting it with a burst of colours. Soon after, fireworks erupted one after another, illuminating the night with vibrant hues.

  For a moment, everything paused the bustling crowd, the chatter on the Hokage Rock all eyes turned to the dazzling dispy above.

  Cheers erupted soon after, and the entire vilge of Konoha was swept into the lively atmosphere of the festival.

  Hinata, mesmerized by the fireworks, tightened her grip on Naruto's hand, intertwining her fingers with his.

  Naruto gnced at her, his heart feeling unusually light. "This is happiness, isn't it?" he thought to himself.

  Meanwhile, across Konoha, other familiar faces were enjoying the festival:

  Minato and Kushina strolled through the streets like any ordinary couple. Without their usual responsibilities, Kushina seemed more carefree, her ughter as lighthearted as a child's.

  Minato, ever the supportive husband, indulged her whims, trying games she liked and buying her favourite snacks.

  Elsewhere, Itachi and Izumi were sharing dango skewers, their hands reaching for the st one simultaneously. Izumi blushed and looked away shyly.

  Sasuke, on the other hand, was being dragged around by Sakura. Though his face betrayed irritation, his actions told a different story he stayed close, awkwardly returning the gifts Sakura handed him.

  At an izakaya, Tsunade and Jiraiya clinked their gsses. Tsunade asked, "Jiraiya, do you pn on travelling again soon?"

  Jiraiya gave it some thought and grinned. "Yeah, once things settle down. I want to explore the ninja world staying in Konoha would dry up my creative inspiration."

  Thud! Jiraiya's face smmed into the table as Tsunade knocked him out with a single punch. She downed her drink in one gulp, muttering, "Idiot," before leaving.

  Elsewhere, Shizuka clung to Kimimaro's arm, happily trailing alongside him. Kimimaro gnced at the fleeting fireworks, silently wondering if there was someone else he needed to protect.

  Tenten sat on a rooftop, resting her chin on her hands as she watched the fireworks.

  She gnced at her teammates, who were busy in a nearby restaurant, and sighed softly.

  Asuma, missing Kurenai who was away on a mission, watched the festival with quiet longing, while Kakashi found himself at the memorial stone.

  Though he appreciated the fireworks, he took a moment to honour the fallen in solitude.

  Meanwhile, Naruto held Hinata close as they sat on Hokage Rock, watching the sky light up with brilliant colours.

  His thoughts drifted to the prophecy of the Great Toad Sage: Happiness will come your way. Wasn't this happiness enough?

  ---

  Time moved on despite the celebrations, and soon the fireworks faded. The stars gave way to the morning sun as life resumed its usual rhythm.

  Naruto, feeling guilty, rose earlier than his teammates to avoid an encounter with Kimimaro.

  After completing his morning training, he sought out Jiraiya, who was still nursing bruises from Tsunade's punch.

  "Pervy Sage, take a look at this jutsu," Naruto said, handing him a scroll.

  Jiraiya gnced at it. "The Peacock Technique? That's a secret ninjutsu from the Star Vilge. How did you get this, Naruto?"

  "Sasuke copied it! Uchiha's abilities don't count as stealing, right?" Naruto said with a cheeky grin.

  Jiraiya sighed. "This jutsu is pretty advanced. It requires a lot of chakra to use effectively. What do you want to do with it?"

  "I want to modify it," Naruto replied. "Flying is cool, but I don't like the wing design. Can you help me change it?"

  Jiraiya rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm, changing the shape shouldn't be too hard, but..."

  "But what?" Naruto asked suspiciously.

  Grinning mischievously, Jiraiya said, "It'll take up my writing time. How about you help me out with something in exchange?"

  Naruto smirked knowingly. "You want me to transform into that girl again, don't you? Fine, old man, but don't bme me for what's coming!"

  ---

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