[Yamanaka Household]
With the help of her mother Yamanaka Rino, Ino had already put on her yukata neatly.
It was a yukata mainly in golden yellow.
The clothing was adorned with various flower silhouette patterns, along with many cute little animals, going for a cute style overall.
Her not-so-long hair was tied into a bun at the back of her head.
It made her look like a flower bud about to bloom.
"Ino, be extra careful!", Yamanaka Rino reminded.
Ino nodded, "Don't worry, Mom, with Aoba there, I definitely won't get hurt."
Upon hearing that, Yamanaka Rino tapped Ino on the forehead with annoyance, "You child, your head is just full of Aoba, Aoba, can't you think of going around with your dad and mom for once?"
"I'm just afraid of disturbing you and Dad's world of two, you know?", Ino snuggled into Yamanaka Rino's arms, acting spoiled.
"You little girl, what nonsense are you talking about," Yamanaka Rino knocked Ino's head lightly, her face slightly red.
"Hehe," Ino had a face like she'd already seen through everything.
"All right, Ino, make sure to be careful later and don't run around everywhere," Yamanaka Inoichi also walked over, smiling lightly.
"Mmhm, I got it."
Ino slipped out from Yamanaka Rino's embrace, "Then I'm heading out now."
"Dad, Mom, you two have fun too!"
After saying that, Ino gave a "whoosh," disappearing like a little bunny.
"This child! Got herself a little boyfriend and forgot her mother," Yamanaka Rino grumbled, annoyed.
"We should get going too," Yamanaka Inoichi also stepped forward and held his wife's hand, mixing into the crowd, heading toward the Hokage Rock.
"Inoichi, there won't be any danger, right?"
"Hmm?", Yamanaka Inoichi paused, then quickly understood, "Didn't expect you to notice after all."
"How could I not understand you?"
"Don't worry, tonight Hokage Rock is safe."
The Barrier Team had long made preparations there, even if the Nine Tails were to break out, it wouldn't be a problem.
"That's good."
———
Ino hopped and skipped out of the house and quickly arrived at the bottom floor of Sakura's house.
She knocked on Sakura's door while speaking, "Sakura, it's time for us to head out!"
From inside the room came Sakura's voice quickly, "Coming!"
The door opened quickly, and Sakura appeared in front of Ino.
"Sakura, your yukata looks so pretty!", Ino's eyes lit up.
Sakura was wearing a pink yukata, as delicate as the vibrant color of falling cherry blossoms. On the yukata, various cherry blossom patterns were also adorned.
"Ino, yours is really pretty too," Sakura's eyes curved into crescent moons.
"Let's go quickly!"
With that, she grabbed Ino and ran outside.
"Sakura, be careful and don't forget to watch the fireworks together later!"
Haruno Mebuki also ran out the door, waving and shouting toward Sakura.
"Got it!"
———
On the way to the agreed meeting place, the two happened to run into Tenten, who was heading to the same destination.
"Tenten, aren't you wearing a yukata?", Ino asked curiously.
Tenten was wearing a bright red cheongsam. That cheongsam looked like a vibrant and blooming flower of the new year.
The base color of the cheongsam was a festive bright red, passionate and full of energy.
"Mom said we should wear this for New Year," Tenten spun around, full of spring vibes, "I took forever to pick this one out, Aoba will definitely like it!"
"Hmph, that's not for sure," Ino snorted in dissatisfaction, "Aoba definitely likes me and Sakura the most."
"Hmph! Aoba personally said that I suit cheongsam the best."
Tenten wasn't affected by Ino's words at all.
"Then let's wait and see!"
Ino grabbed Sakura's hand and sped up, "I want to be the first to show up in front of Aoba."
"I'll be the first!", Tenten also sped up.
———
"Grandpa Hokage, why are you here?"
Naruto, who had just come downstairs, immediately saw Sarutobi Hiruzen standing under a tree and revealed a pleasantly surprised expression.
"It's New Year, Grandpa came to see Naruto. Are you heading to the festival now?", Sarutobi Hiruzen had a smiling expression.
Naruto nodded excitedly, "Yeah, I'm heading to find Aoba and Sasuke now, we made a promise."
"Seeing Naruto this happy really brightened my mood," Sarutobi Hiruzen reached out and patted Naruto's head.
"Was Grandpa Hokage in a bad mood today?", Naruto tilted his head, puzzled.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's hand paused slightly but quickly returned to normal, "I just felt even happier after seeing Naruto."
Then he changed the subject, "Naruto, are you happy with life at the Ninja Academy this year?"
Naruto nodded strongly, "I think it's really fun. At school, I not only get to play with Aoba and Sasuke every day, but I've also made a lot more friends!"
"As long as you're happy," Sarutobi Hiruzen looked comforted, "Naruto really likes playing with Aoba and Sasuke, huh?"
"Mm, they're my best friends. They're the people I'd protect no matter what."
"If you want to protect them, Naruto's strength right now still isn't quite enough."
"That's why I have to work twice as hard!", Naruto clenched his fists, determination on his face.
Sarutobi Hiruzen paused again, then laughed, "Looks like Naruto's grown up too. With Aoba and the others by your side, Grandpa can rest easy."
"Grandpa Hokage, will you come watch the fireworks with us later?", Naruto looked hopeful.
Sarutobi Hiruzen shook his head, "Grandpa still has work later, can't join Naruto today."
"Even during New Year you have to work? Being Hokage is so tough," Naruto's mood dropped a bit.
Sarutobi Hiruzen rubbed Naruto's head again, "Hurry along now. Making your friends wait isn't a good habit."
"Okay! Bye, Grandpa Hokage!"
After bidding farewell to Sarutobi Hiruzen, Naruto also vanished in a flash.
Watching Naruto's disappearing figure, Sarutobi Hiruzen couldn't help but sigh.
From the shadows behind him, two figures appeared.
Sarutobi Hiruzen also pulled back his emotions, "There's no problem with the seal on Naruto, but we absolutely can't let our guard down."
"Kakashi, Guy, Naruto is in your hands tonight. If there's even a slight change in the seal inside him, get him out immediately."
"Yes!" ×2
Might Guy and Kakashi responded in unison.
"Lord Third, don't you need our help over on your side?"
Might Guy looked toward Sarutobi Hiruzen, concern on his face.
Sarutobi Hiruzen shook his head and patted Might Guy's shoulder with a smile, "Guy, don't underestimate the Hokage."
"Besides, the Nine Tails inside Naruto is even more important. If it goes berserk, it's up to you two."
Feeling the Hokage's trust, Might Guy's expression turned serious, "Lord Third, we guarantee to complete the mission!"
"Mm," Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded, then looked at Kakashi and sighed lightly.
"Kakashi, you should come out too…"
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