Cold wind carried fine snowflakes across the distinctive black volcanic rocks of the Land of Hot Springs. Ryo, Tsunade, Mikoto, and Kushina stepped through the soft snow into a hot spring town blanketed in white. A faint sulfur scent lingered in the air. Steam rose gently from the gaps beneath countless rooftops, driving away the bitter cold of winter. The fatigue from days of travel, the lingering warmth from the night before, all seemed to melt into the comforting embrace of the moist, mineral-rich air.
Their inn featured a semi-open family-style mixed bath, surrounded by natural rock formations, private and tranquil. The spring water bubbled softly, heat rising into the mist, with a few crimson maple leaves drifting on the surface.
Tsunade stepped into the pool first. The warm water immediately enveloped her, and she let out a contented sigh, relaxing completely against the smooth edge of the bath. The hot spring rose to her shoulders, and her long blonde hair spread out across the surface like silk. Her gaze swept over the three people beside her, the corner of her lips curling into a faint, teasing smile.
"Finally here," she murmured, eyes half-closed. "Feels like all the chill's been driven out."
Mikoto tested the water before slowly slipping in beside Ryo. The warmth brought a healthy flush to her pale cheeks. She picked up a towel and began wiping Ryo's shoulders naturally.
"Feels nice," Ryo said, turning slightly toward her with a small smile. The warm current soothed the deep muscle fatigue lingering in his body.
Kushina dove in like a lively fish, splashing crystal-clear water as she swam to Ryo's other side. Her wet red hair clung to her cheeks, and her bright blue eyes sparkled in the steam.
"So warm!" She clapped the water excitedly, splashing Ryo in the face. Giggling, she wiped his face and leaned in close. "Way more spacious than the baths on Tanzaku Street!"
Ryo wiped his face, giving her a helpless yet indulgent look. "Be careful."
Tsunade watched Kushina snuggle up to Ryo without reservation, then glanced at Mikoto quietly resting on his other side. A flicker of something unreadable passed through her eyes, soon soothed by the warmth of the spring, leaving only a faint, peaceful smile. She scooped up water and splashed it gently on her face, washing away the last bit of travel fatigue.
The pool rippled, steam rising gently. Occasionally, Tsunade would flick some water at Kushina, prompting a playful yelp and a splash in return. Mikoto leaned quietly against Ryo's shoulder, eyes closed, only raising her hand to wipe away stray droplets from time to time.
"Ryo," Tsunade's lazy voice floated through the steam. "I heard the local sake is pretty top-notch. Shall we try it tonight?"
"Sure," Ryo replied.
"I'm in!" Kushina instantly raised her hand in excitement.
Mikoto opened her eyes and gently reminded, "Kushina, sake has a slow burn. Don't overdo it."
"Got it, Mikoto!" Kushina stuck out her tongue, then scooted closer to Ryo. The hot water brought out a healthy pink glow to her skin, and traces of the previous night's intimacy quietly surfaced.
By afternoon, thin sunlight pierced through the clouds, spilling over the snow-covered slopes. The four of them changed into rented ski gear.
Tsunade stood at the top of the slope, stretching her limbs. Her eyes gleamed with a familiar spark. "Wanna race?" She tilted her chin toward Ryo. Before the words fully left her mouth, she tapped her ski poles and shot down the slope like an arrow loosed from a bow. Her form was agile and sharp, carving a beautiful arc in the snow as laughter echoed through the mountains.
"Tsunade-sensei's as energetic as ever," Mikoto commented with a smile as she adjusted her skis. Her movements were more reserved and elegant. She took a gentler path, gliding gracefully down the slope like a dancer on snow.
Kushina, a beginner, was clumsy and awkward. She tried to imitate Mikoto, inching forward cautiously. "Ah!" She lost her balance and fell face-first into a soft pile of snow, only her legs sticking out and kicking.
Ryo quickly skied over and offered a hand. Kushina looked up, her face covered in snow, resembling a little snow cat. Instead of being upset, she giggled, "The snow's so soft!" She grabbed his hand and let him help her up.
"Look straight ahead. Lean forward. Keep your center of gravity low," Ryo instructed concisely as he helped her down the slope slowly. Kushina picked it up quickly. Her movements were still wobbly, but the number of falls sharply decreased, and her laughter echoed across the snowy plains.
After two runs down the beginner slope with her, Ryo confirmed she could manage on her own, then moved to a steeper route near Tsunade's path. His skis sliced the snow with a sharp hiss. Every move was powerful and precise. He quickly caught up with Tsunade resting near the base. Their eyes met, and without a word, they launched off again side by side, leaving parallel tracks on the pristine canvas.
Mikoto reached the bottom and looked back, her gaze soft as she watched Ryo patiently teaching Kushina, and then racing Tsunade with such vigor. She removed her goggles and gently brushed the snow from her clothes.
Near the slope, a small cabin offered instant photo services with rental cameras. Kushina dashed over and rented one immediately.
"Let's take pictures! Group photo first!" she exclaimed, holding up the camera.
The four of them stood in the snow, the mountain range behind them under a blue sky. Kushina asked a passing instructor to help with the photo.
"Ready? One, two, three!" the instructor called out.
Kushina smiled the brightest, baring white teeth, red hair glowing in the sun.
Tsunade stood confidently, hands on hips, beaming.
Mikoto stood next to Ryo, lips curved in a quiet arc.
Ryo's arms naturally rested around both Mikoto and Kushina's waists, a calm smile on his face.
Click. The shutter snapped, freezing the moment. The photo printed quickly, capturing the pure background of blue skies and white snow, the four of them leaning close, genuine smiles and visible puffs of breath preserved clearly.
Kushina hugged the photo. "This came out so good! I'm printing extras!"
"Give me one," Tsunade said, taking it and slipping it into her pocket after a glance.
Mikoto carefully held one corner of her copy, her gaze falling on Ryo's hand around her waist, her smile deepening.
"Again, again! Solo shots too!" Kushina dragged them one by one for more pictures. She made Ryo pose under an icicle-laden pine tree, capturing his upright stance. She got Tsunade with her snowboard slung over her shoulder in a heroic pose. She snapped Mikoto sitting quietly on a snow-covered bench, gazing into the distance.
When it was her turn, she struck playful poses, flashing peace signs, leaping midair, or pretending to fall. Every frame overflowed with energy. Ryo patiently snapped the photos each time. If Kushina wasn't satisfied, she pouted and made him retake them.
"This one's perfect!" she finally declared, picking a shot of her mid-jump, red hair flying, her grin as bright as winter sunlight.
By dusk, the town's main market lit up with lanterns. The snow-covered stone streets glowed red in the warm light. The aroma of food mixed with cheerful voices filled the air.
Kushina was instantly drawn to the lively scene, flitting from stall to stall like a bird.
"Ryo, look at this!" she stopped at a fox mask stall, trying on a red-and-white one. Only her blue eyes showed through as she posed playfully. "Do I look good?"
"You do," Ryo replied with a smile, buying it for her.
She then spotted a bright red candied hawthorn stick. Biting into one, her eyes closed in bliss. "So good!"
Mikoto wasn't interested in snacks. Her attention was on the handcrafted goods. She paused at a pottery stall, picking up a rustic teacup with smooth, warm glaze. She examined the pattern with quiet focus.
"You like it?" Ryo approached.
"Yes, the glaze is excellent. It should make a good brew," Mikoto replied, eyeing the matching teapot.
"Then we'll take it." Ryo motioned for the shopkeeper to wrap it.
Mikoto didn't refuse and smiled gently. "Thank you."
Tsunade was drawn by a strong aroma of alcohol and followed it to a local sake stall. The shopkeeper enthusiastically offered her samples.
"Mm... This one's good, rich and mellow," she nodded after a sip. "Got anything stronger?" In high spirits, she chatted with the owner and picked out two jars labeled "Volcano Flame," having them delivered to the inn.
Ryo followed behind, quietly amused as she made her selections, taking the receipt from her hand.
Kushina munched on grilled mochi, holding a squeaky bamboo pinwheel, and darted over to a woven bracelet stall. "Ryo, does this color look good?" She held up a red-and-gold cord.
"It matches your hair." Ryo stood behind her like a solid wall, shielding her from the crowd.
Kushina happily bought it and wore it right away, shaking her wrist. She picked a soft purple one for Mikoto and a deep gold for Tsunade. As she paid, her eyes lit up again at the sight of candied apples.
"Want one?" Ryo asked.
She nodded hard, and he bought her another.
Mikoto quietly followed, carrying the teaware bag. She watched Kushina's delighted energy and Ryo's ever-present, silent support. Her eyes softened. Tsunade held her arms, taking in the bustling market and the people around her, a hint of peaceful satisfaction on her face.
They walked slowly, stopping frequently. Kushina sampled every snack that caught her eye, collecting trinkets along the way. Ryo carried her growing pile of purchases. Tsunade cradled her precious sake. Mikoto held her chosen teaware. Lantern lights stretched and shrank their shadows. The noise of the crowd became the warmest background music.
As night deepened, the market quieted. The four of them returned to the inn with cold bodies and full hands.
Kushina couldn't wait to show off her loot. Fox mask, pinwheel, bracelets. She handed the light purple one to Mikoto. "For you, Mikoto!"
Mikoto blinked in surprise, then accepted it with a warm smile, slipping it onto her wrist. "It's beautiful. Thank you, Kushina."
"This one's for Tsunade-nee!" Kushina handed her the golden one.
Tsunade raised an eyebrow, looked it over, then put it on with a flick. "Not bad."
Kushina proudly shook her own red-and-gold bracelet, then held up the printed photos. "I had them developed too!" She passed them out. The snow's chill faded under their smiles. The warmth of the springs had settled deep into their bones, and the lights of the market still danced in their memories.
Ryo handed the teaware to Mikoto. She accepted it, fingertips brushing over the smooth glaze. Her smile revealed a rare touch of genuine joy.
Tsunade unsealed her jar of Volcano Flame. The thick aroma filled the room instantly. "A soak followed by a drink, now that's the life!" She poured four small cups.
They slipped into the hot spring again. The water chased away the last bit of chill from the streets. Kushina leaned against the edge, sighing in satisfaction, cheeks flushing quickly after a few sips of sake. Mikoto drank quietly, feeling the warmth trail down her throat. Tsunade downed hers in one gulp with a pleased exhale.
Ryo looked at them. Kushina's lively delight, Mikoto's calm serenity, Tsunade's bold contentment. He raised his cup. The warmth of the water, the sake, and the presence of those by his side blended into a silent but powerful feeling called happiness. Light danced on the spring's surface, rippling gently, casting faint reflections of their close-knit silhouettes.
Outside, the snowy night in the Land of Hot Springs was silent and serene. Inside the inn, only the soft sounds of water, the occasional clink of cups, and murmured conversations remained. Tsunade poured herself another drink, her gaze drifting across the steam to Kushina's drowsy face, then to Mikoto's quiet presence, and finally to Ryo's steady profile. She didn't speak, just downed her cup with a small smile, as if letting go, as if confirming something. The fatigue in her bones faded completely, replaced by warmth seeping into every fiber of her being.
Kushina yawned softly, head nodding until it finally rested on Ryo's shoulder. Her red hair clung damply to his neck. Ryo adjusted his posture so she could lean more comfortably. Mikoto noticed and lowered her voice. Tsunade stopped pouring, simply gazing at the water, her eyes unfocused, enjoying the rare, pure stillness.
The printed photo sat quietly on the tray by the spring, sealing away the joy of the day. And this peaceful moment became their unspoken memory of a warm winter together.
The hot steam lazily rose. The lingering buzz of last night's sake still wrapped around their limbs. Ryo leaned against the smooth edge of the pool. The steam blurred his vision. Kushina, like a small kitten, slept soundly on his arm. Her damp red hair clung to his shoulder and neck. Mikoto sat quietly nearby, absentmindedly tracing circles in the warm water. Tsunade stretched, letting out a satisfied sigh. Water droplets rolled down her toned shoulders.
"Ah, finally soaked the chill out from my bones," Tsunade splashed her face and shook out her wet blonde hair, her sharp eyes scanning the group. "Alright, next destination."
Ryo glanced down at Kushina's flushed cheeks, pink from the heat. "Already have a place in mind?"
"Land of Lightning," Tsunade answered crisply. The water rippled slightly with her relaxed movement. "I hear the mountain peaks above the sea of clouds are breathtaking. We've had our fill of hot springs and snow. Time for something new." She leaned back, jawline sharp in the mist.
"Land of Lightning?" Kushina blinked awake at the topic, rubbing her eyes groggily. Her voice was still sticky with sleep, but she perked up instantly. She pushed herself up with a splash that soaked Mikoto's face. "Really, Tsunade-nee? Isn't that where those huge thunderclouds are? And really tall mountains?" She completely forgot to apologize, turning excitedly to Ryo with sparkling blue eyes. "When do we leave? Tomorrow? The day after?" She shook his arm eagerly like an impatient bird.
"Kushina," Mikoto calmly wiped the water off her face, her tone as gentle as ever, laced with a touch of helpless amusement. "That splash." Then she looked to Tsunade. "The Land of Lightning is far. We'll need to plan the route. Are we crossing the border mountains by land, or sailing from one of the ports here? Supply prep will also take time." As she spoke, she was already mentally drafting a checklist. That attention to detail had long become second nature.
Kushina was immediately drawn to one option. "Let's sail! I've never been on a big boat before!" She splashed excitedly, imagining sea breezes, her face full of anticipation.
Ryo gently patted her damp arm, calming her down slightly, and looked to Tsunade. "You know the route. We'll follow your lead." He always trusted her experience and judgment.
Tsunade smiled subtly, clearly please
d by the trust. "Crossing the mountains will take time. The border climate's unpredictable this season, lots of storms. Sea route is longer, but more stable." She paused and looked at Kushina. "And it'll let a certain someone finally ride a big boat." Her tone carried a barely noticeable hint of indulgence.
(To be continued.)
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◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 200 Power Stones.
◇ You can read the ahead chapter on Pat if you're interested: p-atreon.c-om/Blownleaves (Just remove the hyphen to access normally.)