Just thinking about not being able to spend Konoha's last festival tonight with Hakushi and doing some shameful things with Ruri, hugging, kissing, and then...
Ayane once again turned her grief into appetite, filled with dark emotions.
Tremble, all Konoha restaurants holding free eating contests tonight!
Witness the power of the Hyuga Clan's Byakugan!
Ayane took a big bite, ahwu...
◎
Humans are truly noisy creatures.
This was Earth General's only thought.
He simply lacked the ability to speak, but he was not an idiot.
He buried himself in the earth, able to feel the current noise and commotion in Konoha.
And so, because of this noise, he lost the motivation to swim freely in the soil.
Even in such a noisy world, he could dive deeper into the earth where no sound could reach, yet why did he yearn for such noise?
A glint of light appeared in his dark eyes, as he silently watched Konoha's festival from a secluded corner.
If only one day, he could openly participate in such events...
Children ran by above his head and stepped on it in passing.
"..."
These Konoha brats are so annoying.
Maybe stuffing a few Explosive Tags in their homes will quiet them down.
But with no tasks today, time feels awfully idle.
So used to running errands, Earth General suddenly didn't know what to do now that things were quiet.
His little sister Amaterasu and his little brother Raidenmaru were working in the Land of Demons, and his Shadow Dancer sister always acted like an eternal child, clinging to their father and mother with affection.
Though he was only three years old, his father said he was no longer a child, but a mature adult.
Therefore, he couldn't act spoiled or as childish as his siblings.
A man who loves his work is a mature man.
Even in a festival, one must remain vigilant and not be careless.
Earth General worked diligently and conscientiously.
◎
Halfway through the festival, Hakushi and Ruri returned early.
The bustling festival atmosphere in the village could still be felt here, with activities ongoing, likely until midnight.
Explosions sounded in the night sky, a dazzling light blooming beautifully and colorfully above.
"It's really beautiful."
"Yeah."
Though each spark vanished quickly, the convergence of all these sparks could move people deeply.
Just like humans, the light of one person is ultimately limited, yet when everyone comes together, the light they shine becomes the beauty currently filling the night sky.
If one person's spark fades quickly, then ten, a hundred, a thousand, ten thousand, or more people shining together create a blaze of light.
This is how villages, countries, and the world are composed.
What Hakushi saw was not fireworks, but humanity's love and struggle for life, everyone doing their utmost to pursue their own happiness.
In a somewhat silent courtyard, Hakushi and Ruri watched the continuous blossoming fireworks in the night sky, far from the noise, yet sharing in the joy and fervor of Konoha's people.
Unable to resist, Hakushi pulled Ruri into his embrace, and she, blushing cutely, leaned her head on Hakushi's shoulder, as they quietly savored their own happiness.
Hakushi softly combed through Ruri's silk-like long hair.
Gradually, it seemed as though all the surrounding sounds disappeared, even though the fireworks still exploded, the sound faded, with only the fragmented sparks remaining visible.
Only each other's heartbeats could be heard clearly.
Ruri initiated a kiss.
Hakushi also embraced her slender waist, kissing her passionately.
The smooth and tender skin, the soft body, felt like a comforting warmth.
Then, in a swift motion, their positions were reversed.
"?"
Hakushi stared dumbfoundedly at the girl straddling him, her face flushed red.
By this point, there was no need for doubt or understanding.
Let's do it. A gentle whisper came to his ear.
Understanding everything, Hakushi untied the silk sash of Ruri's kimono at her waist.
In the backdrop of night and fireworks, the girl's half-naked figure was particularly alluring.
We...
Shall sink into this together.
◎
As the festival concluded, the hustle and bustle receded.
"Hey, young lady, we're closing up the shop, aren't you leaving yet?"
The owner of the barbecue shop called out to Shizune, who sat outside in the chilly wind.
Shizune seemed not to have heard the barbecue shop owner's call, as she sat dazedly on the chilly wind-swept street, looking ahead.
Why...
Why...
Why hasn't Hakushi-senpai come to pick me up yet?
Didn't he say he would come pick me up after buying things with Ruri-senpai?
Hakushi-senpai, you big liar!
I'll tell Lady Tsunade about this, and you can just wait and see, Hakushi-senpai!
Shizune's heart was filled with grievance and anger.