"Then it's settled. Let's change our personalities and our attitudes toward life. Instead of acting like 'Ancestors,' let's be young people."
Torikaze readily agreed. "All right! I promise!"
Facing the new year, the two made promises to each other. In the new year and in the future, they would both make changes for one another.
As for their relationship as husband and wife, it had already reached its peak and could not grow any warmer.
Yet it brought a sense of freshness back to the feelings that had gradually grown mundane over more than a decade.
Hand in hand, they continued strolling down the streets of Konoha.
They were clearly much happier than before, so much so that they practically skipped as they walked.
"If the villagers found out it was the two of us, they'd probably be shocked, wouldn't they?" Chisato said with a smile.
"Who cares? We should just do whatever we want. As long as we're happy, why care what others think? Didn't we just agree not to act like 'Ancestors' anymore?"
"You're right." Chisato looped her arm through Torikaze's, smiling happily.
Chisato had originally thought it would be nice enough for their days to continue like this, but unexpectedly, a single outfit had brought change to the couple.
Life truly was strange that way.
The couple chatted as they wandered the streets. There were far fewer people around now, but it somehow felt even more interesting.
From time to time, they sampled the various snacks from roadside stalls—things they rarely tried in the past but now finally got to enjoy.
"Hey, isn't that Kosuke?"
Torikaze looked in the direction Chisato pointed. Though it was rather dark, it did indeed look like Maruboshi Kosuke.
"Come on, let's take a look."
Only when the couple drew closer did