Meanwhile, Torikaze took Naruto back to the Cloud Clan Grounds. This time, Torikaze chose to hold Naruto's hand as they walked home together.
"Uncle, I had so much fun today." Naruto's face was full of smiles, and even his whisker marks seemed to perk up.
Torikaze rubbed his head. "As long as you're happy. If the airplane is gone, Uncle can make you another one. But if you lose a good friend, Uncle can't fix that for you."
"Friendships need to be maintained with care. If a crack appears in the bond between you, no one can help restore it."
Naruto seemed to understand, but not quite. "What's a bond?"
"You're still little. You'll understand later. Once Naruto starts school, you'll know what a bond means."
Naruto pouted. "Okay, then Naruto wants to go to school."
Torikaze smiled and shook his head. "It's still too early. You have to wait until you're at least six before you can start school."
Naruto counted on his fingers. "Three more years?"
"Mm. If you're too young, your head is too small, and you can't take in much knowledge."
Naruto touched his head. "Then will Naruto's head grow bigger in three years?"
Torikaze teased him. "It will. By then, Naruto will be a big-headed baby."
"No! Naruto doesn't want to be a big-headed baby!"
Torikaze laughed heartily and did not continue teasing him.
Naruto might have guessed that Torikaze was teasing him, so he held in his anger and puffed up like a little pufferfish.
But before they had gone far, sharp-eyed Naruto spotted some of his other friends.
"Sakura! Ino!"
Sakura and Ino, who were playing house by the roadside, began looking around when they heard someone calling them.
They found Naruto and Torikaze on the other side of the road.
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