Five years old, Naruto Uzumaki's age.
One more year, and he might be assigned to the Ninja Academy.
Once the blessing ceremony ended.
Naruto Uzumaki stood motionless.
Then...
His shoulders began to shake, and his body trembled.
He burst into tears.
Naruto Uzumaki did not understand why the people in the village feared and despised him.
Receiving others' blessings...
This was the first time.
"I—I'm just too happy..."
Naruto Uzumaki wiped his eyes.
Then he turned and ran away.
Head lowered, Naruto Uzumaki, enduring his grievances and moved to tears, failed to notice.
The miko's face was even more anguished than his.
After Naruto Uzumaki left.
Only then did the overworked Miroku collapse against Hyuga Sho like a willow catkin.
Nineteen years old.
Hyuga Sho's age.
Hyuga Sho did not deliberately use Dark Chakra to adjust his appearance.
Instead, he maintained his youthful appearance.
At this age, he was already an adult.
Therefore, his broad chest and well-proportioned muscles naturally came as standard.
As a grown man, Hyuga Sho easily became the miko's support.
The miko was an adult as well, but leaning against him only made her delicateness more apparent.
"The miko is indeed far too exhausted."
Hyuga Sho's expressionless voice sounded beside Miroku's ear.
"Then... please go and rest, Miko."
With Hyuga Sho supporting her.
Miroku staggered out of the shrine's main hall.
Along the paved gravel path.
They headed toward the rear buildings behind the shrine.
Along the way were trees created by Yamato with Wood Release.
Flowers and grass planted by Tazuna and the other craftsmen.
Everything was arranged appropriately and pleasing to the eye.
Hyuga Sho brought Miroku all the way to the backyard, or rather... the very rear end of the building complex.
The last row of buildings was her place to rest.
Oh,