The early morning wind was biting, like an icy blade gently scraping across people's faces.
It carried threads of chill, slipping through the gaps in their clothing and sending a bone-piercing cold through them, making them shudder involuntarily. Yet despite the raging wind, the streets of Wave Country brimmed with life.
Large numbers of workers had already eagerly set out for the construction sites. Their steps were firm, and their faces shone with anticipation and love for the life ahead.
Even after a long-awaited holiday, their enthusiasm for work had not diminished in the slightest.
Warm houses, plentiful food, and the happy smiles of their families had made them understand that all of this had been earned through their hard work over this period. To make their lives better, they could not wait to begin working anew.
Every worker carried hopes for the future, using their own hands to slowly build a happiness that belonged to them.
Amid this atmosphere, a massive bird beat its enormous wings, stirring up gusts of snow and wind as it soared into the sky and headed north.
Three figures stood upon the bird's back. After discussing it with the director, Kazahana Koyuki and Asama Santarō had taken a fairly long leave of absence, though they had also promised that they would definitely complete the filming of "Wind and Cloud Princess."
"I have to say, you truly are a great leader."
On the bird's back, Kazahana Koyuki looked at the ground gradually receding beneath her, at the residents of Wave Country growing smaller and smaller until they resembled ants, and could not help voicing her admiration for Naruto.
Someone had already proven Naruto's identity to them, and she had personally heard about this country's past from Tazuna. Amid chaos and poverty, though it had not