Yakumo Kurama; Moonlight and Cherry Blossoms

A week later.

Chiyo and Kushina returned to Konoha.

By the time they entered the village, the sun was already sinking westward, dyeing all of Konoha a warm orange-red.

The streets were bustling.

Konoha Ninja Academy had just let out, and children were heading home in small groups.

Fragrant aromas drifted from the food stalls by the roadside, while ninjas who had finished their missions for the day gathered outside the Izakaya to chat.

Konoha in peacetime was full of life.

Kushina suddenly tugged on Chiyo's hand.

"I want Three-Color Dumplings."

"To replenish my energy~!"

Seeing the craving written all over Kushina's face, Chiyo did not refuse.

She pulled him toward the old Dumpling Shop on the street corner.

The owner was a kindly old woman. When she saw them, her eyes curved into crescents with a smile.

"Oh my, Chief Chiyo and Lady Kushina. The usual?"

"Yep! Two skewers, with extra syrup!"

"Coming right up!~"

While they waited, Kushina leaned against Chiyo's shoulder and softly talked about the insights she had gained from their earlier sparring session.

"Actually, that Sealing Jutsu still has room for improvement...

"If Genjutsu runes could be layered onto the chains, the effect might be even better..."

"The stability of the sage energy still needs practice. During the earlier attack, I almost lost control..."

"Kurama said my Chakra Control still isn't precise enough. He taught me a method..."

"..."

Chiyo listened quietly, occasionally nodding or offering suggestions.

Moments like this were peaceful and precious.

After getting their dumplings, the two continued wandering while they ate.

When they passed the Training Ground, they saw several children practicing with shuriken. Naruto was among them.

He was trying to throw six shuriken at once, but his aim was atrocious, and he nearly hit Shikamaru as he passed by.