The setting sun drew the two of their shadows together into one.
Akashi said nothing. Shingetsu walked straight over, sniffed him, and asked, "Where did you go? I looked for you all day. Were you deliberately avoiding me?"
"No. I went to train." After hesitating for a few seconds, Akashi added, "Alone."
"Who cares how many people you were with?" The coldness in Shingetsu's expression softened slightly.
"About what happened last time..."
"What about last time? You don't think I care that much, do you?" Shingetsu cut off the rest of his words and snorted. "Don't flatter yourself."
Akashi froze for a moment. The explanation he had prepared was thrown completely off track.
Shingetsu seemed quite satisfied by his surprised expression. She said lightly, "Come on. Go buy some things with me."
"Buy things?"
"You didn't know? Next week is the Summer Festival!" Shingetsu rolled her eyes.
The Summer Festival... It was a grand celebration, with beautiful fireworks to watch that day. Konoha's merchants would also bring many goods rich in traditional character, and even invite visiting performers to put on shows.
It was usually the liveliest day of the year.
Akashi rarely joined in such bustle, so he had little interest in this sort of festival.
Only after hearing Shingetsu's introduction did he notice that the various shops along the streets already seemed to be busily preparing for it.
"Isn't the festival next week?" Akashi asked curiously.
"The process of preparing in advance is also part of the festival. It's precisely because everyone works so hard to prepare that the festival has more meaning."
Shingetsu strode ahead. "Are you coming or not?"
Akashi smiled indifferently. "Whatever you say."
The two wandered through the streets at dusk. Along the way, they saw Hayate and Uzuki Yugao walking together, while Kurenai