On Konoha's main street, Naruto walked toward the cinema with Hinata. Holding her hand, he sighed. "If only things could stay like this forever."
Hinata smiled. "You really sound like an old man, Naruto-kun. You're only thirteen, but you're already like Father, fond of a leisurely life."
But I am an old man, aren't I? My first two lives were short, but each lasted over twenty years. Add this life, and I've lived for more than sixty years. How could I not be old? Naruto briefly reflected on the passage of time.
Two months had passed since the mission to the Land of the Moon. After Sasuke received Ao Guang's legacy, Ao Guang sent everyone out of the Cave. Once Naruto and the others had said goodbye to Kurotsuchi's group, Jiraiya found an excuse to leave ahead of them. Only Naruto, Hinata, and Nawaki Senju, who had regained his freedom, followed Kakashi back to the village.
After returning, Naruto had not resumed taking missions. Sakura had yet to return, so Tsunade had not assigned any missions to Team 7, treating it as a vacation for Naruto. He, in turn, enjoyed his leisurely life without a shred of guilt.
Whenever he had nothing to do, he went on dates with Hinata. When she was away on a mission, he went to see Anko. If neither of them was in the village, he sought out Konohamaru to teach him some ninjutsu, or studied the tea ceremony with Hyuga Hiashi. All this made Naruto seem more and more like an old man, relaxed and content.
Naruto replied, "I can't help it. I've been learning the tea ceremony from Uncle Hiashi lately. Spending so much time with him has gradually put my mind at ease."
Hinata asked curiously, "By the way, Naruto-kun, why do