Before they had even reached the courtyard, Nao dragged Naori into the girls' group and led her toward the little building that belonged to them.
After a day of hiking, the allure of the hot springs was impossible to resist, especially when they were fed by a natural mountain spring.
Sitting on the corridor railing to cool off, Rikusei gazed intently at the courtyard bathed in moonlight. The blue-green flagstones were covered in a blanket of frost-white, and the lights shone among the plants and trees all around them.
The familiar sound of footsteps came from behind him. He knew who it was without turning around. Uchiha Madara, now dressed in casual clothes, was walking toward him.
"Want to take a walk?"
Rikusei couldn't refuse Madara's invitation.
Clear moonlight fell on their shoulders, lighting the road ahead.
They crossed the courtyard and headed toward the mountain path in the distance. Insects chirped in the grass, and Rikusei felt dazed, reluctant to disturb the peaceful scene before him.
"I've never asked you before. What's your dream?" Madara asked, his long hair casually draped behind his head and his full face revealed. He gazed at Rikusei. "Don't give me the same excuse you used at the Ninja Academy to fool Tobirama."
Looking toward the moonlight in the mountains, Madara spoke in a lingering tone. "Take your time thinking. There's no need to rush."
Rikusei slowed his pace. His gaze grew distant, and the calm waters of his heart began to stir as he thought it over seriously.
The two walked silently along the mountain path. Rikusei knew that Madara was really asking himself the question. The boy's dream had long since come true, and without a goal, he had fallen into confusion.
Moonlight shone down on Rikusei. He stopped and looked toward