"Of course!" Naruto grinned and drained his drink.
The gathering did not end until after nine that evening. Everyone went their separate ways, and Naruto walked Hinata home.
Under the moonlight, they walked side by side down the quiet street, neither saying a word.
"Naruto-kun." When they reached the entrance to the Hyuga estate, Hinata stopped and turned to look at him. "I had a wonderful time today."
"Me too," Naruto said.
"Then... see you tomorrow?"
"Yeah, see you tomorrow."
Hinata turned to go inside, but stopped again.
"Naruto-kun." She did not turn around. "I'm looking forward to the mission in three days. Because... I'll get to be with you again."
With that, she hurried into the estate and disappeared behind the gate.
Naruto stood outside, staring at the closed gate. He touched his face and found it a little warm.
"Me too, Hinata," he said softly.
He turned and headed home.
Moonlight fell over him, stretching his shadow far behind him.
A happy smile lingered on his lips.
[Las Noches · Main hall · Late at night]
Liuyu sat on the Throne, holding the Crystal Ball he had obtained from the ruins. It gave off a soft white glow, casting shifting light and shadow over his face.
"A fragment of the primordial tree... I see," he murmured. "The Ōtsutsuki Clan's true goal isn't to collect chakra, but to revive the primordial tree."
"Your Majesty." Lilynette's voice came from outside the hall. "Momoshiki and Urashiki request an audience."
"Let them in."
The hall doors opened, and Momoshiki and Urashiki entered. Urashiki still looked somewhat pale; the aftereffects of having his chakra sealed had clearly not faded completely.
"Your Majesty." Both men dropped to one knee. "We have something to report."
"Speak."
"Word has come from the main family. They know