Konoha at night lay beneath a vast black curtain of darkness that silently enveloped the entire village. Moonlight filtered through gaps in the leaves, scattering patches of silvery light and shadow. Inside the houses, dim yellow lamps flickered, and laughter occasionally drifted out. Patrolling ninja moved with light footsteps, their figures flashing past in the night.
Most of the shops along the streets had already closed, with only one or two still giving off the aroma of food. The village woods were deep and tranquil, leaves rustling softly in the breeze.
Kage Rock stood majestic and solemn in the distance. Beneath the moonlight, the faces of the successive Hokage seemed to have been given life as they silently watched over the village. Konoha's night was peaceful yet vibrant, carrying a unique charm everywhere.
At that moment, Naruto and Menma were both in Menma's room at home. Too many sudden things had happened that day. Naruto had first been overjoyed when the Ninja Academy suddenly announced a break, only to learn shortly afterward that war had broken out. His joy instantly turned to sorrow, especially after he learned that Kushina had gone to the battlefield as well.
"Menma, when do you think Mom and the others will come back?" Naruto asked softly as he looked out the window.
"It probably won't last too long. I think they might be back tomorrow, but there's no way to be sure," Menma replied.
"What if the war gets worse? Menma, you're so strong... would they send you to the battlefield too?" Naruto looked at Menma, his eyes full of worry.
Menma shook his head. "No. I'll wait here with you, Brother, until Mom and the others come back."
Yet Naruto was not reassured by those words. Lowering his head, he murmured as if talking