New Year's Eve

Even the howling wind and sand seemed to know better than to rage on New Year's Eve, settling down somewhat. Sunagakure was rarely shrouded in a relatively peaceful atmosphere. Warm lamplight shone through the windows of every home, while the scent of food and scattered laughter drifted faintly through the air, trying to dispel the last chill left behind by the war.

Shaye's home was brightly lit, but not lively. Several dishes that could not be called lavish, yet had clearly been prepared with care, sat on the simple table. This was the New Year's dinner Shaliu had done his best to arrange. Father and son sat facing each other, falling into silence for a time.

The hourglass in the corner flowed soundlessly, marking the complete passing of the old year as Year 50 of Konoha quietly arrived.

Shaliu raised a coarse pottery cup, took a sip of the mildly spicy homemade brew, and let his gaze settle on his son across from him. Shaye wore casual clothes at home, his posture still straight, but most of the boyishness had faded from his features, replaced by the composure and restraint forged through hardship. Looking at him, Shaliu was overcome with complicated emotions and deep melancholy.

"A year... just like that, it's gone." Shaliu's voice was slightly hoarse as he broke the silence. "It feels like I had some bizarre dream."

Shaye also raised his cup but did not drink. He merely rubbed the rim lightly, his gaze distant. "Yeah. A year... so much has happened."

Scenes flashed rapidly through his mind: the humiliation and chaos of their defeat at Kikyō Mountain, their first clash with the Hidden Mist Village along the eastern coast, the fierce battle with the Fourth Kazekage in the desert, the sleepless days spent building Gundam, the