Riding Alone for a Thousand Miles

Shikamaru spread out a scroll.

"The Kage and participating teams from the Cloud, Mist, and Stone Villages all arrived at the guesthouses around Konoha this afternoon. Security has been fully deployed."

He turned to the second page. "Only Sunagakure has had a change. Kazekage Gaara sent an urgent message."

"He said he had a sudden matter to deal with and expected to leave a few days late, taking the railcar here alone."

"He'll probably reach Konoha during the second round of the Chunin Ninja Exams. Sunagakure's Genin team is already checked in, led by Kankuro."

Naruto did not think much of it.

Each of the Five Kage had their own affairs to handle. Being a few days late was perfectly normal.

He took the document, skimmed it, nodded, and signed his name at the bottom.

"Gaara has always been reliable. A few days won't matter."

He capped his pen, stood up, and stretched lazily. "Come on, Shikamaru. We're getting off work on time! Dinner's on me tonight—barbecue!"

Night fell, and Konoha Commercial Street blazed with lights.

Barbecue Q was packed with voices and laughter, waves of heat and the fragrance of sizzling fat rushing at them.

The largest private room was crammed full, with the group that had just finished special training and Naruto's family gathered around a long table.

The charcoal glowed red beneath a grill covered in premium marbled beef. Fat dripped down, sizzling invitingly.

Boruto and Sarada slumped in their seats, muscles aching, yet neither stopped stuffing meat into their mouths.

Hinata's eyes were soft as she expertly cut the grilled meat into pieces and distributed them onto the small plates before everyone.

Sakura helped Sarada pick out food, while Kushina poured Minato drinks beside them, repeatedly praising her capable husband. The atmosphere was as warm as