In the end, they settled on a unique finger sign that combined a simplified gesture representing the Uchiha Gunbai crest with the spiral motif of the Uzumaki Clan.
As their fingers overlapped and bent in the agreed arrangement, forming a pattern that was unfamiliar yet bore the marks of both their families, a strange warmth of unspoken understanding quietly flowed through their hearts.
"It's a promise!" Naruko wiggled their intertwined fingers, beaming. "From now on, this is our 'ultimate reconciliation code'!"
"Yeah. It's a promise." Sasuke couldn't help smiling too. His smile was faint, but heartfelt. Even the copy of Super-Hot Paradise in his arms didn't seem quite so hot to handle anymore.
With that important "ritual" complete, Naruko finally accepted the book Sasuke handed her, looking thoroughly satisfied.
She unwrapped the blue cloth, fully revealing the copy of Super-Hot Paradise.
She froze for a moment, then seemed to spot something absolutely hilarious. A snort of laughter escaped her, and her shoulders shook gently.
Her laughter left Sasuke puzzled and a little nervous. "What's wrong? Don't you like it?"
Had the shopkeeper tricked him? Was the book actually no good?
"You idiot, Sasuke!" Naruko laughed so hard she nearly cried. She pointed at the book's cover, then at herself, her voice full of disbelief and amusement. "I wrote this book!"
"Huh?! Wh-what?!" Sasuke was utterly dumbfounded. His eyes went round as he looked from the book to Naruko and back, completely unable to connect the mischievous girl before him, who sometimes had a little devilish streak, with the words "bestselling author."
"It's a pen name! A pen name!" Naruko finally managed to stop laughing and wiped the corners of her eyes as she explained. "'Lone Cry Beneath the Moon' is my pen name!
"Super-Hot Paradise is my latest book! I