Early the next morning, gentle sunlight spilled into the room through the gaps in the curtains.
Naruto woke naturally from a deep sleep. As his awareness returned, the first thing he felt was the warmth of the hand still holding his tightly.
Karin still had a firm grip on several of his fingers, refusing to let go even in her sleep.
On his other side, something furry brushed against his cheek.
Big Yellow had slipped in from the living room at some point and was affectionately nudging him with a contented purr.
"Mmm..."
Naruto blinked as his eyes adjusted to the light, then gently moved his slightly numb arm.
He did not pull his hand free right away, afraid of disturbing Karin's rare peaceful sleep. Instead, he used his other hand to stroke Big Yellow's head.
Just then, the bedroom door was gently pushed open.
Wearing a plain apron, Inoichi Yamanaka walked in carrying a plate of perfectly cooked bacon and fried eggs, his usual gentle smile on his face.
He had clearly been back for a while and had already prepared breakfast.
"You're awake. Time for breakfast, Naruto."
Inoichi's voice had the crisp freshness of the morning as his gaze settled on the newly awakened Naruto, and he gave a knowing smile.
It was probably because Naruto had slept in for once.
The boy had been so exhausted that he had fallen asleep the moment he lay down.
That was how a hardworking ninja ought to be.
Yet that gentle smile, as his eyes happened to sweep over Naruto's bedding on the floor, the bulge beneath the covers, and...
The slender girl's hand sticking out from beneath the edge of the covers, tightly holding Naruto's hand.
Froze instantly!
The smile on Inoichi's face melted away like snow in the