"Yes, I'll definitely keep it secret! I won't tell anyone! Not even my sister!"
She gave her promise.
Naruto smiled, this time with genuine warmth and ease. He ruffled Hanabi's soft hair.
"If it's your sister, I'll tell her myself.
Come on. Uncle Hiashi has to work late today, so let's pick up your sister and bring her to my place. I want to get a proper taste of little Hanabi's cooking."
"Okay!"
Hanabi nodded vigorously and took Naruto's hand again, a smile returning to her little face.
That evening, unsurprisingly, Naruto still ended up as the head chef.
Hanabi and Hinata were his assistants.
"Sorry I'm late."
After everyone had taken their seats, Ino arrived at Naruto's home too.
"It's all right. Thanks for all your hard work, everyone."
Naruto smiled as he answered her.
At the table, Hikari sat on Naruto's left and Hinata on his right. Hanabi sat on Hinata's other side, while Karin sat on Hikari's. Ino took the seat opposite Naruto.
"If we're talking about hard work, you're the one who's worked hardest, Naruto! You look like you've lost so much weight."
"The summer celebration and Fireworks Festival in a couple of days will be grander than in previous years.
First, we're celebrating Iwagakure and Sunagakure's submission and boosting morale. Second, it'll give everyone a chance to relax and spend time together."
"And then..."
Naruto paused briefly.
"After the Fireworks Festival ends, I'm planning to leave the village and head back to the front."
The mood around the table abruptly stiffened at the news.
"I'm going too!"
Almost the instant Naruto finished speaking, Uchiha Hikari spoke up.
Hinata's grip on her chopsticks tightened slightly, and she lowered her head.
She wanted to go too, to stay by Naruto's side, but she knew very well