The next morning, sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains, casting soft patches of light across the floor.
Kazahana Koyuki woke with a frown, her head aching from her hangover.
She rubbed her temples and found herself lying on the tatami where they had drunk last night, covered with a light blanket. Her clothes were intact, though both they and her hair were a little disheveled.
As her memories returned, she recalled drinking far more than she could handle. Had Naruto cleaned up afterward?
She sat up, letting the blanket slip off, and looked around. There was no sign of that blond figure.
An inexplicable hunch drove her to her feet. She straightened her rumpled clothes and long hair a little, then slid open the door.
Next door was a small room with a similar layout, used for tea or as a temporary meditation room.
She gently pushed open the door and, sure enough, found that familiar figure.
Naruto Uzumaki sat cross-legged on a cushion in the middle of the room, facing the doorway. His back was straight, his hands rested naturally on his knees, and his eyes were closed. His breathing was long and steady, as though he had become one with his surroundings.
He was practicing Senjutsu.
The morning light outlined his profile, making him look calm and focused. There was no trace of last night's drinking.
Seemingly sensing her arrival, Naruto did not open his eyes. His brows merely twitched.
Watching him look so free of worldly desires, then comparing him to her own sorry, hungover state, Kazahana Koyuki felt an indescribable mix of irritation, amusement, and perhaps a hint of defeat rise within her.
She gave a soft huff and leaned against the doorframe with her arms folded, her tone teasing but faintly aggrieved.
"Huh? You really