After Naruto finished eating, Ino stood up without the slightest hesitation. Her fair hand naturally closed around his wrist, her grip neither too light nor too firm, and she pulled him outside with an air that brooked no argument.
The others inside were long accustomed to this sight.
Shikamaru did not even lift his eyelids, continuing to leisurely sip the last of the fish soup in his bowl.
Having finished his meal, Sasuke remained as expressionless as ever, absorbed in wiping down the ninja tools in his hands and ignoring everything around him.
Scenes like this had played out countless times over the years and no longer stirred any reaction in them.
Only Hinata silently clenched the hands resting on her knees, her fingertips turning slightly white from the pressure.
She lowered her head and cried out silently in her heart: When will I have the courage to walk straight up to Naruto-kun and take his hand, just like Ino?
Outside, the morning breeze brushed gently past, carrying the sea's faint saltiness and moisture.
Ino pulled Naruto over to a tree before finally letting go.
She tilted her face up, her green eyes sparkling with undisguised admiration and delight.
Only after reaching the tree outside did Ino release Naruto's hand, her eyes shining:
"Naruto, you were so cool back there!"
Her voice was bright and clear, filled with heartfelt admiration.
Her golden ponytail bounced lightly in the breeze as she moved excitedly, like a dancing ray of sunshine.
"That annoying brat deserved a good, hard lesson!
Let's see if he dares throw another tantrum after that!"
Naruto relaxed against the rough tree trunk, a faint smile of helpless indulgence appearing on his face.
"That kid... his grandfather raised him wrong."
He explained in a calm voice.
"He's already learned from