"We're back!"
A playful, energetic voice rang out from the doorway like a clear spring, instantly breaking the heavy atmosphere inside.
Hanabi pushed open the door, her little figure appearing in the entrance. The quieter Hinata and lively Ino followed behind her.
At the sight of their daughters returning, Hiashi and Inoichi let out almost simultaneous, barely perceptible sighs of relief, as though their saviors had arrived.
But the moment Hanabi, Hinata, and Ino entered, they keenly sensed the strange, oppressive atmosphere between the three elders. All three girls froze in the doorway, hesitating to venture farther inside.
"You're back."
Just then, Naruto's voice came from behind them.
Carrying a dozen beers he had just bought at the convenience store, he stepped up behind the three girls, his sunny smile seeming capable of dispelling any gloom.
He waved the bag at the three elders inside and called cheerfully, "Grandpa Third, uncles, I've brought the beer you wanted."
But the instant he lifted the beer, two piercing gazes locked onto Hiashi and Inoichi.
Hanabi (hands on her hips, eyes sharp): stare~
Ino (arms folded, eyes scrutinizing): stare~
Under their daughters' silent scrutiny, the two fathers suddenly felt inexplicably guilty and uncomfortable.
Such was the plight of fathers who spoiled their daughters so much that they dared not drink in front of them, lest a lecture undermine their paternal dignity.
"Thank you, Naruto."
The gloom on the Third Hokage's face vanished instantly, replaced by an exceptionally warm, kindly smile, as though the weary, somber old man from moments earlier had been an illusion.
He slipped his withered but steady hand into the lining of his Hokage Robe and took out a slightly worn wallet. Then he generously pulled out several large-denomination bills and offered them to Naruto with a smile.
"Oh, Grandpa