All of Kumogakure shook violently, the glass in countless houses instantly pulverized. The supposedly invincible Sky-Covering Barrier Formation groaned beneath the ravaging shock wave, its surface rippling violently as though it might shatter at any moment.
The explosion's blinding light temporarily robbed everyone of their sight. Its deafening roar left every mind blank. On the rooftop, the Raikage shielded Mabui with his burly frame, staring fixedly at that destructive radiance. His jaw clenched as he growled each word: "Hold... you'd better hold!"
At the distant horizon, a torrent of light and heat bloomed silently, painting the night sky a brilliant orange-red. After traveling an unknown number of kilometers, that ultimate destruction had been stripped of all its fury and noise, leaving only a pure, magnificent spectacle.
"Wow..."
Hinata leaned against the window, her white eyes reflecting the strange, majestic sight on the horizon, like an enormous firework in full bloom. Delight and wonder filled her little face. She had no idea what kind of hell on earth lay beneath that radiance.
"So beautiful... did a shooting star explode?" she murmured, clasping her hands like a devout child. "Toru-kun, look! Such pretty fireworks!"
"Yes, very pretty." Toru Kujyo's voice came from behind her, tender enough to melt her. He gently wrapped his arms around the girl's slender waist from behind and rested his chin in the hollow of her shoulder. His gaze also turned toward the distant blaze, his eyes deep and calm. "Do you like it? It's for you. A birthday surprise."
Hinata's cheeks instantly flushed crimson, and even her ears grew warm. She squirmed shyly, her heart pounding despite herself. "H-how could that be for me...?"
"Why couldn't it?" Toru Kujyo chuckled, tightening his arms and drawing her closer into his embrace. "Fireworks lit for you are naturally your