The three of them gathered around him with smiles, each taking hold of an arm.
The four walked toward the Uchiha Clan Compound, chatting and laughing.
Passing villagers glanced their way, but they had long since grown used to the sight.
"Lord Genya is out shopping with the three lead singers again."
"Ah, to be young."
"I heard the Girl Group is performing a new song at the New Year's Gala!"
"Really? Then we have to go see it!"
Their figures gradually disappeared at the end of the street.
In the distant Hokage Office, Tsunade finished reviewing her last document, stood up, and stretched.
She walked to the window and looked out at the bustling street, the corners of her mouth lifting.
Shizune came over with a little pig in her arms.
"Lady Tsunade, what are you smiling about?"
Tsunade wiped the smile off her face.
"Who's smiling?"
Shizune blinked and didn't dare ask again.
Looking out the window, Tsunade suddenly spoke softly.
"That bastard never does any proper work... but with him around, the village really has become a lot livelier."
Shizune couldn't help smiling.
"It has."
The night was ink-black, and Naruto Uzumaki's home was the brightest window of all.
The small living room was packed.
Almost all of the Konoha 12 were there.
Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, Ino, Hinata, Neji, Rock Lee, Tenten, Kiba, Shino, Shikamaru, and Choji.
With Genya added to the mix, it was a proper lively gathering.
Naruto's home hadn't been this lively in a long time.
The table was covered in snacks, friends filled the floor, and the photographs of his parents hung on the wall, smiling down at it all.
Genya lounged in the most comfortable spot, with Ino on his left and Hinata on his right, utterly content with a girl