Genya had seen enough and drew his gaze back, thoroughly satisfied.
Ino was still looking at him as though he were a monster.
"Genya, what exactly are you looking at?"
Genya smiled and reached out to ruffle her hair.
"Nothing. I just thought it was great to be young."
Ino rolled her eyes at him, but didn't move away from his hand.
Hinata watched from beside them, still not understanding what Genya meant, but seeing how happily he smiled, she smiled a little too.
In the distance, Naruto stood beside Gaara, still talking about something and gesturing wildly.
Gaara listened quietly, nodding now and then.
Kankuro and Temari stood behind them, exchanging bewildered looks. They had no idea when the former "Asura" had become so patient.
At the corner of the alley, Sasuke leaned against a wall, a pebble pinched between his fingers as he stared expressionlessly at the sky.
Sakura stood beside him with the booklet, reading him the page on "Sunagakure's history."
Sasuke didn't take in a single word.
The group continued onward.
Carrying the crate of sake, Hashirama had already reached the entrance to their lodgings. He turned back and called out.
"Genya! Hurry up! This place looks pretty good!"
Genya called back, glanced toward the three boys, then turned and left.
Ino pulled Hinata along behind him, muttering as they walked.
"Do you think there's something wrong with Genya's eyes? A love triangle between Naruto, Gaara, and Sasuke? What is he even talking about?"
Hinata thought it over and answered very seriously.
"Maybe... Genya sees something we can't?"
Ino glanced at her and sighed.
"Hinata, you believe everything he says."
Hinata blushed, lowered her head, and murmured.
"Because... he always seems to be right..."
The rooms Sunagakure had arranged were in a row of single-story