Konoha at night.
The shops on either side of the street were still open, their warm yellow light spilling onto the stone pavement, stretching the passersby's shadows long and faint.
The night breeze carried the scent of flowers from some unknown corner, brushing against their clothes.
The group strolled along without a destination, simply reluctant to part so soon.
Naruto walked at the front, his hands behind his head as he gazed up at the stars, humming an off-key tune.
Sasuke walked beside him with his hands in his pockets and a blank expression, slowing his steps to match everyone's pace.
Sakura walked half a step behind Sasuke, her gaze flitting between the black-haired head and the blond-haired head in front of her.
Like a butterfly unsure which leaf to land on.
Ino had her arm linked through Genya's, while Hinata walked on his other side, her shoulder brushing his arm.
Tenten and Rock Lee were discussing tomorrow's training plan. Rock Lee said he wanted to do two thousand push-ups, and Tenten asked if he was serious.
Kiba and Akamaru were chasing a stray cat, Akamaru's tail wagging furiously.
Shikamaru yawned. What a drag.
Choji held a bag of potato chips, crunching away.
Neji brought up the rear. It was a habit he couldn't break.
No one knew where Shino was, but everyone knew he was there somewhere.
Sakura suddenly stopped.
She stood in the middle of the street, looking ahead at a few children chasing and playing with one another beneath a streetlamp, their laughter bright and clear.
An elderly couple emerged from the market hand in hand, the old woman carrying a bunch of scallions and the old man carrying a fish.
In the distance, the sign for Ichiraku Ramen glowed, and they could just make out Teuchi