The four children wandered through the streets of Konoha.
At noon, they found a restaurant with a good reputation and settled down for lunch.
Ino eagerly took charge of ordering.
Throughout the meal, Ino remained the liveliest of them all, sharing gossip and amusing stories that made Nami laugh several times. Even Hinata smiled a little.
Genya ate as he watched the three girls with their very different personalities, savoring the warmth of this ordinary day.
Now this was what life should be...
That evening.
"All right, time to keep my promise!"
Genya clapped his hands and pointed at the familiar sign not far away.
"Ichiraku Ramen-as much as you can eat!"
"Yeah! Long live Genya!"
Ino was the first to cheer.
Nami smiled expectantly too.
"This time, I'm definitely taking on the extra-large bowl!"
Hinata spoke softly but firmly.
"I'll do my best too!"
Carrying the day's weariness and laughter, the four little figures walked toward the fragrant ramen stand beneath the lingering glow of the setting sun.
But as they gathered around the counter at Ichiraku Ramen and Uncle Teuchi greeted them warmly...
Genya failed to notice Kurenai Yuhi standing at a nearby street corner, watching their lively group from the side.
In particular, she watched Genya, sandwiched between Ino and Hinata.
She stood silently for a while, then pulled up her collar and turned away, walking alone into the deepening twilight.
In her mind lingered both Genya's resolute face from earlier and the girls surrounding him now.
A vague sense of loss, one she had yet to recognize herself, quietly spread through her.
Late that night.
The courtyard of Uchiha Fugaku's home.
Several figures stood there, dressed in dark, close-fitting clothes suited for movement, their faces grim and stern.
Besides Uchiha Fugaku, Genya Uchiha, Shisui Uchiha,