They looked at each other for a moment until Sakura turned her face and changed the subject:
Sakura: Anyway, Ino… how did you recognize Naruto last night?
Ino: Honestly, I was staring at him thinking, "I know this guy," but I didn't figure it out until he told me himself.
Sakura: See how much he's changed?
Ino: Yeah… he's become so handsome… Honestly, if I weren't married, I wouldn't miss a chance with him.
Sakura looked at her, surprised, then jokingly said: I'll tell your husband.
Ino: Of course I love Sai more.
They laughed, and after they calmed down, Sakura said: But I didn't mean that kind of change… I meant his behavior. Don't you think he's gotten a bit more serious?
Ino: What?! No way… That's the weird thing—after six years, he's still the same. Well, maybe you mean he's grown into a man, not a kid anymore… That's normal. We all changed like that… I really miss those days.
Sakura (surprised): Wait a second… You mean he acted normally with you? He wasn't cold or anything??
Ino: Not at all… he was totally normal. By the way, I'm planning that return party for him and need your help with some things… What do you say?
Sakura: I don't mind… Sure.
Ino grabbed Sakura's hand and dragged her toward the door: Great… let's go.
Sakura: Slow down, Ino!
She kept pulling her until they were out the door.
Ino: Come on… I'm sure Shikamaru forgot to invite him… Let's go call him and then prep for the party.
On the way, they ran into Shikamaru.
Ino: What are you doing here, Shikamaru??
Shikamaru: I came to invite him to the party… just to avoid getting scolded by you… Such a pain. What about you?
Ino: Honestly, I'm shocked you remembered. I thought you'd forget, so I came to remind him… Anyway, no problem, we'll go see him.
As she was about to go, he stopped her: He's not home.
Ino: Then where is he?
Shikamaru (grinning): He went to the lake… with that girl.
Sakura (shocked): The lake?!
She stood still for a moment, then suddenly rushed off toward the lake.
Ino: Sakura… wait! Where are you going?!
She turned to Shikamaru: Okay, Shikamaru… see you later.
She hurried after Sakura while Shikamaru stared after them, confused: See you…
Sakura reached the lake and hid behind a tree. Ino caught up and whispered: What is it here…
Sakura covered Ino's mouth and motioned her to look…
They saw Naruto putting his hand in the waterfall, calling to Kushina who was changing into a swimsuit.
Naruto: Come on, Kushina… the water…
He looked at her as she came toward him and said, mesmerized: So beautiful…
She blushed and walked toward him, and he stood to face her.
He looked at her and joked: Who is this beautiful lady?
She blushed even more.
Naruto: So… are you ready?
Kushina: Isn't there any other way you could've made it up to me?
Naruto: I chose this on purpose.
Kushina: Why?? You know I can't swim.
Naruto: Then… I'll teach you.
Kushina: Teach me?! No, Naruto, I'm not ready for that.
Naruto: Yes, you are… come on.
She stepped away from the water.
Naruto: What's wrong, Kushina? Don't be scared… I'm with you.
She looked hesitantly at the water: I don't know, but I…
He picked her up and stood at the water's edge, his hand holding her just above the surface.
She looked down at the water inches below her: Naruto, what are you—
He suddenly pulled his hand away and dropped her in.
He jumped in after her and brought her back to the surface. Water sparkled off her long red hair as
she clung to him, coughing and scared.
Kushina: Why did you do that?! Were you trying to drown me?!
Naruto: Of course not, princess… It was the only way to get you in the water.
Kushina (terrified): I told you I'm scared of water and I can't swim… Naruto, please get me out…
Naruto: No, I won't. Didn't you say you feel safe when you're with me? Why are you going back on that now?
Kushina: I'm not backing out, but…
Naruto: But what?
Kushina: I still can't swim… Please get me out…
Naruto (firmly): No, I won't.
She glared at him and began hitting his chest like a child, yelling: Naruto, I hate you. I hate you. I hate you. I hate you…
He smiled, hugged her, and said: And I love you no matter how much you hate me.
She stayed in his arms for a moment, then looked at him and apologized while gently touching the spot she hit: I'm sorry… I didn't mean to hurt you.
Naruto: That didn't hurt, my princess… Don't worry, your hands always heal my wounds.
She blushed and moved closer: I love you so much.
Naruto: I love you too, princess.
Then they kissed deeply…
Back behind the tree, Ino felt pieces of wood falling on her. Looking up, she saw Sakura crushing the bark with her fists.
Ino: Sakura… are you okay??!!!
Sakura (angrily): Let's go, Ino.
She stormed off, and Ino ran after her: Slow down, Sakura… What's wrong? What happened?
Sakura: Nothing happened… We just shouldn't have come in the first place.
Ino (confused): I don't know if you forgot or what… but you're the one who brought us here!!!
Sakura (changing the subject): Let's go… we have party stuff to take care of.
Ino paused, looking at her, confused, then followed her.
After an hour passed...
Kiba was walking along one of the roads after returning from his mission when he spotted a stunning girl wearing a short shirt and a jacket over it. He approached her and said:
"Who are you, beautiful? … I don't think I've seen you before??"
She continued to look at him in surprise, and he reached out to move some of her hair away from her face.
Just as he was about to touch her hair, someone suddenly stood in front of her and grabbed his hand before it reached her.
Kiba looked at the person for a moment and then said in surprise:
"Sorry… I didn't know she was with you."
Naruto, also surprised, replied:
"Kiba!!!"
When Kiba heard his name, he moved closer and sniffed the person's scent, saying:
"Naruto!!! … Is that you?!"
Naruto: "You still recognize me only by my scent."
Kiba, happily: "When did you come back?"
Naruto: "Yesterday."
Kushina interrupted them, pointing to a nearby store:
"Naruto... if you don't mind, I'd like to go check out those clothes."
Naruto smiled at her:
"Of course, my princess."
Kiba wrapped his arm around Naruto's neck and said:
"By the way… who's that hottie?..."
He looked at Kushina carefully and added:
"She looks really beautiful..."
Naruto heard him and clenched his fist, eyes closed, trying to hold himself back, then cut in:
"Kiba, seriously… I'm about to make you really miss your eyes."