The river flowed silently like a mysterious black ribbon.
As the breeze swept by, ripples spread across the river, and the shimmering light spots swayed with them.
“Plop!”
A pebble, laden with emotion, dropped into the water, creating tiny ripples that broke the tranquility.
Sasuke sat on the grass by the riverbank, pouting. He couldn't understand why he couldn't surpass that girl.
Was she really stronger than him?
What was even more frustrating was that even his brother, who usually supported him, wasn't on his side this time.
The more Sasuke thought about it, the angrier he got. He picked up another pebble nearby and threw it out with all his might.
“So, you’re here, Sasuke.”
At that moment, Itachi’s voice came. He sat down next to Sasuke, offering him the freshly bought three-color dango.
“This three-color dango is really delicious, want to try some?”
Still sulking, Sasuke glanced at the three-color dango Itachi offered, quietly swallowed, stubbornly turned his head, and said, “No.”
Itachi smiled helplessly, his dark and calm eyes looking at the river. The cold river water softened and lengthened under his gaze.
“Sasuke, do you think winning and losing are very important?”
Sasuke turned his head, looked at Itachi’s serious profile, and after a moment of thought, replied, “Of course they are important. Only the strongest will be recognized… And I can fight alongside my brother.”
A nocturnal bird skimmed across the water, stirring a complex emotion in Itachi’s heart.
He sighed softly and stroked Sasuke’s head.
“But sometimes, winning and losing aren’t the only standards to measure everything.”
Sasuke looked at his brother’s face, his curious eyes blinking, and he obediently waited for him to continue.
“Once a certain goal becomes an obsession in your heart, that obsession will turn into shackles, imprisoning you for life. I don’t want you to become like that.”
“Brother…”
“And besides, the previous competition was my objective evaluation. If it were my personal evaluation, no matter if you win or lose, you are the best in my heart!”
Itachi’s words were like a spring breeze, instantly dispelling the gloom in Sasuke’s heart.
His mood was like a cloudy sky suddenly clearing, and a brilliant smile bloomed on his face again.
His voice was filled with anticipation and joy: “Really, Brother!”
“Of course.”
After receiving an affirmative answer, Sasuke was no longer angry about what had just happened. He took the three-color dango from Itachi’s hand and took a bite.
His dark pupils reflected the shimmering lake water, looking bright and sparkling.
“It’s delicious!”
Just as Itachi was gazing at Sasuke’s cute face, his ponytail was suddenly tugged by someone.
Itachi turned his head in surprise, and his expression softened when he saw who it was.
“Oh, Happy New Year, Itachi, Sasuke!” The person greeted enthusiastically.
“Shisui!”
“Aren’t you on a mission?” Itachi was a little puzzled.
He was also filled with joy at Shisui’s appearance.
But due to his responsible and serious attitude, he couldn't help but ask an extra question.
“You’re too cruel, Itachi. At least let me rest one day for the New Year.”
Shisui complained jokingly, the gentle breeze by the river lightly rustling his short hair, adding a touch of unrestrained grace to him.
“I was just worried about your mission…”
“Don’t worry, my mission isn’t that complicated.”
Sasuke stood up and tugged on Shisui’s sleeve, abandoning his usual aloofness from school, raising his innocent and bright face, and excitedly sharing the evening’s events with Shisui.
“Shisui, listen to me, today I had a Shuriken competition with a girl, and I drew with her again! Quickly teach me if there are any other moves…”
“You drew with her! She must not be underestimated then…”
Itachi and Shisui exchanged a smile and sat down again.
The three figures sat side by side on the grass, eating the three-color dango in their hands.
They laughed and chatted, waiting for the moment the fireworks would erupt.
As the time for the fireworks festival drew nearer, the crowd sitting by the riverbank grew larger and larger.
They gathered in groups of three or five, chatting and laughing, welcoming the arrival of the new year together.
Naruto looked at the bustling crowd, anxiously glancing around.
“Strange, the fireworks festival is about to start, why isn’t Chizhao back yet…”
Shikamaru tugged on Naruto’s sleeve, pointing at a figure squeezing through the crowd.
“That’s her, isn’t it? And those two next to her…”
Ino poked her head out from behind a doll and quickly recognized the other two.
“It looks like Shino and Kiba!”
“Hey! Chizhao! Over here, over here!”
Hearing Naruto’s call from ahead, Chizhao, with Inuzuka Kiba and Shino, jogged through the crowd.
“I’m back! And I brought two more friends.”
“Oh! So many people! It’s really lively!”
“Woof!”
“Hmm… it certainly exceeded my expectations…”
Naruto exchanged quick greetings with Inuzuka Kiba and Shino, then ran in front of Chizhao, circled her, and asked with a puzzled expression:
“I feel like Chizhao is missing something?”
“You mean that big rabbit, right?” Sakura kindly reminded him from the side.
“Right! That’s it!”
“Oh! I just met Hinata, so I gave that big rabbit to her…”
Hearing that the big rabbit had been given away, Naruto looked envious.
“That’s so nice, to get Chizhao’s big rabbit. I really wanted it too…”
Seeing Naruto’s awkwardness, Chizhao lightly chopped his head with a hand, stopping his “green tea” behavior.
“The fireworks festival is about to start, everyone find a spot and sit down first!”
Keiko looked at the children in front of her, reminding them kindly, looking exactly like a kindergarten teacher.
The children cooperatively agreed and sat down in the open space around them.
“Hey, hey, Chizhao…”
“What is it?” Chizhao tilted her head in confusion, looking at Naruto, her clear blue eyes bright and pure.
“Have you thought about your New Year’s wish?”
Naruto blinked his beautiful eyes, his face full of anticipation.
“It’s the same as what I said on the mountain before.”
“I see.”
Naruto was slightly disappointed not to get a different answer, but only for a moment before he recovered.
“Then what’s your wish? Still to be Hokage, right!”
“Of course, but I’ve added a few other wishes.”
“Oh? What are they?” Chizhao leaned in curiously.
As the girl leaned closer, a pleasant scent wafted to his nose. Naruto’s cheeks flushed, and he unconsciously turned his face away, stammering:
“That is…”
“Bang!”
With a loud bang, the first cluster of fireworks shot into the night sky, instantly blooming into a giant golden chrysanthemum, its light illuminating the entire sky.
Immediately after, colorful fireworks soared into the sky one after another.
A huge lotus flower instantly bloomed, its petals gradually changing from gold to pink, then to light purple, dreamlike and breathtakingly beautiful.
Countless fireworks followed, some cascading down like waterfalls, shimmering with silver light.
Each burst was accompanied by gasps of awe and cheers from the crowd, their voices rising and falling, echoing in the night sky.
Chizhao looked at the splendid night sky, an indescribable emotion welling up in her heart.
She silently made a wish in her heart, hoping that her future days would also be as peaceful and beautiful as this moment.
Suddenly, fragments of memory flashed through her mind.
Right, what did Naruto say just now?