The first rays of dawn hadn't yet touched the rooftops of Konoha when Yuto stirred awake, stretching with a grin spreading across his face. Today wasn't just any other day—it was October 10th. Naruko's birthday.
He'd been planning this day for a whole week, determined to make it perfect.
Quietly, he slipped out of bed, grabbed the sandwich he'd stored in the fridge the night before, and ate while slipping on his sandals.
'Alright, Operation Naruko's Birthday Surprise—start!' he thought with a small grin as he headed toward Ichiraku Ramen.
The streets were still quiet, with only a few early risers moving about. When he reached the ramen stall, Ayame and Teuchi greeted him warmly.
"Good morning, Yuto," Teuchi said, his tone cheerful even at this early hour. "You're up early today!"
Yuto smiled, scratching his cheek shyly. "Yeah, today's special. It's Naruko's birthday."
Ayame handed him a neatly packed box. "Here you go. I made her favorite—miso ramen, but with a little extra love this time."
Yuto bowed slightly, his eyes gleaming. "Thank you so much, Ayame-neechan, Teuchi-san! She's gonna love it."
"Such a thoughtful boy," Ayame said with a smile as Yuto turned to leave.
He gave them a wave before sprinting off through the quiet streets. Soon, he arrived at Naruko's apartment, the place looking as messy as ever from the outside.
He knocked gently, then waited. After a moment of silence, he used the spare key Naruko had given him weeks ago. "Hey, Naruko," he whispered as he stepped inside. "Wake up… I've got a surprise for you."
The little blonde girl stirred under her blanket. Her golden hair, streaked faintly with red highlights, stuck out wildly from beneath her hippo-shaped sleeping hat. She blinked groggily, rubbing her eyes.
"Yuto?" she mumbled sleepily. "What's goin' on…?"
Yuto grinned widely. "Happy birthday!" he announced, holding up the food container proudly. "Look! Ichiraku's special breakfast delivery, just for you!"
Naruko's eyes widened, and she sat up, surprise flashing across her face. "Y-you remembered my birthday?"
"Of course I did!" he said with a small chuckle. "You think I'd forget something this important?"
Her lips quivered before she broke into a huge smile. "Hehe, thanks, Yuto!" she said, grabbing the food and digging in. "Mmm! This is so good!"
Yuto laughed softly as he watched her eat like there was no tomorrow.
"Slow down before you choke," he teased.
"I won't!" she said between bites—only to start coughing immediately after.
"See?" Yuto sighed and handed her water.
They both laughed as she drank, and for a moment, the small apartment felt warm and happy.
When she finished, Yuto stood up and grinned. "Alright, let's go! There's more waiting for you."
"Guy-sensei said he's got something special too."
The two made their way to the training grounds, the early morning sun now spilling golden light across the field.
"There you are, my youthful students!" boomed Might Guy, his signature grin flashing like the sunrise itself.
"Guy-sensei!" Naruko called out, waving.
"I heard today marks a truly youthful day—your birthday, Naruko!" Guy declared, giving her a sparkling thumbs-up pose. "And such occasions must be celebrated with both the spirit and strength of youth!"
He presented her with a small, wrapped box. "Here—a gift for your future training!"
Naruko eagerly tore open the wrapping, gasping at the sight. "Wow! Training gloves!"
"Indeed!" Guy said, puffing his chest proudly. "To strengthen those determined hands of yours! Let us test them right away!"
And just like that, they dove into training.
Yuto and Naruko practiced taijutsu drills, their movements clumsy but filled with energy. Yuto tried to keep his balance during Guy's exaggerated demonstrations, while Naruko threw punches that Guy easily blocked.
When Yuto finally caught his breath, he asked, "Guy-sensei… why're we learning the academy taijutsu katas? I thought you will teach our your strong fist style taijutsu."
Guy smiled knowingly. "Ah, Yuto! A good question! These katas form the foundation—a beginner's fighting style created by the great Second Hokage himself! Once you master it, you can refine it into your own unique taijutsu. Just as one must first learn to walk before running!"
Naruko wiped sweat from her brow, grinning. "That was the best training ever!"
Before they could rest, an ANBU appeared in a puff of smoke. "The Hokage requests your presence."
"Ehh? The old man?" Naruko tilted her head in confusion.
In a blur, they were whisked away, reappearing inside the Hokage's office after saying bye to Guy.
"Ah, Naruko," Hiruzen greeted warmly, setting down his pipe. "And you must be Yuto."
Yuto felt his heart race. 'Whoa… the Third Hokage. In person. Please be like your anime version, not the manipulative one people wrote about online.'
"Hello, Hokage-sama," Yuto said nervously.
"Hi, Grandpa!" Naruko chirped happily, waving like always.
Hiruzen chuckled softly, looking at them both fondly as he nodded at both of them before saying. "Happy birthday, Naruko. I have a gift for you."
Her eyes sparkled instantly. "A gift? Really?"
He reached into his desk and brought out a delicate black hair clip adorned with a floral design. "I thought this would suit you."
Naruko gasped. "It's so pretty!"
Yuto froze for a second. 'Wait… that looks just like the one Kushina used to wear in that manga released about Minato!'
Naruko giggled, bowing slightly. "Thank you, Grandpa!"
"You deserve it," Hiruzen said warmly, though inside, his thoughts were more guarded. 'Danzo would never stop trying to use her. I'll need someone to protect Yuto—because if anything happens to him, Naruko could lose control of the Nine-Tails.'
'Maybe Kakashi… yes. Watching over Yuto would also mean watching over Naruko.'
Later, Yuto led Naruko to Ichiraku Ramen for lunch.
"Happy birthday, Naruko-chan!" Ayame cheered when they entered. "Here's your birthday gift—a free bowl every day for a month coupon!"
Naruko's eyes went wide. "EVERY DAY?!"
Teuchi laughed heartily. "That's right. Just don't bankrupt us, okay?"
Naruko jumped up and hugged Ayame. "Thank you so much!"
They ate together, laughing between bites of steaming ramen, until both were full and happy.
The afternoon passed in bursts of laughter and games. They ran through streets, played tag, and jumped between rooftops—Naruko's laughter echoing through Konoha.
When villagers glared, she ignored them, her focus only on the blond boy who was now running ahead of her.
"Yuto! Wait up!"
As the sun began to set, Yuto took her hand. "Come on, I've got one last surprise."
They climbed to the top of Hokage Mountain. The evening breeze brushed past them as the village below glowed with life.
Naruko gasped softly. "It's… beautiful."
"Yeah," Yuto murmured, sitting beside her on the Fourth Hokage's head.
They sat there, watching the orange sky fade to purple. Then Yuto reached into his pocket and handed her a small box.
"What's this?" she asked, curious.
"Open it."
Inside were two hairbands, each with a small blue ninja star charm.
"They're for your braids," he said with a shy smile.
Naruko's eyes welled up instantly. "Yuto… this is my best birthday ever."
"Hey," he said softly, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. "We're best friends, Naruko. Always."
She hugged him tightly, tears soaking into his shirt. "Thank you… thank you so much."
Yuto didn't say anything, just held her as she slowly drifted asleep against him.
When night finally fell, he gently carried her back home, tucked her into bed, and smiled down at her peaceful face.
"Happy birthday, Naruko," he whispered before quietly heading back to his dorm.