It was a bright, sunny day in Konoha. The village was alive with its usual buzz.
Today, Naruko had decided to explore a part of the village she hadn't seen before. Yuto wasn't with her this time — he had errands to run.
She skipped down the narrow road, her twin ponytails swaying behind her, the gentle breeze brushing her cheeks. "Man, it feels good to just… walk around," she muttered with a soft grin. But deep inside, a familiar ache lingered.
'Even if I smile, those looks never change…' she thought bitterly as she noticed an old woman glance her way, only to whisper something to her neighbor. 'Whatever. I don't need them anyway.'
She picked up her pace, determined to push the thoughts away.
The path eventually led her near the training grounds — quiet, except for the distant rustle of leaves. That's when she heard laughter. A clear, joyful sound that stood out against the calmness.
Curious, she turned the corner… and froze.
A boy stood there, alone — yet he didn't feel lonely. His spiky hair shifted slightly as the breeze danced around him, almost like it was alive. His eyes sparkled with warmth, and his bright smile made the sunlight seem a little softer.
"Hi!" Naruko waved, jogging over. "I'm Naruko! What's your name?"
The boy blinked, then grinned back. "I'm Yota!"
"Yota, huh? Nice to meet ya!"
The awkwardness melted instantly as they began to play together. Yota showed her how he could call small gusts of wind and even small rain clouds. Naruko's eyes widened each time — she laughed, jumping a little as the soft drizzle splashed her face.
"Whoa! That's so cool!" she shouted.
Yota giggled. "You like rain?"
"Yeah! It feels… nice!"
As they played, Naruko tried to feel that familiar flutter inside her — the warmth that always bloomed when she was with Yuto. Only this time, it wasn't there. With Yuto, her heart always felt… safe, full, and weirdly warm, even when he teased her or acted cool.
But with Yota… she only felt normal friendship.
'So what's this weird feeling with Yuto then?' she wondered to herself. 'Is it just because he's my best friend? Or… something else?'
She shook her head furiously. 'No, no, stop thinking like that!'
Just then, voices echoed from the other end of the path.
"Hey! What are you two doing here?"
Naruko turned to see three kids approaching. A blonde girl with a ponytail, a boy with droopy eyes, and another one — slightly chubby, munching on a bag of chips.
"Oh, hi!" Naruko waved again, cheerful as always. "I'm Naruko, and this is—"
"Yota," the lazy-eyed boy interrupted, his tone calm but serious. "Did anyone see you besides her?"
Yota's cheerful face faltered. "She's the only one…"
The blonde girl — Ino — frowned. "Listen, Yota. You need to stay away from her."
Naruko blinked in confusion. "Huh? Why?"
Ino crossed her arms, glancing at Naruko with hesitation. "Because… she's kinda a loudmouth. If people find out you're here, it could cause problems."
Naruko froze. The words hit harder than she expected. That warmth in her chest turned cold, replaced by a sharp sting.
"Wait—what? I was just playing…" she whispered, her voice trembling.
Shikamaru sighed. "It's not about that. It's just… complicated."
"Come on," Choji mumbled between bites, "we should go before someone sees."
Yota looked torn. He turned to Naruko, as if he wanted to say something — but instead, he lowered his head. "I'm sorry."
And just like that… he walked away.
Naruko's hands balled into fists. She felt her throat tighten. "I just wanted to have a friend…" she murmured, her voice barely audible.
She stood there a few moments longer before turning away, her steps slow, her heart heavier with each one.
Meanwhile, Yuto was finishing his last errand — delivering a package to Kana Yamanaka, the dorm caretaker. With that done, he stretched his arms and smiled faintly.
"Alright, that's done. Time to train."
He made his way toward the training grounds, humming softly. When he arrived, the field was empty. Guy wasn't there yet.
"Huh. Guess I'll start warming up."
He was just about to begin when he spotted someone walking toward him.
His eyes narrowed instantly.
Naruko.
Her head was down, her hair covering her face, and when she looked up… his fists clenched involuntarily. Her eyes were red and swollen.
"Hey, Naruko!" Yuto called out, jogging toward her. "What's wrong?"
She looked up slowly, forcing a weak smile. "Oh… hey, Yuto. It's nothing."
'Yeah right,' Yuto thought, glaring slightly. 'You look like you've been crying for awhile now.'
He stepped closer, his voice firm. "You don't look fine. Tell me who made you cry, Naruko. I'll beat their ass."
Naruko blinked at him, startled — then giggled softly despite herself. "You always say that…"
"Because I mean it," Yuto said, crossing his arms. "So, who was it?"
She took a shaky breath. "I met someone today… His name is Yota. He was nice. We were playing together, but then some kids came and told him to stay away from me. They even said I'm a loudmouth."
Yuto had a tick mark on his head.
'Those bastards…'
He sighed, his tone softening. "Naruko… don't let that get to you, alright? You're not a loudmouth. You're just… you. That's what makes you awesome."
Her eyes shimmered again, but this time not from sadness.
"But… I just wanted to play with him more. He was really nice," she said quietly.
Yuto smiled gently. "I get it. But hey — you've got me, remember? And I think you're way more fun than him. We can train, laugh, and get stronger together. Real friends don't run away when others talk, right?"
Naruko sniffled, then smiled faintly. "You're right… I guess I should focus on training with you."
"That's the spirit."
Just then, a booming voice shattered the quiet.
"Naruko! Yuto! I'm here! Let's get this training started!"
Guy-sensei appeared like a burst of energy, his teeth shining brighter than the sun.
Naruko and Yuto exchanged small smiles before getting into their stance.
As they started their exercises, Yuto's thoughts briefly drifted.
'Yota… the weather boy. I remember his story. Born from a small clan that could control the weather. The last member of his clan. Died too young… and later used as an edo tensei puppet by Orochimaru.'
"Let's push ourselves today!" Guy's booming enthusiasm snapped Yuto back to reality.
"Right, Sensei!" Yuto shouted, shaking away the thoughts as he and Naruko began their training, the sun shining high above them.