"Well, don't you see Ino training more than usual?" his wife asked calmly, arranging flowers while watching her husband pace.
"Of course she is," Inoichi replied. "She's a kunoichi. Training more is normal."
His wife gave him a knowing look. "Oh no. It started after a spar at the Academy. Hinata defeated her."
Inoichi paused mid-step. "Hinata? The Hyūga heiress?"
"Yes," she nodded. "And you can probably guess where this is going. Ino found out from Hinata how Naruto told her to stop doubting herself."
Inoichi's eye twitched slightly. "He said that?"
"It ignited a fire," she continued. "Now both girls are training harder. Ino already had a small crush on him, but she didn't want to admit it."
Inoichi slowly turned. "And no one told me anything about this?"
"You never ask," she replied sweetly. "And I'm sure even Ino doesn't understand why she's suddenly competing with Hinata."
Inoichi's mouth twitched harder. "So you're telling me not only Ino, but Hinata too?"
His wife chuckled. "Seems like it."
Inoichi placed a hand on his forehead. "Damn kid… this isn't how you surpass the old generation. Minato had one heiress. Now his son is aiming for two?"
His wife laughed at his helpless frustration. "Relax. Let the kids handle their own matters."
He grumbled. "Easy for you to say."
"Now stop overthinking and get back to work," she added lightly.
---
At the village graveyard, Naruto walked quietly between rows of stone markers. The red scarf around his neck fluttered gently as he stopped before the large memorial stone engraved with countless names.
His gaze lingered on two names longer than the rest.
"Well… sorry about not being able to come tomorrow," he murmured softly.
The wind rustled through the trees as he placed chrysanthemums at the base. He stood there in silence for several minutes, hands in his pockets, expression calm but distant.
After a while, he turned away and ran toward his training ground. The familiar rhythm of physical drills soon filled the air—punches cutting through wind, feet sliding across dirt.
---
Meanwhile, Ino marched toward Shikamaru's house and knocked loudly.
"Hey, Shika! Come out!"
From inside came an annoyed voice. "Stop calling me that. Damn Naruto, why did he create that stupid nickname?"
"Stop grumbling and come with me," Ino said, grabbing his sleeve as soon as he stepped out.
"This is troublesome already," Shikamaru muttered as she dragged him along.
They gathered the others—Choji, Kiba, Sakura, and Hinata.
"So," Shikamaru began lazily, "you want to celebrate Naruto's birthday?"
"Yes," Ino replied firmly.
"You know we're technically not allowed to," he continued. "It might cause problems because of Naruto's… special circumstances. The adults never explain it."
Ino crossed her arms. "You think I care?"
Hinata nodded softly. "Let's do it."
Kiba grinned. "I'm in."
Choji's eyes sparkled. "Will there be cake?"
"Obviously," Ino replied.
"Then I'm definitely in," Choji declared.
Sakura nodded. "Naruto helped me with notes before. I have no problem with it."
Shikamaru sighed deeply. "Troublesome… but fine."
Ino clapped her hands. "Good. Tomorrow, after his afternoon training, we'll surprise him."
Hinata smiled nervously but determinedly. "Yes… let's surprise him."
---
The next day, Naruto walked home humming lightly after training. Sweat clung to his skin, and his breathing was steady but relaxed.
He stepped inside his apartment and headed straight for the shower. "Finally," he muttered.
Meanwhile, Ino and the others quietly sneaked into his house with a cake. They switched off the lights and hid behind furniture.
"Is this really a good idea?" Sakura whispered.
"It'll be fine," Kiba whispered back.
A few minutes later, Naruto walked out of the bathroom, bare-chested, water droplets still trailing down from his damp hair.
"Damn it," he muttered. "Why did the lights go off?"
He stepped further into the room.
The lights suddenly flicked on.
"Happy Birthday, Naruto!"
Silence followed.
Hinata, Ino, and Sakura instantly turned bright red and covered their faces. Ino and Hinata, however, peeked through their fingers for a second before squeaking softly.
Naruto froze, then his face turned crimson. "W-What are you doing here?!"
He immediately dashed back into his room.
Kiba scratched his cheek awkwardly. "Maybe we should've waited five more minutes."
Choji nodded thoughtfully. "But… he's in really good shape. He must train hard."
"Choji!" Sakura hissed.
Ino shouted internally, What am I thinking? Stop it!
Hinata was equally flustered, her heart pounding loudly in her ears.
A minute later, Naruto returned wearing his usual black and red outfit, scarf wrapped neatly around his neck.
"Ahaha… sorry about that," he said sheepishly.
"N-No need to apologize, Naruto-kun," Hinata replied quickly. "We came at the wrong time."
Ino cleared her throat, trying to regain composure. "Ahem. How about you cut the cake?"
"Yeah!" Kiba cheered.
Naruto blinked at the cake, then at all of them. His smile slowly softened.
"You guys… remembered?"
"Of course we did," Sakura said.
"Don't act so surprised," Shikamaru added.
They gathered around as Naruto cut the cake.
"Make a wish!" Choji said eagerly.
Naruto closed his eyes briefly. I already have what I wished for, he thought before blowing out the candles.
They laughed, talked, and exchanged gifts.
Finally, Ino stepped forward with a small box.
Naruto gasped dramatically. "Ino… are you proposing to me? Aren't we too young for that?"
Ino's face exploded red. "Sh-Shut up, you idiot! Open it before you say stupid things!"
Naruto laughed and opened the box. Inside was a small Leaf-shaped pendant.
His teasing expression faded into something genuine.
"It's beautiful," he said quietly, immediately putting it on. "Thanks, Ino. I'll always wear it."
Ino looked away, flustered but pleased. "Y-You better."
Then Hinata stepped forward shyly, holding something wrapped carefully.
Naruto unwrapped it and froze.
It was a red scarf, similar to the one he wore.
His eyes lit up. "Hinata… thank you. I'll use this from now on."
He removed his old scarf and immediately wrapped the new one around his neck.
After examining it closely, he looked at her in surprise. "You hand-made this, didn't you?"
Hinata blinked. "Y-You found out?"
Naruto smiled warmly. "Of course. I'll treasure it."
Hinata's smile was soft but radiant.
Ino and Hinata's eyes met briefly—silent understanding passing between them.
Rivals.
Naruto, unaware of the silent battle, clapped his hands. "Alright! As thanks, I'm cooking for everyone!"
"You can cook?" Kiba asked skeptically.
"I won't poison you," Naruto replied confidently.
He wasn't a great cook, but he wasn't bad either. The small apartment filled with warmth and laughter as they ate together.
When it was time to leave, the group thanked him and stepped out into the evening air.
Ino and Hinata walked side by side for a moment, exchanging another quiet glance.
Naruto watched from the doorway, a soft smile on his face.
They remembered.
And for the first time in years, his birthday didn't feel lonely.