C140

Haruto woke up early, immediately noticing something different—no more chakra signature lingering outside his apartment. Whoever had been watching him was gone, and that was just fine. He had other things on his mind today, specifically his fishing trip with Shizune.

After an intense workout with Daichi, followed by a hearty breakfast, Haruto's thoughts shifted to the afternoon ahead. Today wasn't about training or missions; it was about having fun and enjoying some downtime. He had never hung out with Shizune outside of the hospital before, and he had to admit, he was looking forward to it.

Haruto grabbed his old fishing rod, the one he had made back in his orphanage days. It wasn't fancy, but it was reliable, and he'd grown attached to it over the years. However, since he had invited Shizune, he had made a stop earlier to pick up a second rod for her. He wasn't about to let her stand by the lake without her own gear.

When Haruto arrived at the lake, the sun was shining, the sky clear, and there was a gentle breeze that made the day feel just right. Shizune was already there, standing near the edge of the water. She looked different outside of her usual hospital attire—relaxed and carefree in a simple blue summer dress that fluttered slightly in the breeze. Her dark hair was tied back, but a few strands framed her face as she smiled at him.

"Haruto!" she called, waving him over with an easy smile.

Haruto waved back, holding up the new fishing rod. "Figured you'd need this," he said with a grin. "Can't let you fish without a rod."

Shizune chuckled, taking the rod from him. "You came prepared, I see. What about your rod?" She glanced at the makeshift rod he held.

Haruto held it up proudly. "This? Made it back at the orphanage. Still works just fine."

Shizune's eyes softened as she looked at him. "You grew up in an orphanage?" she asked, though she already knew the answer from Tsunade.

"Yeah, Obaa-chan raised me there," Haruto said, a hint of pride in his voice. "She taught me a lot, not fishing, but plenty of other important things."

Shizune smiled warmly. "I'd love to meet her one day."

Haruto grinned. "For sure. You'd like her—she's the best."

With their rods ready, they both settled in, casting their lines into the water. The atmosphere was light and playful, with no heaviness or talk of missions or responsibilities. Haruto wasn't one to dwell on the past, especially not in a way that made him seem mopey. Instead, he boasted about Obaa-chan, who had raised him and taught him how to stand on his own two feet.

Their fishing attempts were filled with laughter and playful banter. Shizune struggled with her new rod, tangling her line more than once and nearly falling into the water at one point. Haruto couldn't help but laugh, stepping in to help untangle the mess.

"You save lives in the hospital, but a fishing rod is your undoing?" Haruto teased as he fixed her line.

Shizune shot him a playful glare. "Hey! Fishing is harder than it looks!"

Haruto grinned as he reeled in a fish. "It's all about patience. You've got to feel the fish, not fight it."

Shizune raised an eyebrow. "Feel the fish? What are you, a fish whisperer now?"

"Maybe," Haruto said, his tone playful. "Guess you'll have to see."

The afternoon passed with ease, filled with the sound of laughter and friendly competition as they tried to out-fish each other. Haruto's catches outnumbered Shizune's by far, but neither of them really cared. It wasn't about who caught the most—it was about enjoying the moment. For the first time in a long time, Haruto felt like just a normal kid.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, Haruto turned to Shizune with a grin. "How about we cook the fish? Best way to end a fishing day."

Shizune laughed, her eyes twinkling. "You? Cook? This I have to see."

Haruto smirked. "Oh, you'll see."

They made their way back to Haruto's apartment, and once inside, Haruto got to work preparing the fish. Despite his young age, he moved confidently in the kitchen, preparing the meal with a skill that surprised Shizune.

As the smell of grilled fish filled the apartment, Shizune leaned against the counter, watching him with a mix of amusement and admiration. "I didn't know you could cook like this," she said, impressed.

Haruto shrugged. "Had to learn a few things along the way. Can't rely on instant ramen forever."

When the meal was ready, they sat down to eat, and Shizune took her first bite. Her eyes widened with delight.

"Haruto! This is amazing!" she exclaimed. "Who knew you could cook like this?"

Haruto grinned, clearly pleased with her reaction. "Told you I had a few hidden talents."

As they continued eating, the conversation remained light and easy, with plenty of jokes and stories shared between them. It was the kind of day Haruto didn't get often, a day without the weight of responsibility or the pressure of training. It was just fun.

By the time they finished the meal, Shizune leaned back in her chair, a satisfied smile on her face. "I think this is the best day I've had in a long time," she said, looking at Haruto with a warmth in her eyes.

Haruto smiled back. "Yeah, it was a good day."