Chapter 72: The Eve of New Year
The sky above Konohagakure was clear, painted in soft orange and pink hues as the sun began its slow descent.
The air was crisp, not too cold—perfect weather for the New Year's celebration.
Lanterns lined the rooftops and streets, casting a warm golden glow that flickered gently in the breeze.
Every corner of the village was dressed in brightness.
Streamers fluttered between buildings, and colorful paper decorations danced under the lanternlight.
The village buzzed with chatter, laughter, and footsteps as civilians and shinobi alike strolled through the streets, enjoying the rare peace.
On the Hyuga clan compound, serenity reigned behind high walls.
Within one of the rooms tucked into a quiet corner of the estate, a young girl moved about with urgency.
Hinata Hyuga stood in front of a full-length mirror, adjusting the hem of her custom-made kimono.
The fabric was elegant, embroidered with faint petal patterns and light hues that suited her soft features perfectly.
Today, her happiness knew no bounds.
Her father had not only given her permission to attend the New Year's festival but had also approved of the kimono she had chosen for this special occasion.
Her heart fluttered as she imagined Gojo's reaction.
Will he smile gently? she wondered, her cheeks warming. Will he say I look beautiful?
She paused, lost in the mental image of Gojo's serene face and warm voice.
Her fingers tightened around the sash of her kimono, nerves mingling with anticipation.
Just then, her door creaked open.
Hinata jumped slightly, startled.
Her eyes darted to the entrance, worry on her face, until she saw the small figure in the doorway.
"Hanabi... don't scare me like that," she said, exhaling with relief.
Hanabi, the youngest daughter of the Hyuga clan, grinned mischievously and marched into the room with light footsteps.
She looked up at her older sister and hugged her without hesitation.
"Sister, are you excited because Brother-in-law Gojo is coming today?" she asked innocently, her voice cheerful and playful.
Hinata's face instantly turned scarlet.
The words Brother-in-law Gojo echoed in her head like a crashing wave.
Her mind froze.
That meant—she was his wife?! Her brain seemed to stop functioning altogether.
"W-Wha…" she stammered, trying to respond, but the thought overwhelmed her.
Her cheeks glowed bright red as if someone had turned up the heat on her entire face.
Her legs gave way, and she fell onto the floor, her fingers gripping the edge of the tatami mat for stability.
The warmth of embarrassment reached her ears and neck.
She was blushing so hard she could feel the temperature rising in her head.
Hanabi looked at her sister with a small sigh and gently shook her.
"My sister is still so shy," she muttered.
"Well, I need to get ready too. Father said that guy Gojo will be your future husband and my future brother-in-law."
She grinned and began dragging the blushing and half-unconscious Hinata to the mirror to continue getting her ready.
---
Meanwhile, on the other side of the village, the Senju ancestral home was bathed in soft light from paper lanterns hung along the veranda.
Inside the main house, two women were moving busily, decorating the hallway with strings of lights, paper flowers, and banners.
Shizune and Karin's mother worked side by side, their graceful movements reflecting years of tradition.
They both wore carefully chosen kimonos—refined, beautiful garments that highlighted their elegance.
Shizune stepped away from the hallway and headed deeper into the house.
As she entered the living room, her eyes immediately landed on the familiar figure sprawled lazily across the sofa.
"Tsunade-sama," she said, hands on her hips, "It's New Year's! You should be up and helping instead of lying around like this!"
Tsunade didn't even blink.
She kept her eyes closed and shifted only slightly, clearly ignoring the scolding.
Shizune frowned but said nothing more, knowing it was hopeless to argue when Tsunade was in her relaxed mode.
Outside, Karin's mother called out, "Karin! Come down quickly, the festival is about to begin!"
"I'm almost ready!" came Karin's voice from upstairs.
Moments later, the sound of soft footsteps echoed down the wooden stairs.
Karin appeared at the top, wearing a stunning red kimono that perfectly complemented her vivid red hair.
The pattern on the fabric shimmered faintly under the lanternlight, and her confident expression added to her charm.
She descended slowly, and as she reached the bottom, Tsunade opened one eye and looked at her.
"You're very beautiful, Karin," Tsunade said with a small smile.
"I'm sure you'll charm Gojo today."
Karin, unprepared for the compliment, froze mid-step.
Her cheeks flushed a deep pink, and she looked away bashfully.
Tsunade finally stood up from the sofa, stretching her arms above her head.
Today, she wore a breathtaking kimono, a blend of deep blues and floral embroidery that clung elegantly to her form.
Her figure, known across the village, was only accentuated more by the way the garment hugged her.
Even Shizune paused for a second, noticing how effortlessly Tsunade carried herself.
At that moment, a door down the hall opened.
Gojo stepped out.
He wore a custom-made kimono, clearly tailored with care.
The base color was a sleek black, but intricate patterns of gold thread traced along the edges, catching the light with every step he took.
The fabric shimmered subtly, woven from luxurious silk.
On him, the kimono looked regal—something fitting of a noble heir or a powerful warrior.
Despite his young age, his bearing exuded confidence and elegance.
Karin's eyes widened, and she unconsciously leaned forward, almost drooling at the sight.
"How is he so... handsome?" she whispered to herself.
Tsunade blinked once, surprised.
Even she had to admit that Gojo looked far more mature and refined tonight.
Shizune, standing beside her, didn't say anything, but her silence betrayed the same thought.
Gojo looked at all of them, noticing their reaction.
With a slight smirk, he asked, "So, how do I look today?"
Karin didn't hesitate.
"You're very handsome," she replied instantly, her voice soft and shy.
The room fell quiet.
To break the awkwardness, Tsunade clapped her hands lightly.
"Alright! Let's not stand here all day. It's New Year's. Let's go enjoy the festival."
Karin grinned brightly and jogged over to Gojo, looping her arm around his tightly.
She clung to him with natural ease—it had become her daily habit by now.
Karin's mother stood behind her, shaking her head slightly at her daughter's boldness.
But she smiled anyway.
The two did look good together.
The group stepped out, walking together under the lanterns toward the village's heart where the festival awaited.
Laughter echoed down the street.
The air smelled of freshly made food from the stalls—grilled fish, sweet dango, and crispy snacks.
Fireworks had not yet started, but the anticipation was already in the air.
Gojo walked silently beside Karin, with Tsunade, Shizune, and Karin's mother behind them.
Watching everyone smiling, chatting, and laughing freely, he felt something stir in his chest.
This happiness… this peace.
He looked up at the night sky and made a quiet vow.
"I'll protect this."
---
The Uchiha compound stood calmly in its isolated corner of the village, bordered by large stone walls and maple trees swaying gently under the twilight.
Unlike the lively chaos of the village streets, the compound's atmosphere was more composed and reserved, but it still held its own charm during the New Year celebration.
Elegant lanterns hung from the rooftops, and small children chased each other through the stone-paved pathways, their laughter echoing softly.
Tonight, for once, there was no tension from the higher-ups.
Neither Danzo nor the Third Hokage made any attempts to interfere with the Uchiha's celebration.
This night belonged to them—without fear, without politics.
A rare moment of peace.
Inside the main residence, Sasuke Uchiha stood in front of a mirror, dressed in a deep blue kimono.
It was slightly oversized at the sleeves, clearly a formal wear meant to make him look princely, and somehow, it suited him.
His expression was blank, but a hint of pride sparkled in his dark eyes.
Across the compound, Fugaku Uchiha—the clan head—was similarly dressed, his traditional kimono pressed and formal, showing his dignity as the clan leader.
He mingled with other elders, discussing tradition and the past, while subtly observing everything around him.
Mikoto Uchiha was helping with the last touches of the decorations near the entrance of the main hall.
Her kimono was a soft lavender, detailed with plum blossoms.
Her beauty stood out even in such a refined clan.
Many villagers had commented more than once that Mikoto could rival even the village's most well-known kunoichi in elegance.
Sasuke walked into the hallway and called out, "Sister! Come quickly! The fireworks will start soon!"
There was no response at first.
He raised his voice again, standing outside her room.
Inside, Shizuka Uchiha was putting the final touches on her appearance.
Her black-and-red kimono clung perfectly to her figure.
The red patterns ran like flowing flames down the sleeves and edges, blending into the deep black base like twilight embracing embers.
Her long black hair was tied with care, and her crimson eyes held a gleam of determination.
Tonight, her system had given her a task.
It wasn't anything explosive, but still important.
> System Task:
Meet Gojo Senju. Ensure the meeting appears purely coincidental.
Reward: Spiritual Power +25%
As she tightened the obi around her waist, she muttered to herself.
"Coincidental, huh? Like he's just going to fall from the sky in front of me…"
Outside her door, Sasuke knocked again.
"Shizuka! Hurry up already!"
"I said just a moment!" she snapped from inside. "You shut up and wait!"
Sasuke groaned.
"Why is my sister turning into a tigress lately…?"
A minute later, the door opened, and Shizuka stepped out with quiet confidence.
Mikoto, who had just returned to the hallway, turned and saw her daughter.
Her eyes softened, and a nostalgic smile bloomed on her lips.
"My daughter's really grown up," she said with a touch of emotion.
"You're not my little baby anymore…"
Shizuka blinked as Mikoto approached and pulled her into a warm hug.
Sasuke, standing nearby, raised his arms.
"Hey! What about me?!"
Mikoto giggled and turned to him.
"Of course, you too." She leaned in and hugged Sasuke gently.
"Both of you are still my babies."
Sasuke tried to hide his small smile as he pulled away.
"Now go," Mikoto said softly. "Enjoy the festival."
Shizuka nodded.
With her task in mind, she didn't hesitate.
She and Sasuke stepped out of the compound, walking side by side under the glowing lanterns.
The street leading toward the village square was full of life.
Music played softly from a corner, and merchants called out from behind food stalls.
Children pointed excitedly at the colorful fans, masks, and fireworks on display.
Shizuka kept walking calmly.
Her eyes scanned the crowd subtly.
Her goal was simple—just meet Gojo.
The rest would be left to fate.
---
End of Chapter
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