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Chapter 5: Walk Through Konoha
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In recent months, Kiba had started a rigorous physical training regimen. Every morning he ran with Akamaru and Yun through the forest behind the house until he reached the limit of his own body — legs burning, lungs on fire, sweat pouring down. Only then would he stop. It was his way of strengthening his body to the maximum.
That day, after another exhausting running session with the ninken, Hana appeared in the backyard. She now proudly wore the Konoha headband on her forehead, proof that she had officially become a kunoichi.
"Kiba! You've been training nonstop lately. How about a calmer walk around Konoha? It's a beautiful day to relax a bit."
Kiba, still catching his breath, wiped the sweat from his face and nodded.
"Alright. Let's go."
The two walked side by side, with Akamaru and Yun following close behind, clearly tired from the intense run earlier.
As they strolled through the village's busy streets, Kiba observed everything calmly. In a square ahead, a large group of children were playing and running around. In the middle of them, he spotted two girls standing out from a distance: one with pink hair full of energy and another blonde, equally hyper.
'Sakura and Ino… I really am in Naruto.'
He didn't say anything, just watched them for a few seconds.
Hana noticed his gaze.
"The kids are full of energy today, huh?"
Kiba gave a slight smile.
"Yeah… looks like it."
Hana laughed and nudged his arm.
"You're being much quieter than usual today. Is the heavy training making you thoughtful?"
"A little. Running with Akamaru and Yun to the limit is pretty tiring."
Hana nodded, looking proud.
"You've been working really hard. That's good. But don't forget to rest too."
They continued the walk peacefully. Kiba casually started a conversation:
"The village is lively today."
Hana agreed.
"It's always busy. Soon you'll start taking more serious missions too."
On the way back home, Hana said goodbye quickly because she had a simple mission to do that afternoon.
When Kiba entered the house, he found Tsume in the kitchen, acting natural — preparing something to eat and humming softly.
He stopped at the door for a moment, watching her.
'Mom… acting like nothing happened. But it's been two months since, every time Hana leaves on a mission, we continue what we started that day…'
Tsume turned her face, saw him standing there and smiled casually.
"Back from your walk? Want something to eat?"
Kiba just nodded, keeping a calm expression.
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End of Chapter 5
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