To confirm the guess in her heart, Chizhao waved to the people in front of her, a hint of urgency in her voice:
"Naruto, you take them to the old lady's place first; I'll be right there."
"Huh? Chizhao!"
Before anyone could ask for an explanation, Chizhao had vanished like a gust of wind, leaving no trace.
Oh well, everyone was already used to her way of doing things.
Only Naruto vaguely felt like she had left him behind again, and he pouted unhappily.
Noticing the subtle change, Choji put his arm around Naruto's neck, offered him some potato chips, and said with a cheerful laugh:
"Let's eat potato chips and enjoy the fireworks! It'll be great!"
"You're right! Then let's go quickly now!"
Re-energized, Naruto chuckled and put his arm around Choji's shoulder, walking forward like good buddies.
On the other side, Hinata sat on a stone bench by the river, looking at the shimmering water in front of her, idly swinging her legs.
Suddenly, a rabbit plushie jumped into her vision, making her tremble slightly in surprise.
"Sorry, sorry, did I scare you?"
Seeing the familiar, apologetic face behind the plushie, Hinata finally breathed a sigh of relief, her heart gradually calming down.
"No... no. Chizhao... why are you here?"
"I saw you sitting here alone, so I wanted to come over and check..."
Hearing this, Hinata's cheeks flushed pink, and she shyly buried her face in her scarf, explaining in a soft, sweet voice:
"I came with my father; he went to buy food, and I'm waiting for him here."
Learning that Hinata was not alone, Chizhao's worries eased slightly.
She had thought Hinata might have been wronged again.
"That's good. Oh, and Hinata, Happy New Year! This plushie suits you perfectly; consider it a small gift from me."
Chizhao gently placed the large rabbit plushie on Hinata's lap.
Hinata quickly hugged the large rabbit as it leaned back, her innocent and pure appearance as lovely as an angel.
"Are... are you really giving it to me? But... but I don't have anything... to give to Chizhao..."
Little Hinata fumbled around her body in a bit of a panic, but Chizhao gently took her hand.
Her small hand was icy cold, filling Chizhao's heart with tenderness.
Hinata gazed at the bright eyes before her, which reflected the fragmented light and shadows on the river, like a flowing Milky Way.
"No need, I've already received your intention, and that's enough!"
Hinata shyly lowered her head, hugging the soft, large rabbit, her heart filled with joy.
Because this was the first New Year's gift she had ever received.
"Woof!"
A strong, clear bark caught their attention. Chizhao looked down to see a small white figure wiggling constantly.
It was Akamaru!
Akamaru wagged his tail furiously, his paws scratching at their pant legs, showing friendliness to both of them.
"Akamaru! You're here too!"
Chizhao happily picked up Akamaru, gently stroking his delicate fur.
The enthusiastic Akamaru gently licked her fingers, a ticklish sensation.
"I'm very sorry! That's my puppy... Eh? Chizhao, Hinata? It's you two?"
Using the light from behind, Kiba finally saw who Akamaru was desperately running towards.
Seeing it was Chizhao, Kiba's confusion immediately vanished, and he showed a relieved smile.
"Kiba! Are you also here to enjoy the fireworks festival?"
Chizhao, meeting another acquaintance, stood up happily. Akamaru also jumped from her arms onto Kiba's head, responding with a "Woof."
"It's New Year's Day, of course I'm here to see the fireworks festival!"
"Ahahaha, you're right." Chizhao and Kiba exchanged smiles, the atmosphere warm and harmonious.
Tonight, familiar faces seemed to be all gathered. Chizhao mused to herself, there was only one person left, he should be nearby too.
Kiba and Hinata watched Chizhao look around, their eyes full of confusion. They exchanged glances, both puzzled.
"What are you looking for, Chizhao?" Kiba, unable to hold back, asked curiously.
However, Chizhao didn't respond. Her gaze, like a camera, was intently searching for that familiar figure in the crowd.
Suddenly, an inconspicuous small insect slowly floated past Chizhao's eyes.
In this cold weather, are there still such large insects?
Suspicious, very suspicious!
Following the direction of the flying insect, she indeed found a blurry figure on the riverbank, where the light couldn't reach.
"Aha! Found him!"
"Who?"
Kiba, with a hint of confusion, followed Chizhao's gaze and also caught sight of a familiar figure.
He slightly raised his nose and sniffed the air. Akamaru also seemed to sense something, letting out a "Woof."
Immediately after, Chizhao and Kiba both shouted almost simultaneously in that direction: "Shino Aburame!"
In the darkness, Shino's figure clearly stiffened. He looked up in confusion, towards the riverbank above.
He saw Chizhao and Kiba enthusiastically waving their arms, signaling to him.
Hinata, sitting next to them, held the plushie in her hands and also looked over with a smile.
How did they find me...?
Shino, who believed he had lowered his presence, was filled with doubt.
He hesitated for a moment, but then took a step and slowly walked towards the two.
"Yo! Shino, Happy New Year! I didn't expect you to be hiding down there."
Chizhao greeted Shino playfully, imitating the way boys say hello, her tone friendly.
"That spot offers a better view of insects..."
Kiba stroked his chin, leaned in closer, and asked suspiciously: "Just to see insects?"
"And... fireworks..."
Hinata, amused by their conversation, saw everyone's eyes turn to her and shyly buried her face in the rabbit plushie again, her voice soft and sweet.
"Sor...ry..."
"Hahaha, you guys are too funny. Since we all have the same goal, let's go watch the fireworks together."
Chizhao enthusiastically invited everyone, her brows brimming with joy.
"Alright, we came for this anyway, right Akamaru!"
"Woof!"
Kiba agreed, and Akamaru also barked cheerfully.
The noisy crowd in the distance continued to gather. Shino hesitated for a while:
"I plan to go alone..."
But then he saw the shimmering light in Chizhao's eyes, full of pleading and expectation, and paused again: "Well, never mind... this works too."
Hinata lifted her head from the large rabbit plushie, a hint of conflict on her face.
"Although... I really want to go too, but... I still have to wait for Father to come back..."
Chizhao patted Hinata's head understandingly, comforting her like an older sister: "It's okay, it's the same if you come find us later."
"Let the big rabbit keep you company until your father returns!"
Hinata smiled and nodded, obediently accepting Chizhao's suggestion.
Not long after Chizhao left, Hyuga Hiashi returned with two portions of yakisoba.
"Hinata, I'm back. Sorry to keep you waiting. Wow... there are so many people today."
As soon as Hiashi returned, he began to chatter about what he had seen.
"Father, welcome back."
Hiashi sat down next to Hinata, his gaze drawn to a large rabbit plushie. He poked the rabbit's ear curiously.
"Hmm? Where did this come from?"
Hinata happily looked up, her eyes sparkling, accompanied by a bright smile, as lovely as a spring flower.
"A friend gave it to me!"
His daughter's happy expression filled his eyes. Hiashi ruffled her hair.
"She must be a wonderful person, right?"
"Mm!"