Naruto: I, who didn't want to be hacked to pieces, saved the ninja world.

"You guys aren't having trouble sleeping because of the ghost stories I told yesterday, are you?"

"You already know, why are you asking?"

Tian Tian raised her eyebrows, stretched out her finger, and poked Bai Yun Qing Ye's lower back with some displeasure.

"When I was sleeping last night, I kept feeling like there was someone under my bed," Ino said with a resentful look.

"I feel like my bedroom has become more lively," Sakura remarked.

Hinata was too embarrassed to say that she had slept with Hanabi last night.

A hint of apology appeared on Baiyun Qingye's face. "I didn't expect you to be so scared. I guess I won't tell you scary stories anymore."

"No need, actually it's nice to listen to it occasionally," Ino replied subconsciously.

Looking back now, she realizes that yesterday evening, because she was so scared, the feeling of sticking close to Qingye was actually quite nice.

"Ok?"

Shirokumo Aoba looked at Ino with a puzzled expression.

Noticing the gazes directed at her, Ino blushed and changed the subject.

"Aoba, I heard there will be a special festival during the Lunar New Year this year, did you know?"

"You all knew?" Bai Yunqingye asked, somewhat surprised.

All four women nodded.

Ino gestured for everyone to gather around, then whispered, "The main people in charge of this festival are my dad and Shikamaru's dad. Even the events at the festival were arranged by my dad."

"Really? Are there any fun activities at the festival?" Tenten asked with some surprise.

"Hmm~" Ino stroked her chin and thought about it seriously for a moment, then gave an awkward laugh.

"I can't really explain it, but there are just lots of delicious food and fun things to do..."

She only glanced at it briefly last night.

"Ino, what you said is basically the same as saying nothing at all," Sakura couldn't help but complain.

"As expected, Ino is a useless person," Tenten added.

"Hmph~" Hinata covered her mouth and chuckled softly.

"It's not like we didn't hear anything. At least we know there's food and games at the festival," Baiyun Qingye said with a serious expression.

"Haha~"

The atmosphere instantly filled with joy.

Ino looked a little embarrassed and continued, "Actually, I remember a special event!"

"A special event?"

The group of children immediately became curious again.

Ino nodded, her expression becoming serious. "The festival is on the Hokage Rock, and there are two paths leading to it: one is the normal path, and the other is a specially arranged event."

“My dad named it ‘Path of the Ninja’!”

"The Path of the Ninja? That sounds really cool."

Tian Tian and the others exclaimed in surprise.

Shirakumo Aoba inexplicably thought of that theatrical version and asked, "Was there anything special about it?"

"They would set up all sorts of scary props along the way. As long as you could get through this path and reach the festival site, you would definitely become a qualified ninja in the future. That's why it's called the Path of the Ninja."

Ino explained in detail, "This road is specially prepared for children who are still in school."

Isn't this just a test of courage?

I like to do this kind of thing.

Baiyun Qingye thought to himself, "I thought it would be some kind of amazing event."

For example, letting him enter an illusionary world or something.

“Terrifying props…” The three girls looked somewhat frightened. “Then let’s take the normal route.”

Ino laughed, "This activity can only be participated in by two people."

"Two people per group?"

The three of them were stunned for a moment, then suddenly realized what was going on and looked at Bai Yunqingye together.

Baiyun Qingye was also taken aback, then said with a smile, "If Sasuke and Naruto are together, it's not easy to divide the five of us into groups."

"It's okay, we'll decide by drawing lots later. Anyway, I will definitely not take that path if I'm not in a group with Aoba!" Tenten said decisively.

It also expressed the feelings of the others.

No one wants to waste the opportunity to be alone in this special atmosphere; with a one in four chance, they are all fantasizing that the person is themselves.

"Alright then..." Bai Yunqingye nodded helplessly.

At this moment, Naruto and Sasuke took their seats one after the other.

"Good morning, Aoba!"

Naruto, sporting dark circles under his eyes, greeted Shirakumo Aoba.

"Good morning, Naruto." Shirokumo Aoba knew without even guessing that the other person had been up all night working out.

"You need to be careful and moderate!"

"It's okay, I can just take a nap in class and I'll be back to full strength." Naruto gave a thumbs up, showing no shame for sleeping in class.

Goodnight.

Baiyun Qingye's lips twitched, then she looked at the somewhat awkward Sasuke, "Sasuke, why are you so late today too?"

Sasuke's expression changed, and he muttered, "Something came up."

Bai Yun Qingye noticed the other person's unnatural appearance and wondered what he was thinking. However, seeing that he didn't want to say anything more, she didn't ask any further questions and turned back around.

"White clouds and green leaves..."

At that moment, Sasuke suddenly called out.

Bai Yun Qingye turned around with a puzzled look. "What's wrong?"

Sasuke took out a small box and pushed it in front of him. "This is a cake my mother made. She asked me to give you one."

"Did Aunt Mikoto make this?" Baiyun Qingye asked curiously, taking the box and opening it to reveal a delicate and tempting chocolate cake inside.

The words "Thank you" were written in large letters above it.

Shirokumo Aoba smiled and said, "It looks delicious. Sasuke, please thank Aunt Mikoto for me."

"Hmm..." Sasuke responded somewhat awkwardly, and then felt a burning gaze upon him.

He turned around and saw that it was indeed Naruto.

Those expectant eyes were almost burning hot.

He awkwardly took out another small box and pushed it in front of Naruto, saying, "This is for you."

"Really?!" Naruto seemed very excited, as if he had completely forgotten about being angry yesterday.

"If you don't want it, I'll eat it myself," Sasuke said unhappily.

"I want!"

Naruto happily took the cake box, and as soon as he opened it, he saw three big words written in jam inside.

"sorry"

After a moment of stunned silence, Naruto shed two wide tears.

"What's wrong with you?" Sasuke was a little confused. Why was he crying over a cake?

He had no idea that the cake Mikoto Uchiha had prepared for him was special.

"This is youth!"

……

School in the afternoon.

After taking Tian Tian and the others home, Bai Yun Qingye returned to school.

When he pushed open the library door, he saw Kurenai Yuhi and Yakumo Kurama already sitting inside.

The two were looking at the same book, with Kurenai Yuhi saying something while Yakumo Kurama listened attentively.

"Aoba-kun!"

Kurama Yakumo noticed Shirakumo Aoba as he entered through the door and waved to him happily.

She also habitually adds "classmate" after her name when addressing someone, which makes her feel like she also attends this school.

Bai Yun Qingye didn't want to keep them in suspense and said directly, "My teacher has agreed to treat you, but you'll need to go see her yourself."

"Really?" Yakumo Kurama stood up excitedly.

“That’s great, Yakumo.”

Kurenai was genuinely happy for Yakumo Kurama. With Tsunade-sama taking care of her, there was no need to worry about her health.

"Of course it's true." Bai Yunqingye sat down opposite the two of them.

"Yakumo-kun, could you demonstrate your illusion magic to me?"