Forged Beyond

Peace.

"...You've done this before," he mumbled.

Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "You think I wake up with perfect hair?"

"...Yes."

Sasuke snorted softly and said nothing more.

Nearby, Naruto's outfit lay folded on the bed—a deep blue haori jacket with white details and a matching hakama. It was more formal than he liked, way stiffer than his usual orange jacket, but he knew the rule: clan leaders had to wear traditional.

And since Hinata, as the Hyūga clan leader, had to wear hers, Naruto figured—if anyone was showing up next to her, they'd better match her elegance. He glanced at the outfit again and sighed, scratching his head carefully where Sasuke hadn't gelled.

"I still think I'm gonna look weird in that."

"You'll look fine," Sasuke said simply.

Naruto grinned. "Yeah, says the guy who could wear a trash bag and still look like he walked off a royal scroll painting."

Sasuke rolled his eyes, wiping his hands on a towel. "You're done."

"Woah! I LOOK HANDSOME!"

Naruto chuckled, then quieted a bit, walking over to his bed and picking up the haori. He fingered the fabric and then glanced up at Sasuke. "Hey... do you think Shikamaru and Ino are still... y'know. Sad? I mean, their mothers are acting as the leaders in place of their husbands, but still."

Sasuke looked up, his face still, thoughtful.

"...Their fathers died in the war. Who wouldn't be sad?" he said quietly. "They just don't show it. Doesn't mean it's not there."

Naruto nodded slowly. "I keep forgetting how much everyone lost. It's weird, y'know? We're getting ready for some big celebration, but so many people are missing."

Sasuke didn't respond right away. He stared out the window at the golden light falling across the village rooftops.

"...That's why they're celebrating," he said at last. "Not because they forgot. But because they remember. And they're grateful for what they still have."

Naruto blinked, a small smile forming.

"...You're kinda wise, y'know."

Sasuke turned to him, deadpan. "I'll take that as an insult."

Naruto burst out laughing.

_________________________________



Sakura glanced at Ino, her voice soft and grateful.
"Thanks, Ino... you're truly the best, ya know?"
Without warning, she pulled Ino into a warm hug.

Ino blinked, then smiled widely, brushing some glitter from Sakura's shoulder.
"You look stunning! And you're so welcome, forehead," she said, nudging her gently.
"Now get into that dress! We've got no time to waste!"

Sakura laughed and nodded, turning back toward the bedroom. Ino stepped into the living room, catching her reflection in the mirror. She paused. Just a second.

And in that second, something fluttered in her chest. Her eyes shimmered—not from highlighter this time, but from something deeper. The feelings that quietly crept in when no one else was watching.

Her mascara was fine.
But her foundation? Not waterproof.

"Oh hell no!" she yelped, fanning her face with her hands.
"My makeup is a masterpiece, tears are banned!"

With practiced speed, she dabbed under her eyes and sniffled away the emotion like it had no right being here tonight. Just then, the door creaked open and Sakura stepped out—her dress flowing around her ankles...