Orange, Spirals and Everything Nice

Fifteen: Bittersweet Changes

DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the characters or the setting of the story. They all exclusively belong to Mr. Masashi Kishimoto in all its rights.

It's the middle of the second month of another year. Team 8 entered the gates of Konoha with bewildered expressions on their faces after their long journey. They have been visiting small villages across the entire Fire nation to gather information regarding the people who have been affected by the previous war. The three sensory-type ninjas felt like a whole lifetime had passed since they left Konoha two months ago.

They heard various stories throughout their long mission, which were mostly tragic but some were equally inspiring.
And they were able to grow a lot with such experiences.

"When did Konoha become so crowded?" Kiba protested as the team stood in awe by the large green gates of the village.

They momentarily felt like outsiders as they stood there and silently filled themselves with the renewed sight of their home village. The reconstruction and renovations have been done quicker than they expected. Kakashi's masked face had also been carved on the Hokage mountain already.

And everything looked lively and peaceful, which is a great thing.
But it was surprising to see so many people. Especially from other countries and hidden villages as well. It almost seemed like Konoha was having a festival at the moment.

"They're mostly Naruto's visitors." Kotetsu-the-gate-keeper answered for Kiba with a smile. "They wanted to see the war hero in person, or something like that."

"EHH!!??" Kiba exaggeratedly exclaimed, making his teammates flinch. "Naruto, huh!?"

"Well, that isn't so surprising." Shino calmly intervened and shifted his glasses. "Why? Because----."

"It can't be!!" Kiba loudly protested. "Look at all these pretty ladies! Naruto doesn't even know a thing about girls. And yet, he's getting all their attention!?" he added while frantically shaking his head in disbelief.

"Calm down, Kiba-kun." Hinata interposed. "But, Naruto-kun deserves this much acknowledgement for saving the world, don't you think?"

Kiba sighed and sagged his shoulders to Akamaru's height, making his large hound bark at him.

"I agree." Shino said. "Besides, haven't you met a few nice girls during our mission, Kiba?"

"Yeah, I guess so." Kiba said weakly and started to walk forward towards the Hokage tower.

Hinata covered her mouth with her fist to hide a giggle as she and Shino shared an amused look before they quietly followed the brunette while they roamed their eyes around the new Konoha.

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"Great work, everyone. You must be exhausted. Now, go and take a rest." Kakashi dismissed Team 8 after their mission debriefing at the tower. Somehow, Kakashi looked older in the past two months, as well.
It must have been the endless paper works and the stagnant office duties of being a village leader. For a genius who had always been at the frontline of every battle, Kakashi sure turned a whole new leaf as Lord Sixth.

Team 8 decided to roam around the market after the meeting with Kakashi to look for something to eat before they went home. Hinata automatically beamed when they passed by a row of bakeries and pastry shops. She practically raced towards her usual store and bought a bag of cinnamon rolls. The heiress thought that it was just right to stuff herself with her favorite after a long while.