ꜱʜᴀᴅᴏᴡꜱ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍɪꜱᴛ | ᴛᴇɴᴛᴇɴ ꜰꜰ|

Chapter 97

The late afternoon sun dipped behind the mountains, casting long shadows across the training grounds of Konoha. Beneath a large tree near the village's heart, the familiar group of friends gathered. The conversation had shifted from the usual talk of missions to something much more personal — something long overdue.

"Ugetsu's birthday is coming up," Shikamaru began, looking up at the sky with a thoughtful expression, his hands in his pockets. "Sixteen, huh?" He sighed, clearly tired, but the subject seemed to weigh on him, too. "We've known him since we were five, but we've never actually celebrated it."

Sakura, sitting across from him, raised an eyebrow. "Wait, you're right," she said, looking at her friends, and a sudden realization washed over her. "We've never actually thrown him a birthday party. Ever."

Naruto scratched his head, grinning sheepishly. "That's because he always runs off whenever we try to do something for him. He's like a ninja when it comes to avoiding parties."

"Yeah, he disappears faster than anyone I know," Shikamaru replied, rolling his eyes. "And on top of that, his fan girls swarm him with cakes and presents every year. It's like a whole festival just for him."

Ino scowled at this, crossing her arms. "Typical. He always acts like it doesn't matter, but it has to get old, right? Being surrounded by a crowd all the time. Maybe that's why he runs away. It's never about us celebrating him, it's about his fans making a fuss."

Sai, who had been unusually quiet, looked up from his sketchbook, a contemplative look on his face. "You know," he started slowly, "I remember something Ugetsu told me once." He hesitated, gathering his thoughts. "He said he shares his birthday with his late mother. They used to celebrate it together."

The others fell silent, the weight of Sai's words settling over the group. Sakura blinked, her expression softening. "He... what?"

"I didn't know that," Naruto murmured, glancing over at Sakura, and then at Sai.

Sai continued, his voice gentle, "I think maybe that's why he doesn't like celebrating it anymore. With his mother gone... it might feel like something missing. He might not want to acknowledge it."

Sakura exchanged a glance with Naruto. They both silently nodded, a deep understanding passing between them. Sai's insight hit them hard. Ugetsu had always kept to himself, pushing others away even though they had all been close for so long. His birthdays must have been bittersweet — a reminder of the past that he no longer felt he could celebrate.

Ino, ever the assertive one, stood up suddenly, a spark of determination in her eyes. "That's it. No more of this! Ugetsu won't spend his birthday alone this time." She crossed her arms, her chin lifted in confidence. "We're going to throw him a party. A real one. No fan girls, no distractions. Just us. He won't have a choice."

"I think... maybe something small would be better," Tenten suggested, her voice soft but firm. She smiled gently at Ino, her usual calmness a perfect counterbalance to Ino's fiery spirit. "Ugetsu's not really the type for big celebrations, especially when it comes to his past. He's more... personal. Let's keep it intimate. Just a few of us. Maybe in Kakashi's apartment since that's where he's staying now."

Shikamaru sighed, leaning back against the tree. "You're right. Ugetsu wouldn't go for a crazy party. But... he's always been there for us. He deserves something nice."

Naruto gave a thumbs-up. "Yeah! Let's do it! We'll make sure it's perfect."

The others nodded, agreeing with Tenten's suggestion. A small, intimate celebration, filled with care and love. It was the least they could do for someone who had always kept his distance, yet still managed to be there when it mattered most.

The day of Ugetsu's birthday arrived. Kakashi's apartment, newly furnished with a mix of his own things and Ugetsu's, felt like the perfect place for this surprise. Ugetsu had been spending more time there lately, especially since he had been going through so much. The group was gathered in the apartment, preparing the birthday cake and decorations in secret.

Ugetsu was oblivious to what was happening. He had spent the day lost in thought, his usual self-imposed isolation even more apparent than ever. As he walked into the apartment after a long day of training, he was met with the warm scent of food and the sight of everyone gathered around the table.

At first, he froze, his piercing blue eyes scanning the room. Then, slowly, his gaze fell on the cake — and the candles glowing softly on top.

"Surprise!" the group shouted together, their faces lighting up with excitement and affection.

Ugetsu blinked, clearly surprised. His eyes darted to the familiar faces of his friends: Naruto, Sakura, Sai, Ino, Shikamaru, Tenten, Kiba, Neji, Lee, Choji and Hinata. Each of them had come together to give him a moment he didn't expect, a gesture of care that he had long since forgotten how to ask for.

Mochi, Ugetsu's fluffy and slightly pudgy white cat, padded into the room, meowing happily. She was waddling with excitement, and Ugetsu couldn't help but smile at the sight of his beloved kitten.

"Happy birthday, Ugetsu!" Sakura said warmly, her voice full of sincerity.

"Yeah! You thought you'd escape, huh?" Naruto added with a grin, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

Ugetsu's mouth twitched, a hesitant smile forming on his face. For the first time in years, a genuine smile appeared, as if something inside him had cracked open. His gaze flickered over to Tenten, who had stood quietly by the cake, her eyes soft and understanding.

"Ugetsu," Tenten said, her voice calm yet carrying an undertone of warmth. "You deserve to be happy today."

Ugetsu's blue eyes met hers for a moment, something unspoken passing between them. It wasn't a smile full of excitement or enthusiasm, but it was a real smile — a smile that finally let them in, just a little. He didn't run away. For the first time, he let them in, let them be there for him. He let himself be vulnerable.

His hand brushed his hair, and he looked around the room at his friends. He didn't have to say anything — the unspoken gratitude in his eyes said it all. This was a birthday he would remember.

As the celebration continued, Ugetsu, still quietly overwhelmed by the gesture, eventually cut the cake, offering slices to everyone. Mochi was contentedly curled up in his lap as the night went on, with everyone laughing and talking around him.

For once, Ugetsu wasn't alone. And for once, he didn't mind letting them in.

Tenten's gentle smile never wavered as she watched him. It wasn't just the party or the cake that mattered. It was that Ugetsu was beginning to open up. He was letting go of the past, just a little. And that meant the world to her.

As the night wore on, Ugetsu's thoughts returned to his mother — to the memories of their birthdays together. The sadness was still there, a quiet ache he couldn't ignore. But he was no longer alone in carrying it. This was a new beginning.

A beginning with friends who truly cared.

And for the first time in a long while, Ugetsu felt like he could truly move forward.

Tenten's eyes met his, and for a brief, fleeting moment, Ugetsu's gaze softened further, a silent thanks for everything — for her, and for the others who had made this day possible.

He was finally letting them in.

And he was finally ready to let go of the past.