Welcome! If you haven't read Snow Day, I encourage you to do so before reading this fic.(Don't worry; it is short.) I had originally intended Snow Day to be longer, but once Naruto Gaiden and the Boruto movie came out, it didn't make sense to continue with the story I originally plotted out. Frost Flower is a small wrap up that could stand alone, and is a glimpse into life after the war. I've decided not to flesh out this story the way I normally do, but to leave it short, sweet, and in three parts.
Frost flowers are delicate ice formations that occur when freezing weather causes the water/sap of a plant to expand, crack through the plant, and freeze upon contact with the air. They are usually found in the early morning, or shady places, as they melt quickly or sublimate in the sun.
Part One: Following the epic snow battle from Snow Day, everyone gathers in Konoha for the lighting of the lanterns that officially starts the Winter Festival.
*.*.*.*.*Frost Flower*.*.*.*.*
*.*.*Lights in the Sky*.*.*
The excitement of the epic snow battle followed the new generation home, and was still buzzing between them when they joined the rest of Konoha for the lantern lighting.
They all gathered on the roof of the Hokage Tower, still basking in the glory of the day.
"So you got your chakra wings to work?" Sarada asked ChōChō excitedly.
"Yeah, well," she crossed her arms, "It's not like I could let Inojin become an inkblot. That strategy you came up with was pretty amazing, too. Sneaky, but amazing."
"Thanks," Sarada grinned as she pushed her glasses up her nose. "I remembered a story my mom told me about dad and the Seventh tricking an enemy by henging as a Fūma Shuriken."
"Girls, would you like some hot chocolate?"
ChōChō narrowed her eyes at her father. "Are there marshmallows?"
Chōji grinned and handed her a lidded cup. "Extra marshmallows," he confirmed.
"Thanks, Dad," she grinned as Sarada also said 'thanks.'
"You both did great today," Chōji beamed at them.
"What's this I hear about our two girls kicking some major tail?"
Chōji looked over his shoulder as Sakura came into view. He handed her a cup of hot chocolate from the cart, and she took it gratefully.
"Thanks, Chōji," she wrapped her fingers around the steaming cup. "I needed this."
"No problem," Chōji beamed. "And both of our girls were forces to be reckoned with today."
"So," Sakura prompted the girls. "Tell me all about it."
Himawari was snuggled up in Hinata's arms, her eyes bright and curious, but tired.
"Here," her brother brought her over a steaming cup of hot chocolate. "Drink this so you don't get cold."
"Thank you, nii-chan," she beamed, wriggling out of her mother's arms to stand next to her brother. "Aunt Hanabi told me you did really great today. Sorry me and Mama had to stay home."
"S'ok," he shrugged. "You feeling better?"
"Yes," she smiled. "If I rest up tonight, I can still go to the festival tomorrow!"
"If you want to go to the festival," Hinata rested a hand on her daughter's shoulder, "We will have to leave as soon as we let the lanterns go."
"I know," Himawari said, disappointed.
"I'll go with you," Boruto said casually. "It's not like there is anything else to see once the lanterns are gone."
Himawari looked at her brother with nothing short of adoration. "You're the best, nii-chan," she snuggled into his side.
He ruffled her hair fondly, and Hinata felt her heart smile.
Shino and Kiba were talking to Mirai when Tenten finally arrived.
"Hey," Kiba waved to her. "Didn't think you were going to make it."
"Had some things to take care of," she replied.
"I thought we cleared all the traps," Kiba frowned, noticing she was still in the same clothes from earlier, and had clearly been outside for quite some time. "Was there more to it than what we covered?"
"Other things to do," Tenten said dismissively.
"That reminds me," Mirai reached into her bag. "I have to return this to you." She pulled out a carefully wrapped parcel. "Mom and I made sure the flag was clean and wrapped it up the best we could. I'm sure you have your own way of sealing it up, but I didn't want to return it dirty."
"Thanks," Tenten tucked it under her arm. "Great job today," she added. "That was a really well thought out plan."
"Thanks," Mirai blushed happily. "Probably isn't fair I had such a strong team, though."
Tenten shook her head. "You were up against other very strong teams. Although," she half smiled. "You're lucky Sakura or Hinata weren't part of the mix this time. That trick wouldn't have fooled the Byakugan."
"Perhaps when Himawari is old enough to participate, that will make it more interesting," Shino intoned. "Why, you ask? That is because-"
"Tenten!" Lee called out, bounding over to her. "We've been waiting for you! Come," he reached out a hand for the package she had tucked under her arm. "I can hold that for you – Gai sensei has our lanterns, and I saved you a hot chocolate!"
Something flashed across her face quickly, but it was gone in a heartbeat. "Sure, Lee," she handed over the package. "Let's go." She gave a small nod to the others before following her best friend back to their mentor, and Lee's son.
Shino sighed audibly. "Let us join Kurenai-sensei and procure our own lanterns."
Kiba nodded, still keeping half an eye on Lee and Tenten as they made their way over to an ever-enthusiastic Gai.
Shino followed his gaze, and they both took in the small group, and the person missing from the scene.
"It's like before," Kiba mused. "But different."
"I agree," Shino intoned. "Why? That is because when we were children, Sasuke was missing, leaving the group incomplete. Now, everyone has returned except Neji. The difference is that space can never be filled. Not by the person who left it."
"Yeah," Kiba's eyes drifted over to Hinata. "And it is an awfully big space."
"That is also true," Shino nodded. "But eventually things will change, and so will the space. After all, nature abhors a vacuum."
"So do me and the dogs," Kiba grimaced.
"You are an idiot," Shino grumbled. "Why? That is because-'"
"I know what you meant, Shino," Kiba cut him off, his eyes drifting back to Team Gai. "I just don't see how some things will ever change."
"Then maybe," his teammate lowered his voice, and followed Kiba's gaze, "you should be having this conversation with someone else."
Kiba smiled half-heartedly. "Maybe you're right. For once."
"I am right more than once," Shino scoffed. "In fact I am usually right. It is just no one notices. Why? That is because'-"
"Shino! Kiba!" Mirai waved them over. "It's time!"
Kiba looked over at Shino ruefully, but the other man just gave a small smile.
"She is allowed to interrupt me," he said at Kiba's teasing grin. "Since she is the only one that listens."
Kiba laughed, and joined his teammates and the girl that had become so special to them all.
Naruto's speech from the Hokage tower was quick, and met with cheers from those below. Himawari released the first lantern into the sky, watching with childlike awe as it drifted toward the stars. A sea of bobbing lights rose from Konoha, casting a warm glow over the upturned faces of the village.
Sai put an arm around Ino and Inojin, while Shikamaru put a hand on Shikadai's shoulder, who ignored his mother winding her fingers in his father's other hand. ChōChō happily munched on something she and Chōji were sharing while her parents exchanged smiles. Kiba and Shino and Mirai stood with Kurenai, who had just checked to see if Gai needed anything.
Gai was perfectly content to be surrounded by his students and the son of his student, and gave a thumbs up to Kakashi.
Kakashi nodded lazily, and looked over to where Sasuke stood protectively behind Sakura and Sarada.
Sarada and Boruto shared quick smiles of sheer happiness before she returned her attention to the sky, and leaned into her father's warmth. Boruto stood between his parents, keeping an eye on his sister as she fell asleep in their father's arms, and tried to ignore his sensei standing awfully close to his aunt.
The lights danced and floated above them, each an offering to the stars filled with the hopes of the village.
Once the lanterns were high in the sky, the festival was declared as having officially begun, and a collective cheer rose from the village. Vendors began to sell hot beverages and food, and the streets filled with a cheery cacophony of a hopeful people at peace.
"Hey, Dad?"
"Yes, Boruto?"
"We should do this again next year," he said eyes on the floating lights. "The training I mean."
Naruto looked at his son fondly, and put an arm around him. "That sounds like a great idea."
Note: This story was started shortly after the release of ch 700. We didn't know if Lee was a dad or a teacher, we didn't know about Mitsuki, and we didn't know Sasuke was MIA.
- GL
