If one wished to find Uzumaki Naruto, one knew to look at Ichiraku's Ramen.
This was the first place Kakashi looked.
To no avail.
If one wished to find someone, his or her home was a good bet.
Sasuke found only an empty apartment.
If one wished to find someone lost, the lost and found may hold the answer.
Sakura didn't know what she was thinking but found no teammate there.
If Kakashi knew anything about his student, it was this: He loved to train.
He looked at Training Ground 7.
It was a thought both Sakura and Sasuke had had as well.
But no Naruto.
"Now, where could he have gone, hmm?" asked Kakashi, only partly rhetorically.
"Sensei, it's getting dark," reminded Sakura.
"We should check his house again," suggested Sasuke.
And so they did.
The moon was full this October night.
Naruto sat atop his apartment building's roof, looking up at it.
He did not feel sad, per se.
Hollow is a better word.
He is another year older, but no closer to a family.
Their knock only returned the sound of a silent apartment.
Sasuke sighed, partially aggravated, partially challenged.
"Maybe he's hurt somewhere!" Sakura worried. "Or kidnapped."
"Or just lost," chuckled Sasuke.
Sakura slapped his arm.
"Now now, students."
"Guys?" called Naruto.
He had heard them talking, arguing almost, as they'd begun to walk away.
"Naruto?" questioned Sakura. "What are you doing up there?"
"Looking at the moon. It's full, see?" He pointed at it.
"Have you been up there all day?"
"You got a problem with that, Sasuke?"
"Hey now. Let's not bicker," cut in Kakashi.
"We brought dinner!" Sakura held up the squad of bento she had been carrying.
"Why?"
"It's your birthday! Or have you forgotten?"
"Well, no… It's just, no one's ever done anything like that for me." His hand touched the back of his neck.
"Get used to it, usuratonkachi. You're stuck with us."
A feeling behind Naruto's eyes made them water.
He was definitely not crying.
"Come on up, guys. Roof's got plenty of room," he said with his back to them.