Laughter floated on the breeze, a cascade of bells ringing across the city. Laughter reined in the Hidden Leaves, but one child stood apart in his black and white and red. Envy gnawed- Anger gnawed at his heart. He wanted no part in red buntings and loud music. He didn't. Shinobi they might be, but they didn't understand. They celebrated. He stood still in the shadows, jaw tense, teeth grinding, eyes narrowed and fists clenched across his chest. His limbs hummed with tension, nervous energy that demanded he take action. He was Shadow. He was ANBU. Sometimes, he wished he was Light.