At noon the next day, Team 8 — led by Kurenai — returned from their latest mission.
Not long after, in the afternoon, Team 10 under Sarutobi Asuma also arrived back in the village.
Word had already spread through Konoha: Naruto had returned from his long training trip, grown far stronger, and even rescued Gaara, the Fifth Kazekage.
It didn't take long before an idea came up — a dinner to welcome him back.
It was Nara Shikamaru who suggested it. Over the past few years, everyone had been busy with their missions and training, so getting the whole group together was rare. Tonight would be the perfect chance.
Hinata, who hadn't seen Naruto in nearly three years, felt her heart beat faster at the thought of seeing him again. She didn't show it outwardly — she never did — but she kept that quiet anticipation tucked away inside.
By evening, the central street of Konoha bustled with warm lamplight and chatter. One of the busiest barbecue restaurants in the district had been chosen for the gathering.
The first to arrive were Shikamaru, Ino, and Choji. Soon after came Neji, Tenten, and Rock Lee.
Sakura walked in not long after.
"Ino," she greeted, pulling up a chair.
"Where's Naruto? He didn't come with you?" Ino asked.
Sakura shook her head. "He should be here soon. He said he was training earlier, but he knows about the gathering. He'll come."
The others didn't press it, assuming Naruto had just been delayed.
Within minutes, Kiba, Shino, and Hinata walked in. Hinata's pale eyes swept the room the moment she entered — and then quietly lowered when she didn't find the person she was looking for.
Shikamaru glanced at the empty seat. "The only one missing is Naruto. Let's wait a bit before we start."
"We can at least order first," Choji suggested.
Everyone agreed, settling in around the long table.
A short walk away, Naruto had just stepped out of his apartment, hands in his pockets as he headed toward the restaurant. His mind was elsewhere — on the Flying Thunder God Technique.
Compared to the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, he didn't seem to have the same natural affinity for space–time ninjutsu. But he wasn't hopeless either. He'd already managed to grasp the basics, and now it was a matter of refining his control and efficiency until it could be used in real combat.
The warm scent of grilled meat hit him as soon as he slid the restaurant door open. Inside, his friends were already gathered, their voices and laughter spilling into the night air.
"Hey, everyone's pretty fast," Naruto said with a grin. "Sorry to keep you waiting."
"We just got here ourselves," Kiba replied, waving him over.
Hinata kept her gaze lowered, stealing only the briefest glances at him from the corner of her eye.
"Alright," Ino said, "now that we're all here — and we've already ordered some dishes — let's dig in!"
The meal began with an easy flow of conversation. People asked about Naruto's travels, and he shared the same account he'd given Sakura earlier — carefully edited to avoid mentioning certain details.
When Sakura mentioned that Naruto's strength was now on par with a Kage, the table went silent for a moment. Neji and Lee exchanged a look; they had met Naruto briefly before during missions, but never tested their skills against him. Both silently decided that opportunity would come soon enough.
"Y'know," Shikamaru said between bites, "you're still technically a genin. At some point, you're going to need to go for the chūnin exams. Neji here's already a jōnin."
"I can help put your name in when the time comes," he added.
Naruto smirked. "Don't you know? Konoha's genin are the strongest. Word is, you shouldn't mess with them in the first place."
The others laughed, taking it as one of Naruto's jokes, though they all agreed it was ridiculous for someone of his strength to still wear the title of genin.
The dinner stretched late into the night. It was well past eleven when they finally began to part ways.
On his way out, Naruto caught Hinata by the arm gently. "Hinata — keep training. I know you'll keep improving." He gave her a small smile. "See you next time."
He left with that, walking off into the quiet streets. Hinata stood frozen, watching his retreating figure until it disappeared from view, warmth blooming in her chest.
She made a silent promise: she wouldn't disappoint him.
The next morning, Naruto and Sakura were summoned to the Hokage's office. They arrived quickly, finding Tsunade waiting for them behind her desk.
"Because Kakashi is still in a coma," she said, "I've assigned a new jōnin to temporarily take command of your team."
She turned her head toward the door. "Come in."
A shinobi in a standard ANBU uniform stepped inside. He removed his mask, revealing a calm, sharp-eyed face.
"This is Yamato," Tsunade introduced. "He'll be leading you for the time being."
Naruto gave a short bow. "Uzumaki Naruto. Pleased to work with you."
"Haruno Sakura. I look forward to your guidance," Sakura added.
Yamato's gaze swept over them, level and unreadable. "I'll be your captain for now. I expect your full cooperation on all missions."