For Fujimoto Tōma, the Academy break didn't change much.Training didn't stop. Studying didn't stop.If anything, as his body grew stronger, he trained more each day.
And while the calendar announced a new year, his routine barely shifted.
But for his mother, Fujimoto Sana… this day mattered.
She rose early, humming as she cooked dishes they rarely had—special meals saved for wishing the household another safe year.
Seeing her so genuinely cheerful, Tōma put aside his usual schedule.Just this once, he would skip training.Call it a personal holiday.
Sana noticed immediately.Her smile softened, warmed, as if the entire year had been worth it for this moment alone.
A lot had changed in twelve months.
The biggest shock had been her son—entering the Academy, then immediately making a name for himself.She'd once assumed he might reach the level of a tokubetsu jōnin someday if life went well.But now?She realized she had underestimated him completely.
After dinner, Sana changed into a formal kimono she rarely dared to wear.Tōma didn't put on a kimono—he claimed it felt restrictive—but he did switch into a cleaner outfit, similar to the one he'd worn to meet the Hokage.
Sana approved instantly.
Years of training had carved a firmness into his posture, a steady presence other children didn't have.He really did look good.
"Alright," Sana said, cheerful. "Let's go."
Tōma nodded and followed her into the winter night.
New Year's Streets
The village was packed—food stalls, lanterns, laughter spilling across every corner.Sana seemed to glow within the crowd, energized by the celebration.
Tōma… did not.
He preferred quiet spaces, manageable groups, or simply being alone with his thoughts.Being squeezed between strangers wasn't his idea of fun.
But this was her day.So he endured it.
Unfortunately, the night soon became a parade of Sana's coworkers.Every single one stopped her.Every single one noticed him.Every single one praised him.
Tōma had never forced a polite smile so many times in one evening.His facial muscles were reaching their limit.
And judging by Sana's increasingly smug expression…she was showing him off.
He sighed quietly.
At least she was happy.
From time to time, his classmates approached—mostly girls around his age.Tōma responded with curt greetings, but didn't linger.
Oddly enough, they didn't seem offended at all.In fact, compared to his usual habit of ignoring people entirely, the girls looked delighted that he had said anything.
Sana, watching from behind, nearly sparkled.
Her son… actually popular?
Then again, now that she really looked, Tōma was starting to rival Sasuke in the "handsome prodigy" department.
A dangerous realization for any mother.
The "Future Daughter-in-law" Problem
After yet another classmate drifted away with a blush, Sana finally snapped.
"Tōma, this won't do at all!"She poked his shoulder with dramatic seriousness."At this rate, when am I supposed to get a daughter-in-law?"
"…Mom. I'm six."
"Your father started chasing me in third year. You're already behind!"
Tōma stared at the sky, wondering which god cursed him with this absurd family line.
The shinobi world matured quickly, sure—but this was ridiculous.
Before he could protest further—
"Tōma!"
A familiar voice cut through the noise.
Both he and Sana turned.
A small girl with pale-gold hair waved shyly.
Yamanaka Ino.
"Hey, Ino. Happy New Year," Tōma said, actually responding more fully than usual.
Sana blinked.
Her son… willingly greeting a girl?This was new.
And then Sana recognized the adults standing behind Ino.
"Haichi? That's you? And—Yamanaka-san, Happy New Year."
"Happy New Year," the couple replied warmly.
Haichi looked mildly heartbroken watching his daughter run straight to Tōma.His wife, meanwhile, seemed entirely pleased.
And Sana…Sana noticed.
The two mothers shared a single glance—subtle, calculating, silently amused.Then both looked toward their children.
They smiled.
They understood each other instantly.
"Tōma," Sana said sweetly, "your mom hasn't seen her old classmates in ages. Take Ino to play for a bit, okay? Here—take some money. Get whatever she wants."
Tōma deadpanned internally.
Mom, your schemes are visible from orbit.
Ino's mother added, "Ino dear, we're catching up with old friends. Go enjoy yourself with your classmate."
Haichi opened his mouth to protest—and shut it immediately when his wife glared.
Ino didn't think twice.She simply grabbed Tōma's sleeve.
Tōma sighed, accepted his fate, and walked with her into the festival crowd as their parents chose a meeting spot for later.
So much for a quiet New Year.