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Just to make it clear. Naruto and Hinata are shipped, and Hinata had never felt anything beyond friendship for Ryomaru. 

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A year had passed since Ryomaru came to Konoha for the student exchange program. In this year, his relation with others in the class improved tremendously. He was already good with making friends, and him being from the Cloud with unique techniques helped a lot.

His training with Hinata, Hanabi, and Temari continued, and the three girls improved leaps and bounds under his guidance. One sunny day, they were in a training field, practicing their chakra control.

"I still can't believe how much we've improved," Hinata said, her eyes reflecting her determination. "Your guidance has been invaluable, Ryomaru."

Ryomaru smiled warmly, his ice-blue eyes glittering. "We're a team," he replied. "We learn and grow stronger together."

Temari, who had been focusing on her wind technique, turned to join the conversation. "It's been an awesome year," she admitted. "I never expected to find such dedicated training partners here in Konoha."

Their days at the Academy were not all focused on training, though. Ryomaru also spent a fair amount of time at the Yamanaka Flower Shop, where Ino's bright and lively nature was a constant presence.

In the shop, surrounded by vibrant blooms, Ino delicately held a flower as she turned to Ryomaru. "This one's good for chakra control," she explained. "Meditating with it helps to clear the mind."

Ryomaru chuckled as he replied, "Well, your mind must be crystal clear then." His tone was playful and light.

Ino rolled her eyes playfully but then her expression softened, revealing her deep respect for Ryomaru. "Seriously, your chakra control is amazing," she said. "I want to reach that level too."

"You will," Ryomaru assured her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You have the determination, Ino, and your progress is already proof of that."

He also often went on outings with his mother, Miori, or Samui-nee and Mabui-nee. They were the three women he held dear more than anyone else.

It was a bright morning in Konoha, and Ryomaru was walking hand in hand with Miori, as they meandered through the bustling marketplace.

"Mum, do you want to try those dango? They look delicious," he asked, pointing towards a stall with an array of colorful sweets.

Miori looked where her son pointed and smiled. "Oh, those? They're very popular here. Let's give them a try." Her face lit up with excitement, her ice-blue eyes shining brightly.

As they made their way to the stall, Miori squeezed Ryomaru's hand affectionately. "It's nice to have some quiet moments with you, my dear."

He looked up to her, his own ice-blue eyes filled with warmth. "Being with you always makes everything brighter, Mum."

A few days later, Ryomaru was with Samui and Mabui. The trio had chosen a peaceful spot by the riverside. Mabui spread out a picnic blanket, while Samui handed Ryomaru a kunai. "Alright, Ryomaru, let's see how much you've improved," she said, her tone light, yet challenging.

Taking his stance, Ryomaru tossed the kunai at the target, hitting the bullseye with ease. He grinned, "All thanks to your guidance, Samui-nee."

Mabui chuckled, "And here I thought I was the favorite." She handed him a rice ball. "But remember, a ninja is as strong as his stomach, so eat up!"

Ryomaru laughed, "Well, both of you are my favorite in different ways."

Miori was the person Ryomaru loved more than anyone else, and seeing her smile every night and every morning was a blessing he would never tire of seeing. To protect that, he would do anything. Luckily, Miori loved him equally if not more, thus he was really feeling lucky.

Walking hand in hand through the marketplace, their fingers interlocked in a bond as strong as any jutsu, Ryomaru felt a sense of peace that he cherished deeply. These simple yet precious moments with his mother were his sanctuary, his haven from the expectations and responsibilities that his lineage imposed upon him.

Miori could feel the warmth radiating from her son's hand. "Being here, with you, in this peaceful village—it's more than I could have ever asked for," she said, her voice brimming with sincerity. She stopped walking and turned to look at Ryomaru, her ice-blue eyes reflecting her deep love. "And to think, it's because of you that we have this chance, Ryomaru."

Ryomaru's heart swelled at his mother's words, a radiant smile dancing across his face. "Mum, as long as I can keep that beautiful smile on your face, I'm the luckiest son in the world," he replied warmly, squeezing her hand gently. "We deserve this happiness."

At the dango stall, as they enjoyed the sweet and savory skewers, Miori's thoughts briefly drifted toward the past – the forced journey to the Cloud Village, the cold presence of A, and the stark contrast between that life and this moment. She shook her head slightly, returning her focus to the present.

"Ryomaru," Miori said softly, "no matter where we are, you will always be my greatest treasure." She reached out to brush a strand of black hair away from her son's face, her touch as gentle as a spring breeze.

He caught her hand as she did, holding it against his cheek for a moment, cherishing her touch. "And you are mine, Mum. Always," Ryomaru whispered, his ice-blue eyes twinkling like stars, reflecting his boundless love for his mother.

Next day, as Ryomaru walked into the classroom, he saw everyone was talking excitedly. Choji was beaming, while Hinata had a pink hue on her face. Temari and Hanabi were next to her. Hanabi, normally a year younger than them, had skipped a year to be with Ryomaru and the others.

Sitting next to them, Ryomaru asked, "What is going on? There is excitement in the air."

Hanabi giggled, "Probably only you don't know by now."

Ryomaru tilted his head, "Did my fame spread through the world already?"

Temari and Hanabi rolled their eyes, while Hinata giggled, "No, Ryo, the Chunin Exam will be held in Konoha again, so three Kage decided to meet here. They will also bring students in the Exchange program," Hinata said wistfully, obviously hoping to see an energetic blonde again.

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