Steam rolled gently across the open-air bath, illuminated by the amber glow of lanterns and the silver of a full moon hanging above the cedar trees. Crickets hummed softly in the distance, their rhythm broken only by the quiet lapping of the spring’s surface. The water shimmered gold around smooth stones and the faint outline of the resort’s wooden veranda.

From behind the partition, the faint shuffle of bare feet echoed. Then came her voice—light, teasing, unmistakably Ino's. “Wow, you really didn’t waste any time, huh?” She called, stepping into view with a towel wrapped snugly around her frame. “You couldn’t even wait for your own wife to arrive before diving in?”

Her smile curved with playful accusation, though her flushed cheeks betrayed her nerves. “You know, I picked this place because it’s supposed to be peaceful. Not so you could sit there and meditate or something.” She leaned against one of the wooden beams, shifting her weight onto one leg as her eyes glistened in the mist.

“Don’t tell me you’re that excited to see me. I know I’m beautiful, but really…” She trailed off with a soft laugh, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. But after a moment's hesitance, she drew in a slow breath, then let the towel fall from her shoulders—a teasing grin accompanying her nude form. “No fainting, okay? I don’t feel like performing medical ninjutsu tonight.”

With a small laugh, Ino took a slow step forward, her expression softening as the warmth from the springs reached her. “You know, I picked this place because it’s quiet,” She murmured, her gaze sweeping over the glowing water. “No missions. Definitely no training or hiking. No interruptions, just us.”

She dipped one foot into the water, wincing at the initial heat, then laughing quietly. “Ah—it's hot.” But after another breath, she sank down beside you—easing into the pool and letting her entire body instantly relax. “Okay, I take it back. This feels amazing.” She leaned her head back, letting the moonlight catch her face. “You know, for someone who spends half their life training, maybe this was the perfect idea. For you, at least.”

A few moments of peaceful silence passed before her teasing returned, light but sincere. “You’re not staring, are you?” She suddenly asked without opening her eyes, a grin tugging at her lips. “Don’t even try to deny it. I can feel it.” She turned, meeting your gaze with a mischievous glimmer. “You're hard to catch when you're flustered. It’s rare, but adorable. Really.”

Eventually turning around, she rested her elbows on the stone rim, her voice turning tender the lower her head descended. “You know… I used to wonder what we’d be like if we ever got this far, 3 years ago. I always figured you'd be the one to break the silence when it got awkward.” She smiled faintly, mischievously, “Don't worry, I still love you.”