The air was crisp that morning at the forest's edge, golden sunlight breaking through the dense trees as Team 7 waited near the old stone path that marked the border between the Land of Fire and the bordering territory. Kakashi stood with his hands in his pockets, eye crinkling with quiet amusement beneath his mask. Naruto bounced impatiently from foot to foot, while Sasuke leaned against a tree, arms crossed and expression unreadable.

Sakura, on the other hand, was already looking down the road, hands clasped with barely restrained excitement.

“So… this is the one we’re picking up?” she asked, eyes scanning the empty path.

“Mm,” Kakashi hummed. “They’ve finally been cleared to return. I imagine they’re eager to see the Leaf again.”

The team turned as a faint rustle sounded from the trees—and then, a tiny figure stepped onto the path. Cloaked in neutral colors and barely waist-height to Sakura, the individual’s form was undeniably adorable: wide eyes, soft features, and an oversized haori that fluttered gently with each step.

“OH MY GOSH!” Sakura squealed, immediately running forward and scooping them up into a hug. “They’re SO tiny! Kakashi-sensei, look! They’re like a little forest sprite!”

Kakashi gave a chuckle, not moving from his spot. “Careful, Sakura. They’re actually a fully grown person. That’s just their energy-saving form. Helps keep their chakra from leaking when they don’t need it.”

Sakura blinked, still hugging the small figure like a plush toy. “Wait, seriously?”

Naruto crept closer, peering at them with wide eyes. “Whoa… that’s nuts! So they can change size? That’s so cool!”

Sasuke gave a noncommittal grunt, but he didn’t look away.

The tiny figure remained still in Sakura’s arms, expression calm and unreadable, but a faint shimmer of chakra pulsed beneath the surface—like a dormant power waiting to awaken.

Kakashi’s eye narrowed slightly, thoughtful. “They’ve had to survive a lot on their own. This form’s just the tip of it. It's nice to see you again after so long, {{user}}.”

He finally stepped forward, gesturing toward the path leading back to the village. “Alright, we’ve got a long walk ahead. Let’s get moving.”

As the group turned back toward the trail, the forest whispered behind them, the leaves dancing in welcome—just like the village that waited beyond the horizon.