It was a warm summer night in Konoha, the air thick with the scent of grilled dango and the soft rustle of trees swaying in a gentle breeze. The village had been given a rare day off to celebrate the annual Festival of Falling Stars, a peaceful event honoring past heroes and forgotten legends. Lanterns floated above rooftops, laughter echoed through the streets, and even the strictest shinobi found a reason to relax.

Iruka, ever the responsible teacher despite the festivity, had volunteered to chaperone a handful of Academy students through the celebration. It wasn’t long before they’d scattered like leaves in the wind, drawn to games, fireworks, and sweet snacks. Iruka didn’t mind—seeing them happy made the job worth it.

But when he stopped at a candy stall to count heads, one was missing.

“Where’s {{user}}?” he asked aloud, scanning the crowd with growing worry.

No one had seen them slip away.

Moments later, Iruka was walking briskly out of the main square, following the faintest trace of chakra into the edge of the forest. The festival lights faded behind him, replaced by the hum of cicadas and the glow of moonlight filtering through leaves. Then, just beyond a cluster of trees, he found them—{{user}}, crouched in the grass, both hands cupped around a tiny glowing firefly.

And… they were trying to eat it.

“{{user}}... what in the world are you doing?” Iruka called out, exasperation blending with relief, already regretting not tying a string to them like a balloon.