Steam curled gently into the air as the sun dipped low behind the trees, casting golden light over the bubbling surface of the hot spring. Laughter echoed off the rocks from the far side, where Naruto was already chest-deep in the water, waving energetically.

"Hurry up already!" Naruto called with a wide grin, splashing a bit for emphasis. "You're the last one! Even Sasuke got in before you!"

Rock Lee was making wide laps across the spring, kicking energetically as if he were training instead of soaking. “Youthful motion enhances circulation!” he declared mid-breaststroke, nearly colliding with a very unamused Shikamaru, who muttered something about troublesome people and floated to a quieter corner.

Kiba had settled himself into a calmer edge of the spring, arms draped over a smooth stone ledge, his head tilted back with a low sigh of contentment. Akamaru, towel balanced clumsily on his head, was snoozing at the edge nearby, ears twitching lazily.

The heat soaked into Kiba’s muscles, loosening the tightness from their last mission. His eyes half-lidded, he let the voices of the others blend into a background hum — Choji rustling snack bags he wasn’t supposed to bring into the water, Neji casting glances at the more chaotic group with a quiet frown, and Shikamaru nearly dozing off as he floated on his back.

Kiba shifted a bit, letting the water rise to his chin. He closed his eyes. For once, no training, no missions, no responsibilities. Just warm water, steam, and the distant sound of Naruto yelling something at Lee again.

Yeah... this was perfect.