Malachite

Naruto is having a grand time. His tou-chan and kaa-chan stand behind the other kids surrounding him, holding cameras. His nii-chans and nee-chan are here, too! His bestest friends are at his third birthday party and have not left his side. 

And he’s made some new friends!

Shika likes naps and board games. His hair looks like a pineapple, but Naruto thinks it’s cool!

Chōji loves snacks and can eat as much as him! He lost the cake eating contest. Well.. they all lost to Sakura-chan. 

Kiba has teeth similar to Kaka-nii and smells like dogs as well, but different. But he’s super fun and loud and isn’t afraid to roll around in the dirt with him!

Shino is quiet but also has a collection of beetles that follow him everywhere! He told Naruto and Sasuke about his horned beetle collection. Sakura-chan was the only girl who seemed interested.

Ino is loud but in a way that reminds him of Sakura-chan! The two immediately bonded over flowers. She has blonde hair and blue eyes. Like him! That’s awesome. He and Sasuke stared at the girl though for a while, watching her interact with Sakura-chan. Naruto is not jealous. (It’s fine. Saku-chan needs a friend that’s a girl.)

Hinata is shy and constantly red but super nice. She brought an older boy who was glaring the whole time. Naruto does not like him. 

The other kids were older than him and didn’t seem that interesting to him. 

The presents are great, and the smiles all around him make him feel fuzzy and warm inside. 

All the while, Sasuke and Sakura-chan sit on his left and right side. Smiling at him in that way that makes him feel safe. Loved. Seen. 

Kurama purrs quietly inside his mind.

Naruto made many friends today. 

But he still has his three best friends. 

Sasuke. Sakura-chan. Kurama-chan. 

He can’t wait for nap time.