Chapter 20: Sweet and Sour Candied Fruit
After the snow, the lazy winter sunlight filtered through sparse tree shadows, illuminating the thick snow. Walking on the soft snow, the footsteps made a rhythmic sound.
Early in the morning, Nana left the house to buy some fresh fruit, planning to make a surprise dessert for everyone.
Since reconciling with herself, her mood had greatly improved, and she had almost returned to her lively self. After tasting various local delicacies, she decided to make candied fruit for everyone.
Unfortunately, hawthorns weren't available here, so she bought strawberries, oranges, and other fruits, humming a song as she walked home with a large bag of fruit.
Sasuke, hearing the noise, eagerly ran to the door to open it for Nana. She had told the family she would make a special treat, and although he didn't understand, he supported her enthusiastically.
"Go wash these fruits," Nana said cheerfully, placing the fruit in Sasuke's arms, grinning mischievously as she walked past the bewildered boy.
"...Okay." Sasuke followed her blankly, his face expressionless but his tone obedient.
"Do you need help?" Mikoto, carrying tea, came from Fugaku's room. He was discussing something with Itachi, and with nothing to do, she came to see if they needed assistance.
"No, Aunt Mikoto, you can rest. The two of us can handle it," Nana said, stirring a pot of syrup and signaling Mikoto to relax.
"Alright, I'm looking forward to it," Mikoto said, smiling as she watched the two children work harmoniously in the kitchen, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction.
"What are you making?" Sasuke asked, unable to contain his curiosity after washing the fruit and seeing the syrup.
"It's a treat from my... dreams, called candied fruit, perfect for snowy winters!" Nana said, smiling at Sasuke, quickly correcting herself to avoid suspicion about her origins.
Sasuke, still puzzled, watched her string the fruit, then followed suit.
The colorful fruit skewers were neatly arranged. Nana picked up a strawberry skewer and quickly poured syrup over it. In seconds, a glossy, crystal-like candied fruit skewer was ready.
"Done! Try it, Little Sasuke!" Nana said excitedly, intending to feed it to Sasuke herself.
"Little Sasuke? What's that?" Sasuke protested at the nickname but blushed and obediently took a bite.
"Mmm... Delicious!" Even Sasuke, who didn't usually like sweets, brightened at the taste, exclaiming his approval.
"Hahaha," Nana laughed at his cute reaction. Kids are the cutest, so pure and adorable, she thought.
"What is this? You're so talented, Nana," Mikoto said, taking a bite and praising her.
Nana patiently explained the name and method, advising to freeze them after coating for the best texture.
Just then, Fugaku and Itachi came out of the room, looking serious. Nana placed the candied fruit on a tray and brought it to them with Sasuke.
"Uncle Fugaku, Itachi-nii, try my dessert," Nana said, hoping to ease the tension between them.
She noticed Itachi seemed uneasy, possibly due to their earlier issues or a difficult conversation with Fugaku, making him look burdened.
Fugaku nodded, sitting on the couch. Itachi followed, taking a skewer. He hesitated, then bit into it, encouraged by her expectant gaze.
"It's delicious... amazing, Nana," Itachi said, his hair partly covering his eyes, focusing on the skewer, avoiding her gaze.
He had never tasted such a sweet. It surpassed even dango, but unfortunately, it wasn't made just for him...
Even the usually stern Fugaku smiled, enjoying the rare family moment and chatting warmly.
November's wind howled past the eaves, snowflakes swirling, melting on Nana's nose.
She planned to gift some candied fruit to her friends, tying bows on three elegant boxes.
"Come back soon!" Sasuke called from the door, guessing one box was for Naruto, silently grumbling about him making Nana go out.
Itachi stood behind Sasuke, watching Nana. Maybe from this distance, he thought, he could look at her.
"Don't worry, I'll be back soon!" Nana waved, smiling at Sasuke and then Itachi, feeling happy to see him.
"Stay safe," Itachi said softly, avoiding her gaze and returning inside.
Hearing his barely audible voice, Sasuke scratched his head, puzzled. What was his brother doing?
Nana followed her route, finding Shisui wasn't home and leaving the gift on his door.
To her surprise, she found Naruto returning from training, having grown taller, nearing Sasuke's height.
Naruto happily hugged Nana, proudly saying he ran three kilometers daily to become strong enough to protect her.
Nana smiled, patting his fluffy hair, handing him the gift, and expressing her anticipation for that day.
Compared to Shisui and Naruto's modest homes, the Hyuga estate was grand. Nana saw the large plaque from a distance.
She knocked on the heavy wooden door, answered by a short-haired young maid.
"Hello? Who are you?" Hinata asked politely.
"Hello, I'm a friend of Neji Hyuga, here to give him something. Is he busy?" Nana asked, holding up the gift.
"Neji-sama is training with Hinata-sama. Would you like to come in and wait?" Hinata opened the door.
"No need. Can you give this to him? Thanks," Nana said, disappointed but understanding, declining to enter.
"Of course," Hinata said warmly, taking the gift and promising to deliver it after training.
Nana nodded and left, Hinata feeling a fondness for the polite, cute girl.
Night fell early in winter, stars dotting the deep sky, snowflakes dancing, adding romance to the night.
After training, Neji took a bath and sat on the porch, watching the falling snow, his usual demeanor unchanged. He caught a snowflake, watching it melt, his bright eyes dimming.
"Neji-sama, a girl left this gift for you earlier," Hinata said, handing him the bag, relieved as he took it.
A girl? A gift? Neji thought of Nana's cute face, opening the box to find candied fruit.
A note read: "Neji-nii, I made these candied fruits. Try them! When the weather is better, come teach me the Gentle Fist again! ^_^"
Surprised, he tasted one. It was unlike anything he'd had. It had been a while since he saw her, and she seemed unwell before. Was she better now?
The long, quiet winter night filled his thoughts, memories, and reflections, the sweet and sour candied fruit mirroring his mixed emotions.