"Uh," you stammered as Lee stared at you, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water.

He blinked out of his frozen state and enthusiastically threw his hands up in the air.

"This is amazing! How did you do this?"

You glanced at your flower clone, watching as the petals shimmered softly in the breeze. "I guess... whenever I have at least one of myself in my field, I can leave?" Your words came out more like a question than a statement.

You had only done this once before, uncertain if it would work again and too afraid to try. But maybe this time, you'd be a little more confident—after all, Lee was with you.

"Well, that is great news! I must give you a tour of Konoha!" Lee declared, his energy as unshakable as ever.

Your eyes lit up. You had always wondered what Konoha looked like beyond the stories you'd heard. The towering buildings, the crowded streets, the shinobi who walked among the people like it was the most normal thing in the world.

"I would love to see it!" you said, an excited smile spreading across your face.

Lee grinned and extended his hand. Without hesitation, you took it, a thrill running through you as he led you toward the village.

The two of you raced through the fields, the scent of fresh earth and blooming flowers filling the air. The forest thickened around you as you approached Konoha, sunlight filtering through the canopy, casting shifting golden patterns on the ground. Birds flitted between the branches, their songs blending with the rustle of leaves. The rhythmic thud of Lee's footsteps alongside yours was oddly reassuring.

Then, through the breaks in the trees, you saw it.

The massive wooden gates of Konoha stood tall and imposing, their surface marked with the wear of time but still sturdy, still strong. Two guards stood on either side, clad in the standard Konoha flak jackets, their headbands gleaming under the sunlight.

"Welcome to Konoha, (Y/n)!" Lee beamed, gesturing grandly as you stepped forward.

The moment you crossed the threshold, it was like stepping into a different world.

The streets of Konoha were alive with energy. Vendors lined the roads, their stalls overflowing with colorful goods—fresh fruits, handwoven fabrics, polished kunai and shuriken that gleamed under the sunlight. The scent of grilled dango and roasted chestnuts drifted through the air, mingling with the rich aroma of freshly baked bread from a small bakery on the corner.

Children darted through the streets, laughing as they weaved between pedestrians. Shinobi moved with quiet confidence, some carrying scrolls, others engaged in hushed conversations. A group of genin, likely fresh from a mission, huddled outside a dumpling shop, their faces lit with tired but satisfied grins.

Lee guided you through the bustling roads, pointing out landmarks with the enthusiasm of someone who truly loved his village.

"That over there is Yamanaka Flowers! The best flower shop in the village!" he declared, motioning to a quaint shop with delicate blossoms spilling out from pots and hanging baskets. The scent of jasmine and lavender filled the air as you passed.

Your first thought 'Ino"

"And that's Ichiraku Ramen! The best ramen in the world!" His voice was practically vibrating with excitement. An old man behind the stall waved in greeting as he stirred a steaming pot of broth.

Your first thought was 'Naruto'

As you moved deeper into the village, your eyes caught sight of something breathtaking.

The Hokage Monument.

And once again you thought of Naruto's goal of becoming a Hokage.

Carved into the massive cliffside, the faces of past Hokage stood as eternal guardians over the village. Each expression was carefully sculpted, their gazes firm and unyielding, a reminder of the history and strength of Konoha. You had heard stories of the great leaders who had once protected this place, but seeing their faces carved in stone made it feel all the more real.

Lee followed your gaze and smiled. "One day, I will make my mark in this village too! I will become a splendid shinobi, just like my sensei!"

You smiled, happiness bubbling inside you as you took in the sights and sounds of Konoha. It felt warm, alive—welcoming.

Then, a sudden thought struck you, a feeling you couldn't ignore. You wanted to see someone.

"We should go find Naruto!" you said, turning to Lee with excitement.

Lee's eyes lit up. "Oh yes! He will be overjoyed to see you!" he exclaimed, his energy as boundless as ever.

With that, the two of you set off, anticipation buzzing in your chest.

(822 𝘞𝘖𝘙𝘋𝘚)