-3rd Person-

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm, golden glow over Konoha as the village buzzed with excitement. It was the day of the annual festival, a time when the streets were adorned with colorful lanterns, the air filled with the scent of delicious food, and laughter echoed through every corner. For the villagers, it was a day of joy and celebration. But for some, it was also a day of opportunity.

High above the village, in a secluded tower overlooking the streets below, Danzo stood with his hands clasped behind his back. The shadows of his ANBU operatives flanked him, their masks reflecting the fading sunlight as they awaited his orders. Danzo's expression was as inscrutable as ever, his eyes cold and calculating as they swept over the scene below.

"The festival brings them all together," Danzo said, his voice low and authoritative. "Perfect timing. With the village distracted, we can proceed with our plans undisturbed."

One of the ANBU nodded, their voice muffled by the mask. "Shall we begin, Danzo-sama?"

Danzo turned away from the window, his mind already several steps ahead. "Yes. Ensure everything is in place. The festival will provide the cover we need."

The ANBU vanished as silently as they had appeared, leaving Danzo alone with his thoughts. His gaze returned to the village, watching as the lanterns flickered to life, casting a warm, inviting glow over the bustling streets. A small, satisfied smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

"The perfect time, indeed," he murmured to himself, before turning away and disappearing into the shadows.

~~~

Meanwhile, in the heart of the village, Yui stood at the edge of the bustling street, her heart pounding as she took in the sight before her. Crowds of people moved in waves, chatting and laughing as they enjoyed the festivities. The noise was overwhelming, a cacophony of voices, music, and the occasional burst of fireworks. Yui's hands fidgeted nervously, her gaze darting from one unfamiliar face to another. The thought of stepping into that sea of people made her feel like she was about to be swallowed whole.

"Yui! There you are!" Naruto's cheerful voice broke through her thoughts. He bounded over to her, his bright smile as infectious as ever. Sasuke followed closely behind, his usual calm demeanor contrasting with Naruto's boundless energy.

"Sorry we're late," Naruto said, scratching the back of his head sheepishly. "We got held up by that old guy selling dango. Sasuke couldn't decide if he wanted one or five."

Sasuke rolled his eyes but didn't deny it. Instead, he gave Yui a small nod. "Are you ready to go?"

Yui hesitated, her eyes flicking back to the crowd. "I... I don't know," she admitted softly, her voice almost drowned out by the surrounding noise. "It's so... busy."

Kakashi wasn't able to attend with her for tonight since he had a very important meeting to attend with the Hokage, Kurenai, and the Elders about Yui.

Naruto noticed her unease and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry, Yui! We'll stick together. It'll be fun, I promise!" His enthusiasm was almost enough to make her believe it.

"Yeah," Sasuke added, his tone more subdued but sincere. "We won't let anything happen to you."

Their words offered some comfort, but Yui's anxiety still gnawed at her. With a deep breath, she nodded, though her heart was still racing. "Okay... let's go."

As they stepped into the bustling street, Yui stayed close to Naruto and Sasuke, her eyes wide as she took in the sights around her. Lanterns of all shapes and sizes hung above them, casting a warm, gentle light over the stalls and booths that lined the road. Vendors called out to passersby, offering everything from freshly grilled yakitori to intricately crafted toys. Children ran past, laughing as they chased each other with sparklers in hand.

Yui's initial fear began to fade as she observed the joy on everyone's faces. The festival was a world away from the quiet, isolated life she was used to, but there was something captivating about the energy in the air. Still, the sheer number of people made her feel small, lost in the crowd.

"Hey, Yui, look over here!" Naruto's voice snapped her out of her thoughts. He had stopped at a game stall, where players tried to catch goldfish with delicate paper scoops. "Wanna try? It looks fun!"

Yui blinked at the small pool of water, watching as the goldfish swam in lazy circles. She wasn't sure if she had the skill—or the courage—to attempt the game, but Naruto's eager expression was hard to resist.

"Okay... I'll try," she said hesitantly.

Naruto cheered, handing her a scoop. "You got this! Just be gentle."

With Naruto and Sasuke watching, Yui crouched down by the pool and carefully dipped her scoop into the water. The goldfish darted away, their quick movements making her nervous. Her hands trembled slightly, but she tried to steady herself, focusing on the task at hand.

After a few failed attempts, Yui finally managed to catch a small, orange goldfish. Her eyes widened in surprise as she lifted it out of the water, the delicate paper holding just long enough for her to place the fish in the waiting bowl.

"I did it..." she whispered, hardly believing it herself.

Naruto clapped his hands in excitement. "See? I knew you could do it! That was awesome, Yui!"

Even Sasuke offered her a rare smile. "Good job."

A small smile tugged at the corners of Yui's lips. For the first time that day, she felt a flicker of pride. It was a small victory, but it meant the world to her.

As they continued through the festival, Yui found herself slowly relaxing. The nervous tension in her chest began to ease, replaced by a sense of curiosity and wonder. She marveled at the various stalls, from the colorful displays of sweets to the intricate masks that lined the shelves. Naruto was always by her side, eagerly pointing out everything he found interesting, while Sasuke kept a watchful eye on both of them, making sure they didn't get separated in the crowd.

They played more games, each one bringing a little more confidence to Yui. She even won a small stuffed toy—a soft, plush rabbit that she clutched tightly to her chest. The more time she spent with her friends, the more she realized that maybe, just maybe, she could enjoy herself in this new world.

As the evening wore on, they found a quiet spot near the edge of the festival grounds, where the noise was a little less overwhelming. They sat together on a bench, enjoying the snacks they had gathered throughout the day. Yui nibbled on a takoyaki ball, the familiar taste bringing a sense of comfort.

"Yui," Sasuke said suddenly, breaking the silence. "How are you feeling?"

Yui looked at him, her eyes reflecting the soft glow of the lanterns. "I'm... I'm okay," she replied, her voice steady for the first time that day. "Thank you... both of you."

Naruto grinned, his mouth full of dango. "No need to thank us, Yui! We're friends, right? We're always here for you."

Sasuke nodded in agreement, though he didn't say anything. His presence alone was enough to reassure her.

.

.

.

"Um... I need to go to the restroom," Yui says quietly, her voice barely audible over the distant din of festival games and music. She shifts uncomfortably, her gaze darting around nervously as she tries to ignore the growing pressure.

Naruto's face brightens at her words. "No problem!" he exclaims with his trademark grin. His enthusiasm is as infectious as ever. "We'll wait for you right here. Just hurry back, okay?"

"Yeah," Sasuke adds, his eyes scanning the area to ensure their spot is safe. His usual calm demeanor is slightly tinged with concern. "We'll be right here when you get back. You won't be gone long, right?"

Yui nods, her anxiety slightly eased by their reassurance. "I won't be long," she promises, giving them a small, appreciative smile.

She rises from the bench, holding the plush rabbit tightly as if it were a talisman of her courage. With a final glance back at her friends, she turns and starts making her way through the bustling crowd.

The festival is a swirl of activity, with people moving in every direction. The streets are alive with colorful lanterns, their gentle glow mingling with the last rays of the setting sun. Vendors call out their wares, the scents of grilled meats and sweet confections filling the air. Children dart between the stalls, their laughter ringing out like music.

Yui navigates through the small crowd, her footsteps measured and hesitant. She is careful to avoid bumping into anyone, her head slightly lowered as she moves. The noise of the festival begins to fade as she leaves the main area behind and makes her way down a quieter path lined with trees. Here, the lanterns are fewer and their light dimmer, casting long, flickering shadows that dance in the evening breeze.

The path is serene compared to the bustling main streets. The rustle of leaves and the distant murmur of the festival provide a contrast to the chaotic energy she has just left behind.

Yui keeps her gaze fixed on the ground, her thoughts drifting back to the day's events. Despite her lingering anxiety, she feels a sense of pride.

She has managed to enjoy the festival more than she had anticipated. The comfort of knowing Naruto and Sasuke are waiting for her brings a small measure of bravery.

As Yui approaches the entrance to the restroom, her nerves begin to settle. The wooden door, adorned with a simple lantern, is a beacon of relief. She reaches out with a trembling hand, but before she can touch the handle, the world around her shifts violently.

A shadow moves with lightning speed, and before Yui can even scream, a strong arm wraps around her. The suddenness of the action leaves her breathless.

Panic surges through her as the figure pulls her roughly into the shadows. Her muffled cry is swallowed by the night, her struggle futile against the powerful grip that holds her.

The figure moves with practiced ease, navigating through the darkened area with a fluid grace. Yui's surroundings become a blur as she is whisked away from the festival's comforting lights.

The trees seem to close in around her, their branches forming a dark canopy that swallows the remaining light. Her heart races, each beat loud and insistent in her ears as she realizes she is being kidnapped.

The ANBU operative who has taken her is silent, his face hidden behind a mask that gives no hint of emotion or intent. His movements are precise and efficient, betraying no sign of who he is or what his purpose might be.

Yui's mind races with a torrent of questions, but fear clouds her thoughts, making coherent thought difficult. All she can do is try to fight back, her small fists pounding weakly against the ANBU's armored chest.

.

.

.

.

But unbeknownst to the ANBU, they were not alone.

A short distance away, partially concealed behind a tree, a pair of green eyes widen in shock. Sakura Haruno has been making her way to meet her parents at the festival, her path crossing with Yui's purely by chance. Curious about her classmate, Sakura decides to follow Yui, intending to maybe offer her company or simply check in.

As she watches, her heart sinks. The sight of the masked figure seizing Yui and disappearing into the shadows is both horrifying and bewildering.

Sakura's breath catches in her throat. She knows she has to act quickly, but her mind is a whirl of confusion and fear. She looks around frantically, searching for help, but the festival's noise and lights seem distant now, muffled by the urgency of the situation.

"Y-Yui!"

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