They talked about going out to play, but children were barred from entering most entertainment facilities in Konohagakure, such as casinos and taverns. Even if Uchiha Yuka stood outside such places waving her wallet and shouting that she had money—endless amounts of money—no one would let them in, and she would likely attract trouble from bandits instead.
In the past, Yuka, Ino, and Sakura liked to chase each other along the riverbank. When they grew tired, they would simply lie down wherever they pleased on the lush green grass. The weather was neither too cold nor too hot, and the natural breeze blowing off the river made it wonderfully cozy and warm. Shikamaru also enjoyed lying on the riverbank to sunbathe; whenever he had free time, he would hold a piece of dogtail grass between his lips, staring up at the clouds drifting lazily across the sky, completely relishing the peace and tranquility of Konohagakure.
Yet winter had arrived, accompanied by heavy snow. The grass on the riverbank was buried under a blanket of pristine white, and even the surface of the river was locked beneath a thick layer of ice crystals. As soon as anyone approached the embankment, the biting wind whipping straight toward them turned their cheeks and noses bright red with cold—let alone lying on the lawn to watch the clouds.
Chapter 74