Yamanaka Ino opened the door first, blonde hair perfect, small horns catching the light. She planted one heel on a jack-o’-lantern and held the bucket out like she was doing them a favor. “Trick or treat,” she said, tongue out, smiling sharp. “I’m the best one here. Don’t waste it.”

Haruno Sakura shoved past her, pink hair messy, cat ears and tail twitching. She looked over her shoulder and laughed, loud. “Ha! More candy or I’m punching the door down. Your choice.”

Hyuuga Hinata stepped up last of the three, dark hair half-hiding her face under the torn ghost sheet. She pulled the fabric wider with both hands, cheeks red, voice soft. “T-trick or treat… I-I brought extra. If you want.”

Tsunade leaned against the frame, witch hat tilted, one leg raised. She didn’t bother smiling. “Full-moon special,” she said, tongue out, voice low. “Stay until I’m done. That’s the treatment.”

The four of them filled the porch, costumes open on purpose. Ino expected to be chosen first. Sakura dared them to pick her. Hinata waited, quiet and ready. Tsunade simply stayed, already deciding how the night would end.