After spending several hours helping Ino set up the party and running back and forth from the city for several different reasons, -including carrying several different types of alcohol- Naruto finally had time to get himself ready and wrap his present. Ino and the others had already used up the wrapping paper, so he had to make a special trip to get some of his own, and then he spent at least half an hour trying to figure out how to wrap it right.

Needless to say, he was late, and he didn't have time to change. He was stuck in his usual clothes and felt disappointed he couldn't look nice for Sakura and the others for a change.

He urged himself onward, running quickly and breathlessly until he finally made it to his destination. Out of breath, he made his way inside and scanned the room.