Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, the picture, Arpeggio of Blue Steel, Angel Beats, or anything in their respective universe.

Opening the door, a figure enters into the room. Quietly closing the door behind them to not disturb the occupant, the figure slowly made their way toward the bed. The lights in the room illuminated the figure, revealing his identity. Blond hair, blue eyes, and dressed in the Hokage robes. On the back of the robe was the kanji for Ninth Hokage.

Sitting down on the chair, Boruto couldn't help but look concerned at the prone figure in bed. Hair that were once blond were now gray. A face that was so vibrant and tan now filled with wrinkles. Granted, he knew this day would happen eventually, but still…

Raking his hand through his head, he couldn't help but sigh. These things are never easy.

"…That's not a look a Hokage should be wearing you know," a tired male voice said.

The Ninth couldn't help but quietly chuckle. "You're one to talk." Making eye contact with the figure, "I remember you wearing that face during dinner on more than one occasion," he countered with a small smirk.

"Heh. Cheeky little brat." Turning toward Boruto, cerulean eyes meet cerulean eyes. Both were filled with mirth.

"Well," adopting a thinking pose, "You did teach me everything I needed to know," Boruto stated a matter-of-factly.

Raising an eyebrow, "Does that include smart aleck comments?"

"You know it." A cheeky grin accompanied the cheeky response.

"Tck." Shaking his head, "I should have drilled some respect into you," he sighed remorsefully.

Rolling his eyes, "Oh please. You know it would have been a waste of time."

Ignoring Boruto's comment, "Kids these days have no respect for their elders."

"Hey, it's true. You know what they say: like father like son."

"Heh." The frail figure chuckled before coughing.

Concern, Boruto came closer. "Are you ok dad? I'll get you some water." Quickly making his way toward the table, he pour some water into the glass before bringing it back toward his father. "Here. Drink up."

Gratefully taking and drinking the glass, he let out a relief sigh as he felt the cool water enter his throat, relieving irritation there. "Thank you." He smiled toward Boruto.

Returning the smile, "You're welcome dad."

Turning toward the ceiling, "You know I don't have long Boruto."

Feeling the smile slip from his face, "I know," he said quietly. "I wonder how mom and the others are doing," he mused.

Chuckling at the thought, "Probably creating chaos like always, with your mom trying to calm everyone." A smile appeared as he reminisced on the past. "How's Himawari doing?"

"She's on a mission right now in the Hidden Sand Village. She should be back soon."

Slightly shaking his head, "I still can't believe Gaara's son and my daughter ended up together."

Raising an eyebrow, "I thought you liked Uncle Gaara?"

"Oh I do. But his son is just like him: stoic." Letting out a sigh, "If only he was more outgoing…"

"Like you?"

Snorting, "If Gaara's son was like me, I wouldn't let him anywhere near Himawari."

Blinking, and slightly amused, Boruto couldn't help but ask, "Why?"

"I don't want anyone corrupting my little Princess. That's my job dattebayo."

Facepalming, "Of course, that's the thing you're worried about." His father was about to rebuke when someone knocked on the door, halting their conversation. "Come in."

As the door opened, a figure with short, brown spikey hair, black eyes, and a blue scarf wrapped underneath his Hokage attire walked. On the back of robe for the kanji for Eighth Hokage. "Hey Boss, hey Boruto," the figure greeted as he walked toward the father and son duo.

"Hey squirt."

"Hey Konohamaru."

Rolling his eyes at his boss's response, "Geez thanks," he replied dryly.

Raising his arm as much as he could, the figure in bed did a shaking salute before dropping the arm back down. "What are you doing here anyways?"

"Can't I drop by to see how you're doing?"

Giving Konohamaru a blank stare, "The last time you visited, you turned my resting room into a party room."

Shrugging, "Nothing's better than a party."

Boruto merely sighed.

Giving him an eye roll, "You're a pain Konohamaru."

Clutching the place over his heart, "Why are you so cold to me, Naruto?" With practice, anime tears came flowing down his face.

Deciding to ignore his antic, the duo continued on with their father-son time. "So when's the ceremony for the Tenth Hokage?" Naruto asked.

"Tomorrow at noon," Boruto answered. "After that, well," scratching his cheek, "I guess I'll join you two in the Hokage Retirement Club."

Snorts were his only replies.

"That was really lame."

"You said it."

Boruto hung his head.

"Well, he is your son…"

"Well, you did help me teach him…"

His head lowered even more. 'It's not my fault my teachers were a mess…'

"Are you implying I'm lame?"

"I'm not implying, I'm telling you that you're lame."

"…Age has made you harsh, boss."

"Age has made you a pain in the ass."

"What have I ever done to you?"

"Well, there was that incident at my 65th birthday…"

"How was I supposed to know pandas can't dance?"

"What made you think pandas can dance?"

"We trained ninja dogs to fight. I figured dancing pandas weren't so far off."

"Tell that to the repair crew. I still can't believe 4 little pandas can cause that much damage."

"Well actually," Boruto started, deciding to take a part in the reminiscing, "They only did that much damage because of Himawari."

Blinking as they recall that incident, "Oh yeah," the mentor and student said in unison.

Let it be known that Himawari has a thing for cute stuff. And should you try and take that away from her, you'll unleash something even greater than Madara and the Jūbi. Just ask Boruto what happened when he accidentally "kill" her panda toy. Naruto came to the rescue, only to be knocked out in less than 10 seconds.

By a 7-years-old girl. Who then proceeds, unhindered, to unleash holy vengeance on her murderous brother who was hiding himself in a closet.

"Speaking of ceremonies," Konohamaru started, snapping them out of their trip down memory lane, "Everything is set and ready O Ninth Hokage." He finished with an over-the-top bow.

Boruto merely shook his head while Naruto chuckled. Like his father, he was also not one for formalities.

"Ninth Hokage huh…" Naruto said out loud. A smile graced his lips as he recalled the simpler times. Boruto and Konohamaru both turned their attention toward him. "Felt like just yesterday I was crowned the Seventh. And then a few days later passed on the torch to Konohamaru, who was crowned the Eighth."

"Who then passed it on to me, the Ninth Hokage," Boruto finished with a smile. He felt a hand on his shoulder and glancing from the corner of his eye, saw Konohamaru with a similar smile as he looked at Naruto.

"Yeah," Naruto whispered. "I guess you can say I've accomplished all of my dreams now."

Biting his lips, "You say that as though you'll disappear anytime now," commented Konohamaru with a hint of worriedness in his voice.

Turning his head, Naruto gave the duo a tired smile. "Maybe." Returning to the ceiling, "Everyone from my generation has moved on. I'm the last one here. It would be nice to finally join them." His eyes softened. "It would be nice to see your mother again."

Boruto and Konohamaru shared a glance. Both knew they had no rights to prolong his life, to tell him to stay with them longer. Naruto has lived a full life, has done everything for the village, the world even. If anyone deserved the chance to pass on peacefully and whenever they wanted, it would be the figure in front of them.

Still, they can't help but have that selfish urge to have the former blond stay in the world of the living for just a bit longer.

Caught in their own thoughts, neither noticed the Seventh Hokage looking at them, already knowing what they're thinking. It warmed his old heart to see them care so much. To be acknowledged was one of his life's dream. And he achieved that. Everyone in the Elemental Nation respects him for it, even the bijū. It was a dream come true.

Then, he had a family. An actual family. Something he never had growing up. He married a wonderful woman and the two of them had a wonderful son and daughter. And then, to top it off, his children had children. He was a grandfather dattebayo!

And he would be lying if he said he wasn't looking forward to tomorrow. Boruto's daughter, his granddaughter, would be crowned the Tenth Hokage.

The apple really doesn't fall that far from the tree.

"Although," Naruto started, snapping the Eighth and Ninth out of their thoughts, "I know Hinata would never forgive me if I decided to not show up for my granddaughter's orientation. So I guess," sighing, "I'll have to stay around for just a bit longer."

Both Boruto and Konohamaru brightened up upon hearing that.

'These two…' Naruto couldn't help but smile as he saw how ecstatic the two of them became and how they plan on making it an orientation to remember. 'I really will miss everyone here.'

Yesterday came and went like the wind: swiftly and only for a moment. Before Naruto knew it, Konohamaru and Boruto had dragged him out of bed, cleaned him up, and put him into his wheelchair. Of course, the former Hokage put up a fight. However, when you take into the fact it was one stubborn mule against two, the only thing that matters in the end is how much energy they have to keep going.

Frankly, Naruto didn't have that much energy to put up a prolonged fight. He could have sworn the chibi version of Boruto and Konohamaru were celebrating after that episode.

"Where are we going anyway?" Naruto couldn't help but asked as he was led down the village path.

"To get front row seats of course," Himawari replied as she continued pushing Naruto's wheelchair. Konohamaru wanted the honors; however, since Himawari was Naruto's daughter and Boruto was slightly afraid of her, she won the rights to help Naruto down the village.

Silently sighing at how much he wanted to do this by himself but can't, he accepted Himawari's help. 'If only I had my legs back…'

Deciding not to dwell on the matter, he observed how the village turned out. After Pein's attack, the place basically had to be rebuilt from scratch. Many people lost their homes and businesses. All of their processions were gone. But they couldn't complain. In fact, they were very happy with the outcome. Nobody died (except Pein of course). Everyone still had their families, and their heroes were still alive and breathing.

After the Fourth Great Shinobi War, the villagers decided to use that time to truly rebuild the Hidden Leaf Village. It would have taken quite some time if it weren't for the aid of the other countries as well. The war brought everyone together. Enemies were no longer enemies: they were friends. And friends forged even deeper bonds, bonds that were impossible to be broken.

The world was finally at peace (barring that short episode involving the Ōtsutsukiclan that was a pain of and in itself). The villages, whether major or minor, prospered. Looking around, Naruto can't help but be amazed at how Konoha grew. Sure, they added a few stuff when he became Hokage, but since then, he hasn't really pay attention. He was too focused on spending time with his family.

"Were these shops here before?" Naruto couldn't help but ask.

"No. They built a few weeks ago. I forgot that since you've been cooped up in your room for a long time, you didn't know what's been happening with the village."

"Hard to know when you just want to sleep all day."

"You sound like an old man dad," she giggled.

"Hey! I may be old, but I can still give you a run for your money!"

Himawari simply patted Naruto on the head as he pouted. Both of them knew if they ever did fight, Himawari would win. If anything, Naruto can't hurt his little princess.

It was one of the reasons why Hinata took up training Himawari instead. That, and he really didn't feel like being knocked out again.

As the duo continued with the sightseeing, several of the villagers came and went, all greeting the former Hokage and his daughter as they passed. Some even handed them gifts, which they gratefully accepted. Even though they were both well known, Naruto received the most attention, mostly due to what he has done and how long he has left. Not that Himawari minded. Her father deserved it.

"They sure did went all out with this didn't they?" Naruto asked as he observed another part of town which was decorated fully with no leftovers.

"Of course," Himawari replied with a smile. "This ceremony will be a very special one!" she exclaimed. 'Because it will most likely be your last one dad…' She bit her lips at that thought before quickly shaking it off.

Raising an eyebrow, "And Boruto agreed to this?"

With a giggle, "More like ordered everyone."

Rolling his eyes, "Figures." Though he couldn't help but smile. "How's the Hidden Sand?"

Blushing at what her father actually wanted to know, "It's fine dad. I really like it there."

Shaking his head, "I still don't know how you two ended up together."

"I told you already," she pouted. "It just happened."

Giving her a blank stare, "That's really not telling me anything."

Himawari merely hmphed.

Deciding to change topics, "How's the kids?"

With another pout, "You know they're not kids anymore dad. They're adults now."

"You'll always be kids in my eyes," he replied cheekily.

Ignoring his comment, "They're both fine. I think they're both somewhere in Konoha actually. You should meet up with them! They haven't seen you since last week."

Smiling, "I'd like that."

The rest of the trip continued on in silence, with the both of them lost in their own thoughts. For Himawari, she couldn't help but wonder where her children, technically adults, were.

As for Naruto, he was busy looking around and comparing the new Konoha from the one he knew from back then. The thing is, every time he does that, images of his friends and sensei appeared. Walking alongside them after a mission, going out to eat with everyone, bumping into each other at random times. The sound of their voices, the way they always get on each other nerves, fight, and then laugh afterward, their mere presence.

How long as it been since he last saw them? Too long. That's the answer.

And Himawari… She reminded him so much about Hinata that it's painful. Her hair, her eyes, her behavior…

He missed everyone, even the bijū who moved on not too long ago. After threat of the Ōtsutsuki clan were gone, the bijū decided it was time for them to rejoin the Sage of the Six Path in the afterlife. Of course, when Naruto heard this, it pained him greatly, even though he knew where they were coming from.

Like him, they too wants to rejoin their loved one.

Naruto won't ever forget about the bijū, especially Kurama. The big fuzz ball has grown on him. Ever since the defeat of Kaguya, and Kurama became the meeting place for the bijū, Naruto had been taking advantage of that in order to keep everyone in touch. Aside from idle chats, they also played many games. One of which is poker.

Let it be known bijū are incredibly good a poker, especially Kurama. Naruto never won a single game against the kitsune. Every time the former blond caught the fox cheating, Kurama would deny it. Though, to be fair, whenever they caught Naruto himself cheating, he would also deny it…

The apple really doesn't fall far from the tree.

"We're here." The sound of Himawari's voice jolted Naruto out of his thoughts. Looking around, he saw they arrived at the top of the Hokage Tower.

"You weren't kidding about the front row seat," Naruto commented dryly. After all, the ceremony was going to literally 20 feet from him. "How much longer?"

"About 10 more minutes. Wait here, I have to make sure Boruto and Konohamaru didn't mess anything up."

"Sure thing." And with that, Himawari left.

Staring up at the sky, Naruto felt how weary he has become. The bones in his body ached. Heck, his whole body from head to toe ached. He felt like sleeping, a sleep in which he won't ever wake up from. It'll be so easy to just sleep right now. However, he wants to see this through. Although, the sunlight warming his face isn't helping one bit, neither is the cool breeze.

"You okay dad?" Turning toward his side, he saw Boruto looking at him with a look of both concern and acceptance.

"I'm fine," he whispered. "How long have you been there?"

"For about five minutes," Boruto replied. "The ceremony is starting."

Redirecting their attention, they saw it was indeed time.

Boruto stepped forward. "Greeting, citizens of Konoha and friends! I have a very important announcement to make…"

'Can you see them, mom and dad?'

"I've decided it's time for me to step down from my position as the Hokage…"

'Can you see your family? Can you see how much they've grown?'

"Like the Seventh and Eighth Hokage before me, I decided it was time to pass on the torch…"

'Can you see them, Hinata?'

"This village has prospered over the years, and I believe it will continue for many years to come…"

'Can you see how much your children have grown?'

"My reign as Hokage is coming to an end…"

'Are you watching from up there, Jiraiya?'

"It's the beginning of a new era…"

'The shinobi world has just taken its first drink of peace.'

"There are many more challenges to come…"

'And there's still more left in the glass.'

"But together, I believe nothing is impossible…"

'Ino, Chōji, Shikamaru, Hinata, Kiba, Shino, Akamaru, Lee, Tenten, Neji, Kakashi, Sakura, Sai, Sasuke…'

"Without further ado…"

'I'll see all of you soon.'

"I present to you…"

'We'll finally be together.'

"Your Tenth Hokage!"

'I have no regrets.'

"Thank you for allowing me this opportunity…"

'My work here is done.'

"With everyone's help…"

'You may prefer Springtime Lee and Gai…'

"And with everyone's support…"

'But, I'm more of an autumn person.'

"The Will of Fire will continue to burn brightly within us…"

'The dead leaves serves as nourishment for the newer ones when spring comes.'

"It's the dawn of a new era…"

'Allowing them to grow stronger, and healthier.'

"As the Tenth Hokage…"

'I've passed the torch.'

"I vow to make sure our Will of Fire…"

'The shinobi world is in capable hands.'

"Shall never be extinguished!"

'Himawari, Boruto, Konohamaru…'

A wave of applaud and cheers erupted from the audience.

'Don't join us in Heaven too soon ok? Stay here… For just… a bit… longer.'

Naruto Uzumaki closed his eyes, and passed on with a smile on his face.

Author's notes: I umm forgot that Konohamaru was about 5 years younger than Naruto in the canon. In my mind, let say that if Naruto was 80, Boruto would be about 56 and Konohamaru would be 68. He would be right in between Naruto and Boruto. Technically though, if everyone from Naruto's generation were gone, Konohamaru would be as well. Eh. I honestly wrote him for the 8th Hokage bit.

Tsunade 5th – Kakashi 6th – Naruto 7th – Konohamaru 8th – Boruto 9th – Boruto's daughter 10th. Might as well.

I purposely avoided giving out names such as Gaara's son, Boruto's daughter, and so on because they're OC and I rather not spend literally 30 minutes looking for each name. Pass. I have trouble picking names.

Didn't go into deaths of others such as Sasuke, Sakura, Kiba, Shino, etc. and how they impacted Naruto because didn't want to make it an angst story. Much.

I think I did ok with this story. Will be posting next one soon.

Oh. And if I gave you the feels, I apologize. Spotify was playing Angel Beats songs in the background so…