Day 26: Family Album
Summary: They were part of a story... Their photographs placed after great ninja who had fought for and defended their future, the lives that had been able to flourish as a result of the past sacrifices made.
.
Naruto was certainly amazed by the remarkable progress their technology had seen over the past few years, particularly when it came to cameras.
At an earlier age, he remembered the rather arduous process involved in taking a photo; having to wait for the film to develop, with no way of knowing if the picture you had taken was even a good shot. As his younger, more impatient self, Naruto recalled having to wait days to fill out his Ninja Registration Form, as his picture needed to develop. Because of the hassle that was involved, he hadn't had many photographs growing up. Kakashi had insisted they take a picture when Team 7 was formed. While Sakura liked the idea, Naruto and Sasuke had only begrudgingly agreed, glaring daggers at one another out of their sensei and teammate's eyeshot. In hindsight, Naruto was glad that they had.
The memories they had created together were precious, ones that he never wanted to forget, particularly when so much of his past had been lost.
The few pictures he had of his parents were worn, the colour fading from them. Photographs of them holding him as a baby, the very few moments they had spent together. The edges were lined with scuff marks and fingerprints, from the all the times he had spent looking at them. Yet, despite growing worn with time, it remained one of his most precious possessions. It was the one of the few pieces of them he had left, the proof of their existence. By holding onto this part of them; by showing Boruto and Himawari and telling them of their noble sacrifice; he would always be able to keep them with him. They would never truly be gone.
He was thankful that he had taken some pictures with his old master, Jiraiya, as well, while he had still been alive. While he had a large back catalogue of Icha Icha novels that would do well in upholding his legacy, Naruto couldn't help but feel that those books failed to capture some of the nobler, more inspiring qualities of his Godfather.
As the technology developed, the collection of photos he had grew, along with his family and the memories they made together. He had pictures framed and scattered across his desk. Photographs of his children, his wife, all of his family playing together. Photographs of his teammates and peers, his friends and old teachers, all the people who he looked up to and depending upon. Those who had guided him through his life. They were pictures he could look to whenever he was stuck in his office, working long, difficult days.
His children were part of a story, a new generation in an ever-changing, constantly evolving narrative. Their photographs were placed after great ninja who had fought for and defended their future, the lives that had been able to flourish as a result of the past sacrifices made.
For all the comfort and happiness the mere sight of their pictures brought him, Naruto always made sure his photographs were visible in their home, featured amongst their family and friends. It served as a constant reminder to Boruto and Himawari that; much like their grandparents, or their Uncle Neji; even though there were times when he might not be around, they would still be able to see him. A part of him would always be with them, to carry wherever they wanted.