HIDDEN LEAF BREAK I

Back in the Hokage office, Tsunade leans back in her chair.

She sighs in relief. "Ah, I never thought I'd be this happy to be back here. So." She turns to the people in front of her. Naruto, Hinata, Kotori, and Yokumaru. "What's your plan?"

"Aaaabout what?"

She sighs and pinches the bridge of her nose. "About where you'll be staying. You have Kotori to take care of, and we can't leave Yokumaru alone while his mother's still in the hospital. Your place isn't big enough, Naruto."

"Uhhh…" Naruto and Hinata look at each other.

"... Please tell me you've thought about this."

Naruto protests. "Well it's not like we were planning on coming back so soon, y'know!"

"It's true, this was an unplanned detour. Perhaps I could ask Father for us to stay in the Hyuga estate. We've more than enough room."

"Well, I'll leave that to you, then." Tsunade rummages through some papers. "It'll take a few days to get everything in order, to register Kotori and the Kigatsus as citizens of the Hidden Leaf." She looks up to Naruto and Hinata. "In the meantime, I could arrange for a new place for you. If you're going to have Kotori around; you can't stay at the Hyuga's place forever."

Naruto and Hinata share a look again. It dawns on them how little prepared they were when they returned. Having a home together when they're so young, a place to take care of Kotori… They'd gotten so caught up in the moment and their momentum is only now slowing down.

Tsunade sees their troubled expressions. "Just think about, alright? Dismissed."

The four exit and Yokumaru looks concerned. "Am I in the way?" A bluntly honest question, but kids tend to be.

Hinata leans down and both she and Naruto reassure him.

"No, of course not!"

"We just need to put our things in order, is all. It was bound to happen eventually." Hinata looks off into the distance. "We just need to convince my father."

Hiashi sets aside his papers after just hearing his daughter's request, and takes out a new batch of documents.

"Very well."

That was easy.

"Really, Father?" Hinata leans forward slightly, almost jumping in surprise at her father's agreement.

"Would you like me to decline?" He slightly raises a brow.

"No, of course not!"

"That's great! See, he's understanding." Naruto pumps his fist. "Thanks a lot, Old Man Hiashi!"

The Hyuga leader continues writing in his scrolls, doing the necessary work of a clan leader. "The boy and the girl will occupy the room two doors from yours, Hinata. They will be your responsibility."

"Of course, Father." She bows. "And which room would Naruto occupy?"

Hiashi doesn't lift his gaze from his scroll. "Naruto already has an apartment, he doesn't need to stay here."

Naruto stands up. "But we've stayed in the same place for our mission so far. And we have training to do."

"You're not currently on your mission, you're taking a break. Whatever arrangements you've had so far needn't translate here. You may still enter and leave, and use our grounds for the childrens' training." He sets his writing brush aside and looks up to them. "Will that be all?"

"Whaddya mean-" Naruto's stopped by Hinata grabbing his hand.

She's still sitting on the ground. "Thank you, Father."

She stands up and heads to leave, lightly pulling him along. He looks at her back, in a hurry to get out of the room, and to Hiashi who's already back to his scroll.

She didn't even try to fight her dad on this and readily agreed to have him be somewhere else, after 3 months of being together on their travels. Was she having second thoughts? Was she tired of him already?

"Hinata, why didn't you say something?"

Hinata doesn't let go of his hand. She turns around and presses her forehead against his chest. "Father already made a decision. To ask any more of him would be asking too much of him, as the leader. I'm sorry."

Naruto doesn't respond. The two make their way to Kotori and Yokumaru who'd stayed behind while they talk to Hiashi. They're told the news that they can stay.

Kotori jumps. "Yay! That's awesome."

Yokumaru still looks slightly stunned. "Are you sure it's okay? This place is so big. I didn't know you were from a big family, Hinata-sensei."

Kotori beams. "See, they don't show it but they're super powerful, you know!"

"Hey, I look plenty strong!" Naruto protests.

Hinata would've liked to take a stroll around the village, show the kids around, but it's already way past sunset. It's far too late for that. Instead, they take the kids to their room and get them set up for the night. Throughout, Naruto is oddly quiet, but he keeps his smile around the children.

In the evening, Kotori and Yokumaru make use of the giant open space in the back and show off their moves to each other. Yokumaru definitely has the upper hand when it comes to weaving chakra and using hand signs, he even knows some of the basic techniques, like Body Flicker and Substitution, Kotori has practiced a lot of taijutsu so she has the upper hand there. Her kicks and punches are pretty powerful.

Hinata observes from the porch and once Naruto sees the kids are fine on their own, he joins her. He squats down and takes her hands in his own.

Hinata rubs the back of his hands with her thumbs. "Is everything okay? You've been quiet."

"Yeah, of course it's okay."

"... Is it… about you not being allowed to stay here?"

"I mean, it woulda been nice to stick together, but I get it if ya need a break away from me."

"What? Naruto, that's on it at all! It's just… I'm sure Father's concerned about us moving too fast. Honestly, after hearing Lady Tsunade, a part of me was worried about the same. I don't know what life even awaits us after we finish our mission. We only just got together when we met Kotori and we both made a promise to be her parents, when we barely even know what to do with ourselves." She lowers her gaze. "I know this might be terrible of me to say, but I'm scared we won't be good for her, that we'll overlook something, or make a mistake we won't be able to fix."

He stays quiet for a moment and presses his forehead against her hands.

"It's not like… I didn't think about that, too, y'know. I know this isn't a normal situation to be in, and I know I haven't put in a lot of thought into it yet. But I will! I'll figure things out once we get settled down and I want us to be together when that happens. You were… the first person to tell me they love me and that's special to me. So I'm trying really hard to be the kinda person you can be proud of."

"Naruto…" She places a hand on his cheek and lifts his face to look at her. "I am." She gives him a peck on the nose. "I'm sorry for bringing this up."

He gives a genuine smile. "It was gonna happen at some point, right? About our future together. I guess your dad's right to be worried about his daughter. I wonder if I'll be the same when Kotori brings home a boy."

Hinata chuckles. "I don't think you're the stern type like Father."

They both learn closer and share a kiss.

Meanwhile, Yokumaru and Kotori are doing their best to pretend they're not actually watching the two of them be cuddly.

Behind the corner, a figure stands out of view, arms crossed and tucked into his robes' sleeves. A young girl perched on the railing next to him.

"It's not polite to eavesdrop, Father."

"You were doing the same." Hiashi turns to Hanabi. "What do you think?"

"Hmm. I think she's stronger than ever, and happier than ever. And I think those two things are related."

"I see."

Hiashi walks out in view, and Naruto and Hinata immediately break away. Not that they're ashamed of anything, it's just being a couple in front of him feels… weird. The Hyuga leader stops by Hinata and looks on to the two kids sparring.

"So that girl is my granddaughter, huh?" His voice doesn't sound like it carries much emotion with it.

"Ah, yes, Father. That's Kotori, the girl we adopted. I know she isn't of Hyuga blood but-"

"Does that matter to you?"

"Huh?" She looks up to him, confused. "Um, no?"

"Then it doesn't matter." He turns to go back and looks at Naruto from the side. "Your room will be prepared shortly. It's next to the children's."

Both Naruto and Hinata look visibly confused.

In truth, Hiashi had planned to have a serious conversation with Hinata once Naruto left. He intended to talk to her about the relationship, about this child they'd taken under their wing, about what they intend to do in the future. However, it sounds like those two have thought about it already, and are working on it. But it's still his house, so Naruto would sleep in a different room. He is a father, after all.

Early in the morning, Hiashi wakes up and prepares for his morning kata, practicing even the basic forms is a must for a master practitioner. And it helps clear his mind before performing his responsibilities to his clan. He ties his sash around his training robes but when he exits the house to head into the yard, he hears the sounds of combat from the other side. This was considered early even by his standards and yet someone was already out training? And that side of the manor is Hinata's.

He makes the short walk and witnesses … Hanabi?... sparring with both Kotori and Yokumaru. She's barely worked up a sweat while the two kids already look exhausted. How long have they even been at it?

Naruto and Hinata are sitting on the porch, observing. They only have their mesh shirts on and look exhausted themselves, seemingly having sparred before this. He joins the young couple and Hinata smiles at his approach.

"Hanabi was excited to meet them so she woke up extra early."

"I see."

Hanabi fends off their attacks quite easily with minimal movement. Kotori makes use of her one-sign techniques and tries to bombard her with feathers but the Hyuga easily steps out of their way.

"Crystal Style: Crystal Wall"

In that moment Yokumaru summons his only known jutsu but they're easily skipped over. The boy does utilize his Walls well, using them as cover and as footing for bigger and longer jumps. He's clearly had practice, and Kotori quickly picks up on their usefulness.

When he summons another one, Hanabi stands behind it and gathers chakra in her hand. She slams it against the Crystal Wall.

"Gentle Fist: Vacuum Palm"

Shards of crystal are sent flying directly to Yokumaru. He begins the signs for a Substitution but he doesn't have enough time. Instead, he puts his arms up to protect himself and braces of an impact that never comes. When he opens his eyes, he sees that Hinata had pulled him away before he was hurt.

Hiashi is impressed by the speed of her reaction. He looks down and notices that Naruto hadn't budged an inch. It can't be that he couldn't react in time. Did he just have faith Hinata would pull him away? Had they agreed beforehand?

"You use your Crystal Wall well, but it's a single skill that can easily be used against you, as Hanabi just did. Placing it on the battlefield can also aid your enemies. That's why you need to think more about where and how you place them, and how long you leave them for, until you learn more jutsu. Again."

"Yes, sensei."

They take their stances while Hinata returns and continues drinking her morning tea.

The three of them continue sparring. Kotori summons feather after feather, aiming at Hanabi's feet. On one hand, it would slow her down if it hits, but even if it doesn't, Hanabi would have to dodge back to avoid them, which would give Kotori enough time to weave her chakra.

Hanabi sees her niece make the longer set of hand signs and rushes to stop her. She's still slow when it comes to that and will need to work on getting faster. This time, however, she isn't stopped. A Crystal Wall appears between the two of them but instead of being vertical like the ones before, this one is slanted at an angle, with the top aiming right for Hanabi.

From the corner of her eyes, she sees Yokumaru watching out for his new friend and fellow apprentice. He's already taking Hinata's words to heart and using his skill differently. If the Wall was vertical, it could just be smashed like she did before and that would put Kotori at risk. However, the tip of the Wall being aimed at the enemy would lower their reaction time. Smart thinking.

She jumps over the wall but her movement is slowed by a second, giving Kotori enough time to finish.

"Ninja Art Aviary: Lightning Condor"

The bird of prey materializes above Kotori and swoops over, talons and beak clawing and scratching at Hanabi. It flies up and switches to a dive down. As Hanabi prepares to strike it, the ground under her feet moves. Another Crystal Wall pushes her upward and right into the bird's talons.

With some years of practice, this will become an amazing combination of attacks. She smiles as the condor dives down, crashing its talons into her. The Crystal Wall breaks, sending shards and dust flying everywhere. As it settles, the condor is still there and looks confused, as do Kotori and Yokumaru. Hanabi is nowhere to be seen.

"Alright, that's enough for now." Hinata calls out and when they turn around, they see their opponent already there, cleaning her sweat off with a towel.

They breathe a sigh of relief as they were getting really tired, and make their way to the porch, where they have refreshments prepared.

"Allow me to introduce you. Kotori, Yokumaru, this is my father, Hiashi Hyuga, head of the Hyuga clan."

They show their respects with a bow, while Hiashi returns with a light bow of his head.

Kotori nervously asks. "So, um, you're my… Grandfather?"

"... It would appear that I am. You've an interesting ability, don't slack off on your training."

With just that, he takes his leave. Hanabi excuses herself, as well.

"I'm off on a mission soon. We can spar again later!"

Hinata pats Kotori on the head. "Don't worry about Father, okay? He's not good at expressing himself."

"Right."

Out in the Hidden Leaf, Naruto and Hinata are taking Kotori and Yokumaru to get a look at the city they were born in, and the city the kids are going to live in soon. They made stops at the more important spots, such as a clothes shop to get Yokumaru some actual clothes of his own since he's still actually using the ones Kotori gave him. Throughout the day, many people stop and greet Naruto and try to start up a conversation, but they manage to squeeze their way out and continue on their way, mostly thanks to Naruto using Shadow Clones.

Of course, Naruto insisted they stop by Ichiraku Ramen. The little shop has since expanded from the little stall it used to be with 5 chairs and in the rebuilding following Pain's attack has become a sizable establishment with 5 tables inside that can fit much more people than before. There are still chairs by the bar for those who want to sit closer and that's where they sit down, for old times' sake.

Kotori and Yokumaru take note of a photo on the wall, although it might be more accurate to call it a poster, of the shop owner and Naruto.

Teuchi places bowls in front of Naruto and Hinata, as Ayame places bowls in front of Kotori and Yokumaru.

"There you go. Aren't you two adorable." Ayame is as positive as she usually is.

Teuchi cleans the area they just used to make the portions. "I thought you went off on a mission, Naruto. How'd you get stuck babysitting?"

"We're not babysitting, they're our pupils! And Kotori's our daughter we adopted over at Kusatsu Town."

"What? Adopted?" Ayame stops her fawning over the kids. "Seriously, but you're barely a kid yourself, Naruto. I mean, I can totally see Hinata because she's so responsible and caring, but you…"

Teuchi sagely nods in agreement.

Naruto hunches over his ramen, dejected. "You didn't have to share your thoughts, y'know."

Kotori and Hinata pat him on the back in empathy.

The kids are pretty satisfied by the food, and equally surprised that Naruto was able to eat 5 bowls while they ate 1. They were even more surprised that Hinata apparently matches his appetite. Kotori's been with them for longer but has never seen her eat this much…

As they leave Ichiraku Ramen, they're met by a familiar surprised yell. Or as familiar yells can be.

They turn around to see Konohamaru carrying a baby. "Big Bro, what're you doing here? Weren't you on a mission?"

Time for another explanation.

"We had to come back for a few reasons, so we're on a break."

Udon and Moegi are close behind him carrying some bags, and after them from behind the corner Kurenai Yuhi walks out.

"Kurenai-sensei!" Hinata calls out.

"Oh, Hinata, Naruto, welcome back."

Naruto turns to the kids. "This is Konohamaru, he's kinda my first student, I guess. And that's Udon and Moegi."

"And Kurenai-sensei was my teacher when I first became a Genin." She leans down and the baby grabs and plays with her fingers. "And this is Mirai."

They both introduce themselves.

"Yokumaru Kigatsu."

"Kotori Uzumaki."

"... Uzumaki?" They all ask in unison.

"We adopted her back in Kusatsu Town, so we'd be allowed to take her in and teach her."

"What? Adopted?" Konohamaru looks shocked. "Seriously, but you're barely a kid yourself, Big Bro. I mean, I can totally see Hinata because she's so responsible and caring, but you…"

Déjà vu.

Kurenai walks up to them and leans down, smiling. "It's very nice to meet you, Kotori, Yokumaru." She turns to Naruto and Hinata. "This is quite the surprise. I knew you'd make good teachers but I didn't think it would happen this soon."

"Yes, we certainly weren't expecting it, either."

All of them go on to catch up what they've missed in the past months and what they've been up to. Kurenai and Hinata promise to talk more while they're around and they do. They meet up more at Kurenai's place and she gets the chance to play with Mirai some more.

Unfortunately, every single one of their closer friends is away on a mission so meeting with them would have to wait for a while more.

Yokumaru also makes sure to visit his mom regularly at the hospital.

It takes an additional two days for all the documents to be put in order and Kotori and the Kigatsus to become official citizens of the Hidden Leaf Village. At the end of the two days, they're all prepared to depart and continue on their mission.

Tsunade hands them their papers.

"Head to the Hidden Stone next."

"Stone? But we might find something if we go to the Hidden Whirlpool first! Old Man Raikage the Hidden Mist's in charge of the land now, right?"

"That's true, but the Hidden Mist has been looking over the ruins at the request of Lord Raikage and myself and they haven't reported any findings. The Hidden Stone, however, has."

"You mean they might know something about the Uzumaki clan?"

"That's right. So head over and see what they've found. When the Hidden Mist has something, you can go there then. For now, this takes priority."

"Gotcha. Thanks, Granny. Actually, that's also a good thing. I was hoping to stop by the Hidden Rain and see Konan." It's been a while, and a part of him couldn't help but wonder why she wasn't with them when they fought Obito and Madara but she must have a lot to deal with.

"Konan, huh?" Tsunade leans on her desk. "After everything that happened, we tried to send people to speak to the Hidden Rain, but it seems to be in civil unrest. The shinobi are fighting among each other for control, and it might just be worse than before."

"What? But Konan should be there to solve that! What's she doing?" Naruto slams both hands on the desk.

Tsunade looks at him angrily and he backs off. Only she's allowed to slam this desk.

"Well, go ask her yourself. Good luck out there."

They take their leave and meet up with the kids. Before they officially leave the village to continue their mission, they make their rounds to say goodbye to the people they know and are around. Konohamaru and his team, Kurenai-sensei, Kakashi-sensei, and Shikamaru. They even check in with Iruka-sensei who has pretty much the same reaction to their current family situation asd everyone else.

Now, they stand at the main gates of the village, ready to set course for the Hidden Rain Village.