A/N:
Alright, this is it. This is the end of Shinobi:The Road Not Taken. I must say initially when I thought of this story there were many things I wanted to change that are in canon, but in the end I opted to stay true to the original story as much as I could. It was fun exploring the world of shinobi on my terms and I am happy so many of you enjoyed this story. I wanted to write a story where Naruto WAS loved from a young age - that the trauma that he endured, did not have to come at the cost of growing up without love. Also, I wanted to explore the theme of family bonds and I think I did it right. I am definitely happy with the result. So, without further ranting...
Chapter 25. A New Clan
Some time later.
"Ready?" Nami asked.
"Ah."
She stood in front of Sasuke, adjusting his formal kimono. She herself was dressed in a rosy kimono adorned with spring flowers — her flaxen hair pinned to the side. Her hand moved to his hair, gently finger coming through the wild raven hair, even though they both knew that his hair would do whatever it wanted anyway.
"Be happy Sasuke, alright?" Nami said with love.
Then, she gently reached and tapped his forehead with the loving gesture started by Itachi. Sasuke blinked wildly for a moment, as if he was attempting to compose himself. Then, he exhaled and looked at the older woman before him.
"Thank you, for everything… sister," Sasuke said warmly.
"Let's get you married huh?" Nami suggested playfully.
"You're standing in with Sachi for my family, right?" Sasuke asked.
"Of course. Always," Nami nodded.
Then, a door slid open, revealing a tall blond man dressed in an orange kimono and a little five-year-old girl dressed in a navy-blue kimono. Sasuke smiled at the sight of his young niece and his best friend.
"Hey you guys ready? We're gonna miss the ceremony at this rate," Naruto said.
"We didn't miss yours with Hinata, why would we miss this one?" Nami commented.
The three of them made their way out of the house, as Sasuke was ready to begin a new chapter of his life.
"Uncle Sasuke!" Sachi greeted happily.
"Yeah peanut?" Sasuke teased.
"Auntie Sakura looks really pretty," Sachi answered with a giggle.
"I'm sure she does. Well, best not keep her waiting. Let's go," Sasuke said and along with Naruto, Nami and Sachiko they made their way towards the ceremony grounds.
Later.
They were sitting on their engawa, watching their children play in the garden. Five-year-old Sachi was chasing fireflies in the garden, while their two-year-old son Kosuke played in the makeshift sandbox, busy creating mounds of sands that sort of resembled a castle. In her arms was their one-year-old daughter Amaya, already slowly drifting off to sleep.
"A little bit of fun will tire them out. Give it another five minutes and they'll be ready for bed," Kakashi suggested.
Nami simply nodded, enjoying watching their children play with a smile on their face. For Nami, this was perfect — there was no fear of an enemy presence, no need to fight anyone. It was simply a time to enjoy living to the fullest.
"Life is good Hokage-sama, isn't it?" Nami asked as she glanced at her husband.
"Yeah, it is," Kakashi agreed, and he leaned over just to place a tender kiss to her lips.
Nami smiled into the kiss and she glanced back to Sachi who squealed with excitement as she managed to capture a firefly in her hands. The little girl rushed towards her parents, excited to show them the tiny glowing insect that buzzed inside the cocoon of her hands. Yes, life was good.
A/n: Thank you for reading my story.