Author's Note: I apologize for the delays with all of my stories, I'm a senior in college who is about to graduate, so there's that. In the meantime, bear with me. Be sure to check out my latest story Synchronicity.

Last Time:

"It's been a while since I've been to Rustic," Hinata muttered. "Can we go next weekend?"

"Of course." Naruto headed upstairs to his bedroom. "Shouldn't you be going to bed?"

Hinata pouted, "But I wanted to talk to you."

Naruto chuckled, "We'll talk plenty tomorrow. I know you have to get up early and I don't want to be the reason you're sleepy."

"Fine," Hinata whined. "Good night."

"Good night," Naruto responded.

Opposites Attract: Chapter 53 – The Next Step

Naruto let out a heavy sigh as he climbed out of his car and buttoned the middle button on his blazer. He hopped onto the sidewalk and smiled at a few familiar faces as they passed by. As he made his way towards the entrance to the barbershop and hair salon that sat on the corner of 8th and 32nd street, he glanced down at his watch.

He walked in and made sure to give the clerk at the front desk a warm smile before heading towards the door that sat underneath the first flight of stairs. He performed the required knock, and as soon as he was done, the door opened. He was surprised at the quickness, but when he stepped through the door and heard nothing, that surprised him even more.

"It's pretty quiet today, isn't it?" Naruto mentioned as he bumped his fist against Kidoumaru's.

"That's not surprising considering that Zabuza and Haku said we weren't running the lunch service," Kidoumaru answered as he leaned against the wall at the top of the stairs.

"Really?"

Kidoumaru nodded, "Yeah, they mentioned something about how Lord Minato wanted the place to himself for lunch. Zabuza and Haku weren't exactly thrilled with the idea at first, but apparently, Lord Minato is compensating them for the time, so they're less grumpy about it."

"Is he here?" Naruto asked. "My father?"

Kidoumaru nodded, "Yeah. He got here not too long ago. Maybe fifteen or twenty minutes ago?"

"Huh, he's earlier than I expected," Naruto muttered. "I guess he wanted to get out of the office. I'll see you later, Kidoumaru."

"See you later," Kidoumaru said as he plopped down into his chair that was positioned just by the door. "Enjoy your lunch," he called as he pulled out a magazine and began to read from it.

"Thanks," Naruto called as he headed down the stairwell. It was odd not to hear a hustling and bustling Rustic. Ever since Naruto started going there, there hadn't been a day where it wasn't packed to the brim with people, but as he made his way into the dining room, it was completely empty except for Zabuza at the bar and Minato in a booth.

Naruto made his way over towards the booth where his father sat and unbuttoned his blazer before sliding into the seat across from him, "Hey."

"Hey," Minato greeted his son with a warm smile, "how are you doing?"

"I'm doing well," Naruto admitted with a genuine smile. "And you?"

Minato thought for a moment before nodding, "I'm good."

Naruto chuckled, "You had to think about?"

Minato chuckled as well, "Just a little. Things are a little hectic at work, but it's nothing out of the ordinary. I guess I should be thankful for things being busy over there. Otherwise, I'd die of boredom in my office."

"How's that new development project pitch going?" Naruto questioned.

Minato blew raspberries as he rubbed the back of his neck, "It's going. It's one of the biggest development projects we've done, and it's the first time we're partnering with the Nakamura Group at that."

"Oh, they agreed?" Naruto asked and saw Minato nod. "That's great then, isn't it? I know you've been gung-ho on this particular project for a while, but with everything that happened in the last year, you had to put a pin in it."

"Yeah," Minato smiled a bit, "I'm excited to see the finished project. I know it'll take longer than anything we've done before, but I think it'll be really good for that community."

Naruto nodded in agreement, "I agree. Ah, but speaking of the Nakamura, I met the Chairman's daughter. Her name is Nozomi."

"When did you meet Nozomi?" Minato asked.

"It turns out we're neighbors," Naruto answered. "She's attending Konoha City University, and apparently she's in the same department as Sasuke and I. I hadn't really noticed her until after we ran into her in the lobby of the apartment building we all live in."

"How often do you run into her?" Minato wondered.

"Often," Naruto said. "It's a little weird that I hadn't noticed her before. But she's a sweet girl."

Minato eyed Naruto for a moment, "Interesting."

"What?"

Minato shook his head, "Nothing."

"Here you go," Zabuza announced as he reached their table and placed a set of drinks down for each of them. "It'll be a few more minutes on your steaks."

"There's no rush," Minato assured Zabuza before picking up his glass and taking a sip. "Mm, perfect. Thank you, Zabuza."

"You're welcome, Lord Minato," Zabuza said before ruffling Naruto's hair and laughing when his hand was swatted away. "Your hair is getting lengthy, don't you think? You know, the more you grow it out, the more you look like Lord Minato."

"Everyone keeps saying that," Naruto said as he pulled on his bangs a little.

"It's only natural." Minato puffed his chest out a little, and both he and Zabuza laughed.

Naruto rolled his eyes and bumped his fist against Zabuza's before Zabuza walked away, "You know, I'm surprised that Zabuza and Haku let you have the restaurant to yourself for lunch."

"Ah, they weren't too happy about it when I requested it," Minato admitted with a nervous laugh. "But of course I offered compensation plus an extra twenty percent, and they were okay with that."

"Twenty percent? That's generous," Naruto said before taking a sip of his drink.

"I can afford it," Minato said with a shrug, and Naruto laughed. "So, how have you been holding up? I know you've been dealing with a lot with all these minor yakuzas popping up and picking fights with us all over the place."

"Ah, it hasn't been too bad, dattebayo," Naruto admitted. "They haven't been all that threatening in the first place, and seeing as I learned from the best, a few words is all I need to get them to back down."

Minato chuckled, "I see. I'm glad you're holding up."

Naruto smiled. He looked up as the kitchen doors opened, and he watched as Haku came out holding two plates that had steam rising from them. When Haku reached their table, he put down a plate for each of them.

"Long time no sees, Naruto," Haku said as he pushed his shoulder. "If I didn't know any better, it's almost like you're avoiding this place."

"I wouldn't dream of it," Naruto assured Haku. "I've just been busy with school. When I get a little more free time, I promise I'll come and visit more often, okay?"

"Good," Haku cooed as he took Naruto's face in his hands and messed with his cheeks. "Honestly, no matter how much I want to be mad at you, I can't! There's just something about those blue eyes. And it doesn't help that you're just so adorable. I can't help but envy that girlfriend of yours."

"Thank you," Naruto managed through his mushed cheeks.

"You know," Haku released Naruto, "if you were even just a little bit interested in guys, I'd leave Zabuza for you."

"I heard that," Zabuza called from the bar where he was polishing glasses.

"I'm just teasing," Haku called as he squeezed Naruto's hand. "Just call for me if you need anything, okay?"

"We will, thank you Haku," Naruto said and watched as Haku wandered off and disappeared into the kitchen.

"Speaking of Hinata," Minato began as he placed his napkin in his lap, "how are the two of you doing?"

"We're going great," Naruto answered. "I was a little worried about how Hinata was going to adjust to everything, but she's taken to it very well. It's almost a little scary at how well sometimes. Okaa-chan says that sometimes it feels like Hinata was born for this, and sometimes I agree with her."

Minato smiled, "I'm glad you two managed to work things out."

"Me too," Naruto confessed. "I have to admit that I was worried that Hinata would leave, but I'm glad she stayed. Still, though, it feels like I've asked the impossible of her and that I'm being selfish."

"Hinata made her decision all on her own," Minato reminded Naruto. "No one forced her into anything, and she knows that."

Naruto looked at Minato for a moment before letting out a heavy sigh, "Yeah, you're right."

As Naruto and Minato began to eat, they talked about each other's lives. Minato mainly sat and listened as Naruto described his school life and shared stories from events and functions at the university. As Naruto talked, Minato couldn't help but feel relieved. Naruto shone in a way that Minato hadn't seen in the last year, and he was glad that Naruto recovered in the way that he did.

"So, you like living on your own then?" Minato asked before taking a swig of his beer. He had taken off his blazer a while ago and rolled up his sleeves. He was sitting long ways in the booth with his legs crossed at his ankles.

Naruto nodded, "It's nice. I will admit though that I miss living at the house though. Sometimes it gets too quiet in my apartment, and it feels a little lonely." Naruto had drapped his blazer over the back of his seat and rolled up his sleeves as well.

"That's natural," Minato assured him. "Things were always lively in the house, so when you do get some moments of silence, it can be a bit strange. You'll get used to it though. And then eventually when you're back in a rowdy house, you're going to be longing for those moments of silence."

Naruto chuckled, "I will admit though, I am looking forward to moving back home. Don't tell Okaa-chan though. She's already in my apartment every other day. If she finds out that I miss home, she'd have my whole apartment packed up and emptied by the time I got out of class."

Minato laughed, "I'll be sure to keep it a secret. I still remember how upset she was when you were on your way out. She kept hiding your boxes."

Naruto rolled his eyes, "It was a nightmare. I still think I'm missing a box or two."

Minato shrugged, "You might be."

The two of them laughed.

"So," Naruto leaned against the table and looked at his father, "what did you call me to lunch for?"

Minato eyed Naruto for a moment before finishing his beer, "I guess I can't lie and tell you that I just wanted to have a father and son lunch?"

"I mean, you can," Naruto said and smiled when Minato chuckled, "but I can't ignore the fact that you asked to have the whole restaurant to yourself. And I also noticed that Zabuza and Haku disappeared into the back about fifteen minutes ago, after you 'mistakenly' tapped your glass twice."

Minato chuckled again, "I guess I shouldn't be surprised."

"Like I said, I learned from the best."

"Well," Minato ran his fingers through his hair before looking at Naruto, "I guess I should get straight to the point then."

Naruto nodded.

Minato sat upright and moved so he as sitting directly across from Naruto, "I think it's time that you take over as Head of Whirlwind."

Naruto blinked a few times as he processed his father's words.

"I know it may seem a bit early, but I truly believe you're ready for it," Minato confessed. "In the last year, I've watched you grow in ways I could've only hoped you would. From dealing with Baji to this most recent mess with these smalltime yakuzas, and even to Orochimaru popping up, you've handled everything so perfectly."

"What about you? What're you going to do?" Naruto asked.

"Well, Jiraiya is retiring from The Sannin Group at the end of the year, so I'll be promoted to Chairman at the start of the new year," Minato informed Naruto and saw the way his eyes widen. "Jiraiya just recently decided to finally retire, and he was planning on making the announcement at this year's Annual Konoha Business Alliance Charitarian Banquet."

"I still think that title is a mouthful," Naruto joked, and Minato chuckled.

"Plus, it's not like I'm not going to be around to still do my part," Minato admitted. "Jiraiya is still very much involved in Whirlwind, and he's always served as an advisor to me when I've been uncertain about something. So, just like Jiraiya was there for me, I will be there for you."

"Are you sure this is okay?" Naruto asked.

Minato nodded, "Trust me, I've been thinking about this for a while now. I've talked your mother's ear off about this, and Jiraiya and Tsunade have asked me not to call if I was calling to talk about you taking over Whirlwind."

Naruto chuckled, "It sounds like you've really thought about this."

"I have," Minato said. "I just want you to know that I wouldn't be asking you to do this unless I knew you were ready for the responsibility that comes with it. Obviously, I don't expect an answer from you right away so you can sit and think about this for as long as you need."

"What happens if I say no?" Naruto asked.

"Then things continue as they are now," Minato answered. "Look, if you want to say no to right now, then I understand. You're still in school, and you're in the middle of pursuing a degree. You have your girlfriend, and you have your life. I understand if those are the things you want to focus on right now."

"So, if I say no now, when would you hand over the title?" Naruto asked.

"I'll hand it over when you tell me too," Minato said. "If you feel you aren't ready now, then I can handle things until you feel you are ready."

Naruto shook his head, "No. I'm ready."

"Are you sure?" Minato asked.

Naruto nodded, "I'm sure."

Minato eyed Naruto for a moment before smiling, "Then we'll make the announcement at your party in two weeks."

Naruto smiled in return, "Sounds good."

Minato let out a sigh of relief, "This went better than I had hoped."

Naruto chuckled, "Is that right? Say, now that I'm the Head of Whirlwind, does this mean you call me 'Lord Naruto' now?"

"It means I call you 'son' or 'Naruto' just as I always have, Naruto," Minato said with an antagonizing smile, and Naruto laughed. Minato looked down at his watch and sucked his teeth, "I guess I should head back into the office and pull some overtime. If you see Sasuke or Hinata, tell them I said hello."

"I will," Naruto said as he stood up and grabbed his jacket. "Kiss mom for me?"

"I will," Minato climbed out of the booth. "Come here." Minato pulled Naruto into a strong embrace, "I'm proud of you. You know that, right?"

"Yeah, I know," Naruto said. He and his father separated from one another. He chuckled as Minato patted his cheek before he reached down and picked up his own jacket. "I won't disappoint you, Otou-san."

"You never have," Minato said as he smiled at Naruto.

To Be Continued…