AN: Happy New Year! I figured I'd post a chapter to bring in the new year, haha. I would just like to thank everyone who has been reviewing, pming, faving, and alerting this story! It really means the world to me and really helps me get through the hard times and the dry spells. It was your lovely words that inspired me to write a story for all those who wanted a better ending. Enjoy!
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Chapter 4
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Naruto scanned through documents, exhausted from more than his mountainous stack of papers accumulating on his desk. He spent his night with Sakura, making sure she was alright and comforting her. He was not sure why, but an unhealthy amount of guilt consumed him. A part of him knew why, but he didn't want to admit it. Her head rested on his shoulder, so he was able to take in the scent of the shampoo she used. This reminded him of their genin days, when he would lean on her after training as they stumbled over to Ichiraku's. He remembered feeling her body against his own as she leaned into him, her hair getting in his face. But he didn't mind, he never minded, especially not in that moment. It felt so right, holding her and comforting her.
It had been such a long time since they were that close to each other – since he saw Sakura cry. He remembered the confident girl in the past, her monstrous strength that would leave him stumbling and sometimes in pain from her punches. However, in that moment, when she was trembling in his strong hold, he realized just how fragile she could be.
He scratched the tip of his nose, unsure of himself as he blankly looked at the stack of papers in his hands. It wasn't like anything happened between the two, but after yesterday's events, he wanted to make sure she was alright, his mind thinking of Sakura and Akane more than necessary.
He had to focus and get back to business, however. He had no time for reminiscing, especially with so much going on around the village and abroad. He read over documents, reviewing the different documents he needed to sign. Rebuilding the Konoha infrastructure, passing the budget presented, or figuring out which Konoha genin should be promoted to chuunin, were all tasks he had to accomplish as he read over papers along with the different candidates. He scratched his head, feeling like there should be a committee for certain tasks, to handle the smaller issues that need to be dealt with.
He couldn't give this to the new council of advisers yet, for they made things bigger and added more bureaucracy and red tape than he preferred.
He lost his train of thought when Shikamaru walked in. He was thankful, even though Shikamaru usually brought even more work for him to do. He was glad, because that meant his mind could focus on other tasks.
Shikamaru's expression showed indifference, but he could tell he was happy he was actually here.
"Oh, it's actually you this time. I didn't want the mishap of another clone disappearing," Shikamaru said.
"Sorry about that, I had an emergency," he apologized.
"Family?"
"Yeah, something like that." Naruto chuckled to ease the tension, or maybe his exhaustion – he was not sure. Shikamaru raised an eyebrow, however, didn't feel it would be fitting to question him further.
"Well, I'm glad it's you. You have a full schedule today. I was able to schedule that meeting with the Tsuchikage you wanted - she preferred later in the day as you suspected. But first we have another meeting with the council," Shikamaru began to explain, and Naruto nodded, his focus getting back to his previous tasks at hand.
However, in the back of his mind, he couldn't help but wonder how Akane was doing and hoping Sakura was feeling better after he dropped her off last night. He brought her home a time he knew Sasuke would be away, but he did not account for Sarada. He cringed at the memory of getting caught red handed by Sarada. His hands felt dirty just being with Sakura after realizing his longing thoughts of a different future with their interdimensional love child.
"I wanted to see if your father was home without disturbing you or your mom," he lied.
"Well, he hasn't been home for some time now. Doesn't he leave late into the night or something?" Sarada asked, annoyed at the very thought. She was annoyed at the fact that her sensei would know before Sakura or herself would. Naruto cursed in his mind, realizing that was a stupid thing to say.
"Right. It must have slipped my mind. Well, I better get going. Don't want to wake up your mom," he whispered, waving goodbye.
"Naruto-sensei, when will I be able to come in for more training?" she wondered. Naruto thought.
"I've assigned you and your team to a mission. I should be able to give your team a briefing tomorrow evening. After that," Naruto reassured. Sarada nodded, smiling and waving goodbye as he left.
Naruto sighed, realizing that was a close call.
Her letting him go now didn't mean he was completely off the hook. Sarada was calculative, and would see through his lie, he was sure. Knowing her, she must have already known that he was not there looking for Sasuke. She may have let him go because of his close bond to Sasuke, or the fact that he was her sensei now, but she must have figured seeing him in the middle of the night in their residence, was extremely off-putting and strange.
Naruto would know Sasuke's whereabouts before either of them, anyways.
However, he was thankful she didn't push him, although she might ask him more whenever she came in for more training.
Hopefully, the mission he will assign them will keep her busy enough that she will forget.
He sighed, deciding to forget about that particular problem, and focus on more dire issues concerning the village.
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Sakura jumped awake, her heart racing as she frantically looked around. She flinched when she saw Sarada right beside her, eyeing her carefully.
"Are you alright?" Sarada asked, frowning when she saw her mother so frightened. She never saw her like this. It was definitely concerning. Sakura nodded.
"Yes, I'm fine. Just… had a bad dream – a nightmare – is all…" Too bad it wasn't a dream. The results came back to her, hitting her once again. Her head hurt at the thought, and she wished she could stay in her room and sob, but Sarada was in front of her. Sarada was in front of her and she was smiling at her, and Sakura realized her daughters smile brought her strength to keep going. Sakura responded with a tired smile of her own, hoping she didn't see through it.
Sarada started, "I used to be the one who had the bad dreams." She chuckled a bit at the thought. "You would always make me tea," Sarada reminded. Sakura genuinely smiled at the memory.
"That was so long ago," Sakura realized. Sakura was more surprised by Sarada's demeanor this morning. The last few times she talked with her, Sarada was still upset with her, not saying much when she tried to engage in a conversation. Now Sarada was actively trying to talk with her and even laughing at her like how she used to. Sakura's lips curled up, hopeful.
Sarada nodded. "Here, let me bring you some tea this time," she offered, and Sakura thanked her daughter, happy that Sarada didn't seem too upset with her anymore. In fact, she looked to be back to her usual self, before the incident.
Sarada stopped at the doorway, her hand on the door knob as she looked at the floor, debating on what she should tell her mother.
"I saw him today, early morning… he came looking to train Boruto," Sarada began. Sakura looked at her curiously. She already knew who she was referring to.
"How did that go?" Sakura asked, praying for the best.
"It… I'm…" She paused, stumbling with her words in an attempt to phrase how she felt accurately. "I-I don't think I hate him," Sarada confessed. As much as she wanted to remain spiteful towards her dad, seeing him and being able to interact with him made her want to get to know him more. He is her father, after all. "It just feels so – so awkward," she finished, exasperated and embarrassed at the memory.
Sakura tilted her head before she began giggling at her daughter's expression. She could only imagine Sarada and Sasuke's interaction together, Sasuke especially.
"Mom! Not funny!" Sarada glared at her mother, embarrassed. Her fist shook as she fixed her glasses.
"Forgive me. But don't worry, Sarada-chan. You just have to give it some time. You'll get used to your father," Sakura reassured. Sarada nodded, but turned away so she wouldn't see her frown.
"I don't want to be a hypocrite. I don't want to be like Boruto…" She blushed a bit, her eyes moving to her feet as she adjusted her glasses. "Not that I don't understand why he feels the way he feels too. But, with dad… at least, he came back, right? At least I got to see him, right?" she asked, hoping her mother would give her reassurance. That she shouldn't spew all her hatred on her father, that she should give him a chance. Sakura nodded.
"But still, like I said, it's so awkward. He barely talks, and he is always so serious. It makes me feel awkward, trying to strike up a conversation," Sarada admitted. Not to mention how it was difficult enough trying to take the high road and trying to reconnect with her father, especially after such a long absence. She felt as though she knew nothing about him except the stories the Hokage would say, or the vague words her mother would spew, neither of which were as helpful as she would have hoped.
Sakura smiled at her daughter, laughing at the idea of Sarada attempting to strike up a conversation with Sasuke. "Like mother, like daughter." The bitter thought ran through her mind and she was surprised with herself. She shook her head, attempting to get that idea along with thoughts of the past, out of her mind. She gazed at her daughter, her green eyes shining.
"Sasuke-kun is definitely serious. That's just his personality, but he's trying. He really is. But don't worry about it, just be yourself." Sakura gently smiled, her hand brushing away a strand of her hair. Sarada beamed, thankful by her mother's comforting words.
"Thanks, Mom." Sakura sighed a breath of relief, realizing things weren't completely terrible and hopeless.
Sakura was happy, if anything else, that her daughter was slowly easing up on her father.
At the moment, she didn't care if her relationship with Sasuke was pretty much nonexistent, or what he may think when she has to explain all the problems faced with Naruto and Akane now. She didn't even want to think about how that conversation would go. She was not prepared for that, and she didn't know if she would ever be ready for that conversation.
No, she didn't worry about that anymore. She put all that aside.
More importantly, she decided to look at what she has now. She focused on mending the bond Sarada had with her father, if nothing else.
She would have to watch Sarada very closely now, too.
Sakura frowned, looking at the distant look in Sarada's eyes as she looked out the window. She'd seen it recently from her, but it was so nostalgic. It felt so familiar to her, because those were the distant stares Sasuke would have on his face before he left the village
Sakura bit her lip, smiling and beginning to laugh, hoping to distract Sarada enough.
That look brought too many painful memories back. Sakura shook off her fears for the time being, however.
"Hey, why don't we spend the day together, just you and me?" Sakura tried. Sarada stopped and thought for a moment. She smiled.
"Sure, but only for a little bit. You woke up so late today. I have to meet with my team again later. We're going to receive a mission briefing in the evening," Sarada explained.
"Okay. Why don't we go window shopping, like how we used to? And then we can grab some lunch?" she asked. Sarada smiled, nodding.
"Yeah, I'm fine with that."
Sakura hoped she could keep this happy facade up, having faith that she would not fail an Uchiha twice in her lifetime.
If Sarada could keep on smiling, then she can too.
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Akane was unable to sleep at all that night.
Naruto's clone didn't find her in her apartment, but at the training grounds. Her back was turned to him as she was in a meditative position.
"Akane-chan?" he wondered.
"Yes?"
"How long have you been here?" he inquired, noticing how tired she was when she turned her head to grin at him.
"Oh, not too long," she lied, her smile widening. Naruto sighed, his hands on his hips.
"Akane-chan, why were you running away from ANBU? They were supposed to escort you to the Hokage Tower," he said. Akane shook her head, and he could tell she was making an annoyed expression even when he was looking at her back.
"It was that same masked guy from before, I can tell. He was mean to me," Akane whined, pouting. Naruto sighed, shaking his head.
"Yeah, many are like that, but still… they're just too serious is all," he reassured. He wondered, why she made this such a big deal when all ANBU were like this from the first time he's seen them.
"Are you mad at me?" she asked, continuing to concentrate as she practiced her jutsu.
"No, of course not," he answered. Akane was thankful for this. When she finally turned to looked at him, he noticed she was extremely dirty, grass stains and mud over her ninja clothes and bandages. He also saw the bags under her eyes. "Did you get any sleep?" he asked. She shook her head.
"No, not yesterday. You see, I'm trying this sleep cycle type of thing. It's supposedly a change in sleep patterns that allows you to have the least sleep you can so you have more time to study jutsu and train! It's said to be the most efficient compared to the regular, more common 8 hours a day cycle," Akane explained knowingly. Naruto quirked an eyebrow, crossing his arms.
"Yeah, but it doesn't seem like it's working if you're going to be tired while you're awake," he observed, raising a questionable brow.
"That's because I'm just starting this. At first, it's said that it is very difficult to keep up and stay on schedule. However, once you get used to it, I will be wide awake and feeling better than ever!" Naruto sighed, not sure how many times he will be doing that.
"I'm going to have to look into that. I don't know, doesn't seem all that great to me. You're a growing girl, you need as much sleep as you can get. And as a ninja, that can be hard enough," Naruto began, and Akane giggled at the fact that he was lecturing her. "Just like Papa," she thought.
"I didn't know Hokage-sama had time to be an advocate for proper sleep," she giggled. "Here I thought you'd like to spar. But it looks like you're already worn out. I guess it's true, you really are an old man now," Akane observed, continuing to giggle at her teasing. She could tell he already had multiple clones out and about. She was always amazed by what her father was capable of.
"Old man?" Naruto repeated, his brows furrowing. "We'll see just how incapable this old man is." Akane smiled, excited to finally spar with her father once more.
"If it's just one clone, then I think I can manage," she said cockily, preparing a battle stance.
"Okay, but when I win, we are going straight to the Hokage Tower," he said. Akane nodded, agreeing.
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"Did… did you let me win?" Akane asked in between taking in large amounts of air. She was able to win against multiple clones, dispelling each one that appeared. However, one would always return for another round.
"Never," Naruto laughed.
"You did! You never take me seriously!" Akane fumed, crossing her arms with a big pout. "How am I supposed to become great if you don't spar like you mean it, Papa!" she yelled, but she immediately covered her mouth, hoping no one else heard her. She looked around the training grounds, scanning the area to make sure no one was around. "S-sorry!" she yelped, bowing her head. Naruto stared at her for a moment, wondering why she was apologizing.
"It's fine. You should be careful though," he grinned. "Otherwise, you'll let your guard down."
"See, told you I didn't let you win," Naruto laughed even more, and she rubbed her nose, embarrassed and a bit annoyed. He tapped her nose, not rough, but firm enough to cause her to lose her footing and fall. She pouted, crossing her arms. Naruto looked to the setting sun, wondering where the time went. He was having way too much fun sparring, even if they were just clones. He wanted to spend as much time with Akane as he could.
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When Akane and Naruto's clone arrived in his office, Naruto had just finished talking to Boruto's team. He was seated, reviewing their mission again and knowing it wouldn't be too much trouble for them.
"Hokage-sama," Akane said, bowing her head. Naruto looked to Shikamaru, who was standing beside him.
"Could you give us a moment?" he asked, and Shikamaru nodded, leaving the office. Once he did, he began laughing.
"Akane-chan, you're pretty good," he complimented. Akane nodded, knowingly.
"I learned from the best," she said confidently. "That was a dirty trick though, waiting till I was vulnerable." Akane scrunched her face and pouted. Naruto couldn't help but laugh.
"Ninja's shouldn't let their guard down. You know this. I thought I had told my clone to not make it too long," Naruto said. Still, it seemed like fun sparring with his daughter. He only wished he could have been there in person. "But it was for the best, I didn't have time at all until now. Even now, I'm supposed to be preparing for a meeting."
"Oh, well that's fine. I assumed you'd be extremely busy." Naruto nodded.
"Well, I thought I'd call you in to give you the news in person, and I didn't want anyone listening in. But it looks like the results match, Akane-chan." She nodded, already knowing this would happen. "You were right."
"Was she busy?" Akane wondered after a long pause. Naruto already knew who she was referring to. He hid his frown with big grin for her.
"She, she is just having a bit of a hard time with this. It's a lot to take in for her," Naruto commented. Akane's eyes stared at the patterns of the carpet.
"Is she sad? Is… is she mad at me?" she stammered, her voice light but scared too.
"No, of course not. She just needs to adjust is all," Naruto reassured. Akane nodded, but she was still feeling a bit dejected at the thought. She hoped she didn't cause too many problems for her parents. She had a question at the tip of her tongue, but refused to ask it. Instead, she looked at him and meekly curled her lips to form a smile.
"You don't need time to adjust?" she asked curiously. Naruto shook his head. He would have told her that her being his daughter was a dream that came true, and it was something he would never have to adjust to. He was more looking forward to it than anything else.
"I'm the Hokage, I don't need to adjust," Naruto told her coolly. Akane nodded, grateful.
"Was there anything else you needed to discuss with me?" He shook his head no, fixing some papers.
"No, you can go for now. It's getting late, and you should have an adequate amount of sleep," Naruto urged, staring at her sternly. She sheepishly laughed, scratching the back of her head. Naruto stood, walking her out the office.
"Yeah, I guess you're right. Would you be able to stay with me – watching over me? Even if it's just a clone, it might make things easier in case there is anyone trying to – to steal any information or anything," Akane asked, deciding it might be easier to sleep when he was there.
Naruto thought for a moment, his hand to his chin.
"Yeah, that's a good idea. I will order an ANBU to –"
"Even if it's just a clone, would you be able to watch over me?" she interrupted.
"Akane-chan, you're a ninja, aren't you? Don't tell me you're afraid." He said this more teasingly, but Akane didn't see it like that. Her lips pursed, her eyes down-casted for a moment before she looked back at him confidently and determined.
Akane began to make a strained chuckle.
"Of course not, haha! Don't worry about it, actually! I'm tough! I can handle anything! I shouldn't have asked such a thing. I mean, I'm going to be a chuunin now, too! Plus, I don't want you to let me win again. I'm no baby," Akane reasoned, grinning from ear to ear as she laughed at her own ridiculousness. Naruto's expression was stern, knowing what that grin reminded him of.
He frowned, his eyes showing his concern.
Akane noticed this, stopping her rambling to stare blankly at him. She couldn't control herself. A ninja must never show her tears she remembered, however, she was confused at that moment. She remembered how she would always try her best not to cry because of that rule, the only exception being with her mom and dad.
Her papa would give her that look, that same look he was boring into her, as though he knew. He knew, without even realizing it. She was never sure how either of her parents could do it, but they could always tell when something was troubling her.
Maybe that's just how a parent was, they just had those instincts.
"Papa," she whispered, before she hugged him, tears in her eyes. She bawled, feeling as though she was crying so ugly, but her Papa was so used to it. So was her Mama. As she grew older, she did not want to make a habit of ugly crying. But if there was anything seriously troubling her, to the point to burst out into tears, she could always count on them to remind her that everything would be fine.
Naruto gently ruffled her hair.
"Sorry," she said, averting her gaze. She stepped back and wiped away her tears as best she could, sniffling.
"It's okay," he said, before making the familiar hand signs. A clone popped up. He sighed, realizing he would truly need to rest tonight after so many clones he used.
"Remember, just a clone," Naruto said, scratching the back of his head. Akane whimpered, delighted that he relented to her request.
Once they left, he decided to focus on his next meeting. He had made arrangements to meet the Tsuchikage before she left to Iwagakure. They needed to discuss Akane's arrangements for her to stay. Specifically, he needed to convince her that she would be better off in Konoha. He figured Akane herself could just send files to get into the exchange program he had spent years constructing with his allies. However, it would be much faster to cut the red tape of bureaucracy and meet in person with the Tsuchikage herself. Unfortunately for his programs, it takes longer to set up than he needs. Much more time than he has.
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"Naruto-sama, let us take a moment to simply have a drink," the Tsuchikage, Kurotsuchi, suggested. Naruto laughed, nodding in agreement. He figured something like this would happen. She loved her some warm sake, after all.
"Yes, of course," he agreed, taking out the good stuff. Akatsuchi and Shikamaru waited outside the Hokage's doors in case they were needed. He had half a mind to have them come in and join them, however, this was far too important to let them listen in and put in their opinions in this, especially Akatsuchi. He didn't need anyone giving the Tsuchikage second thoughts.
"And you have my favorite, too," Kurotsuchi noted, her lips curling up at the thought. Naruto smugly smirked, knowing it was the best decision he made to have each Kage's favorite type of drink in his office at all times. Because many times, treaties and deals were not done through boring meetings with councils and advisers, but through drinks, he found. When one can share a drink, it establishes rapport quickly and helps keep one open minded to negotiation, which is what Naruto needed if he wanted to get the peace he wanted.
In the past, Naruto was naïve, believing he could accomplish peace through his fist. However, he soon came to realize, peace through a glass is far more effective.
"I even have some red wine imported, that I figured you would love to try," Naruto commented, smiling from ear to ear. The Tsuchikage smiled back, bringing her hands to her chin as she smirked at the Hokage.
"Yes, we may have to open that soon," she told him, and Naruto nodded, moving back to his seat.
"How's your Grandfather?" he asked, making small talk.
"He's fine, still complaining as always," she replied, thinking back to her grandfather, Ōnoki, who still wanted to tell her how to be the Tsuchikage from time to time, retiring but not fully retiring.
"That's good to hear."
"So what is this really about? Chuunin exams?" she questioned knowingly. Everyone knew of Naruto's signature moves. How one of her shinobi required it was on many people's mind.
"Yes, one of your shinobi, Akane Uzake."
"Ah, yes, her. She's a little unique, I'd say," she said.
"Let me start by saying, that I personally met her, and she is a very interesting person. I was thinking how she would be a perfect candidate for the exchange program," he began. The Tsuchikage smirked, now understanding his motives.
"You see her strength, I see."
"I see her potential," he urged.
"Are you sure this isn't about her using your jutsu? The fact that she was able to somehow take it means she's an important assets to our village."
"Which might be a very valid reason for her to be a part of the exchange program," Naruto reasoned, taking a sip of sake. She gave a small laugh. When the Hokage wanted something, he was relentless. "As allies, it's more than fitting. She can learn a lot about the leaf shinobi. She seems to use many of our jutsu, anyways," he laughed. "She's was an orphan in the village, wasn't she?"
"She told you that?" the Tsuchikage wondered.
"No, but it was easy to tell. As you know, I was too," he began. The Tsuchikage sighed. The Hokage was playing all his cards, she can see.
"You know, if she were to be a part of the exchange program, it wasn't necessary for us to have a meeting for this one shinobi. Makes me wonder just how important this is to you," she mentioned, smirking.
Naruto chortled. "I see you are observant as ever. I figured since she's using a few of my techniques, might as well teach her how to perfect them. I'm able to maintain my shadow clones due to my immense chakra capacity. If she continues to use it, seeing as she doesn't have my amount of chakra, she would only be able to make one or two clones at most. I know someone with top chakra control that will make her stronger and become an even better asset for Iwagakure. That is just one example. She, and in the long run, Iwagakure, will only benefit from such an exchange," Naruto tried to explain.
"Ah, yes, I see. You know, I am not one to worry about this exchange program of yours. If a shinobi of mine is interested, then I have no problem allowing them to be a part of it. The only problem I'm having trouble with now, in Akane's case, is the amount of time she would be allotted to stay here."
"Yes, we should definitely flesh out the details, Kurotsuchi-sama. Shall I open up the red wine?" he questioned, smiling from ear to ear.
Before she could respond, he was already pouring the red liquid into a glass.
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"Naruto-kun, welcome home." Hinata immediately noticed that he was tipsy and seemed extremely exhausted. She was thankful that Boruto left on a mission, and Himiwari was fast asleep.
"Sorry," he hiccupped. "I had a 'meeting' with the Tsuchikage," he explained. Hinata nodded, giggling a bit. The Tsuchikage was known for such meetings that involved drinking.
"Yes, of course. Did you win?" she wondered, already knowing the Tsuchikage's methods. He nodded, smiling proudly.
"Obviously!" he laughed before he sauntered to their bedroom. "Sorry," he repeated during a moment of silence. There was so many reasons he could think of to apologize. He realized he should have told her of this meeting beforehand, although there were many things he didn't bring up or forgot to say.
Hinata simply smiled, saying it was fine, and that she understood.
Hinata is always smiling when he is around. He wondered if this was for his sake. He frowned at the thought, wondering if she was truly happy, or if she was just pretending to be happy so he wouldn't worry or because he had enough on his plate with being Hokage. He had to take care of everyone, and so Hinata was very understanding, knowing that he would have to give less time for her and the children. He had to spread himself so thin already, Hinata tried to make it easier on him by taking care of the kids.
But he wondered if clones were enough for her. If that was enough for her to be happy in their situation now – if it was enough for her to be happy with him.
"Naruto-kun, is something wrong?" she asked. It wasn't too hard to realize something was off with him. He was lost in thought, not even realizing Hinata was staring at him for so long with concern in her eyes. He took a moment to get back to the situation at hand, grinning stupidly. He may have still been a little tipsy.
"No, everything is great," he said. He chuckled a hardy chuckle, and she gave him a tender look. She gave a small, weak smile, and he felt guilty for lying. He stopped looking at his bandaged hands in thought, wondering if he should ask her what was on his mind.
"Hinata," he began, and she looked at him, her hand on his bandaged one. He watched her carefully. "Hinata, are you happy? Are you happy with your life?" he asked. It was better to ask now. He quickly added, "Do you ever want to go back to being a ninja? Don't you miss that life?"
Hinata smiled, he looked down to her expression and he was surprised to notice relief wash over her face after he asked. She gave his question a bit of thought.
"Well, yes, a part of me misses going on missions. But, being with the children makes it worth it," she said softly, a bright smile appearing. "Where is this coming from?" she couldn't help but ask.
"I'm not asking about the kids, though, Hinata. Are you happy like this? I know I put a lot on your shoulders."
"I chose this life. I chose to be a stay at home mom. Naruto-kun, do not ever worry. I am thankful for what I have and I am thankful to be in my position," she declared. Naruto nodded, not wanting to ask anymore. He figured it would be better if he stopped. He figured that no matter what, she would say that she was happy. She was too selfless for her own good.
"You are too kind," he told her. She tilted her head, wondering what he was thinking now.
"Is all this about Boruto-kun?" she wondered. He held his breath a bit, before exhaling deeply. He didn't have the strength to tell her about Akane, or this different life she had revealed to him. A life that he so desperately wanted to go to, but now too guilty to even think about.
Instead of saying anything about it, he laughed to ease his aching and conflicted heart.
"It's just bothering me a little. Boruto seems so ungrateful. I tried talking to him, you know. We ate together at Ichiraku's with his team. I tried talking to him but he just seemed so uninterested. So I don't understand. He asks for one thing, but when I try to give it to him with the little time I have, he doesn't want me to," Naruto explained. All this was true. Hinata nodded.
"I'll talk to Boruto-kun. He will come around eventually," Hinata reassured. Naruto sighed, slouching before he laid down for what little time he had to sleep. His hands rest under his head as he stared up to the ceiling, his mind reeling with contradictory thoughts. The bed shifted, and Hinata was right by his shoulder, her head resting on his chest.
Her eyes closed before she mentioned that she can make him a lunch for tomorrow.
"Neh, you don't have to, I'll be fine. You have enough on your shoulders right now. I have to leave early tomorrow morning. You should sleep more, but thank you," he said, taking one hand away from his head to massage her shoulder. He leaned down and kissed her, truly thankful for everything she did for him.
She blushed, realizing it has been a while since he kissed her, or talked to her like this. She gazed up to him, a small smile.
"Naruto-kun," she began. "It's moments like this that make up for it all. I am more than happy to wait for you, I completely understand that your duties involve so much of your time and energy. You must not ever worry about whether I'm happy or not. It's all worth it for times like this."
Naruto looked to his chest, and noticed she was falling asleep. His smile was strained, wanting to smile by this amazing person beside him, but not being able to completely for his immense guilt and straying thoughts recently. Hinata was willing to sacrifice everything for him. He remembered, when they first started dating, he would be lonely and so went to her, and she would drop everything she was doing for him. He felt bad sometimes, but it was always nice knowing that she was always there and wanted to be with him. And now, she took care of everything. She took care of Himawari, Boruto, the house, the chores, everything. He wasn't sure how she did it, or what he'd do without her. He honestly couldn't imagine his life without her, after so much they've been through, after so much she has done for him.
He continued to be consumed by an incredible amount of guilt all through the night.
.
When Akane came to her apartment, she went straight to her instant ramen, knowing her dad would love it.
The Naruto clone stared at her curiously as she rummaged through her ramen stash.
"You really are my child." Akane nodded.
"I'll make us both some!" she told him excitedly
As they waited, Naruto jumped, looking at Akane's face closely.
"Those weren't always there, were they?" he wondered, pointing at her whisker like marks on her cheeks.
Akane blushed, embarrassed. "I figured it would be smart to hide them," she explained.
"Yeah, that was really smart. It looks like you get a lot from your dad." Akane giggled, sticking her tongue out.
"Mama always told me I not only received her gorgeous hair and complexion from her, but her high intelligence as well. But thank you, Papa," she said, hugging him. "I mean – Hokage-sama." She averted her gaze, feeling stupid for forgetting the reality of the situation. The Naruto clone simply grinned, however.
"Akane-chan, when no one is around, if it makes you feel better, you can call me Papa," he said, ruffling her hair.
"It's okay I call you that, really? But if it's too weird for you then-"
"It must be hard being away from your true parents. Of course, Akane-chan," he answered, hugging the daughter he never thought he would ever have, until now.
"Thank you, Papa," she said, beaming, this feeling so familiar.
She hoped with her father there watching over her, she would be able to sleep soundly tonight.
.
AN: I absolutely love writing Narudaddy in this, because I personally feel he would act more like this with his children than how he's been portrayed in the manga. Just my opinion.
IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ! I just realized, if this is going to be a NaruSaku fic where they actually end up together, it will take a looooooong time. Like, a really long time. As I was writing this chapter, I realized if they ever have a relationship in this reality, it will be extremely slow and take a long time to get there. So I want to leave the question for you guys to decide. Would you like me to continue this full out, from beginning to end, where they could finally have a happy ending in this? If you want this, I will warn you now, this might take a really long time to complete. I wouldn't know how many chapters it would be, which kind of scares me a little, haha. I originally planned for this to be at the most, 5 chapters. However, as I finished this chapter up, I realized that won't happen at the rate I'm going. At the same time, I don't want to rush this fic, it's very precious to me.
Tl;dr Should I stick to keeping this fic 5-8 chapters meaning it can be completed sooner, or should I expand it, however, the downside is that it will take longer to complete and may have longer time spans between updates? Any input to help me decide will be much appreciated! Till next time!