ACADEMY DAYS XIII - FAMILY

Yakiniku-Q

It's been some two years by this point. Two years ago in this very restaurant, eleven classmates and friends held a dinner together to celebrate their future and to send off two of their friends who would set off on an over-year-long journey.

Today, they're back here once more to celebrate the future. Their lives had gotten busier since then, with everyone becoming more and more respected and more well known in their respective fields. It was difficult to get everyone together in one place but they finally managed, thanks largely to Ino getting in everyone's business about it.

Ino stands up proud and looks over the table with all her friends gathered in one place and declares. "We need to get gifts to Azuki and Shohei!"

"Do we really need to be in the same place for that?" Shikamaru asks.

"Probably not." Ino shrugs. "But! We also have another special occasion to celebrate!" She motions to Naruto and Hinata who look around, cheeks red with embarrassment. "Our newly engaged sweethearts!" She gives a round of applause that everyone joins in on.

Sakura playfully punches Naruto on the shoulder. "Congratulations, you two."

Sai smiles. "I hope you produce healthy offspring." He takes pause when he gets a room's worth of weirded out looks. "Is that… not the proper thing to say?"

Sakura sighs. "We'll… work on that." She pats him on the shoulder.

"First thing's first, though. What do we do for Azuki and Shohei? Iruka-sensei taught us for as long as we've been shinobi; we owe him a lot, and Kakashi-sensei's been there for us in more ways than one."

"I'm not sure why I'm here, though." Temari speaks. "I'm sure they're good people but I barely even know them. I respect Kakashi as much as any shinobi does, but that's about it."

Karin raises a hand. "I'm having the same doubts, honestly. Not sure I even belong here..."

Jugo calmly drinks his water. "I think a gesture of goodwill wouldn't hurt."

"You don't have to if you're not really feeling." Ino explains. "Not forcing anyone into anything, just… throwing out some thoughts. And besides, you two," She points to Karin and Jug, "are part of our little family now thanks to Naruto, whether you like it or not. And you," She points to Temari, "Are a part of it since you're dating Shikamaru."

Temari freezes in place.

Shikamaru spits out his drink and pounds his chest, trying to get his breathing back in order after the drink went down the wrong throat.

"How.. How do you know?!" Temari slams the table, demanding an answer.

Ino smirks. "I know everything."

"Wait, really?" Choji smacks Shikamaru on the back. "Who woulda thunk?"

Kiba laughs. "You two? But you two're like oil and water." He's quickly silenced by Temari's deathglare.

"Come on, they're absolutely adorable together!" Ino giggles.

"Ino…" Temari growls.

"Our next step will be to invite Yakumo." She sends a cheeky grin Sai's way.

"Yakumo Kurama?" Sai cocks his head in confusion. "We could if you wish."

"Oh, don't play coy with us, Sai, I know you two are a thing."

Kiba joins in on the teasing. "We saw you two together out and about, buddy, you don't have to hide it."

"It's entirely possible you've seen us. We share the same hobby, so we've gotten to painting together." Sai explains.

"I'm sure you have."

"You sure do love gossiping left and right, huh?" Temari stands up to look Ino face-to-face, which means that Shikamaru right now is stuck between two very explosive personalities. "And yet you somehow kept your mouth shut about Naruto proposing even though you were the first to know."

"Well, yeah, that's because Hinata's too nice; I can't gossip about her." Ino gestures to the demure kunoichi who tries her best to shrink in her seat. "But enough about that! Let's get to-"

"I wonder why," Shino interrupts, "You make it a point to reveal the relationships of people who don't want them revealed, yet you make no mention of my girlfriend or inviting her to our gathering."

Everyone directs stunned expressions at him. 'He has a girlfriend?!'

Ino glares down at Kiba. 'Why didn't you tell me he has a girlfriend?' Even with just her eyes, she conveys her thoughts clear as day.

'I didn't know!' Kiba answers with a violent shaking of his head.

"Surely you've told Ino, Kiba. After all, you did meet her." Shino adds.

'WHEEEEEN?!' Kiba screams internally. "Ah, well… You know, I thought you'd… wanna tell us yourself. So.. I… didn't tell Ino; you know what a chatterbox she is." He laughs, trying to play it off.

Shino turns his toward Kiba, growing more and more unconvinced.

'I'll get you for this.' Ino discreetly kick his leg.

'Look, I'm trying to cover my ass, okay?'

Shikamaru jumps in to get the situation under control. "Now, now. Since we all now are on the same page and you told us, we'd love to meet her, Shino."

"You already have." Shino turns to Shikamaru. "Why you ask? That's because you two have worked closely with each other."

'Shit.' Shikamaru curses while trying to keep his outwardly calm. 'Someone I work with? Someone I know? Has anyone mentioned Shino at work?'

'Shikamaru, you better turn that dumb brain of yours into overdrive.' Ino converys through eye contact.

'Think. Think.' Shikamaru's mind goes through every single social interaction he's had, every conversation he's had, every photo he's been shown, every person he's passed. 'Think faster.' In a matter of seconds, he goes through days' worth of information, putting together places to people and people to words.

Shino grows frustrated, visible even under his sunglasses.

At the peak of mental exhaustion, an image flashes before his eyes. A woman. Her hair turns sandy blonde. A white coat appears on her. Her face… isn't clear. Why? Oh, because it's hidden! Behind large glasses.

There she is! In the Cryptanalysis lab!

"Right, yes!" Shikamaru laughs. "Shiho's always mentioning you. She seems… really happy."

Everyone shares a puzzled look. 'Who's Shiho?'

Shino nods. "I like to think so, too. You've probably noticed me smiling more. After all… we are friends, right?"

Kiba pats Shino on the back. "Yeah, of course, man. I could tell right away when we met each other before." He laughs, trying to distract from his forgetfulness. "Man, we… we really should get Shiho in our gathering."

"That'd be nice." Shino returns to his drink, satisfied that his friends are aware.

"Would, uh, Shiho want to join in getting a gift for the babies?" Ino asks.

Shino thinks for a moment. "I'll ask her."

"Okay, good. Well, then…" This conversation took a very surprising detour. "Do we have any ideas?"

Karin raises a brow. "Did you drag everyone here without anything prepared?"

"Well… I mean, I figured we could just throw around ideas. Maybe we can all pitch in for something together or we all buy separate things. But I figured it'd be nice to present it all together, you know?"

Naruto scratches his chin. "I think I might have a gift for Azuki but I'm kinda blanking on something for Shohei."

Lee pumps his fist. "How about weights to train with?"

"It's gonna take a while before they can even use them." Tenten reminds him. "It should be something more useful for the babies."

"Anko and Shizune could use them, too!" Lee adds. "So they can stay in shape while not on active duty!"

Ino winces. "Yeah, that's gonna be a 'no' on the weights. Last thing you want to reminds new moms is they're out of shape."

Tenten facepalms. "Honestly, this is why men are so…"

"How about clothes and toys?" Hinata chimes in. "We can buy them lots of cute outfits."

Sakura nudges her with an elbow. "Sure sound eager to buy baby clothes. At least wait for the wedding first." She can't help but laugh at Hinata's face immediately reddening even if it made her feel bad for teasing. "Sorry."

Shino adjusts his glasses. "Surely they've taken into consideration the need for clothing."

"Yeah, but babies grow up real fast, yeah?" A lightbulb switches in Kiba's head. "So we can buy them stuff for when they get older."

"Hey, that's actually a good idea!" Ino chirps. "I'm proud of you." She ruffles his hair.

Kiba's grin wide enough to show off his pointed teeth. "Thanks, I'm pretty- Hey, stop that!" He swats her hand away.

Choji rubs his goatee. "I could get them a supply of Akimichi baby formula. It's way better than the stuff you'd buy at the market."

Karin snorts. "Is it gonna make them fa-"

Choji prepares to go into attack mode, but Sakura manages to interrupt Karin before any real damage could be done.

"Alright!" She calls out loudly enough to deafen her friend. "We're getting some awesome ideas, right, guys?"

Everyone audibly agrees, using the noise as a distraction.

Sakura leans over behind Sai and whispers to Karin. "Don't… say that word in front of him."

Karin raises a brow. "Okay? Is it that big of a deal?"

"Oh yeah. Like you wouldn't believe."

The rest of the afternoon is spent in discussions on gifts for the newborns with everyone getting a better idea what to get. They have idle chit chat about their latest responsibilities, any missions they might've been on, dating life.

Naturally, the most questions and talks are directed at the newly engaged couple; the first of their peers to take things to the next step.

They don't necessarily drink alcohol, or if they do it's not much, since it's still midday and some still have responsibilities to tend to. There's also shopping to do.

When enough drinks and chats have been had, they leave to get to work.

-x-

On their way homes Choji and Shikamaru take the time to walk home, since their homes are right next to each other.

"It's been a while since we had time to hang out, huh?" Choji reminisces.

"Yeah." Shikamaru groans. "I never would've thought we'd live this kind of life."

"You are, at least. Personal advisor to the Hokage and now even dating an ambassador? Meanwhile I'm doing the same old missions as always, and am alone as always." Choji sighs.

"Hey, that's not true." Shikamaru pats his friend on the back. "You're doing an amazing job as a Jonin leader, you've earned a lot of people's respect. Kakashi's had a lot of people specifically ask for you to join them on missions."

"Really?" Choji perks up. "You're not just saying that to cheer me up?"

"You know I'm not that shallow. You're not going unrecognized, Choji, and soon enough someone's going to have their eyes open to what a great guy you are."

Choji looks away in embarrassment, unable to hide his wide smile. "Thanks, man."

When they reach the Akimichi compound, the first stop on their way, they run into Karui just returning home. A weird notion, that. To call a different village's clan's compound 'home', but it is what it is. This is the life she signed up for when she agreed to represent the Union in the Hidden Leaf.

Still unfamiliar sights and surrounding, unfamiliar people, an unfamiliar house. Gone is her usual routines, her friends and colleagues… Part of her wonders if this was the right decision, if maybe she should request someone replace her.

"Hey, Karui!" Choji waves to her as they approach. "Coming home?"

She turns around to see them coming from down the street. "Yeah, went out for a walk. You two out on a mission or something?"

"Oh, no, we had barbeque with the rest." Choji pats his belly. "Bit of a get together."

"I see." Karui gives a light smile. "Hope it was fun." She turns to open the gates to the compound. Going out with friends; must be nice to be able to do that.

"Yeah, it sure was!" Choji breaks off from Shikamaru and goes toward the gate himself. "See you around, Shikamaru."

Karui's behaviour doesn't escape Shikamaru's observant eye. He noticed similar behaviour in Temari at first but thinking back on it, that steadily disappeared as the two of them got closer, culminating in Temari's attempt of setting up a date via threat. Karui's definitely feeling homesick.

"Karui," Shikamaru grabs their attention before they can enter the Akimichi compound, "Why don't you join us next time we're out? Imagine it Has to be better than staying cooped up when you don't have Union business, right?"

Karui raises a brow, not certain where the sudden offer is coming from. "I mean, sure? If that's fine with you guys?"

"Yeah, of course!" Choji says. "Honestly, I didn't think you'd be interested." He rubs the back of his head. "You kinda give off this cool aura."

"A… what?" Karui can't help but laugh at the thought. "I can promise you I have nothing of the sort."

"So it's decided, then." Shikamaru smiles. "We'll see you then." He waves as he walks away to head home.

-x-

Kakashi has been hanging on the baby cot for what feels like hours. He's watching his daughter sleep more closely than he's ever paid attention to anything in his life.

"You know she's not going anywhere, right?" Anko laughs.

"I know." Kakashi says quietly to not wake up Azuki. "Just making sure."

Anko wraps her arms around his waist and nestles her chin on his shoulder, looking over the cot. "You know, I had so many worries about this, but seeing her… made everything click into place."

Kakashi places a hand over hers, running his thumb over the back of her palm. "Honestly, I was worried, too. I knew I wanted to change who I was but I wondered if this change was too fast. I didn't even know what I wanted to change to."

Anko grows quiet for a moment. "And? Did you figure it out?"

"Yeah." He turns his head to the side to kiss her on the nose. "This is better than anything I could've hoped."

Anko returns the gesture with a kiss on the cheek. "It'd be even better if we didn't have a guest."

"I know." Kakashi sighs. "Give me a second." Kakashi reluctantly breaks away from Anko and Azuki to go on the balcony. He leans on the railing to feel the refreshing wind on his face. "It's such a nice day out. Clear skies, nice weather. Should you be wasting it here, Sasuke?" He looks up to the roof where his former student is perched.

"Sorry." Sasuke leans forward to look him in the eyes. "I didn't want to interrupt."

"There something I can help you with?"

Sasuke hops down on the balcony next to Kakashi and holds out a small wrapped present. "I… just wanted to give you this. As congratulations for, you know, becoming a father."

Kakashi raises a brow in surprise. "I… don't know what to say. Thank you."

"I figure it's the least I could do to make up… well, everything."

Kakashi shakes his head. "You know you don't have to spend your whole life making up for a mistake. Trust me, I know."

"Yeah. Maybe one day I'll find the need to stop." Sasuke turns around, preparing to leave.

"I hope you do. Even if you don't, Naruto and Sakura will find it for you." Kakashi smiles under his mask.

"I know they'll try."

"Would you like to come in?" Kakashi offers. "Doesn't feel right to just have someone stop by the window. You can meet Azuki."

"I... " Sasuke struggles to find the right words. "Maybe later. I still have to stop by Iruka's." He pulls out a similarly wrapped second package from under his cloak.

"The offer will always be open." Kakashi restates.

Anko walks up to Kakashi and leans on the balcony door frame. "And hey, if you need someone to shittalk Orochimaru with, I'm your gal."

Sasuke lets out a light laugh at the notion. "You know, I just might take you up on that."

With that he Flickers away, leaving Kakashi and Anko to return to their baby girl.

Uzumaki compound

Konohamaru crosses his arms. "So."

"So." Hanabi crosses hers, as well.

"I guess we're gonna be family, huh?"

"Family? Us?" Hanabi furrows her brow in disgust. "What gave you that silly notion?"

"Whatcha mean, my bro and your sister are gonna get married, right? So my extension…"

Hanabi sighs. "This union is between the Uzumaki and the Hyuga. You, Sarutobi, don't factor into it so feel free to take your leave."

Konohamaru clenches his teeth. "Our bond goes beyond simple family ties. We're brothers by destiny and choice! Not like I'd expect you to understand when no one wants to be around you." He sneers.

"Why, you…" She takes a heavy step toward him. "Always butting in…"

An elderly voice snaps them from their argument. "What's all this, then?" They both turn to see Awaji approaching them, slightly hunched over with his hands behind his back. "Is it not too early to argue with one another?"

"Elder Awaji!" Hanabi bows deeply. "I apologize for causing a scene."

"Sorry, gramps." Konohamaru lowers his head.

Awaji sighs. "I understand you're at such an age where you're want to butt heads, but in your bickering are you perhaps not forgetting the most important thing?"

They both look up. "Forgetting what?"

"Naruto and Hinata." Awaji states. "They're entering a very important stage in their lives and they will need you, both of you, to aid them. Whatever you feel towards each other, they love you both dearly and that's the choice they've made. Do you not think it'd be prudent to add a sense of security to their lives, that their current family will not fall?"

Konohamaru and Hanabi quickly glance at each other, embarrassed that they've allowed their arguing to get to this point. The elder has a point, as he usually does. Those two deserve to be happy and they're not exactly helping with that with their actions. If anything, they're making it worse.

"You're… entirely correct, Elder."

"Guess we kinda went overboard."

Hanabi straightens her back and turns her full body to Konohamaru. She takes a deep breath and extends a hand. "Truce? For them."

Konoahamru looks at the offered hand then up to Hanabi. "A test run, if nothing else." He gives a firm handshake.

"Fine by me."

Awaji smiles. "Excellent."

"Hey, guys!" Naruto calls out to them.

He and Hinata are just returning from Yakiniku-Q, hand in hand and in an overly cheerful mood when they see the three of them standing in the middle of the street.

"Good day, Elder." Hinata bows to Awaji.

"To you, as well." Awaji bows back.

"What're you two doing here?" Naruto asks the younger shinobi.

"We, uh, came to hang out!" Konohamaru plays it off like everything from five minutes prior never happened.

"That's… right." Hanabi reluctantly agrees with him. "We thought we could spend some time together before the official dinner. As family."

Hinata smiles warmly. "That's really kind of you, but I don't know if now's a good time."

"We're just stopping by for a bit. Heading back out to get gifts for Kakashi-sensei and Iruka-sensei, if you two wanna join." Naruto offers.

"Sure!" They both agree in unison.

They head back home to get a quick change of clothes and actually get money for the shopping as they spent what was in their purses on the meal. They take a quick shower, while Konohamaru and Hanabi wait in the living room, trying their best not to argue over what to watch on TV while they do. This particular argument was at least settled by Kotori who they let pick what to watch, so that's a crisis averted and a truce not broken shortly after being established.

Kotori is very visibly in a good mood, a wide smile on her face.

"You seem happy, Kotori." Hanabi notes.

"Of course!" Kotori chirps. "Mom and dad are getting married so we'll be even more of a family now! All of us." She grins.

Konohamaru leans forward and grins back. "Yeah, but we're gonna be more family, right?" He points between the two of them.

Hanabi elbows him. "Oi… Don't forget the truce."

Kotori looks confused. "But we're all gonna be the same family, right?"

"We sure are!" Naruto chimes in.

He and Hinata return with a fresh change of clothes, ready to set off for shopping. Kotori hops to her feet and gives them both a big hug.

As they all get ready to leave, Narutostops in his tracks, glancing over at a particular shelf. The gears turn.

"Naruto?" Hinata gently places a hand on his shoulder.

"I dunno, it just didn't sit right to get Iruka-sensei from the store. He's… done a whole lot for me and I wanted to give him something from me, you know? Not from a store."

"I think I understand how you feel, but do you have an idea?"

"Maybe." He walks over to the singular shelf that has only one book placed on it. He takes the book and traces a finger over the titles. The book that gave him his name, one of the few things he has from his late teacher, and an item of immeasurable wealth to him. "It's gotta be something from the heart, you know? I know it's not something useful or practical, but…"

Hinata walks over behind him and lays her hand on top of his. "I think it's perfect."

Kakashi and Anko weren't expecting much of a day. The baby has practically taken over every second of their lives; either in taking care of her or learning how to take care of her. Every room has a book about child-raising, open on various pages where they were needed. They'd read up before, of course, but somehow the knowledge was scared away when it had to actually be applied.

With Azuki sound asleep, they'd decided to take a moment to themselves and enjoy their time at home, seeing as both are now taking parental leave from work. Lying comfortably on the couch, Anko rests her head on his chest as he has his arms tightly wrapped around her.

That moment is interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Expecting someone?" She groans at the disturbance, looking up to him.

Kakashi looks at the door and sighs. "Not this many people." He begrudgingly gets up, puts on his mask, and walks over to the door.

He sensed the many presences but even though he knew what to expect, it somehow still comes as a surprise seeing everyone gathered here. The eleven who're taking the world by storm, plus an additional four in Temari, Karui, Karin, and Jugo. Certainly an odd mixture of people.

"Hello, sensei!" They say in unison, or at least the eleven who have a reason to call him that.

"Well, this is quite the surprise." Kakashi looks over the fifteen of them. The group gathered here might just be powerful enough to take over a small nation. "I'd invite you in but I'm afraid I can't really host this many people. And Azuki is sleeping."

"That's fine. We have to visit Iruka-sensei, too, anyway." Ino assures him. "We just wanted to drop these off and give our heartfelt congratulations."

They all hold up wrapped packages of different sizes.

"They're for Azuki." Naruto grins. "Clothes, food, that kinda thing."

"You guys... " Kakashi smiles under his mask. "You shouldn't have."

"Ooh, what's this?" Anko walks over and leans on the doorframe. "Presents? I do love presents."

The new parents accept the gifts with a lot of gratitude as each person goes through to hand over what they'd bought, some of them being from more than one person.

When it comes to Ino's turn, she looks at Anko with slight concern. "How are you feeling? Premature births tend to be painful."

"Oh, it was." Anko answers. "It felt like I was gonna be ripped apart, it was so excruciating. I've never been in so much agony." She leans down with a sneer and licks her lips with an overly long tongue. "It was the best I've ever felt."

Ino steps back. "Uhh…"

Kakashi shakes his head. "Don't tease them, Anko."

She cackles in response. "But they're so fun."

Naruto steps up to his sensei, holding an item that's not wrapped up. An object recognizable to anyone but one that Kakashi knows exactly what it is. The White Light Chakra Blade.

"You told me to give this to the next generation that can make use of it." Naruto unsheathes the blade, revealing the glistening white metal. "So that's exactly what I'm doing." She resheathes the blade and hands it back to Kakashi. "I look forward to what Azuki'll do with it."

Kakashi receives the gift. "Thank you, Naruto. I'll keep it safe for her."

-x-

Iruka's residence

Practically the same scene transpires with Iruka and Shizune, except that Iruka is a touch more emotional so seeing his students and their peers gathered in front of his home drove him to tears right away.

They all go through to give their gifts and give their best wishes, which doesn't help Iruka with his attempts to stop crying. As a teacher, he should be putting a more dignified front for his students but as a new father, this is too much for him to handle.

His tears drive his students to tears, as well, some showing less restraint than others. Surprisingly, Kiba is the one getting most emotional, maybe after Lee but… well, Lee is Lee.

"Thank you. Truly." Iruka sniffs and wipes away his tears.

"Thank you, sensei." Sakura hugs him as she gives them her gift. "For everything."

"First Sasuke, now you all… So many surprises lately." Iruka smiles.

Everyone raises a brow at the revelation, sharing confused looks.

"Sasuke?" Sakura asks for elaboration. "He was here, too?"

Shizune nods. "Yesterday, actually. Left a gift of his own; apparently to Kakashi and Anko, too."

"Huh… I see…" Sakura stares blankly. She invited him to join in their planning yet it sounds like he preferred to do it himself. Was he avoiding everyone?

"Leave it to Sasuke to be a lone wolf." Naruto chuckles as he approaches Iruka, the last to give his gift. It's not neatly wrapped up like the rest since it's not from a store so he removes the loose packaging to reveal the book. 'The Tale of the Utterly Gutsy Ninja'.

Iruka furrows a brow. "Naruto, this is… Master Jiraiya's book."

"Yeah." Naruto nods. "I know it's not much, but…"

Iruka gently takes the book. "No, it's more than enough. Thank you."

Shizune smiles. "We'll read it to her every night. About the brave hero Naruto who saved the world."

Naruto smiles widely and begins to step back, to give them room. As he does, Hinata prods his back and motions him to go back to them. He hesitates for a moment, but Hinata doesn't relent.

Naruto grumbles and speaks up. "There's actually something else I wanted to talk to you about, in private."

"Yes, of course. Come on in." Iruka welcomes them inside.

"Then we'll leave you to it." Ino says, ushering the large group away.

Naruto and Hinata enter, keeping quiet as can be, as to not disturb little Shohei. They get seated on the sofa as Shizune prepares tea for their guests. They idly chat for a brief few minutes, asking about how the baby is doing, how they're managing their new lives as parents.

It's definitely not easy but even as they describe the hardships, the smiles on their faces and the shine in their eyes tells Naruto all he needs to know. Two of his dearest people really have found everything they need in life.

"So, you said you wanted to talk about something specific?" Iruka brings up the initial reason for the visit, now that Shizune is sat with them.

"Ah, about that…" Naruto lets out a nervous laugh. "Y'know, in all this excitement I forgot what I was even gonna ask ya."

Hinata sighs and pinches his arm. "Naruto…"

"Ow, okay, fine! Geez…" Naruto grumbles.

Iruka and Shizune look on with great confusion.

"So…" Naruto looks down at his knees, trying to muster the energy. "You know how like for engagement dinners it's about the two families meeting and all that stuff, right?"

"Yes, I know the gist of it. Mostly old tradition, why?" Iruka furrows an inquisitive brow.

"Well… the thing is…" Naruto takes a moment to swallow his heart back into its place, feeling like it'l jump out any moment. Hinata's presence next to him helps but what he's about to ask isn't something to be asked lightly. "I wanted to ask, and it's fine if you say no, y'know? I know it's, like, super busy right now and there's Shohei… But…" He inhales deeply. "Would... you come to the engagement party? As... my father?"

When Naruto's request is met by silence, his mind goes through regret in asking, remembering the fear he had of what he'd do if Iruka responded negatively. It's such a dumb thing to ask. Of course he'd say no. He's an actual father now, he has his own son. He doesn't have much of a reason to agree to play pretend like this.

"Sorry." He whispers, the only volume he can muster right now. "Just… forget about it, okay?"

When he looks up, mentally preparing himself to leave, he sees that Iruka's silence wasn't a sign of rejection. The man just couldn't form words right now. Tears freely flow down his cheeks, showing no signs of stopping. Whenever he opens his mouth to try and say something, his throat gets stuck.

Unable to get the words out, Iruka stands up and pulls Naruto into a tight hug. "Yes." He finally manages to wheeze out a single-word response.

Emotions overwhelm Naruto. He returns the hug, his own face also now an undignified mess of tears and snot.

The feelings of loneliness and sadness that once had taken over his life are long gone. He has so many friends, a girlfriend, even a daughter. And now, the person dearest of his heart has agreed to his request. Rather, it's not just a simple request. It's a vow, an oath. Choosing your own family is not something done lightly. To ask that of someone and to accept that requires an unshakable bond.

Both Hinata and Shizune join the men in their crying, happy for them both. It's no secret to anyone how close these two are, and for them to be able to share this moment means everything to them.

It takes a good few minutes before they can calm down. There were a few times when they did, but their emotions got the better of them. Now, they all sit, feeling oddly exhausted from just crying, even if it was a long time of it.

"I don't know what to say, honestly." Iruka tries to calm himself. "I never would've expected any of this."

"You were one of the first people to believe in me, sensei. If it wasn't for you, I dunno how I would've ended up. Everything I have right now, I owe to you." He then turns to Shizune. "And I know this is all sudden but… it'd be an honour if you come, too, Shizune."

"That's…" She blinks in visible surprise. "Naruto, I'd love to. I know I can't fill the same role as Iruka, but if you'd have us both…"

"Of course." Naruto grins back. "Since you're with Iruka-sensei, that means you're stuck with me."

The group shares a merry laugh, feeling much more at ease.

Hinata hooks Naruto's arm and smiles. "See? Nothing to worry about."

"I think I'll have to brush up on my etiquette." Iruka laughs. "If Lord Hiashi is going to sit opposite, I can't be lax about this."

"You don't have to worry, Iruka-sensei." Hinata assures him. "Father's not as scary as he lets on."

"Could've fooled me." Iruka chuckles.

With that rollercoaster of emotions settled, Naruto and Hinata stay long enough to chat, with some of it consisting of Hinata telling them what's expected in a typical engagement dinner. It's not long after that Shohei wakes up. They say hello and play with him for a bit but with it being feeding time for the newborn, they take their leave for the day, promising to keep in touch more until the day comes to make everything official.

One week later

'Saiseiki' restaurant

'Saiseiki' is an upperclass establishment within the Hidden Leaf that prides itself on top quality service. The interior is a traditional layout consisting of dark wooden walls, lanterns giving off a golden light hanging from the wooden beams that give the room a dull glow, creating a more serene atmosphere. Each room has its own table, behind the end of which are displayed beautiful kimonos behind glass cases.

This place operates only with reservations. It would usually be a difficult task to get a private room on short notice but when someone with enough influence calls, they have no choice but to move things around.

And who is more influential than the Hokage herself?

Right outside the room, Tsunade, dressed in much more official white kimono decorated with forest motifs of budding flowers and blooming trees, fawns over Naruto, dressed in a grey kimono.

"Who would've guessed you could look this handsome." She teases.

Naruto grins. "You think so?"

"I do." Tsunade smiles and straightens his attire a bit and gets his spiky hair under control, or at least the most under control it can be gotten under. "I'm proud of you, Naruto. You've come a long way from that loudmouth Genin I met all those years ago."

"Yeah, now I'm a loudmouth Jonin." He laughs, patly trying to lighten the more serious mood Tsunade is setting.

Tsunade shakes her head. "It's much more than that. You've matured, gotten some common sense through that head of yours. You listen and you think things through now. You're a man, through and through, Naruto." She kisses him on the forehead. "And I'm glad I can be here for your special moment."

Naruto gives an embarrassed smile. He scratches his cheeks, trying to hide the reddening he can feel from the warmth washing over him. "Thanks, Granny."

The two of them enter their designated room, where everyone else has already gathered. On one side is the Hyuga clan, Hiashi sitting at the end of the table. Next to him is, and next to her- his father. On the opposite side are Iruka at the end and Shizune and Kotori next to him. Tsunade goes to sit down next to Shizune.

On the edge of the table, sitting by her father is Hinata. Her hair isn't overly different from how it usually is but there's a certain shine to it that makes her look like a completely different person. Her light purple kimono adorned with lavender and pink colours is especially eye catching, making his heart skip a beat when he sees her in it.

He sits down by her side, with Iruka to his left, feeling woefully unprepared for all of this.

Despite his worries, however, the dinner is much more relaxed than he was led to believe by Ino. Even though the Hyuga clan value tradition, Hiashi has been making it a point to grow closer to his daughters. The Hyuga elder seems to prefer things be done in a more traditional way, but Tsunade manages to keep him distracted with enough drinks.

At the end of the night, Naruto and Hinata are officially engaged and begin a new chapter in their lives.

Name Meanings

Saiseiki (最盛期) = golden age, height of prosperity