It was already late at night when Suki's restaurant received their last clients, who also worked until late. The restaurant followed the belief of giving comfort and love by its food after a long day of work, which made the clients and employees care about Naruto so much. Naruto helped his coworkers clean the kitchen after a long day. The restaurant was always busy; on weekends, it was necessary to book a table so it didn't overcrowd. A man wearing a high and spiked ponytail entered the kitchen, he seemed to be tired and had a bored expression.

"Doesn't surprise me that they say you like to work", provoked the guy, making Naruto laugh.

"Shikamaru, I'm the leader. I will always help my coworkers", said Naruto with a grin, while he swept the floor.

Shikamaru smiled due to his friend's answer, leaning his body against the doorframe.

"Hey, you still have that lamen from lunch? I wanted to take some to Temari. She is still at work too", said Shikamaru in a laid-back way.

"Oh! It's in the fridge, you can take it and tell her I said hi!",exclaimed Naruto, agitated, rubbing his forehead with the back of his hand, keeping the same inviting smile.

"After seeing what's for dinner, she will be great. Your food gets her in a good mood. How do you do it?", joked Shikamaru, with both hands in his pockets.

"You should cook for her. I always tell you that", suggested Naruto, running to the sink to wash the dishes.

"I don't have your talent", said Shikamaru, rolling his eyes, bored.

"You are stubborn, that's what", he replied, organizing the dishes to begin cleaning.

Shikamaru half-smiled for his friend's concern. He knew about the painful situation he went through. He couldn't picture himself without his beloved Temari and deal with his son alone. Shikamaru prepared his lunch box and got closer to Naruto, giving his friend's back a light tap, as a farewell.

"See ya tomorrow, boss", said Shikamaru, leaving the kitchen.

The restaurant was already empty, only the sound of plates and silverware clutching could be heard. Naruto had dismissed the kitchen helpers and postponed the cleaning for the next day. He had just checked the kitchen supplies when he looked at the kitchen's clock, which struck almost midnight. He was lucky Iruka was taking care of the children that day so that Naruto could manage himself. The truth, however, is that he didn't want to get home and realize Hinata, his greatest martyr, wasn't there. Amongst his daydreams, he heard a known voice coming from the other side of the kitchen, which startled Naruto, making him jump and squeak.

"Oh! Sakura-chan, you scared me!", complained Naruto, holding his hand against his chest.

Sakura was his childhood friend, she was also raised in Osaka, being always present in Naruto's life. Sakura always had a good financial condition, majored in Medicine and finished her course in no time, as a result of her dedication and love towards her profession. Despite working in a famous hospital in Tokyo's centre, she also had a private clinic specialized in oncology. Moreover, she was the one who treated Hinata's cancer, being also the girl's friend. Sakura gave her all but, unfortunately, cancer won. Naruto recognized all of Sakura's efforts during her treatment.

Sakura was wearing dark jeans and a deep-green shirt, a very casual outfit. Despite the scolding, it was clear how worried she was. Being a workaholic was affecting his relationship with his children as well as his method of mourning.

"Is Iruka in the city?", asked Sakura in a relaxed way.

"Yeah. He is planning on spending a few days here. The children have been more stubborn and haven't been listening to me", mumbled Naruto, worried.

"Naruto, I know I've already said that, but don't you think it's a good idea to take the children for a psychological evaluation?", asked Sakura, worried.

Naruto sighed reluctantly, he was too tired and focused on working, telling himself it was for the kids. His wife's death was still recent, so it was understandable that the children were still acting affected. Perhaps when they got over their mother's death, things would get back to normal. Maybe that way Himawari would get back to being the joyful kid she had always been and Boruto would become a more responsible and communicative person. Naruto seemed to stare at the void within his head until he finally answered Sakura.

"I'm giving them some time. I lost my parents when I was younger; look at me now.", said Naruto, smirking and flexing his "muscles".

Sakura rolled her eyes due to Naruto's playfulness. Her footsteps echoed across the kitchen because of the high heel she was wearing, she took the leftovers that were in the fridge while Naruto was storing his pans on the cabinet.

"How are Sai and Sarada?"

"Sai is okay. He picked up some complicated cases, and Sarada…", she stopped in a dramatic manner before resuming heavily sighing. "She's got some low grades, it looks like she's not adjusting well to her new school life".

"Sakura, be a little more patient with her. You know how kids are", said Naruto, also worried with Sakura.

"I am. If nothing changes in the next report card, I'll have to go to school to see what's going on. I don't know if they're teaching her right or if she needs any extra classes", said Sakra, putting the lamen on the countertop.

The doctor finished preparing her lunch box and kept silent for a little more. Sakura looked at Naruto storing the pans, distracted, drumming her fingers over the countertop, thoughtful. She took a deep breath one more time, turning to Naruto.

"Naruto, Sasuke is coming back", said Sakura as if she had just dropped a bomb.

Naruto ended up accidentally dropping some pans on the floor; the news was shocking. His heart and mind froze up, he was breathing heavily while holding one of his hands against his chest and the other across the countertop; he looked like he had forgotten how to breathe. Sakura took a step closer to Naruto, desperate, leaning her hands on his shoulders.

"Naruto! Calm down, breathe!", exclaimed Sakura, trying to calm him down.

"What does that bastard want here?", asked Naruto, clenching his teeth, enraged, breathing again as Sakura had asked.

"He asked to transfer his work to Tokyo", said Sakura, examining Naruto's breathing.

Sasuke… It had been a long time since he last heard that name. Son of Fugako and Mikoto Uchiha, the second child of the couple. They were childhood best friends, along with Sakura, when they lived in Osaka. Suddenly, a serious fight was enough to keep them apart. Sasuke, after finishing college, left to the Western in order to chase his dream and specialize in marine biology, leaving his past behind. It had been ten years since he last heard of Sasuke, if not for Sakura who mentioned him once in a while, because of Sarada, his daughter.

Sakura explained that, a few days ago, she had talked to him on the phone to update him on Sarada's life. She knew that this would be painful news to Naruto. Sasuke and him were like two peas in a pod, nobody understood how they grew apart so suddenly. Sakura asked for a while what was the reason behind their fight, but Naruto changed the subject every time she mentioned it, and, at last, she gave in asking.

"What does he want to do here?", asked Naruto, taking a deep breath, going back to rearranging the last pans.

"He said he wanted to be closer to Sarada and the rest of his family", answered Sakura, running her finger through her hair, apprehensive.

"But he hates his family!", said Naruto, outraged, slamming his fist on the countertop.

"I know! Sarada still doesn't know about his return, I don't know how I'm going to tell her and how she'll react", she confessed, reluctant in mentioning it to her daughter.

Naruto sighed deeply in an indignant manner, knowing that it was the last thing he wanted to do. Sakura looked worryingly at Naruto, she knew that would be his reaction, but she couldn't keep it a secret, he needed to know. Sakura showed a sad profile seeing Naruto keep his hands over the countertop, full of anger and murmuring a complaint.

"Sorry, Naruto, I thought you should know. He arrives this weekend", remarked Sakura, lowering her head slightly.

"Thanks for the wonderful news, Sakura", the blonde boy answered with contempt, turning his back on Sakura.

"I have to go, good night, Naruto. Hope you rest well tonight", warned Sakura, leaving the kitchen.

Suddenly, Naruto felt a heavy weight on his chest. It seemed like his anguish and sadness came forward all at once. He didn't know if it was grief over Hinata, if it was Sasuke's arrival or maybe both. Leaning his back against the wall, he slowly slid to the floor, sitting with stretched legs. His head was all over the place, a lot of thoughts at the same time, it seemed as if his head were about to explode. Leaning his head against the wall, he looked at the ceiling, wondering.

"First my wife is gone, now that asshole is back. Kami-sama, why are these things happening to me?!", questioned Naruto, outraged.

It was late at night on an autumn Saturday. Sasuke was at the main gate of the airport with several suitcases around himself. He was impatient and irritated with the delay of the arrival of his brother. Travelling by airplane was always very stressful for Sasuke, and the delay of Itachi made him even more grumpy. They had agreed on everything before embarking, and now he was at the main gate, praying not to catch a cold.

Sasuke had just received his Ph.D. title in the department of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology, in California. He studied and worked for the institution for years. Sasuke was the best in his area, receiving recognition because of his resumé that was often envied by his fellow workers, highlighting even more his ability and relevance within the departments' research. He was targeted and desired by students and teachers for his beauty and intelligence, but all of them were rejected. Despite having managed to fulfill his dream, he missed Sarada, who was on the other side of the world; calls and video calls were too complicated, and he could hardly ever hold a long conversation with her.

So he decided it was best to go back to Japan, to be closer to his daughter. Sasuke was very well received by a large renowned institution in Tokyo to teach, it wasn't much, he expected, but it was enough to get close to his little flower. He would have to report to the institution next week, and he'd have to find an apartment near work. In his life, he never imagined that he would be able to win this title, since he was always in the shadow of his older brother - who was considered a prodigy. Sasuke never imagined that he would be as good as him. However, he was now depending on him to pick him up at the airport and help him solve his life. Sasuke cleft his teeth, angry, when, provocatively, the lights of the oncoming car flashed in his face. He knew exactly who it was.

"Onii-chan! Good morning! I'm sorry for the delay", greeted Itachi with a clumsy smile as he got out of the car looking forward to seeing his brother.

Despite always living in his brother's shadow and being compared to him, Itachi has always been very loving to Sasuke. He gave support, affection and encouragement, different to his father who was always comparing them and exalting Itachi with great pride and approval.

"Itachi, you can stop pretending. Just take me home", said Sasuke angrily, picking up the bags to put in the trunk.

Since they were children, there was a discreet competition between him and Itachi. Whatever Sasuke did, Itachi did better. However, Itachi could be proud of all the schools in which he studied, being the highest-grade student in the college's management course, specializing in companies, being the current president of his father's company and having recently transformed the company into a market reference, but his older brother did not give the family a firstborn. Sasuke, giving his parents a granddaughter, made him become the family's favorite. And it bothered his brother.

"Gee, Onii-chan, I haven't seen you for years, and that's how you treat me?", asked Itachi, truly upset, but he was ignored by Sasuke.

"I'm tired, I'm cold and you were able to be late to pick me up even though I told you that I had already arrived at the airport," Sasuke complained, storing the last bags in the trunk.

Itachi gave a dull smile and decided to help Sasuke store his bags in the car. After they stored all the bags, the brothers quickly got into the car; Itachi turned on the heater and started the engine, heading to his apartment.

"Daddy is happy with your return and wants to make sure you take Sarada to lunch with us," Itachi said, compelling Sasuke.

"I barely made it to Tokyo and I'm already sorry I'm back", Sasuke replied, sighing wearily, drawing a laugh from the driver.

"Easy, Onii-chan. You know that he kind of doesn't know how these custody things work", Itachi said, paying attention to the road and stopping at the red light. "Have a little patience with the old man."

"It's been ten years since I've told him what it's like, but it seems like he doesn't want to understand, things don't work the way he wants to", Sasuke complained angrily, leaning his elbow on the armrest of the car.

During their graduation, Sasuke and Sakura spent a night together. At a party where they both drank too much, they ended up getting involved for one night. Then Sakura announced that she was pregnant. This worried Sasuke, as she had feelings for him that were unrequited, and this could be a way to impose a marriage, being planned by both families. It would be a scandal for the child to be born and the parents not to be married. And as always, during pregnancy, Itachi was still being put on a pedestal because Sasuke fell out of favor for making such a mistake. Itachi was a prodigy Uchiha and also responsible, different from his brother. This ended in Sasuke generating bad feelings towards the future baby.

Everything changed after Sarada's birth. Both families felt blessed by the presence of a beautiful child, and Sasuke regretted all the bad feelings he had toward the baby. Even his brother eventually surrendered to little Sarada, which inspired Sasuke to chase after his dreams. He wanted to be someone better and to give her pride somehow. Luckily, Sakura's parents and her family took responsibility and helped look after the child, and Sakura managed to finish college even before regular time, while Sasuke managed to find a way to follow his dreams.

Despite coming back and being happy because he would see his daughter again, he felt distressed. He still felt incomplete, something was missing and it bothered him. Even though he didn't understand why. The trip was silent, arriving at the building, Itachi parked the car inside the garage of the building. Despite being cramped in the elevator because of the bags, they managed to take them all at once to Itachi's apartment.

"Onii-chan, what are you going to do?", asked Itachi, afraid.

Sasuke was surprised by his brother's sudden question. He was already suspicious of what might come.

"I'm moving out. I remember talking about it with you", Sasuke answered normally.

"I know, Sasuke", Itachi said, looking at the ground before continuing. "But does Naruto know you're back?"

Sasuke was taken by surprise. Why did the subject "Naruto" suddenly had to come up? This matter had nothing to do with him, in fact, he should neither comment nor dare quote the name Naruto in front of him.

"Onii-chan, I remember you were very close. I don't understand why you don't talk anymore. I don't think anyone knows", said Itachi, pensive.

Sasuke's expression did not change, it remained serious as usual, but, inside, his heart throbbed, it seemed that it was going to jump out of his chest.

"Hope it continues that way!" It is not anyone's business but mine and his," Sasuke replied rudely.

"Yes, but it has been ten years, Sasuke. You have children and Naruto was widowed two years ago, he needs you", vented Itachi, half-felt by Naruto, but Sasuke seemed surprised.

"He got married?", asked Sasuke surprised, feeling his legs go soft.

"He was married. His wife died of breast cancer", Itachi said, with sorrow in his voice.

Sasuke didn't know what he was feeling; what happened while he was away? His heart was beating so fast that he was breathing through his mouth. Luckily, his brother did not notice, but the news that Naruto was married in his absence was a big punch in the stomach.

"And Sakura talked to me, she doesn't know what else to do," Itachi announced, sighing heavily, looking for a way to talk about it. "I know it wasn't the best environment to talk about, but Sakura insisted that you go talk to Naruto again. He is very ill and helpless since the passing of his wife."

Sasuke was silently waiting to get to the right floor. Without saying anything, he collected his things for the apartment. Itachi was silent, accompanying him while carrying some suitcases, he was taking a break in order to absorb the information that was not very pleasant. He was never good at breaking heavy news, and he knew about his friendship with Naruto. He knew of his brother's influence over Naruto, and Sakura was out of ideas to make him react to this loss. Whether they wanted to or not, the children were being affected and the situation was starting to get worrying. It was a desperate move by the doctor to get them closer again, as they both needed each other's company. Regardless of what happened, they needed to sort this out once and for all.

A few hours had passed, and Naruto was sprawled in bed. Saliva glided down the corner of his mouth, sliding down his cheek. Naruto's sleep was so heavy that not even his own snoring was able to wake him up. One person went into Naruto's room, opening the blackout of the balcony door, causing sunlight to get in the room, brightening everything up in an intense way. The gentleman with a scar on his nose approached Naruto, calling him with serenity.

"Naruto, it's almost lunchtime. You need to get up", called Iruka with his arms folded, waiting for Naruto to jump out of bed.

"Lunch?! I'm late to open the restaurant!", Naruto screamed, jumping out of bed desperately, running to the bathroom, only to be stopped by Iruka.

"Calm down, I talked to Choji, Shikamaru, they are working and taking care of the restaurant without any problem. And they agreed with me that you need to rest", Iruka said calmly.

Naruto let out a sigh of frustration, he did not want to be treated like a child. He didn't want to stay home and rest, he needed to work to keep everything in order, to make sure customers and his employees were okay. How would the kitchen be without his help? Would his replacement and subchief be able to deal with the pressure of kitchen orders and mistakes? Did Shikamaru look at the whole supply? At yesterday's profit? Today's expenses? Would the salary for the employees be up to time? He couldn't get rid of those worries. Iruka leaned his hands on his son's shoulders, quietly asking him to sit on the edge of the bed and calm down.

"Iruka, I don't want to stay home", said Naruto, crestfallen.

"I know", Iruka agreed, slapping his back slightly to comfort him. "You came home almost in the morning, so I didn't think it was right to wake you up to work."

"But they need me! Children depend on what I do!", exclaimed Naruto, looking at Iruka.

"You're overworking, Naruto. The restaurant is fine and the kids don't depend on it. They depend on you as a father", Iruka said, giving a sweet smile.

Naruto snorted, angry, tired of always being charged that way. He thought he was a good father, he gave love, attention and put food on the table. All they had to do was study and play, like his wife wanted. He did not understand the harshness of his father's words when he was charged so unfairly, he was giving his all to everyone. At least, that's what he thought.

"I'm fine with them. They're just having trouble at school, so I'm going to make arrangements for the next parents meeting", Naruto said thoughtfully.

"I hear this story every time I come here", Iruka complained, dissatisfied. "Boruto always arrives with some complaint from the school, and Himawari has a hard time relating to children her age. This is not normal Naruto..."

"I'm giving them a break, Iruka," replied Naruto, a little upset, trying to explain himself.

"You guys gave yourselves too much time, Naruto," Iruka said seriously, looking into Naruto's blue eyes. "You need to move on. You're working too hard and forgetting what really matters: yourself, Naruto."

Naruto shook his head, angry, rising abruptly from the bed, leaving the room to avoid hearing his tutor's words. Iruka, unhappy, followed him to continue the conversation. Naruto needed to hear those words, so maybe he could understand how emotionally weak he was and how much his children needed a father.

Despite the harsh words, Naruto knew Iruka was right, he just didn't want to admit it. He was very tired, for he had arrived home on Saturday morning exhausted and could barely see where he was walking because his eyes were already closing. However, he thought it absurd for Iruka to say that he was not thinking of himself and everything was for everyone's sake. Everything he did was for him and the kids, he lived just for that. Or that's what he thought.

"How long has it been since you last went to the park on a weekend? Or went out to meet new people? Or hung out with Sakura? Aren't you friends? ", asked Iruka, indignant.

"Iruka, my life and my friends' don't fit. They have theirs and I have mine, we have our families to take care of", replied Naruto impatiently, but his answer was not enough for the tutor.

"If the problem is the children, I can come and take care of them," Iruka said, standing firm. "What cannot go on is you living eternally mourning. It's been two years, Naruto! And you still have her clothes in your closet!

"Iruka! Don't even start!", Naruto screamed in a menacing tone, clenched his fists and teeth, but this did not intimidate Iruka.

"Working until dawn and ignoring your family won't change things, Naruto...", Iruka spoke seriously, putting his hand on Naruto's shoulder to calm him down. "I'm very worried about you. It's not healthy to work until you pass out from exhaustion, and the kids need you! They need your support."

Naruto snorted with rage until he managed to calm down gradually. Even if he didn't admit it, his father was right, not even his parents' death was that painful. Maybe it was that way because he had Iruka in his life, that welcomed him and helped him heal his wounds. But why was Hinata's death so devastating?

With tears running down his cheeks, Naruto hugged Iruka, resting his head on his shoulder, crying. He was exhausted and he couldn't bear to go on like this. He didn't want to be strong, he didn't want to feel like people were looking at him with pity anymore, he didn't want to feel insufficient for his kids. He couldn't handle it anymore, he was giving himself over to that daunting emptiness.

Iruka hugged back and squeezed him lightly. He couldn't imagine the pain his son had been feeling for so many months. And the children? What else could he do to help them? Why had fate been so cruel to this family? After a while, they moved back and Naruto washed his face in the kitchen, since it was the closest room. Naruto turned off the tap and headed to the fridge to prepare something to eat.

"Are you going to stay in town for a while?", asked Naruto, pulling a bowl, placing it on the kitchen counter and picking up some eggs from the fridge.

"I have things to take care of. I'm not going to prolong my stay here, even if I want to", Iruka said with a light smile.

"I thank you very much for your help with the children. I haven't been able to talk to Boruto, he doesn't seem willing to listen to me", Naruto said, worried, breaking the eggs into the bowl.

"Instead of trying to talk to him, have you tried listening to him?", asked Iruka, pulling a chair from the table to sit down.

"He refuses to talk to me. I don't know what to do but give him some space to deal with it.", Naruto said, frustrated, as he picked up a fork, beating the eggs. "It seems like he blames me for something."

Iruka sighed with concern. Boruto always had this tendency to be rebellious, due to his stubbornness and his way of always questioning any order. When Hinata was alive, she could impose boundaries so easily that it was amazing how she dealt with Boruto. With his mother's sudden death, Boruto seemed lost, revolted and confused. It looked like he had lost his safe haven, and now he doesn't know what to do to feel like he did before.

"Boruto needs to understand that life is like this, and that he needs to move on, or in a few years he will be a rebellious boy angry with life," warned the worried Iruka. Naruto sighed once more, besides being worried, he also felt guilty.

"I'm trying as hard as I can, Iruka. I put them in the school Sakura recommended me, I make food the way he wants, I give him the toy he wants. Same thing with Himawari. It seems that nothing I do makes them feel better", he vented, frustrated, picking up a frying pan and putting it on the stove.

"But you only work, my son", Iruka said, realizing that this was a delicate matter, but insisting. "I don't see you going out with anyone, not even Sakura who's your friend! You've got to move on. Only by doing that things can be different."

"I'm not going to trade Hinata for anyone, Iruka!", he cried, cranking his teeth, looking at his father. He'd only called Iruka by name a few times. "I meet Sakura sometimes at the restaurant, we drink and talk a little. But she's also busy with her own life!"

Iruka sighed, defeated; he could no longer insist on this matter. It would leave Naruto even more affected than he already was. However, with no bad intentions, another topic was brought up without knowing that it was just as delicate.

"Hey, I heard that Sasuke returned to Japan. I talked to his mother this morning. It looks like he will move to Tokyo to teach at the local university", he commented, cheerfully. Iruka had been a former teacher of Sasuke and Itachi. He had fond memories and was proud that one of them became a teacher

Naruto, however, was silent. He wasn't excited about the news of the biologist's return. He was so tired that he could not imagine his life with Sasuke present at Iruka's Christmas parties and Sakura's birthday. Also, he would have even more chances to run into him, because he would be finally more present in the life of his daughter, Boruto's classmate. Thinking about it made his stomach turn and his heart skip a beat.

It had been a long time since he had felt this. He felt hurt and anguish with the thought that he would now be around. The two had a backlog to be resolved, but Naruto was not at all willing to solve it. He was hiding from and avoiding something he'd have to face. His wife would have known how to deal with him during these difficult times.

"Why did she have to leave?"