Marvel's Maelstrom

by Pibbinator

During the climactic battle with Kaguya, Naruto is transported to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Realizing that no one is coming for him, Naruto sets himself on an odyssey filled with mad gods, powerful tyrants and a few stones to find his way back home.

27. Waiting for the End

Disclaimer: I do not own this, my children.

Author's Note: Welp, Endgame's out. This year long wait really flew by. When the movie comes out, I'd like to ask people not to post any spoilers in the reviews. It happened several times when Infinity War came out, and I don't want anything to be spoiled for any poor soul reading the reviews page of this story. The idea for this chapter has been biting at my heals for several months now, and after some recent events it seemed like the perfect time to go ahead with it. Chapter time.

-x-

Chapter Twenty-Seven: Waiting for the End

-x-

It was warm. Nothing bad, if anything it was a comfort. Add the birds singing in a perfect melody, the smell of trees as they rustled in the breeze, and the feel of that same wind as it blew in through the open window, and he could say for certain that today was going to be beautiful. The sounds of the window curtains flapping brought Naruto further into consciousness, his eyes creaking open, only to wince back shut as fresh sunlight blared into them.

Shifting in his bed, he smiled as he felt the form next to him brush alongside him.

Only for his eyes to shoot open once again.

Jumping up out of bed in a flurry, Naruto's feet padded against the wooden floor as he hurriedly tried to get some distance from himself and the person with him.

The form within the bed lurched at Naruto's sudden movement, his flailing causing the blanket to go flying off the mattress. Lying in a daze, Hinata Hyuga blinked away her drowsiness as she tilted her head in confusion.

"N-Naruto?" She blurted out, right before delivering a slight yawn, "What are you doing?"

But Naruto couldn't answer, too busy taking her in. She was older than the last time he saw her, looking to be around his age. She seemed…mature, womanly. Her hair was longer than he remembered, and from what he could see from her light sleep wear her figure had filled out.

Finally, he stuttered, "Wha-what…what's happening? How are you here?"

Confusion marred Hinata's beautiful face, "Here? This is our bedroom, Naruto."

"Wha-"

The woman's face morphed into a slight deadpan, "If you're workshopping a new prank, it needs a little work."

"I don't-"

Getting up, she gracefully made around the bed, "And I thought we agreed to no pranks in the morning anymore?" She asked lightly, a serene smile on her face.

Now standing in front of him, her head directly under his chin, she brought herself up on her toes in an attempt to peck his cheek. She was halted as his hands gripped her shoulders, pushing her back.

"You're a dream." Naruto said firmly. Closing his eyes, he began to mutter to himself to wake up.

Hinata took a step back, concerned, "Okay Naruto, this isn't funny. Stop-"

"No, you stop!" Naruto shouted suddenly, his eyes frantic, "You're not real. I know you not!"

His eyes scanning the room, desperation painted on his face, Naruto spotted a weapons pouch on the nightstand. Pushing passed Hinata, he swiped it before pulling out a single kunai.

Determined, he gripped the blade in front of him. His eyes closing shut as he prepared to wake up, he prepped his other hand.

Hinata gasped as she realized what he was going to do, "Naruto, don't-"

But Naruto ignored her, driving the kunai into the palm of his free hand.

His clenched eyes slowly pried open, confused as he barely felt anything.

Looking down, his eyes widened in shock. Stuck in his right palm, the kunai shined in the morning light. But there was no blood, no flesh or bone. His hand wasn't his hand. It was white, stark white. It almost didn't look real. But as he pulled out the kunai and gripped the foreign appendage, he realized that it was. And it was his.

Dropping the kunai, he took several wary steps back as he tried to process what was going on. But the room wouldn't allow him to concentrate. It was too busy spinning. The floor beneath didn't seem to exist anymore, and he nearly fell over as he bumped into the nightstand. Pressing himself against the wall for balance, Naruto's breathing became rapid.

"Naruto? Naruto!"

Tears were spilling down his face, his brain seemingly unable to extract thought, as he slumped over against the wall. He felt a pair of cool hands touch his face, a voice in the background as darkness began to encroach on his vision.

The last thing he heard was a woman calling out his name.

-x-

The smell of a hospital wasn't new to Naruto. In his twenty-four years of life, he'd been stuck in a hospital more times than he'd like to admit. So, when that smell suddenly invaded his nose, and the sound of a woman's voice began to break through, he sprung up like a dead man rising.

Gasping, his eyes wide from his dilating pupils, he jerked forward to try and get out of the bed. But he was stopped dead by a firm hand on his chest, the small palm pressing down with surprising strength.

"Woah there. I'm not done fixing what you did to your hand, idiot."

Naruto's breath caught at the voice, blinking away any spots in his vision as he made eye contact with the woman in front of him.

Like Hinata, she looked older than the last time they'd seen each other. Her hair was at the same length, but her bangs now swept over her forehead rather than parting down the middle. She wore a casual red sun dress, the thin vail covering her matured curves.

Swallowing the lump in his throat, Naruto croaked, "Sakura…"

Sakura didn't bother looking up from his hand, her free hand was sheathed in medical chakra as she ran it over his self-inflicted stab wound, "You know, just when I start to think you're not as stupid as you used to be, you go and do this to yourself. Didn't you learn your lesson the last time you did this?"

"Sakura." He breathed again.

"Lady Tsunade and I put our blood, sweat, and tears into making you and Sasuke these arms, and all the both of you ever do to thank us is break them." She huffed, "At least you have Hinata to keep it from getting too bad. I swear, Sasuke treats me like his mechanic sometimes."

"Sakura-"

"What?" She asked, exasperated as she looked up from his hand. She stopped her incoming tirade when her eyes landed on his face, "Naruto…why are you crying?"

Tears were spilling down Naruto's face, quietly choking out, "Is it really you?"

She gave a small laugh, "Of course it's me, you big idiot." Smiling, she scooted closer towards him, taking his other hand in hers.

"I-I thought…I think…I don't know what's going on." Naruto admitted, holding her hand up to his face, "You can't be real, you just can't."

"Why can't I be real?" Sakura asked slowly, concern on her face.

"Because you're dead." Naruto answered immediately. "You, everyone. You're not supposed to be here. I'm not supposed to be here."

Sakura's frown deepened, "Where are you supposed to be-"

The door suddenly flew open with a bang, as something small came running into the room. That something was a little boy, no older than five. His hair was a deep blonde, with a curved spike to it that reminded Naruto of a leaf. He was wearing a black track suit with red trimmings, his arms waving as he ran up to the bedside. As he did, Naruto saw the boy had a pair of deep blue eyes and matching whisker marks on his cheeks.

The boy's head barely peaked over the mattress, his hands pulling him up enough so his eyes could be seen as he began to say animatedly, "Dad, Dad, Dad! Mama said you got hurt while training, but…but I told her that you can't get hurt 'cause that's what Sarada told me! That, that you're the strongest, so you can't get hurt. So why did Mama say you got hurt? Huh Dad?"

It only took a second for Naruto to realize the boy was talking to him.

As he was about to find his voice, Hinata's cut him off as she walked into the room, "Boruto, what did I say about running off?" She asked gently.

Boruto's head dipped, "Sorry, Mama."

Shifting the bundle in her arms, Hinata's focus turned to Naruto, "Are you feeling better?" She asked, hopeful.

But Naruto was too busy noticing what the bundle in her arms was. It was a toddler, no older than two or three years old. From what he could see, it was a little girl. As the girl shifted in Hinata's arms, Naruto realized she and the boy had matching eyes and whisker marks on their cheeks. The only strikingly different thing between them was that her hair was the same shade as Hinata's.

When Naruto didn't respond, Boruto's smile faded, "Dad?"

Sakura, seeing Naruto's confused state, quickly walked around the bed. Picking Boruto up in her arms, she gave Hinata as even of a smile as she could, "Do you think we could talk outside?"

Boruto, in Sakura's arms, turned to face his father, frowning back at him.

Hinata nodded slowly, looking over Sakura's shoulder in concern. As they closed the door behind them, Naruto leaned forward as he gripped his head in his hands.

"This can't be real. This can't be real. This can't be real." He repeated in his head, rocking back and forth as he willed himself to wake up, "Everyone's gone, there's no way this is happening. Everyone…"

A sudden thought occurring to him, Naruto closed his eyes and allowed himself to fall into his mindscape.

Opening his eyes, he smiled at the sight before him.

"Hello partner. Quite the interesting day you're having, hmm?"

Naruto gave an exhausted laugh, rubbing his head as he said, "Yeah, yeah I'm gonna be honest this illusion or whatever the hell is happening was pretty convincing. It almost got me there for a-"

He stopped at seeing Kurama's concerned face.

The blonde smiled warily, "What?" He asked.

Kurama hesitated for a moment, his words measured, "You're not under an illusion, Naruto. This is real."

"Bullshit."

The Biju paused, "Naruto, I'm not-"

"Stop bullshitting me, Kurama! You, this Hinata, this Sakura, you all think this is a funny game, don't you? Well it's not! So stop, right now!" Naruto yelled harshly, "They're dead. Don't try and convince me otherwise. Not after everything we've been through in the last seven years."

"And what, exactly, have we been through in the past seven years?" Asked the beast, disturbed.

"Don't act like you don't know." Naruto answered, folding his arms over his chest as he said, "After everything that's happened on Earth and off, don't pretend like you've forgotten."

"Earth? Off?" Kurama muttered, confused.

"Yeah, off." Naruto said, desperate for Kurama to stop playing around, "Xandar, Berhert, Sovereign, Hala. We met the Ravagers, Quill and the Guardians. We were in space for like two years!"

Kurama remained silent as he observed the blonde. Lowering his head down, he moved in as close as he comfortably could as he looked Naruto in the eye. A few seconds later, he asked, "Are you feeling well? You seem…disturbed, right now."

Naruto swallowed the lump in his throat, "You're telling me you don't remember Earth? Natasha? The Avengers?" He paused, "Clint?"

"I don't know these names, Naruto."

Naruto looked up at Kurama in horror, feeling as though he were about to be sick.

Taking in a deep breath, he muttered, "I'm going to talk to Freyja. She wouldn't go along with this, she won't."

There was a pause. Naruto looked around, confused that he hadn't been taken to Freyja's corner of the seal.

"Who is Freyja, Naruto?"

After another pause, Naruto began to chuckle.

Kurama watched on as the chuckle grew into a full-on hysterical laugh.

-x-

Sakura's eyes were on Boruto, the little boy sitting down next to his mother. His legs were kicking enthusiastically between the chair's legs, his eyes wandering around the hall curiously looking at passersby.

Shifting her attention to Hinata, she asked, "You said he woke up like this?"

Hinata shifted Himawari in her arms, "I've never seen him act like this, ever. He had a panic attack. Him."

"The way he acted around me it was…odd. I honestly can't describe it." The pink haired woman spoke softly.

"He said…he said I should be a dream. He thought that I wasn't real, like I was a genjutsu." Hinata described, her eyes on Boruto as the boy innocently waved to a passing shinobi.

Sakura sighed to herself, "I'm going to call in Tsunade, I think. Let her give him a checkup. She's always been better at psychosis than I have."

"Psychosis?" Hinata demanded, her eyes wide, "You can't honestly think that-"

"He told me I was supposed to be dead, Hinata." Sakura interrupted, "No just me, he said everyone. Clearly, something has happened to make him lose his grip on reality."

The pale eyed woman withdrew into herself, nodding as her hold on Himawari got a little firmer, "I want to talk to him. Maybe…maybe seeing the children will snap him out of it."

"I don't think that's a good idea-"

"He wouldn't forget them, Sakura." Hinata cut her off, surprising Sakura with her harshness, "He…he just wouldn't."

"Okay." The medic conceded. Getting up, she led the way into the room. As she opened the door, the sound of the curtains flapping in the wind filled hall.

Swinging the door open, she was greeted to an empty room, the window wide open.

Placing a hand on her head, Sakura muttered, "Shit."

-x-

He couldn't stay in that room. The overwhelming sense of claustrophobia he'd felt had practically swallowed him whole. Nothing made sense. It had to be a dream. They were gone. His friends, everyone. He didn't have a family. A wife. Children. None of these things existed. He was alone. He was the last one alive. He had to be. Otherwise, what was the point of everything? Of Earth, the Avengers, Natasha, Illyana, the Guardians, the Ravagers, of Xandar. What was the point of these memories? Was that the dream?

Then why couldn't he remember anything? He'd passed the Hokage Monument in his escape from the hospital. Kakashi was the Hokage. He'd have remembered this happening. Sakura talked like Sasuke was in the village, or at least a part of their lives. He'd have remembered that. His family. He'd have never forgotten that.

But then why couldn't he wake up? If this were a dream or an illusion, he'd have been out of it by now, right? Maybe this was just Kaguya fucking with him. Maybe he'd been inside the Infinite Tsukuyomi all along, and the illusion had been changed just to mess with him. After all, it's supposed to be the ultimate dream. And things had not been going well, on Earth. Clint was dead, what little remained of him found and being prepared to bury. The Avengers were likely to break up, the world itself picking sides as to who was wrong and why. Maybe the illusion was taking a course correction?

Because, after all, this is what he'd always wanted.

"Naruto?"

A smile unknowingly spread along Naruto's face. He didn't bother to turn away from the memorial stone, its surface unvandalized with the names of Naruto's fallen comrades. Although, he spotted a few familiar names; Neji Hyuga, Shikaku Nara, and Inoichi Yamanaka. But, these were carved into the stone professionally. His carvings looked like chicken scratch in comparison.

Stepping up beside him, Kakashi Hatake gave Naruto a sideways look, "I didn't expect to see you here this morning. In your pajamas no less."

"Funny you should say that, 'cause I feel like I just woke up from a really long dream." With no more energy to do otherwise, Naruto decided to go with the flow, "Shouldn't you be at the office, Lord Hokage?"

This caused Kakashi to pause. Looking at him fully, the silver haired man quirked an eyebrow, "I'd heard word you took a visit to the hospital. Did you hit your head?"

"What makes you say that?"

"Because otherwise you'd have to be an imposter. The real Naruto would die before calling me the lord of anything." The Hokage quipped lightly, turning back to the headstone.

"Maybe I am an imposter."

If Kakashi wasn't as relaxed of an individual as he was, he'd have flat out done a double take. Instead, he merely turned to Naruto, studying him. Finally, he muttered, "Hm, well if you are you're doing a mighty fine good job of it. You've got the mannerisms down, and the size of your chakra is impressively similar to Naruto's to say the least, let alone the overall feel of it. If I didn't know any better, I'd say you're the best impersonator I've ever seen."

It didn't take very long into Kakashi's analysis for Naruto to know he wasn't taking him seriously. Smiling, he muttered, "You ever wake up from a dream, and it seemed so real that when you woke up you forgot what was real? Does…does that make any sense to you?"

The Hokage pondered the question. Unable to come up with an answer, he tilted his head in curiosity, "What was this dream, if you mind me asking?" Kakashi wondered.

Naruto stepped up to the memorial stone, running his hand along the top, "Everyone was dead. I'd failed, Sensei. When Sasuke and I were fighting Kaguya, she'd almost killed me and Sasuke tried to save me with one of his portals. But, he'd accidently sent me to another planet. By the time I made my way back, everyone was dead, even Kaguya. The only one left was Zetsu. After he told me, I killed him. I was the only one left. I tried to move on. I really, really tried. But I was so tempted to bring you back, to reverse what that witch had done to you. But I knew that was wrong of me. You were gone, and I had to accept that. But now…now here you are. All of you. Acting like it never happened."

Naruto faced Kakashi, "What happened?"

Kakashi took all this in, shifting on his feet. Eventually, he answered, "Sasuke didn't send you away, Naruto. The two of you succeeded. You sealed her and Zetsu away. After that, the two of you had a battle at the Valley of the End. Sasuke was convinced that if he used the Biju to destroy the current shinobi system, the world would find peace. You managed to defeat him, but the both of you lost an arm in the final clash."

Naruto looked down at the arm that wasn't his. Sakura had healed the wound he'd inflicted upon it perfectly. The fresh skin was even less natural, reminding him of one of the White Zetsu clones.

"Lady Tsunade and Sakura managed to graft you and Sasuke new arms using the cells of the First Hokage." Kakashi continued, answering Naruto's unasked question, "Sasuke was pardoned of his crimes, mostly thanks to my and your advocacy. He works as an agent outside of the village, keeping a watchful eye on the goings on of the Elemental Nations. He comes back every once in a while, to visit his family."

"His family?" Naruto asked, floored by the revelation.

Kakashi nodded, his eyes closed to go along with his smile, "He and Sakura tied the knot a little over six years ago. They have a daughter now, named Sarada."

The blonde smiled gently at that, "That's good to hear."

"Don't tell them I said this, but I think the only reason he asked her to marry him when he did was because you'd asked Hinata not long before. He always was competitive over stupid things." Kakashi quipped, "Is it any of that coming back to you?"

"No." Naruto answered, "I wish it was."

"Then why don't I tell you about the day you got married?"

"Okay." Naruto breathed out, his mood rising.

"Well, I'd like for you to know that I wasn't late for once." Kakashi told him, "And I'm more than willing to admit that I looked incredibly dapper. If the Hokage thing wasn't enough, then my looks alone made me irresistible that night. I'd tell you the kind of tail I got, but a man doesn't kiss and tell-" He stopped when he saw Naruto's twitching eyebrow. Coughing into his hand, he continued, "Anyway, you and Hinata got married on the same day, at the same place, as your parents had. But, unlike with them, your wedding was a crowded affair. All the people you'd created bonds with over the years came to show you their support. People from all across the country. They all put aside any business they had to come see the marriage of the most powerful man in the country."

"I expected Hinata to be well…Hinata. But, she was so confident. You could see it in her eyes that she knew where she needed to be. It was you that was nervous."

Naruto frowned at that. Seeing this, Kakashi nodded, "When a boy with no family is about to get everything he's ever wanted, he's bound to feel a little nervous."

"Naruto!"

The two men turned to see Sakura drop down into the field, a look of worry on her face. Kakashi gave her a lazy wave, "Hello, Sakura!" He called out cheerfully, masking the heavy tension in the air.

But Sakura ignored him, grabbing onto Naruto's collar. Pulling him down so they were nose to nose, she yelled, "What the hell were you thinking?! You can't just run off like that! Hinata's worried, your kids are worried, I'm worried!"

"I'm sure he didn't mean to worry anyone." Kakashi cut in from the side helpfully, "Isn't that right, Naruto?"

"I'm sorry, Sakura." Naruto wheezed out.

Sakura let go of him with a huff. Turning on her heel, she said, "Come on, we're going back to the hospital. Someone's waiting for you."

"Who?"

-x-

"You damned brat!"

Naruto yelped as he felt Tsunade rap him on the side of the head. Feeling the welt forming and healing over, the man muttered, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry!"

Huffing as she blew a stand of hair out of her face, Tsunade glared balefully, "First, you damage my arm for no damned reason. Then, you run off? Just what the hell has gotten into you brat?"

"I don't know." Naruto answered honestly.

Tsunade's glare subsided. Sitting down next to him, her expression softened considerably as she said, "Sakura tells me you're having a hard time remembering things, that you think she's supposed to be dead. Mind explaining that?"

"This…all of this, it can't be real."

"Why?"

"Because if it is, then what was the point?" Naruto demanded.

The former Hokage's frown deepened, "The point of what?"

"I mourned for you. All of you. I know that. I lost everything. I've done my best to move on, and for the most part I have. But…look, this can't be real." Naruto reasoned firmly, refusing to look Tsunade in the eye.

"And what's so appealing about this…other reality, that this here has to be a dream, or an illusion? What makes that more real than this?" Tsunade wondered.

"I went to another planet. I met people, friends. I loved some of those people, I've mourned for some of those people. Things might not have been perfect, but it was real. It wasn't an illusion, or – OW!"

Naruto's hand shot back as Tsunade pricked it with a senbon, "You feel that?" She demanded.

"Yeah?" The man answered as he shook off the pain.

"Then this isn't an illusion. This isn't a dream Naruto. What's wrong with that? You didn't mourn for nothing, because you didn't mourn at all. That life you think you had, it wasn't a life. This is. Be happy for that, Naruto. Your life could be a hell of a whole lot worse-"

"Exactly!" Naruto yelled, pleading for her to understand, "This is too perfect! This can't be my life."

Tsunade sat for a moment, taking that in, "Have you ever thought that maybe that's the problem, right there?"

"What?" Naruto demanded.

"Your life used to be hell, brat." Seeing Naruto give her a look, she said, "I read your file the second I took the hat and sat in the seat. Sarutobi did a bang-up job looking after you, but he couldn't protect you from how people perceived you, how they treated you. You were alone and hated. But now, here you are with everything you'd ever wanted. You have a family, friends, people who love you, Naruto. Your life has become that fantasy I'm sure you'd had on some exceptionally lonely nights. But maybe, just maybe, you're consumed by that identity, that image of a harsh kid with an even harsher life. So much so, that when you have this dream, this visceral escape of loneliness and loss, you wake up, and that is somehow more appealing to you than reality. Reality has become too much of a fantasy to you."

Naruto blinked, swallowing the lump in his throat, "Then why don't I remember?"

Tsunade grabbed his hand, squeezing it tightly, "We're gonna find out, and I'm gonna fix it. I promise."

Forcing a smile, Naruto gripped back, "Promise of a lifetime?"

The older woman chuckled, "Promise of a lifetime."

-x-

"Mama, I'm bored."

Hinata forced a smile, "Just a little longer, okay?"

Boruto gave a childish grunt, "When's Dad gonna stop talking to Granny Tsunade anyways?"

Sakura, who was standing next to Kakashi as they waited, leaned down next to the little boy, "How would you like to go play with Sarada downstairs? She's down in the daycare, I'm sure she'd love to play with you and your sister for a while."

The little boy gave her a wary look, "Are there toys?"

"Lots of toys." Sakura answered charmingly.

"Okay." Boruto answered joyfully, getting up from his chair with a happy jump.

Hinata gave Sakura a thankful smile as she handed Himawari off to her. Sakura returned it, taking the doe eyed girl in her arms, "Miko's working today, I'm sure she'll love to have them for a bit." The pink haired woman said.

"Miko?" Boruto whined, "But she's so lame."

"Hey now, that's no way to talk. She's a very nice lady, and you're not gonna give her any trouble." Sakura said, as she and the kids turning the corner.

As their voices began to fade, Hinata put her face into her hands. Seeing this, Kakashi sat down next to her. Placing his hand on her shoulder, he said gently, "Everything will be fine, Hinata. He's strong."

"I know." Hinata mumbled through her hands. Looking up, she said, "You should've seen him, Kakashi-sensei. The way he looked at me, the way he looked at our children…"

"He's having a…difficult time with things, Hinata. He thinks a dream he had was reality, and apparently, he doesn't remember anything past his fight with Kaguya. That's a large gap. We have to be patient."

The Hyuga shook her head, "What if there are things he can't remember? I don't ever want our children to see that look on his face ever again."

"Will it make you love him any less?" Kakashi wondered softly.

"Never."

"Then everything will be fine." The man said confidently, leaning back in his chair as Tsunade walked out of the room, "What's the verdict?"

Tsunade sat down on the other side of Hinata, turning to her as she answered, "He's entered a bit of a psychosis. There's a large gap of memory that seems to have been replaced with a rather vivid dream he had. He believes that this dream is reality, and that we are a fiction brought on by an illusion. His fictitious reality seems to revolve around the fact that he failed in his fight with Kaguya and was sent to an entirely different planet during the bought. According to him he lived there long enough to have established relationships with several different people and had essentially managed to move on with his life. As far as he's concerned, we've been dead for seven years."

"What can we do?" Hinata asked, "How long will he be like this? How did this happen?" She fired off.

"We'll try and coax his memories out of him, and hopefully that will replace whatever it is that's wormed its way in. It could take a few weeks, or months…maybe even years to fully restore his memory. As for the how, well its safe to say that it's not an illusion. We'd have detected it by now. Has he been stressed about anything recently? Acting strangely?" Tsunade asked, "Has anything come about that might've been able to make him highly emotional?"

"Well…Kakashi told him that he was planning to step down from the Hokage's position within the next year." Hinata answered, "Naruto told me that he had been selected as the incumbent."

Kakashi nodded, "I told him yesterday after he got back from Suna. Do you honestly think that might've been the cause?"

The older woman rested her hand under her chin, "Perhaps. It's something he's wanted for as long as any of us have known him. Maybe the stress of that pushed him to subconsciously seek out this delusion."

"Can I talk to him?" Hinata asked, hopeful.

"Of course." Tsunade answered immediately, "But, I'd like to monitor him for the next few days. After everything, I don't feel comfortable leaving him alone."

Stepping out of her seat, Hinata slowly crept towards the door. Hesitantly, she knocked.

"Come in."

Turning the knob with trepidation, she peeked her head in, "Naruto?"

Naruto couldn't help the smile that came to his face, "You don't have to knock, Hinata."

Stepping fully into the room, she said softly, "I'm sorry, I didn't-"

"You don't have to apologize either." Naruto said, "If anyone should be sorry, it's me."

Sitting down next to him on the bed, Hinata took his hand in hers, "Do you…do you really not think I'm real?"

"I don't know what to think anymore."

"Well…well, I want you to know that I love you. No matter what happens. You could forget I ever existed, and I'd love you till the day I died." Hinata stated, surprising Naruto with her firmness.

Naruto smiled at that, "I could never forget about you."

"So, what doyou remember?"

"I remember you not being this talkative." Naruto answered lightly.

Hinata blushed, "It was hard to talk to you back then."

"I remember what you did for me, during the war." As she looked at him in shock, he continued, "And how you sacrificed yourself for me, what you told me when Pain had me at his feet. I remember how you would always faint when I'd talk to you, or blush when I'd look at you. I remember how you helped patch up my wounds during the Chunin Exams, even though I'd gotten them from fighting your teammate. I remember how brave you were when you fought Neji, and how angry I was at the way he treated you. I remember in the academy how you were the only girl who didn't think Sasuke was hot shit, and I'll admit it now and say that I thought that that was really cool."

Hinata smiled, barely holding back tears as the memories came flooding back to her, "You thought I was cool?"

Naruto's smile grew a little more fox like, "Well, if I'm being honest, I thought you were a little weird."

Hinata's smiled faltered, looking away as she mumbled, "Well you weren't any less weird yourself."

The blonde laughed. Hinata wiped her eyes as she joined him.

Gripping her hand tighter, he said, "I missed talking to you, Hinata. Even with how little we did, I still missed it."

"You don't have to miss it anymore." She said back, returning the grip.

Naruto chuckled. Looking over to the window, he smiled at the view of Konoha standing strong in the summer heat, "Maybe I've been going about it all wrong."

"Hm?"

"If this is a dream…then I want to enjoy it for as long as I can."

Hinata's smile was strained now, "Oh."

Turning to her, his face grew excited, "Say, who's all in the village right now? Is everyone here, everyone we graduated with and stuff?"

"Well, um…yes, I think everyone's here. I believe I saw Shikamaru returning with Temari from Suna this morning, so that should be everyone." She said after some thought.

"Then let's get everyone together!" Naruto said animatedly, "Let's throw a party."

"A party for what…exactly?"

"I don't know, we'll think of something." He insisted, his growing excitement at seeing his old friends now palpable.

"Well…you did tell me last night that Kakashi is stepping down sometime next year." Hinata conceded, unable to fight off his infectious mood.

"Stepping down?" Naruto wondered, before it suddenly hit him, "Oh."

Hinata got up from the bed, "I'll make the rounds, get everyone together. This'll be fun. Maybe it'll help jog your memory."

Naruto didn't miss the hope in her voice, his excitement dipping slightly, "Yeah…maybe."

After hesitating a moment, Hinata dipped in towards him. Naruto, who didn't expect it, wasn't able to avoid the kiss she planted on his lips. It lasted a few moments, not that Naruto minded, as Hinata poured as much love into it as she could. Their lips finally breaking, she pressed her forehead against his before taking a step back.

She eyed him for a second of scrutiny, before walking out of the room.

-x-

"Do you really think a party is appropriate?"

Hinata shifted under Tsunade's scrutiny, "It's what he wants-"

"I don't care what he wants!" Tsunade hissed, "Your husband is not fit to be in that kind of environment. You, of all people, should want him to stay here where he can recover. Why would you want otherwise-"

"Because it was the first time he acted like himself all day!" Hinata stated firmly, taking Tsunade aback.

Kakashi got up from his seat, "I think a party is a wonderful idea. I'll spread the word."

He began to depart, tossing a wave before Tsunade could say otherwise. Turning to Hinata, Tsunade shared a look with the young woman. Placing her hand on her temple, she mumbled, "There better be something to drink at this party."

The Uzumaki housewife gave a thankful smile, "Of course, Lady Tsunade."

Said woman began to walk away, "I'm going to leave him to you, Hinata. If he starts acting strange, bring him back here immediately."

Hinata bowed to the departing medic, "Will do, Tsunade-sensei."

Hinata, who'd had a clone run home and get Naruto some clothes, quickly got the blonde signed out of the hospital. Naruto, who was now dressed in a simple t-shirt and jeans combo, walked through the halls of the hospital's first floor.

"Where're we going?" Naruto wondered, walking behind Hinata.

"We're picking up the children."

Naruto paused at that, before quickly continuing, "Oh, uh okay."

It was Hinata who paused, stopping in the hallway to turn to her husband, "I…I don't think it would be a good idea for them to know what's happening."

Looking down at her, the blonde could tell that she was uncomfortable. Nodding, he gave a reassuring smile, "I can do that, I think."

Hinata smiled back, "Okay."

Stepping through several pairs of doors, with Hinata giving the occasional nod to nurses and doctors doing their rounds, the two eventually found themselves in front of the door they wanted. Plastered parallel with the eye, sat a sign that read, 'Konoha Hospital Children's Center.

"What's her name?"

Her hand on the doorknob, Hinata stopped, Looking up at the blonde, she spotted his nervous tick. Putting up a reassuring face, she answered, "Himawari."

"Sunflower?"

Hinata nodded, "We named her after my mother."

Naruto swallowed the lump in his throat, "What are they like? Are they…Boruto is he…"

"He's like you." Hinata's answer was quiet but sweet, "He reminds me of you every day. He's wild, joyful, loud. But there's a sweetness to him, and a softness. And he wants to prove himself. He walks around, and he sees how people revere you, hears them talk about how strong you are, feels the love they have for you. He's proud to be your son. And he wants you to be proud of him."

"What about her? Himawari?"

"You'd be hard pressed to find a girl who loves her father as much as her." Hinata stated lightly, "She's young, Naruto. If you're worried she'll be like I was, she has plenty of time-"

"I want her to be like you." Naruto said firmly.

Hinata couldn't fight back her smile. Opening the door, she said, "Well then-"

"Papa!"

Naruto's eyebrows shot up as Himawari trotted up to him, wrapping herself around his leg. Naruto looked down, stunned. Himawari looked up, her face alit.

"Hey, Himawari." Naruto greeted awkwardly.

Himawari detached herself from his leg, though she quickly replaced it by throwing her hands up in the air. Getting the signal, Naruto awkwardly took her into his arms.

With one arm wrapped around his neck, she snuggled her head along his chin. In her free hand, Naruto saw the stuffed toad doll in her tight grip.

"Who's this?" The man asked as lightly as he could, trying to move passed the awkward feeling in his chest.

"Jiraiya." She answered airily, bringing it up closer for Naruto to see.

Naruto chuckled, "Is it your favorite?"

"M'hm."

"Who got it for you?"

Himawari gave a megawatt smile just a few leagues under his own, "Papa."

With Naruto busy with Himawari, Hinata had made her way to Sakura, who was sitting in the corner of the room with a young red-haired woman, "Sakura, Miko." She greeted.

Miko gave a low bow, "Mrs. Uzumaki." She returned. As she came up from her bow, her smile turned into a scowl as something caught her eye, "Yomi, take that out of your mouth!"

Now alone with Sakura, Hinata quickly filled her in on their plans for the evening.

"And Lady Tsunade okayed this?" Sakura asked, slightly skeptical. When Hinata nodded, she rubbed her temple, "Okay, I guess. Need me to bring anything?"

"Naruto said he wanted to have a barbeque, so anything small is fine." Hinata answered smoothly. After a pause, she began to fumble with her hands as she shifted on her feet, "Actually, there was something I wanted to ask of you."

Sakura quirked an eyebrow.

Naruto, who was smiling at Himawari's antics as she told him about Jiraiya the Toad, caught Boruto playing in the corner of the room. He was with a little girl around his age, the two of them building a brink house. The girl, who was laying the roof, accidently set the block down at little too heavily, the house falling with a clatter.

Boruto's eyebrows twitched in annoyance, "Way to go, four eyes."

"It's not my fault." The girl defended, "If you'd have built the walls better, it wouldn't 've happened."

"Yeah right-"

"Boruto, enough." Naruto blurted out. He realized he was standing over the two, looking down at them as they realized he was there.

The boy looked up, "But Dad-"

"Boruto's mean!" Himawari called out helpfully from Naruto's arms, pointing at her brother accusingly.

"Nuh-uh!" He refuted animatedly, "She's the one who-"

"You're the one who started calling names. Apologize." Naruto said, discreetly eyeing the little girl. Though she might've thought she'd been discreet, he saw her wipe away her eye.

Though he grumbled for a second, he relented. His face relaxing to semi-remorse, he said, "I'm sorry."

"S'okay." The girl muttered, looking away from the boy and up to the older man beside her.

"What's your name?" Naruto asked.

It was Boruto who answered, giving his father a confused look, "You know who she is, Dad. It's Sarada."

Seeing the little girl's face at seemingly being forgotten, Naruto quickly said, "Of course I know who she is. I was just kidding, Sarada." He tried to smile as reassuring as he could, but it came out so awkwardly he couldn't help but cringe.

Reassured, the girl smiled, "Hello, Mr. Uzumaki." Getting up, she gave a low bow, "It's good to see you again."

"Sarada, go and get your things, we're leaving." Called Sakura from the other side of the room.

Sarada looked up at the pinkette as she answered, "Okay, Mama."

"Boruto, you too." Hinata said, "Get you and your sister's jackets."

"Okay." The boy said, quickly getting up to run towards his cubby.

Watching them do as their mothers said, Naruto's eyes wandered to Sakura. Walking up to her, he quietly asked, "Is she your…you know?"

"My daughter?" Sakura put together with a slight laugh, "Yes, she is."

"She's beautiful."

"Oh, uh…thank you, Naruto." The pinkette said sincerely, taken aback.

Looking back at the girl, he said, "Sasuke must be proud."

Her face faultering, she mustered out, "Yes, yes he is."

"We'll see you guys later tonight?" Naruto asked.

"Of course." She took Sarada's hand, who had meandered over to her mother's side, "Tell Naruto goodbye, Sarada."

The little girl looked up at Naruto shyly, "Goodbye, Mr. Uzumaki."

"Bye." Himawari said for her father, giving a flapping wave.

As Naruto watched the two leave, Hinata came up beside him, Boruto's hand in hers, "Are you ready?"

"We're going home?"

"I thought we could get some ramen first."

"Yay!" Yelled Himawari and Boruto together, the boy pumping his fist in victory.

Naruto smiled, "Let's go then."

-x-

As they walked through the bustling streets of Konoha, Naruto realized that it was not the same place he'd left it. By the time he'd left for the war, construction within several districts was still going strong. Now he could see that the village stood stronger than ever within the massive crater, with several skyscrapers peeking out along the edges. And with these new buildings, came new people. The streets were packed with the comings and goings of civilians and shinobi alike. Carriages rolled along the center of the streets, with the bystanders walking at the edges to go along with traffic.

Naruto couldn't help but take it all in, a look of wonder on his face at how prosperous this Konoha was. His eyes stopped on the mountain side, specifically the empty spot next to Kakashi's still rather fresh carving.

And like he'd done a million times before, he pictured his face up on that mountain side.

"Hey, Naruto!"

Freezing, Naruto stopped in his tracks. When his body refused to move, he forced it to turn with pure will power. Behind him, walking at a leisurely pace, was Iruka Umino.

He'd aged well, the only true signs of age being the creases along his jaw and forehead. Likely from yelling at one or two too many students. His headband was missing, along with his usual chunin's uniform, instead wearing a leisurely blue jacket and black pants.

Slowly, Naruto unwrapped Himawari from her hold on him. As he placed her in Hinata's arms, his eyes never left the encroaching Iruka's face.

Nothing holding him back, Naruto met Iruka halfway.

"Congr – oomph!" Iruka coughed as Naruto barreled into him, wrapping him in a tight hug.

Taken back, Iruka was at first hesitant to return the gesture. With a lopsided smile, he said "I know it's been a couple weeks since I last saw you, but I didn't think that you'd miss me that much-"

Iruka paused as Naruto's shoulders started shaking, the blonde's body practically vibrating in older man's arms.

Hinata stepped forward, concerned, "Naruto-"

She was interrupted when Naruto threw his head back, laughing uproariously.

Iruka, chuckling awkwardly along, said, "I just heard the news from Kakashi. Congratulations."

Naruto's laughter had subsided, though a chuckle still remained, "There's so much that I wanted to say to you if given this chance, but now that it's here, I'm kinda blanking out a bit."

"You don't have to say anything, Naruto." Iruka said, assuming the blonde was referring to what he'd say when he became Hokage, "You got where you are all on your own-"

"No." Naruto cut in sharply, "No, I am what I am today because of you. I am who I am because of the kindness you showed me. The kind of kindness no one else bothered to give or show. I owe you everything."

Blushing now, Iruka rubbed the back of his head bashfully, "Gosh, Naruto. I don't know about all of that."

"I just wanted to tell you that, before everything's said and done."

If the man was confused by that, he didn't show it, "Well, all I can say is that I'm proud of you, Naruto."

"Hey, we're on our way to Ichiraku's." Naruto stated, nodding his head to his apparent family, "You should come along, my treat this time."

"I'm actually on my way to a mission." Iruka explained with an apologetic smile, "Next time?"

Naruto's smile dropped like a rock. The smile quickly came back, though noticeably more forced, "Yeah, next time."

Patting Naruto on the shoulder and giving Hinata a departing nod, the man walked passed them, "I'm looking forward to it."

Hinata watched as Iruka submerged into the crowd, his figure disappearing into the chaos of Konoha's business district. Looking at Naruto, the man seemed to be off in his own little world, looking up at the Hokage Monument pensively.

"Naruto are you coming?"

Though he answered, he didn't take his eyes off the monument, "Yeah, sorry."

"It's okay." As Naruto walked up to them, Himawari reached out for her father.

Pausing, Naruto smiled before taking the little girl back into his arms. Their walk continued without much drama. The occasional civilian would come to him giving greetings, and a few shinobi called out their congratulations over Naruto's good news. Apparently the news had no problem spreading among Konoha's ranks.

And though he gave proper thanks to anyone who approached him, Naruto couldn't take his attention away from the Hokage Monument. More specifically, the spot right next to Kakashi's sculptured visage.

That attention was averted by a smell that invaded his nose. Looking forward, a wave of nostalgia washed over him. Sitting right where it'd always been, Ichiraku's Ramen stood proudly in the bustling streets. Even from the slight distance, he could hear Mr. Ichiraku's boisterous laugh.

Boruto must have been even more excited than he was, as he'd let go of his mother's hand to run ahead into the stand. As Hinata called after him, the two adults quickened their pace. Entering the stall, they were greeted to the sight of Boruto trying to lift himself up onto the tall stool, failing miserably as several costumers watched on in amusement.

With his free arm, Naruto quickly gave the boy his much needed lift up. Giving his father the smile that must have been an Uzumaki bloodline, the boy quickly called out his order, "Three miso's, old man!" He called out boisterously.

Mr. Ichiraku lifted his head up, a grand smile on his face, "Well, if it isn't little Boruto Uzumaki!" Before Boruto could retort to being called little, the older man continued, "And little miss Hima too? My, it must be my lucky day!"

Hima laughed, sitting on Naruto's lap as she pointed at the man, "Old man!" She said, looking to her father for conformation.

"That's right." Naruto complied, though halfheartedly. Most of his attention was on the now greyed Mr. Ichiraku. Though he'd aged well, Naruto could see the lack of a pep in his step. Sadness welled up in his chest as he watched the older man start to talk to Hinata.

Mr. Ichiraku found his way in front of Mr. and Mrs. Uzumaki, wiping his hands as he asked, "What can I get for ya'll?"

"I already told you I wanted three miso's, old ma-"

"You're only getting one." Hinata chided, much to Boruto's disappointment, "I'll have a tsukemen, please."

"And what about you, Naruto?"

Said blonde was forced from his daze, blinking it aside as he said, "Oh uh, a miso."

"Coming right up-"

"It's good to see you again, Teuchi." Naruto cut in, his voice heavy.

Mr. Ichiraku stopped, giving him and then Hinata a confused glance. Finally, he put on his smile, "Well, it's always good to see you again, kid. Your smiling face pays the rent for this place, after all."

"Is Ayame around?" Naruto asked, subtly looking for any sign of the woman.

"Oh, she's up in the Land of Hot Springs with that new husband of hers." Teuchi answered as he headed to the back to get to work on the order, "I'll be right back, folks. Don't go anywhere."

As Teuchi disappeared into the kitchen, a thought occurred to the blonde, "We forgot to order for Himawari." He realized.

Boruto looked up at him, his eyes squinted, "You and Hima always share a bowl." He said as though it was obvious. Tilting his head, he asked, "Did you hit your head or something? Is that why you were in the hospital?"

"Uh, yes. Yes, that's why." Hinata answered quickly. Seeing Naruto looking at her, she gave a nod in agreement with what their son had said.

Mouthing a quick 'oh,' Naruto decided to look around the restaurant. It didn't take more than one look to notice that almost everyone was looking at him. Most were trying to be discreet, but some were simply looking at him in open awe.

Deciding to ignore the onlookers by watching Himawari play with her toad doll, his smile grew at how the girl innocently shuffled the toad along the counter, muttering little sounds to go along.

"Do you still think this is a dream, Naruto?" Kurama's asked from within the seal.

"Yes...maybe. Probably."

"I can feel your love for her, brat. That warmth in your chest, it's for her. That kind of thing can't be fabricated. This is reality-"

"Yeah well, reality is often disappointing." Naruto thought solemnly.

Kurama paused, "And how could this possibly be disappointing?"

"Because it'll come to an end eventually, one way or another. Just like everything else." Naruto answered, "That's why, reality or not, I'm gonna make the most of this for as long as it lasts. I owe myself that."

"Order's up!"

His bowl of miso slid in front of him at a professional degree. As the smell wafted over him, he watched as Boruto began to dig into the dish with an abandon not to dissimilar to his own. Hinata, being herself, calmly pinched together a few strands before blowing onto the still steaming noodles. Taking the chopsticks set in front of him, Naruto quickly snapped them apart before diving in for a swirl of noodles. Not bothering to give it a blow, he happily slurped away.

As he chewed, he noticed that something was off. It tasted just as he remembered. But, it was different in some way he couldn't directly place. He was taken out of his thoughts when Himawari turned up to him, her doe eyes glistening expectantly.

Quickly realizing what she wanted, he swirled up another few strands of the noodle. Giving it a quick blow, he carefully fed the noodles into her waiting mouth. With a happy hum she slurped it up, chewing animatedly as gave her father a broth covered smile, her full mouth restricting her from giving the complete Uzumaki grin.

After a swallow, she squeaked, "Thanks, Papa."

"You're welcome, Hima."

-x-

The rest of their walk home had been pleasant, with Naruto taking in the sights of a more matured Konoha. As they rounded a corner and began to walk up to the front of a house, Naruto realized this most have been their home. It was larger than Naruto would've ever expected to have when he was younger, standing at two stories tall with a wide circular shape that branched off to the side. As they entered, Boruto was quick to run off to his room. Letting Hima down, the little girl followed after her brother. Naruto watched her until she disappeared around the corner, his face content.

"How are you feeling?" Hinata asked softly as she took off her sandals, "Has anything come back to you?"

Naruto shrugged, "No."

"I see."

Leaning against the couch as Hinata crept into the kitchen, pulling out dishes from the cupboards above her, Naruto said, "I don't think…well, I mean…I don't want to worry about it. Or for you to. Let's just enjoy today-"

"How can I enjoy anything when you're like this, Naruto?" Hinata questioned from the kitchen, pulling out a bag of white rice from the pantry, "Maybe this party isn't such a good idea?"

"Since when has anything I've wanted been a good idea?" Naruto asked, flashes of his life on Earth flying through his head.

Hinata froze at that. Looking up from the rice, her face was cold, "What is that supposed to mean?"

"That isn't what I meant-"

"Elaborate then, Naruto. Because, what it sounds like is that you don't want this, that you don't want us." Hinata stated while gesturing to the house around them.

"This is everything I've ever wanted-"

"Then why are you acting like you don't want to be here?"

"Because I shouldn't be here!" Naruto insisted, flinching at his tone. Taking in a calming breath, he said, "Even if I'm wrong, I feel like I'm missing something. I feel like I'm an intruder on someone else's life."

"But you're not-"

"That doesn't change how I feel, Hinata." He insisted, desperate for her to understand. Running his hands through his hair, he said, "It feels like everything's fleeting. Like I'm on a timer and I only have a limited amount of time before all of this is gone."

Walking over to her, he rested his hands on her shoulders, "So please, for me, just let me have this one day. Let me have this one good day. And if we wake up in the morning, and everything's still shit…well I'm sure we'll think of something. But just give me until then to enjoy what I can. Please."

Hinata bit her lip. Finally, she relented, "Tomorrow morning we go straight back to the hospital, okay?"

"Deal."

-x-

"Naruto Uzumaki, you son of a bitch!"

A boisterous voice broke out from across the front lawn. Naruto, who was setting up the grill, straightened to see Kiba Inuzuka and Shino Aburame walking up the lawn towards him. To Kiba's right was a pretty brunette that Naruto briefly recognized. A trotting behind the three, Akamaru panted happily, the massive canine having gotten even bigger in the passed seven years.

"Kiba, Akamaru!" Naruto called. Meeting them halfway, he wrapped the Inuzuka in a bearhug. The man was quick to reciprocate, giving the blonde a rough pat on the back.

As Naruto released Kiba from the hug, the Inuzuka said, "You remember Tamaki."

Tamaki gave a light bow, "It's been a while, Naruto."

"Right, Tamaki, of course. It's good to see you too." Naruto said happily as got down to Akamaru's level, giving the dog's ears a thorough scratching, much to his pleasure, "How're you doin' boy?"

Akamaru gave a mighty woof, his tail wagging at a blur.

"I hope you have not forgotten about me again, Naruto." Shino stated coolly.

"Like I could forget you." Naruto exclaimed, about to go in for a hug. He was stopped by Shino jutting his hand out in between them.

"A handshake is what is appropriate, I believe. You are the next Hokage, after all." Shina stated stoically, "If the word around the Administration Building is to be believed."

Kiba clapped Naruto on the back, "I couldn't believe it when Lord Sixth told me! Congratulations, man!"

"To say it was unbelievable is a bit of an exaggeration." Shina observed, straightening his shades, "It is a fact that Naruto is currently the most powerful shinobi within the village. Those shinobi within the greater confines of the Elemental Nations who are considered within Naruto's caliber can be counted on one hand."

"In Shino speak, Naruto's the strongest around." Tamaki translated, though for who Naruto couldn't say.

Shino shifted to look at Kiba, "Question. Why is it that the Lord Hokage debriefed you of this, but neglected to do so with me?"

Before Kiba could answer, a thunderous voice broke out from the other side of the lawn. Trotting up to them merrily, Choji Akamichi bellowed, "I brought the meat!" In his arms was a large container of various meats.

Following behind him was a troupe consisting of Karui, and a little girl who was the literal amalgamation the massive man and the constantly agitated woman. The little girl, who Hinata told him was named Chocho, was holding a smaller version of the container her father was carrying.

Walking a few paces behind them, Shikamaru and Temari Nara followed at a leisurely pace. Holding Shikamaru's hand, young Shikadai seemed to be getting over a recent nap. Rubbing away the sleep from his eye, the boy seemed to be on the verge of a yawn that just wouldn't come. In Temari's hands was a bag that appeared to be full of liquor.

"Meat!" The little girl called out joyfully, lifting the container up over her head as she reached Naruto.

Taking the meat, Naruto said, "Thank you, Chocho."

"Need help getting the grill runnin'?" Choji asked, his eyes having immediately landed on the still static grill.

Karui sighed, taking her daughter's hand as she began to head into the house, "Please remember that we're guests here, dear. We wouldn't want another Atsui incident, would we?"

Choji gave a sheepish smile, "Of course, dear."

"Atsui incident?" Kiba questioned.

"Trust me, don't ask." Shikamaru muttered as he finally made it up to the ever-growing group. Taking Naruto's hand in a surprisingly firm shake, the man said, "Congratulations, Lord Hokage."

Naruto chuckled nervously, "I'm not Hokage yet, but thanks."

The Nara tilted his head to his wife, "We brought a gift."

All attention now on her, Temari tilted the bag to show its contents, "Special Suna sake, the good stuff."

"Isn't that the stuff Suna kids call Raccoon Piss?" Tamaki asked with a concerned sarcasm.

"That's the stuff we give to foreigners." Temari returned before addressing Naruto, "Gaara gives his best, by the way."

"How's he doing?" Naruto asked, genuinely curious.

"He's doing well. He's occupying most of his time with that new apprentice of his. He hopes he might be coming out to Konoha for a quick session with Lord Sixth at the end of the month. I think he's looking for some tips in how to handle the boy's more…abrasive tendencies." Temari informed. Nodding to the house, she asked, "Hinata inside?"

"Yeah, she's in with Ino and Sai." Naruto answered.

As Temari and Shikadai walked towards the house, the woman said, "Come on Shikamaru, let's go say hello to the rest of our hosts."

Sighing, Shikamaru scratched at his chin, "I wonder if it's too early to open up that sake."

Kiba and Tamaki smiled, "It's five o'clock somewhere." The Inuzuka said.

The Nara sighed as he headed towards the house, "It's five o'clock here, you damn mutt."

While Tamaki laughed at Kiba's indignant reaction, Naruto said, "So Choji, think you can help me…" He stopped when he realized Choji wasn't standing next to him anymore. Looking around, the man seemed to have teleported to the grill.

As he reached the grill, Boruto and the son of Sai and Ino burst out from the front door, both laughing as their chase carried out into the front lawn. The young boy, who Hinata said was named Inojin, managed to tackle Boruto to the ground. Still laughing, the boys got up, though now it was Boruto's turn to do the chasing.

"This a gas or charcoal grill?" Choji wondered as he tied the laces of an apron around his back that read, 'Don't Kiss Me, I'm Cooking.'

"Um, I don't know?" The blonde said hopelessly, scratching the back of his head.

Naruto never thought he'd ever see Choji again, much less for the man to give him such an incredulous look at such a level.

-x-

Inside the house, Hinata and Sai finished preparing the onigiri in the kitchen. Her hair tied back in a loose ponytail, the Uzumaki wiped off her hands as she said, "I still can't believe you're such a good cook, Sai."

"A necessary skill." Sai said with his ever-present smile, "Cooking was never one of Ino's strong suits."

"I heard that!" Ino called out from the living room, her eyes on little Himawari. The little girl was lying on her stomach, crayon in hand as she scribbled onto a piece of paper. Running behind her, her son chased after Boruto with a toy kunai, "Inojin, no rough housing inside." She chastised passed her glass of tea.

"Yes ma'am!" The little boy said, the two boys taking their fun to the front lawn outside. Coming inside right after them, Shikamaru and his family stepped in. Shikadai, who'd watched the two boys run off passed him, looked up to his mother with pleading eyes.

Shooing him away with a slight smile, she watched as the usually sloth-like boy ran after his friends.

Karui, who was sitting across from Ino on the love seat, looked down at her daughter who was sitting next to her, "Chocho, why don't you go play with the boys outside?"

Chocho shrunk into herself, "I'm gonna wait 'till Sarada gets here, Mama."

With a sigh, Karui took a sip of her own glass, "Well she's gonna be here any minute now, so go on ahead and go outside."

Dejected, Chocho mewled, "But Mama-"

"Go on Chocho." Karui insisted, "If you don't, I'll just have to tell Sakura not to let you have any of her delicious treats that she's bringing over."

"What kinda treats?" Chocho asked, delightfully curious.

"Mitarashi dango." Karui cooed, knowing she had her daughter in the palm of her hand.

Jumping from her seat, Chocho ran off outside with an excited smile over the prospect of glazed dango.

Ino's brow was raised, sporting an amused grin, "I thought Sakura was bringing a potato salad?"

"Oh, she is? How foolish of me." Karui muttered passed her glass with a coy smile.

Shikamaru, leaning on the kitchen counter, opened up a bottle of beer as he said, "So, First Lady Hinata has a nice ring to it. A little bit of a mouthful, but I think I can get used to it."

Hinata laughed, "Hinata's just fine, Shikamaru. I left all of that title business after I forfeited the titles that went with being an heiress. The less drama, the better I think."

The man grunted, "Lucky you. Clan meetings haven't gotten any livelier in the time you left it behind."

"Don't act like you've been to a single meeting in the past couple years." Temari muttered, swiping the beer from her husband's hand and taking a sip for herself. Seeing his glowering look, she gave a challenging smirk of her own, "If you can tell me what we talked about three meetings ago, I'll give it back."

Shikamaru attempted a stare off for barely a second before rubbing his brow, "Troublesome woman."

Satisfied, Temari took another swig of her husband's beer.

Taking another bottle from the fridge, Shikamaru opened it with a pop while saying, "To be honest, I don't think it's quite hit Naruto yet that he's got the job."

Hinata paused, forcing a curious face, "What makes you say that?"

"The guy's been talking about this for decades now. Kinda figured he'd be running around screaming it from the rooftops or something." The Nara stated, taking a sip.

"He's matured, Shikamaru." When the room grew quiet, she saw that the others were giving her slightly bewildered looks, "He has." She insisted.

Sai, washing his hands, said, "Naruto has indeed matured greatly."

Shikamaru nodded along, "Greatly."

"But I too was surprised to see how reserved he was at the news." Sai admitted, wiping his hands dry.

"Surprised." Shikamaru added not so helpfully with a raise of his bottle.

Hinata, balancing a plate of onigiri, left the kitchen as she said, "Well, we all know that Naruto's just full of surprises."

The other three couldn't help but agree to that.

-x-

Naruto manned the grill with Choji, flipping some beef as he laughed at Kiba, the boisterous man having been tackled by Inojin, Chocho, and Shikadai. All while Boruto road Akamaru like a horse across the lawn. Steering Akamaru towards Kiba, the two happily joined in on the dogpile.

Choji, his full attention on the beef sizzling on the grill, said with a calm seriousness, "The one on the left needs to be flipped, the one next to it a little after."

"Sure thing." The Uzumaki followed the Akamichi's order, "Thanks for bringing the meat by the way."

"You know it's Akamichi tradition to bring the meat to any kind of barbeque event." Choji said sagely, "It is my duty to feed my fellow shinobi."

"Well I'm gonna miss your cooking, buddy." Naruto thought aloud, causing Choji to give him a confused glance. He quickly shrugged it off as he pointed out another slab of beef that needed to be flipped.

Kiba, popping out of from the dogpile, whined, "Get off me, dammit!"

This caused a chain reaction, all four children giving a simultaneous, "Ooooo." At Kiba's use of bad language.

Inojin, his arms wrapped loosely around Kiba's neck, laughed as he said, "Kiba said a curse word, Kiba said a curse word!"

"Someone grab some soap." Shikadai added happily from the pile.

"And some water, we'll give him a bath too." Chocho giggled out.

A vein was throbbing along Kiba's temple, "Keep talking tough and Uncle Kiba's gonna give you all a spanking."

"Since when did you start letting them call you Uncle Kiba?"

Chocho, who'd been at the bottom of the dogpile, shot up at attention. Coming up onto the lawn were Sakura and Sarada Uchiha, the pinkette holding a enclosed pot in her hands.

"Sarada!" The little Akamichi girl said excitedly, wrapping her best friend into a tight hug.

The little Uchiha struggled to speak while in the Akamichi's grip, "Chocho…can't…breath."

Letting go of her, Chocho's attention quickly fell onto Sakura, "Did you bring the dango?" She asked hopefully.

"Dango?" Sakura questioned.

"The dango!" Chocho insisted.

Walking passed the little girl, the pickette laughed, "I'm sorry Chocho, I didn't bring any dango. I made some potato salad though."

"No dango?" The girl said, clearly devastated. Her emotional turmoil was interrupted by the toy kunai pelting her in the arm. With a twitch to her eye, Chocho turned to see Shikadai, the boy giving her a surprised yet lazy wave.

Seeing her agitated reaction, the boy smartly dashed off, the other two boys laughing as Chocho chased after him with a gusto.

Sarada, now left alone at the beginning of the front lawn, looked over all the people loitering about. Kiba had meandered back to where the adults were hovering. Her mother had walked inside to drop off the potato salad. Tamaki was sitting on a lawn chair, laughing at Kiba as she handed him a beer. Shino stood off to the side, petting a tired Akamaru. Chocho's dad was guarding the grill, his full attention on the almost ready meat. Shikadai's dad had walked outside, lazily leaning against one of the verandah's support beams watching the children run after each other.

Finally, her eyes landed on Mr. Uzumaki, their eyes locking. His face seemed lost. His eyes, though looking directly at her, seemed to be a million miles away. But it was his smile that hit her. It was a smile she'd seen him have when talked to Sakura about their childhood, about her father.

"Hey, Sarada!"

The girl jumped when the man called out to her, waving for her to come over with a welcoming smile.

Nervously shifting on her feet, she eventually did as the man asked. Now standing in front of him, she fixed her glasses while mumbling a, "Yes?"

"How would you like to help me out?" Naruto asked breezily, taking in the girl as she nervously fidgeted, "I mean, you're as strong as your mama, aren't ya?"

"We-well I…"

"Of course you are!" Naruto insisted happily.

"Um, okay." Sarada conceded/

"Do you think you could hold this plate for me?" Naruto asked, handing her the plate, "I need someone to hold it so I can take 'em off the grill. Think you can do that?"

"Ah-huh." Sarada answered, holding the plate up in her hands.

Grabbing the grill's fork, Naruto, with Choji's expert guidance, picked up the pieces of beef one by one. Sarada watched keenly, looking up at the man as he went about his work. Finally, the last piece was placed onto the plate. Taking it off her hands, Naruto rested his free hand onto the top of her head.

"Thanks a million, kid." He said as he ruffled her hair, accidently tilting her glasses askew.

She didn't bother fixing her them, too busy watching the man take the plate inside in a wonderous confusion.

-x-

Naruto accidently found himself standing on the outskirts of the party, lost in thought as he watched his old friends interact as they ate.

Shikamaru and his son were lackadaisically leaning against each other, eating their food at a sloth's pace. Temari was sitting next to Karui, the two stern women talking about something that was going on in Kirigakure. Choji and Chocho were enjoying themselves, the two Akamichi in perfect sync as they practically worshipped the deliciousness of their meal. Sai and Ino sat shoulder to shoulder, the blonde-haired beauty feeding her husband one of her onigiri, much to Inojin's embarrassment. Said boy was sitting across from Boruto at the kitchen table, the two of them laughing at a joke Kiba made. Sakura and Takami were chatting with Hinata, the three intently gossiping over something Naruto assumed was trivial.

As he sat and watched all of them, people who he'd thought he'd never see again, he realized what that weight in his chest was. It wasn't sadness, or nostalgia, or even happiness. It was contentment. For the first time in his life, he truly felt content.

And with this revelation, he felt the floor begin to bottom out on him again, the room spinning at an increasing pace.

Backing out into the open patio door and making sure he was a good distance away, Naruto took advantage of the open air. Taking deep breaths in and out, Naruto rubbed the haziness from his eyes. As the panic in his breath began to fade, he closed his eyes tight as he thought, "Get ahold of yourself, idiot. Don't ruin this. Don't fucking ruin this, you fucking idiot."

"I don't think you're an idiot."

Naruto jumped at the small voice at his side. Sitting next to him, Sarada Uchiha looked up at him from her plate. Cross legged in the grass, the little girl had her plate in her lap. She appeared to be picking at the vegetables her mother had given her, specifically the tomatoes.

"What?" Naruto wondered, flinching at how raspy his voice was.

The girl shrank down into herself a bit, "Well, um…I said I don't think you're an idiot, Mr. Uzumaki."

Realizing he'd been talking out loud, Naruto cursed under his breath. Running his hand over his hair he said, "You can call me Naruto, kid."

"Well, you can call me Sarada. Not kid." The little Uchiha returned, making Naruto smile.

Sitting down across from her in a similar cross-legged pose, Naruto picked up a piece of tomato the girl had been picking at. Popping it in his mouth, he slowly chewed in thought as he said, "You're pretty smart, huh?"

"That's what my mama says." Sarada answered.

"What about your dad?"

Pressing her glasses up her nose, she shrugged, "I don't know."

Startled, Naruto asked, "You don't know?"

"I don't know what he thinks." The Uchiha elaborated softly, "He's been on a mission for a long time. I don't remember him that much."

"A mission huh." Naruto concluded, looking back at the house from his peripheral, "Why aren't you in there with everybody else?"

She shrugged.

Naruto, quietly observing her, frowned in thought. Picking up another piece of tomato from her plate, he popped it into his mouth as he leaned back onto his hands.

"I get what you're feeling."

Confused, Sarada said, "Feeling?"

Nodding along, Naruto swallowed before saying, "You bein' out here, I mean. I get it."

"You do?"

"Of course. I know what it's like to grow up without a parent around, and having to watch other kids be with theirs right in front of you. It's a terrible feeling, right?" Naruto said warmly.

Sarada nodded, engrossed in that warmth.

"And then that feeling gets so bad you just got to get away from it for a bit. But then, you find yourself alone more than you were, and the feeling comes back only worse." The blonde explained, now leaning forward as he spoke to the little girl.

"Does it go away?"

The Uzumaki nodded, "Eventually. But you've gotta put yourself out there. You've got to make friends who make that feeling go away when you're with them. And eventually, they become your family. But if you want that, you've gotta be brave." Smiling, Naruto said, "And I know you're brave. Cause you're like me."

Sarada was quiet for a moment, picking at a blade of grass in thought. Eventually she asked, "What were your parents like?"

"I don't know, they passed away when I was a baby." He answered gently.

"Then how do you know they loved you?"

Naruto knew what question she was really asking. Releasing a musing breath, Naruto looked up at the sky. The sun was setting, and the sky had taken on a orangish hue, "I didn't know that, not for a long time. When I was a kid, I'd make up stories about them in my head, so I always had a reason for myself for why I was alone. But it never stopped me from asking that question. And you wanna know something that no one bothered to tell me when I was your age?"

She nodded.

"That your parents will always love you. They might not show it all the time, or ever. But they do, forever. In life and death, if they're right next to you or a country away, they will always care for you." Nudging her teasingly, he said, "You're just lucky you got an idiot around like me to tell ya that."

Laughing, Sarada wiped away her eye with her sleeve, "I told you you're not an idiot."

Happy to see the girl laugh, he chuckled, "If see the bastard before I wake up – oof!"

He grunted as a blur tackled him, wrapping their arms around his head with a heavy giggle, "Papa's a froggy!" Himawari chanted happily, digging her heals into Naruto side to get him moving.

"He's a toad, Hima!" Boruto corrected merrily as he ran out onto the patio.

"Toads jump!" Himawari conceded, changing her chant.

Getting the message, Naruto grinned.

Sending chakra to his legs and to the girl so she was glued to his back, Naruto sprung up high into the air. Himawar giggled and squealed into his ear as they reached the apex of their jump. Sending a quick burst of wind chakra out bellow him, his descent transcended into a cushioned landing.

"Again, again!" The little girl requested, her hair a mess from the sudden liftoff.

"No way, it's my turn." Boruto whined, which was quickly followed by the other kids, minus Sarada who was looking on in wonder, all of them wanting to go on a trip into the air.

"One at a time, alright?" Naruto laughed, the kids surrounding him as they made a bid for a turn.

Hinata, standing alongside Sakura as they watched Naruto play with the children, said "He's acting a little more like himself."

"Not counting the episode he seemed to have a few minutes ago." Sakura muttered into her glass of tea, "It looked like he was about to have another panic attack. And I wasn't the only one who noticed. The entire Nara clan picked up on it pretty quick. Not that surprising, but still."

Likely having hoped no one else had seen that, Hinata fiddled with the glass in her hands, "He got a grip of it. You heard what he said to her."

"Yeah." Sakura admitted, "It was very sweet."

"Did you hear back from him?"

"No."

"I see. That's a shame."

After a quick set of knocks, the front door opened, Kakashi peaking his head inside, "We open up the booze yet?"

-x-

"Just admit that I almost beat your ass, blondie!"

Naruto laughed with a lighthearted scoff at Kiba's claim, "When you admit you got beat by a fart, sure." He challenged.

The kids had gone up to play some kind of game in Boruto's room, leaving the adults to open up the liquor. The only child still outside was Himawari, but she was practically passed out in Naruto's lap, her head dipping back and forth as she fought off sleep.

Arriving after Kakashi's arrival came Tsunade and Shizune, followed by Rock Lee, Ten Ten, and Might Guy. Naruto was surprised to see Guy confined to a wheelchair, though considering the damage he'd taken in his fight with Madara, he was lucky to be alive at all. His always on positivity kept him from pitying the man, his exuberance negating any of that in almost an instant.

"You didn't tell me he beat you with a fart." Tamaki questioned, taking the cup she'd been sharing with the Inuzuka.

"It wasn't a-"

"It was a fart." Chorused everyone who'd been present for the fight.

Kiba huffed, "You're all acting like mine was the most embarrassing."

"What was more embarrassing than that?" Ino asked while sipping at her sake.

Kiba raised a deliberate eyebrow, "You're asking that? Really?"

Ino and Kiba had a momentary stare off before the blonde relented, "Touché." Slipping her drink back, she said, "I think Lady Tsunade and Shizune know better than anyone how helpless we were back then."

Tsunade chortled, "At least you had your clan stuff to fall back on. Pinky over there was the cleanest slate I'd ever seen. No taijutsu, barely any nin or genjutu. I was embarrassed for her, really."

"I'm glad to hear what you used to think of me, sensei." Sakura mumbled sorely

"It's a sign of love." Tsunade insisted halfheartedly.

Shizune sighed, "Who's idea was it to bring the Suna born sake?"

"That really a question we need to ask?" Temari asked sarcastically.

Lee, who was standing next his sensei, began to reach for the bottle of sake, "Is Suna's sake truly more youthful than those here in Konoha?" Just as his fingers were about to glance the bottle, Guy swiped it out from under him.

Pouring some into his glass, the man said, "Destroying our future Hokage's home is very lacking in youthfulness, my dear student."

Deflating, Lee muttered, "Forgive me sensei."

Tenten, leaning back in the grass, lifted her cup into Naruto's direction, "So how's it feel knowing your mug's gonna be up on that mountain?"

"It's kinda weird to think about." Naruto admitted softly, Himawari nodding off in his arms.

"Oh come on." Tenten insisted, "The first time we met you wouldn't stop screaming about it. And now here you are, your dream's coming true, and you don't know what to think about it? Come on."

"That's weak sauce, man." Choji chastised half-heartedly.

"Back when we met you'd have been yelling about it so loud the people in Kumo would've heard about it." Karui stated, pouring some of the sake into her cup before continuing to pass it around.

"And Suna." Temari added.

"Didn't you beat him to a pulp the first time you met?" Shino asked Karui only to be ignore as the running joke continued.

"Kiri too, probably." Kiba included helpfully.

Shikamaru grunted as he was handed the sake, "In other words, the entire Elemental Nations."

"Except perhaps Takigakure." Sai offered hypothetically, not quite getting the context of their sarcasm as he took the bottle, "The roar of the waterfalls would likely have inhibited the yells enough to have made it impossible for them to have heard it."

Naruto's brow was twitching, "I get it guys."

Kakashi, who was sitting on the front steps lazily, straightened up as he said, "Speaking from experience, it doesn't really hit you that you've been appointed until you get the hat and the chair. Everything comes into perspective once you get the ensemble."

"And what experience is that?" Tsunade questioned, "Last I heard, you've been having Shadow Clones do all the dirty work while you galivant around with your porn."

"If you didn't think of using clones to do your menial work, you simply lacked the enthusiasm I have for procrastination." Kakashi quipped, "Or maybe it's jealousy I hear?"

"Damn right I am!" Tsunade cursed, "You know what I coulda done with that technique when I was in office?"

"Gamble?" Shizune asked rhetorically.

"Drink?" Questioned Sakura at the same time as her fellow apprentice.

Tsunade grumbled something under her breath before taking a swig of her drink.

Guy shook his head at Kakashi in disappointment, "To think that you'd abuse both your position and that technique to do something as wasteful as reading pornography. You are truly lacking in youth, old friend."

"You say something Guy?"

Knowing what was to come, Lee said exuberantly, "I am sure that our youthful Naruto would not abuse his power in such a way!"

Kiba snorted, "I'm not gonna be surprised to hear his first act as a Kage is to change our uniform colors to orange and blue."

"Or integrate the Ichiraku Ramen chain into all available nations and hidden villages." Choji said, hope peeking through.

Shikamaru laughed, "If my kid comes home with homework on how to properly prank an authority figure without getting caught, you know it was the Seventh Hokage."

"If the Clone Jutsu exam is taken out of the Academy curriculum, you know it was the Seventh Hokage." Shino said, continuing the streak.

As the group laughed at the jokes being passed around, Naruto smiled in thought.

When the laughter faded, and a comfortable silence filled the lawn, the blonde muttered, "I think I'd like to start a government funded foster care program."

He was met with a surprised silence.

When no one said anything, Naruto looked down at the girl that was apparently his daughter, "The shinobi villages have orphanage programs for the children whose parents were killed in action, but I know better than anyone how it's not the best place for a kid. If a kid's like me and doesn't want to live in an orphanage for a good chunk of their life, they only have two options: live with a relative or live alone. The village isn't comfortable letting a child live with just anyone, and prefers they live with a close relative who they know to be reliable. But when you have kids like me or Sasuke who literally have no one, then there isn't another option but to live alone. You get a government stipend sure, but that's no way for someone to grow up. Just imagine what would've happened if Sasuke or I had had a foster family looking after us. If he'd had that support and love, maybe he'd never have done what he did. I can only imagine what it'd have been like for me."

Shikamaru scratched his chin, "That's actually a pretty good idea."

Kakashi nodded, "It's been thrown around to develop something similar, but the past couple decades have been nothing but dealing with one catastrophe after another."

"The Third Hokage had to deal with the fallout of the first three Great Wars, the Hyuga/Kumo incident, and the Nine Tails attack." Shizue counted off, "Then Lady Tsunade had to deal with the Konoha Crash, Sasuke's betrayal, Pain's attack, and the beginning of the Fourth Great War; and then Kakashi's been dealing with the messy fallout of that war and the new shifts in the balance of power across the Elemental Nations. It's not surprising that something so comparably mundane would be put on the back burner."

Sakura smiled at her friend, "It's a great idea, Naruto."

Scratching the back of his head, he smiled bashfully, "Thanks."

Kiba leaned back in his chair, "Well damn, the kid might actually do a good job."

"If you ever think you can do a better job, let me know." Naruto offered with a sarcastic sincerity, "I'll be happy to fart in your face again."

"Hardy har har."

-x-

As the night went on, the party began to slowly disperse one by one. Kakashi was the first the leave, stating that tomorrow would be a busy day at the office and for Naruto to report early that morning for some early walkthroughs. The rest slowly filtered out one after the other, each giving Naruto one last congratulations. Naruto was at a loss for words with each of them, unwilling to say goodbye for fear of it being the truly final farewell. Instead he simply gave each a hug, not caring how put out it might have made any of them.

The only four remaining were Sakura, Sarada, Shizune and Tsunade.

Tsunade, her cheeks flushed, held herself up like a true champion. Standing in the doorway, she gave Naruto her parting words, "Come down to the hospital first thing in the morning. I don't care if Kakashi expects you, this is far more important. If he has a problem with it, he's more than welcome to come down for a visit."

Shizune, who'd been trying to discreetly guide her mentor home for the past couple hours, said, "Lady Tsunade, it's getting late."

"I know that already dammit." Tsunade said with a twitch of her brow. Taking a moment, she looked the man over, "How're you feeling?"

"I'm doing as fine as I can." Naruto answered as smoothly as he could.

"Any returning memories?"

"A few." Naruto lied.

"Good." Tsunade sighed in relief, "We'll go over them first thing tomorrow."

"I look forward to it."

"Well this is goodbye then." As she turned to leave, she was held in place as Naruto took her into his arms.

"I love you, Granny."

Shizune gasped, and Tsunade froze. As she returned his hug, she whispered, "You know how I feel about you, ya damn brat."

Letting go of each other, Tsunade exited the Uzumaki household. As they reached the street, Naruto called out one last time.

"I hope I'll see you tomorrow."

Tsunade smiled, giving one last wave goodbye.

"I'll think we're gonna leave too, Naruto." Walking up behind him, Sakura held a tired Sarada in her arms as she gave a departing smile.

As she walked passed him, he grabbed her wrist.

"You know you're my best friend, right?"

Sakura chuckled, shifting her daughter in her arms, "You're talking like we're not gonna see each other again." Naruto didn't respond, though the hurt in his eyes made her say, "We're gonna see each other again, Naruto. I promise."

"Could you just humor me…and act like we're not?"

She tilted her head, "What?"

"If this were the last time we ever saw each other, what would you say?" Naruto asked sincerely.

She hesitated for a moment, struggling with the idea. Finally, she quietly answered, "I'd tell you that you're an idiot. That you're the most stupid, asinine man I have ever known. Because with you and me, it's never goodbye, you idiot. We'll always be with each other. Forever. 'Cause you're my best friend."

Swallowing the saliva and sadness building within his throat, Naruto chuckled out, "That's sounds about right."

Smiling, Sakura silently exited the home. Sarada, looking over her mother's shoulder, waved a tired goodbye. Naruto returned it, watching the duo until they faded out of sight.

Closing the door with a subtle click, Naruto sighed as his shoulder's relaxed. They suddenly tensed at the feeling of someone pulling at his pant leg.

Below him, Boruto rubbed tiredly at his eye, "Shikadai asked if I could come and play at his house tomorrow. Can you take me?"

Naruto forced a smile, "Sure, buddy."

"Boruto, make sure you pick up your toys before you go to bed dear." Hinata called from the kitchen, the woman closing the fridge after placing the leftovers inside.

"Okay." The boy relented tiredly, walking into the living room to pick up the toys he and his friends had been playing with.

Following him into the living room, Naruto came up to the loveseat. Curled up in a ball, Himawari slept peacefully. Jiraiya had slipped out of her fingers to the ground bellow. Picking up the toy, Naruto dusted it off.

Careful so he didn't wake her up, he slowly lifted her up off the seat. Though she stirred slightly, she quickly cuddled into his arms as she fell back to sleep. Rocking her back and forth, he couldn't keep the smile off his face.

"Want me to take her?"

Naruto looked at Hinata over his shoulder, seeing the tender smile on her face, "No, I got it."

Creeping up the stairs, Naruto slowly trekked through the hallway in search of her room. Finding it, he pushed the door as it released a subtle creak. Tiptoeing inside, he smiled at the purple colored décor. With his free hand, he silently pulled back the covers to her crib.

But as he stood there, he couldn't bring himself to placing her inside. He just wanted to hold her, to feel her, for a little bit longer. Rocking her in his arms, he laughed emotionlessly, "You're making this hard to give up."

Kissing the crown of her head, he gently whispered into her ear, "Please be real. Otherwise, I don't know if I could let you go."

Pressing his head to hers lovingly, he finally relented and set her down gracefully into the crib. Tucking her it, he ran his hands along her face, brushing strands of hair out of the way.

"Dad, someone's here to see you!"

Quickly walking down to the lower floor, Naruto raised an eyebrow at the open door. Walking through, he was greeted to the sight of Sasuke Uchiha holding off an angry Boruto, the boy doing his best to throw a punch at the much taller man. Sasuke pushed him back with his hand on the boy's head, keeping at bay with a comical ease.

"Boruto, what're you doing?" Naruto asked the boy as he came outside.

Boruto, his voice exerted as he threw one punch after the other, grunted, "This bastard makes Sarada cry!"

"Boruto!" Hinata called out from inside, "What have I said about that language?"

"But Mama-"

"Go inside Boruto."

Looking up at Naruto, the boy complained, "But Dad, I almost got 'em!"

"Boruto, please. Go inside."

After hearing his father's firm command, Boruto stopped his barrage. Swatting Sasuke's hand off his head, he gave the older man a quick and heavy glare before doing as his father said.

As Naruto closed the door behind him, Sasuke looked his friend over.

Naruto returned the look, his expression blank as he waited for the Uchiha to break the silence.

Sasuke obliged, opening his mouth to speak.

Thwack!

Only to shut it as Naruto punched him straight in the face. Stumbling back, Sasuke reached up to where he'd been hit out of reflex. Looking down at his palm, he put it away with the lack of blood.

Shaking off his hand, Naruto grunted, "That's for you did to Sakura, bastard."

"I suppose I deserved it then, loser."

Hearing that word, an overwhelming sense of happiness filled Naruto's chest. Grabbing the man opposite him, he pulled him into a hug. Sasuke didn't return it, though he didn't fight it either.

Releasing him, Naruto asked, "What're you doin' here? I thought you were on a mission or something."

"Sakura asked me to come." Sasuke answered stoically, smoothing out his cloak.

As he did, Naruto took him in fully. He'd aged just as well as their classmates, though of all of them he seemed to have matured the most. His hair had flattened down, his bangs covering his left eye. He was wearing a dark purple cloak, the bottom licking his calves.

"What'd she tell you?" Naruto asked.

"That you'd woken up believing a dream was reality, and reality was a dream." Sasuke answered smoothly, "She wondered if a genjutsu they couldn't detect could be responsible, however unlikely. If not, she'd hoped me talking to you would stir something up. She said something about how we're always riling each other up, whatever that means."

"Oh." Naruto said simply, scratching his cheek, "So what, you gonna Sharingan me or something?"

"I already did, several hours ago."

His eyes narrowed, "Why didn't you show yourself?"

"I'm here to see what I can do about your condition." Sasuke answered emotionlessly, "My mission outside the village is still my main priority. Had I made my presence known, it would've been difficult to exit the village as soon as possible."

"Difficult for your family, or for you?"

"…Both."

Naruto scoffed, "You're such a bastard. Your daughter is hurting, your wife is hurting. Fuck the mission. Just do what you know you want to do and go to them."

Sasuke shifted, "I didn't detect any genjutsu with the Rinnegan. Likely it is something beyond my scope. I'd suggest intensive visits with the Senju and Sakura."

"Then what're you doing here?"

The Uchiha blinked, "I don't understand-"

"You can give them a day, Sasuke." Naruto said, smiling at his brother, "Trust me, one day is all any one ever needs."

A pause came between them, the Uchiha shifting uncharacteristically.

"And if they don't want me there?" Sasuke demanded, "They should hate me for being gone, for leaving."

"I didn't hate you when you left before." Naruto said, "And Sakura never hated you, then or now. She just misses you. And all your daughter wants is to know you. Is that really asking so much? What would you have done for just one day with your family?"

Sasuke stared at him, his dark eyes burrowing into Naruto's brain as he glared intensely at the blonde's words.

And then, he chuckled, causing Naruto to stop in surprise, "I suppose a broken clock can be right twice a day." The Uchiha muttered.

Naruto tilted his head, "What?"

"Never mind, idiot."

"Just get the hell out of here, ya bastard."

Scoffing in his usual fashion, Sasuke turned to leave, "Thank you for what you said to her, Naruto."

He shrugged, "I'm sure you'd so the same for Boruto or Hima. We're family, after all."

"Maybe I'll have to return the favor then. That kid of yours is as hopeless as you were back then." The Uchiha said as he began to walk away.

"Then maybe I should take Sarada under my wing, see whose student turns out the strongest. After all, every new generation surpasses the one before." Naruto shot back.

Sasuke gave a departing wave, his body dissolving into a flock of crows, "Challenge accepted, loser."

As the crows dispersed into the ether, a sad smile crept onto Naruto's face, "If only."

-x-

Naruto stood on the patio, looking up at the stars. It's weird what little things he missed. The smell of Konoha's night air, the sound of its trees bustling, the feel of its smooth breeze. Sage, it felt so real. He wanted it to be real. After today, he practically needed it to be. Maybe he'd go to bed and wake up to this family, to this life. Maybe his memories would come back, if only enough for him to remember what's important. His wedding, the births of his children, their first steps, their first words. God what he wouldn't do to have known what that felt like.

He could feel the love they had for him, the absolute adoration they felt. Sage how he felt it. And their feelings forged a feeling of his own.

Guilt.

Guilt that he could think their love wasn't real, that they weren't real. This guilt was festering, bubbling up into his chest. He hated it.

"Do you want to tuck Boruto into bed?"

Naruto didn't turn around, still looking up at the stars, "Yeah, I'd like that."

Arms wrapped around his stomach, Hinata pressing herself up into his back. Resting her head at the nape of his neck, she spoke into his shirt, "Did you have a good day?"

"It was the best day of my life." He breathed easily

She smiled, "I'm glad. But the day's almost over now, beloved."

Stiffening, his breath caught. He released it with a hoarse, "Of course."

Letting go, Hinata began to head back inside. He followed her at a turtle's pace. Creeping up the stairs after her, the two walked up to Boruto's room. Standing in front of the boy's door, Hinata watched as Naruto opened it and stepped inside.

"I'll see you on the other side." Hinata said, as she closed the door.

Releasing a shaky breath, Naruto looked down at the boy laying in his bed.

Putting on a strong face, the man asked, "Did you have a good today?"

"Yeah, it was fun." Boruto answered simply, clearly on the verge of sleep.

"Good."

"Are you gonna tell me a story?" Boruto mumbled, his eyes drooping with each blink.

Naruto walked up to the bed, "What kinda story do want me to read?"

Tilting his head, Boruto said, "You always tell me the story of the time you saved a priestess from a demon and an army of stone men."

Sitting down next to his son, Naruto said softly, "I don't think I'm gonna be able to tell you a story this time, buddy."

"What, why?" Boruto asked confused.

"I don't think I have the time." Naruto admitted, running his hand over the boy's hair soothingly, "And I want to spend what can here with you."

"What?" The boy questioned again, his voice slurred as he slipped further into sleep.

"Do you love me?"

Boruto nodded slowly, "Yeah."

"You want to be just like me, right?"

"No." Boruto answered slowly, "I don't want to be the Hokage."

"Oh-"

"I want to be the one who protects the Hokage."

Naruto looked at his son in surprise.

"That's what you've always told me, right?" The Uzumaki boy wondered tiredly, yawning as he mumbled, "That I have to protect what's precious, to hold it tight with both arms. That's what I wanna do, Dad. One day, I'm gonna be strong enough to protect you. Believe it."

If Boruto felt his father's tears, he didn't show it.

Leaning down, Naruto kissed his son on the forehead, "I'm so proud of the person you could've been." He whispered. Leaning back, he wiped away his eyes with a smile, "If you wake up tomorrow, and I'm gone, I want you to know something."

"What do you mean if you're gone-"

"One day I'm gonna be gone, Boruto. Whether that's tomorrow or when we're both old like Granny Tsunade. And I want you to know that I will never forget you. I will always be with you, and I will love you no matter how far away I might be."

A smile touching Boruto's face, his eyes closed contently.

Naruto continued to run his hand over his son's head, soothing him into sleep. Pulling the covers over him, he took a shaky breath before standing up. Heading towards the door, he reached for the knob.

He stopped, taking one last look at his son, the boy sleeping peacefully.

Unaware that his existence ended with the opening of this door.

And with a slow turn, Naruto opened it, a beam of light coming through the ever-widening crack. Stepping into the light, Naruto closed his eyes as he let it swallow him whole.

-x-

"It's time for you to wake up, beloved."

Naruto's eyes snapped open, his head shooting towards the sound of the voice. Slowly, he got up from his spot on the ground. Looking around, he saw that he was in Freyja's corner of the seal. Her fire was blazing next to him, the image of Boruto's bedroom fading away into the flame.

"I didn't think you'd have accepted the fantasy so readily – aack!"

She hacked as Naruto tackled her to the ground, his hands wrapping around Death's throat, squeezing the life out of it.

"Why would you do this to me?!" Naruto screamed hoarsely, his blood pumping and his face red with rage, "Do you have any idea what you did to me? The pain you've just put me through? Huh?! How could you make me see all of that, knowing that that's all I've ever wanted? Is it funny to you? Did it make you laugh giving me that fake life, that fake family?! Huh? Answer me!"

Lady Death wheezed around Naruto's grip, her words muffled by her closing windpipe.

He relented his grip enough for the next set of words to hit him.

"They were real."

With a start, he let go of her throat. Stumbling off her, he blinked rapidly in thought. Eventually he muttered, "How is that possible?"

Freyja coughed, rubbing her neck as she said, "What you saw was real, I promise that to you, beloved."

"How?" Naruto demanded loudly, "How the hell do you do that, why would you do that?"

"I didn't do anything-"

"Don't bullshit me, Death!" The Uzumaki shouted.

Freyja, started at the lack of familiarity, frowning as she asked, "Don't you remember what you were doing before the dream started?"

Forehead wrinkling in thought, Naruto eventually said, "I was back home, at the memorial stone."

"Yes, but what were you doing?"

Hitting a mental wall, Naruto shook his head, "I…I can't remember."

"You were sealing away the Mind Stone."

A new wave of memories came washing in.

He'd gone home, paid his respects at the memorial stone, and then unsealed the Mind Stone so he could reseal it into an array on the memorial stone he'd created to hide the Infinity Stones. The goal; seal the Infinity Stones into the memorial stone. When he unsealed the Stone, he'd been covered in the Six Paths Sage Cloak, the Stone's power ebbing its way into the cloak.

That was the last thing he remembered.

"The Mind Stone has complete authority on all things concerning the mind. It is a conscious being that has two contradicting feelings towards you. Respect and fear. Fearing that you would seal it away forever, but respecting your own power of will, mind, and body, it sought to give you what you'd always wanted while presenting you with a reason to use its power." Freyja explained, her voice still raspy from Naruto's attack.

"How do you know all that?" Naruto questioned.

"I wasn't exaggerating when I said it has authority all on all things concerning the mind." Freyja insisted, "Not only did it seep into your mind and unearth your deepest desires, it seeped into every nook and cranny of your mindscape. That includes my little corner. From me, it learned everything that it needed to know, just as I learned from it what I needed to know."

Naruto's eyes narrowed, "And you did nothing to stop it?"

Freyja shook her head, "I never imagined that you'd fall into the fantasy so willingly. You stopped resisting rather quickly. Once I realized you might not want to leave, I took it upon myself to show you the light."

"And I'm sure you had no problem watching all of it." Naruto muttered, with a scoff.

"I admit that I was curious. What the Mind Stone showed you was an intricately calculated reality. It used me as a tool to graft out the most possible scenario in which you had won that fateful battle. What you experience was real, Naruto. As real as it'll ever get." Freyja explained softly, "Had you won, had you not been sent to Earth; you would have married Hinata Hyuga. You would've had Boruto and Himawari. You friends, their lives, your life, all of it where you'd be right now had you succeeded."

His shoulders shaking, Naruto drove his fist into the ground.

Freyja tilted her head, "I thought you'd be happy to know it wasn't a fantasy. What you experience was genuine, excluding the obvious."

"That only makes it that much worse. Don't you get that?"

"I do. The would haves or could haves of the multiple realities has driven most mortals insane. To be able to know what your life should've been, it's always heartbreaking for me to see." Frejya stated carefully, "But even within infinity, there is balance."

Naruto looked up at her desperately, "What does balance matter? I've lost everything. How is that balance?"

"Because it was through the pure machinations of the universe. The actions of a being who oversteps the balance of life and death is throwing a rock at a glass house. They are creating cracks within an infrastructure that cannot bare a single break." Freyja stated honestly, "For any one to overstep their place in the universe and act as an archetype of life over death, by pushing one over the other into the forefront, you are twisting something that is not meant to be bent. Death is a part of the natural order. One way or another it is inevitable. Even premeditatedly premature death, while not sanctioned, is something that can be rebalanced. But not through returning life. Only through the creation of it, can reality be rebalanced. But in reversing death, by breaking what is not meant to be bent, you are truly wrecking the natural order. You are stepping on the toes of Eternity, Infinity, Oblivion and most importantly, myself. Do you understand this?"

"What would happen to me…if I did it?"

"If you gathered the six Infinity Stones, and you reversed what happened to your world, the aftermath could be catastrophic." Death answered gravely, "Do not forget that you are not the only one affected by your arrival on Earth. The best-case scenario would be that you'd be creating just another alternate reality. While unsanctioned by my siblings, it is not something that can be unforgiven. The worst-case scenario would be the breaking of reality. While it would not break all of the multi-verse, it would destroy your and all alternate realties in which you had been sent to Earth. All of the divergences created by that moment and trillions of others would be destroyed. You and an unfathomable amount of people would be wiped out from existence."

Naruto shook his head, "But even if there was a chance, isn't that worth it?"

Freyja hesitated for a moment. Crawling over to the prone man, she rested her hand on his shoulder, "You once presented me with the question of whose will is stronger; the man that can do something like that, or the man who can but chooses not to. I know what kind of man you are, Naruto. All this is just another test. A test of your will."

Looking into her eyes, Naruto silently pleaded for her to be wrong.

Dipping his head, he said, "I understand."

Hesitating for another moment, Freyja slowly took the man she loved into her arms. Before she could speak, he said, "I understand that what the Mind Stone showed me wasn't real. What it offered me isn't real. Death is death. But they're not gone, they still exist. They exist with me. And as long as I have the memory of that day, that's all I'll ever need. They're with me. My family is with me."

Getting up, he looked down at Freyja with a weak smile, "My entire life has led up to me working to maintain balance. If the Infinity Stones' only purpose is meant to maintain and embody that balance, then I'll do whatever I can to protect them from anyone who'd abuse them. That's my promise, my purpose."

-x-

Opening his eyes once again, Naruto squinted out the haze from his vision. Looking down, he saw that he was still in his Six Paths Sage Cloak. In his hand, the Mind Stone. Noticing that the seals around his body were now a hot glowing yellow, he frowned at the power coursing through him.

At the feet of the memorial stone, a complex seal array bled into the ground, the memorial acting as the center of the seal. Placing the Mind Stone within the array, he sighed as he felt the power leave the cloak.

Flipping through a set of hand signs, he slammed both hands on the ground before shouting, "Infinity Sealing: Seal!"

In a poof of smoke, the Mind Stone disappeared.

Sighing, he looked up at the stars. Dazzling along the dark sky, a single streak shot across the cosmos overhead.

Smiling, he muttered, "If there's infinite realities, there's bound to be one of him running around. I wonder if he's looking up at the stars right now."

"What the hell are you talking about, Naruto?"

He paused, his tenant clearly not in the know on what happened in Freyja's nook of the seal.

"Nothing, partner. Don't worry about it."

-x-

Chapter Complete

-x-

Author's Note: I know that most of you were probably expecting the follow up to what happened in the last chapter. And that was the plan. Sad thing is that my laptop crashed while I was working on it, and about 4,000 words got lost. I'd lost a lot of my drive to write after that, especially because what I had written was really fun. But I knew I needed to do something, my deadline to publish a chapter on the day Endgame comes out had been set. Then I realized that an idea I'd had almost half a year ago could actually be worked in instead. With some reworking, I'm pretty happy with how I managed to bring an idea I didn't plan to use until well after Civil War and integrate it into what's going on now. To anyone not pleased with this 'filler' chapter, please let me reiterate my hatred for filler. This chapter, while diverging from the current plot, has a point to the overall narrative. It's what some people like to call foreshadowing. Wink, wink. What I'm setting up here is something I'm really looking forward to, something that'll come into play at the endgame of the Infinity Saga. Honestly, I had a lot of fun writing this chapter. Revisiting characters whom I've killed off in such a way was really cathartic for me. I love all of them after all, so to have a chance to bring them to life if only for a one-off was too much to resist. That said this is a one and done. No more Mind Stone fantasies for you or me, sadly. That's all I can think to say. Please FAVORITE, FOLLOW, and most importantly REVIEW. If you have a question you'd like directly answered, please don't hesitate to send a PM. Hope you enjoyed the chapter, and I hope we all enjoy Endgame!