"Sleep tight, Akira"
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In the village
"So you'll be adopting this child?" asked the old man
"Yes, Hokage-sama" replied Tadashi
"Well, I won't question your child rearing abilities. The child seems comfortable enough with you" replied the Hokage gesturing to the slumbering infant. "But are you sure? The father is dead, but the mother may still be alive and may want the child back"
"If she does come forward, I will hand the child over" replied the young man with a steady and calm voice, but the Hokage could see through it. He knew that Tadashi was wishing with all his might that the mother would not show up, so that the child could be his permanently. Perhaps therapy should be an option, just in case.
"Very well, I grant you permission to keep the child for now. But first, we must ensure that the child did not sustain injuries or diseases. We may have to have him quarantined for a while. And I am requiring you to attend therapy sessions. To prepare you for the possibility that the child's mother may turn up and demand the child's return to her custody. Do not give me that look!"
Tadashi had been glaring at the Hokage since he heard "Therapy Sessions". He thought he had convinced the old geezer that he was fine; that he did not have "letting go" issues. Sure, he had been distraught for the loss of his family, but who wouldn't be? However, in the interest of getting on the Hokage's good side, he decided to be mad about something else.
"It's a girl" Tadashi finally said
"What?"
"I was glaring at you because I already told you Akira is a girl. You said "Him" " he lied
"did I? oh well, my apologies then. Old age, you know. Now, unless you have any problems regarding my conditions, you may proceed to the hospital for a check up"
"Yes sir! Thank you sir" replied Tadashi snapping into salute form and turning to leave.
"Oh and Tadashi" said the Hokage
"Yes sir?"
"I hope you and the child get along well"
"Yes sir" replied the young man with a slight smile as he turned to leave.
Once outside the Hokage's office, Tadashi turned his attention to the sleeping baby
"We will get along won't we? I'll be your daddy from now on" he whispered
The baby opened it's eyes, and searched the young man's face and gurgled as if to reply.
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Over the years, Tadashi and Akira have been inseparable. Tadashi didn't quit being an active ninja but he did ask for restrictions when being picked out for assignments. For example, when Akira was younger than nine years old, Tadashi refused any job that would require him to be away from home for more than one day. In other words, he was given jobs that were usually reserved for genin-in-trainings. He also applied for an academy instructor job. It was in this job that he was able to meet Tomoko.
Tomoko was a widow whose son, Kenji, attended the academy. Tadashi frequently saw her picking him up after school. One day, he decided to strike up a conversation. From there, friendship and eventually love happened. They wed a year later and another year later welcomed a son of their own. They named him Daichi.
Tadashi now had a complete family. He thanked god everyday for giving him a family, particularly Akira. He felt that all the good things happened because she came into his life.
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Procrastination nation. Will update soon