Chapter Twenty-One

Sensei – Part One

Hanabi – 25-26
Konohamaru – 26-27


She was really doing this, huh?

"Konohamaru was accepted as a jōnin sensei."

"Hanabi, what a pleasure." Iruka moved his paperwork as he welcomed her in. "What brings you?"

"This." She set her completed application in front of him, pushing it forward. "I'd like to be a jōnin sensei."

"Oh!" He looked delighted as he picked it up, thumbing through it. "Very interesting from you, Hanabi."

"Is it?" she asked, honestly. He didn't seem interested in answering.

"But I'm glad so many of my past students want to be sensei's," he continued, smiling up at her with those increasingly tired eyes. "I'll discuss it with Naruto, but I'm sure there won't be any problem."

"Thank you, Iruka-sensei." Hanabi bowed, leaving his office.

Boruto was due to begin in just a few months as summer drug on. Konohamaru's entrance didn't seem like too much of a coincidence. She wondered if he and Naruto had discussed the possibility of him becoming Boruto's sensei.

She was a little miffed he hadn't revealed it to her himself. It was her sister who gave her the news.

While she bided her time until she was told whether or not she'd been accepted (she knew she would be), she travelled to the Nara estates to visit with her old sensei. It was funny to see her out of her normal jōnin flak. She'd grown accustomed to a simple white tee and sweatpants, rarely in anything other than flip flops. It suited her.

"I thought Jun would've become a teacher," Tora told her as she set a glass of whiskey in front of Hanabi. Hanabi picked it up and sniffed it, making a face. "How can you be a sensei if you can't enjoy a good whiskey? Didn't I train you better?"

"I'll try." Hanabi rolled her eyes, taking a sip. She fought the urge to spit it out, instead setting it down. "You don't think I have what it takes to be a sensei, sensei?"

"Nah, I think you do," Tora responded, waving her off, "but if it was going to be any of you three, I thought it'd be Jun, I guess. Can't believe him and little Eiji are getting married…"

"Oh, yeah." Hanabi laughed, leaning back on the couch. "Aren't they perfect?"

"Honestly, no." Tora shrugged, sipping her own whiskey. "But who am I to judge love, hmm? Not like I've ever found it."

"Ah…that's…" Hanabi shifted uncomfortably, but Tora snickered.

"Relax, little lamb. Any reason compels you to apply, anyway?" She easily redirected the conversation.

"Well, I've kind of done it all, haven't I?" Hanabi tilted her head, crossing a leg over the other. "Figured it'd be nice to add sensei to the titles."

"Doesn't seem like that great of a reason." Tora rolled her eyes. "You're stuck with brats for years. And then they don't stop coming around, even when they're nearly 30."

"Hey!" Hanabi leaned back, offended. "You liked us! Do like us, don't you?"

"Aah." Tora chuckled, setting her glass down.

"You're going to the wedding, right? For Jun's side."

"True, true," she conceded, smirking. "I guess I lucked out with you lot. But you don't always get so lucky. You could end up with your nephew."

"Shush." Hanabi waved her hand now. "I'd love to have my nephew, but I think he'll end up with Konohamaru."

"Konohamaru?"

Hanabi paused.

Damnit. She can see right through me.

"So that's why."

"Sensei…" Hanabi mumbled irritably, turning away to shield her reddening cheeks.

"Like I said, who am I to judge love."

"Love!" Hanabi laughed uncomfortably, scooting away from her sensei. "I didn't come here to be made fun of!"

"Then you made a mistake," she snarked.

Her sensei was always so quick witted. She usually admired it, but right now, she was irritated with it. "Anyway, why'd you even become a sensei if you think so poorly of kids?"

"I never told you, did I?" Tora pondered, pulling her whiskey back to her lips. "Not many applicants as the war heated up. Tsunade was my sister's old sensei, and she asked me as a favor."

"Wait." Hanabi shook her head in disbelief. "We got a sensei out of pity?"

"Sure did. But look at you now."

Hanabi paused, wondering if she should keep prodding. With a sigh, she pushed the glass of whiskey away from her. "Well, this has been truly enlightening, Tora-sensei."

"I hope so," Tora continued, picking up Hanabi's glass to dump into hers. "Just saying. Think about it carefully. Don't want to make a mistake because of cloudy judgement. But I was being honest. I think you would be a good sensei. If I had a kid, I'd hope you were theirs."

"Well…" Hanabi huffed, leaning away a bit, "thank you, sensei. That's actually really nice of you to say."

"Slips out every once in a while." She smirked over the glass. "Now get out of my house. I require quiet between the hours of 6 pm and 10 am."

Hanabi got up, meeting her sensei in the middle to embrace. "Thank you."


Naruto barked a laugh to Iruka's confused expression.

"What's so funny? I actually thought you'd be happy." Iruka rubbed the back of his neck, eyeing his former student.

"Oh, no, I am. Yeah, she'd be great." Naruto grabbed the application, scanning it briefly. "What's funny is how she's always following him."

"Him?" Iruka perked an eyebrow, clearly trying to recall all of their current jōnin sensei's. "Uhm….Niko? Or Udon. Oh, Konohamaru?"

"Bingo." Naruto dropped the application, smirking at his former teacher.

"Wait, then maybe we should reconsider." Iruka shook his head, reaching back out for the papers. "If she's only doing it for…underlying reasons, I'm not so sure she should be a sensei to young shinobi."

"Aah, no, no." Naruto waved a placating hand. "She'd take it seriously. I know she'd be really good, actually. Just something funny to think about. Can't wait to tell Hinata."

"You're sure?" Iruka raised his eyebrows, glancing at the application. Naruto nodded enthusiastically. "Well, she is your sister-in-law. If you think so."

"Yeah, I'll take the kids to the compound to let her know personally." Naruto glanced at his paperwork tiredly for a moment. "Maybe in the morning. Thanks, Iruka-sensei."

"Yes, Lord Hokage." Iruka stood to bow, leaving the office.

Naruto picked the application back up, grinning at it.

Who better for his wife's sister, anyway?

Later that night, he and Hinata laughed over drinks about it.


Hanabi sighed tiredly at her paperwork.

Damn paperwork.

She thought of becoming a sensei. Tora was always doing paperwork. At least it'd be different, she supposed.

She looked up upon hearing the familiar squeal of her niece. She smiled, setting down her pen and getting up. She strolled out to the middle of the compound, finding Naruto chatting with her father as Hyūga doted on the little Uzumaki's.

Boruto looked irritated as several of them crowded around Himawari rather than him now.

"Have you been training your byakugan?"

"How far can you see now? Five meters? Ten?"

"Show us! Come, try to close this chakra point!"

"Hey, kiddo." Hanabi approached from behind, hooking her arm around his neck to pull him into an unwilling hug. With folded arms and a sour look, he wiggled away. "How are you?"

"Eh." He shrugged, stepping away from the overbearing Hyūga as Himawari reveled in the attention. "You?"

"Tired." Hanabi laughed, parking herself next to him. "Are you excited about becoming a shinobi?"

"Yeah, I guess." Another shrug. "Dad said big bro Konohamaru's gonna be a sensei for the next genin, so I guess that'll be me."

"Maybe," she conceded. "Make sure to take it seriously, Boruto. It isn't a playground."

"Yeah, yeah."

"Hanabi!" Naruto finally looked up at her, opening his arms to embrace her. "So you wanna be a sensei?"

"What?!" Boruto gasped, looking between his father and Hanabi. Hanabi shrugged now.

"Well, I think you'd be great. Signed off on it right away." He released her, patting her shoulder. "Thought I'd bring the kids to let you know."

"Oh no," Boruto breathed and Hanabi couldn't help but smile mischievously at him, "do not make her my sensei, dad."

"Hush, you." Naruto jabbed his forehead with his bandaged index finger good-naturedly. "That's assuming you pass."

"Thank you, Naruto." Hanabi bowed and he flashed her that grin.

"It's typical for sensei to be at the entrance ceremony. Iruka will give you all the details, but usually, new sensei hang around the school to help with the graduating class." She nodded.

So it was set. She'd be a sensei to a group of genin soon. She pondered who it would be, thinking over Tora's words.

She really hoped she got a good set.

"My daughter is quickly outpacing me," Hiashi commented as he approached the two, giving her a knowing look. She offered a fake smile. "Perhaps I'll have to think about retiring before she starts eyeing the seat of the Hokage."

"That'd be something!" Naruto laughed, nudging Hiashi's elbow with his. Despite it all, her father was poised as ever. "I mean, if her pattern is to be trusted, anyway, since there's a certain someone who's got his eye on the seat, too!"

"Aah—" Hanabi stepped away, gritting her teeth. How could he say something so stupid in front of her father?! "Well, always a pleasure, Lord Seventh." She sucked in her teeth as she spun on her heel, stomping away, feeling uncomfortably flustered.


"You didn't tell me you were applying to be a sensei."

"You didn't tell me, either!"

"Because you didn't tell me!"

"I—"

Hanabi was staring daggers straight into Konohamaru. He stepped away. "Why is it a big deal, anyway? It's not like Anbu, where I'll be gone, anyhow."

"It—" Hanabi stopped.

Because I wanted to make sure I applied with you. Idiot.

"It's not, I guess," she conceded, rolling her eyes. "Just not sure why you wouldn't tell me."

"I dunno." He shrugged, stepping towards her. "Thought it'd be fun to surprise you next time we saw each other. But you've been so busy…"

"Whatever, whatever." She sighed, holding a hand up, deciding this wasn't a fight worth having. "I'm happy for you."

"Yeah, you, too," he offered, setting his hands on her shoulders. "I didn't realize you'd applied, too. Naruto didn't mention it."

"Well, when Hinata told me you were accepted, it reminded me to do it…so…" she lied, crinkling her nose as she avoided his eyes. "You applied just in time for Boruto's class, huh?"

"Eh." He dropped his hands as he shrugged. "Also for the InoShikaCho kids. Usually, a Sarutobi is sensei to them."

"Oh?" She tilted her head. Wait, what if he didn't end up with Boruto? What if she ended up with Boruto? That was a funny thought, his panicked face. "Interesting…"

"Poor kid, gods help him if he ends up with you."

"Why does everyone keep saying that?!" She snapped, squinting at him. He grinned and she softened, like always. Without responding, he wrapped his arms around her shoulders and pulled her in close, dipping his face towards her to rest his forehead against hers.

"Where've you been, huh? Avoiding me again?"

"No," she sighed, leaning into the hold, "I'm trying to work on things for my clan…"

"Working on things?" he questioned curiously above her, pulling back to look at her. "What kind of things?"

"Hyūga things," she responded playfully, "not Sarutobi things."

"Ah." He smirked, releasing and stepping away from her to gesture outside. "Sure thing. Wanna go get food?"

"I'm kinda tired…" she said, honestly, turning away from him. She felt him wrap his arms around her from behind, nuzzling into her neck.

"Wanna nap with me?" he asked mischievously.

"Yeah, right," she exhaled, shrugging him off, "a nap is never just a nap with you."

"You know me too well." He laughed as she turned back to him, then suddenly froze as if a thought struck him. "Oh wait—I just remembered Moegi and Udon are due back today!"

"Oh?" she asked, tilting her head at him. "From the Sand?"

"Yeah!" he said eagerly, and she had to admit he looked kind of adorable. Like an excited little kid, seeing his friends after summer break. "You wanna come with me to welcome them back?"

She twisted her lips, shaking her head. "I wouldn't want to intrude."

"They're your friends, too, Hanabi," he offered good-naturedly, reaching out for her hand. She nudged him off.

"I know, but they're your best friends. I don't want to be a distraction."

"Well, you are pretty distracting…"

"Mhm." She smiled as he leaned down to give her an innocent kiss on the lips. "Go on. I'll see you another time."

"Promise?"

"We're both gonna be sensei, doofus. Of course."

"Right." He nodded, flashing her that boyish grin. "Well, I'll see you soon, sensei."

"You, too, sensei."


She had hoped to spend the Entrance ceremony with Konohamaru, along with Moegi and Udon.

Of course, Boruto would have to swiftly shoot that idea down.

"Good gods!" Moegi gasped as a train carriage slammed right into Naruto's carved mug.

"You have to be kidding." Hanabi gawked with her byakugan activated. "It's Boruto!"

"Boruto…" Konohamaru grumbled as all four stood up. "You guys evacuate the kids. I'll go get him."

"Little…" Hanabi huffed as he leaped away, her joining the other senseis in ensuring the children were properly ushered out.

Later that day, she offered to personally homeschool him for Hinata. Hinata swiftly rejected the idea, but Hanabi ensured she knew the offer would stand indefinitely.

She was just shocked, she supposed. She knew Boruto had been acting out since Naruto became Hokage, she'd been her sister's ear for a lot of it, who didn't want to burden Naruto with her complaints. But to crash the carriage into the Hokage mountain? Specifically, Naruto's face? It was absurd. Her father would have personally seen her executed, she thought.

And then he painted graffiti over that same spot he had just wrecked just when the Five Kage Summit was to begin. Hanabi did not envy her sister.

She was a little jealous that Konohamaru got to have all the fun in punishing her dear nephew, though.

She tried not to joke about it, because it actually seemed to bother him deeply.

"I just don't get how he can be so angry with his dad, you know?" Konohamaru complained to her one day over drinks. "He's always so pissy now..."

"He didn't grow up with our childhoods, I guess." Hanabi shrugged as she sipped a glass of wine. "A lot of us knew what it was like to have one or both parents gone. He…is lucky to grow up with both."

"Oh." Konohamaru tilted his head thoughtfully. "You're saying…he's having a hard time dealing with his dad being gone, right?" She hummed in agreement. He sighed, eyes dipping to his plate. "I mean, I guess I get that. But he's really out of control lately."

"Still hoping to be his sensei?"

"No, you can have him." They laughed. "It's only been two months. Another six of this, I might have gray hairs by the end of it."

"Ah, you'd look distinguished," Hanabi teased happily.

"I heard you're going in to do a taijutsu lesson," he continued on, raising an eyebrow. "Tomorrow? Should probably go easy on the drinks."

She waved him away. "Hyūga have superior livers."

"That right?" He grinned, eyes brushing over her torso briefly. "Then I'll stop in to watch, maybe learn a thing or two."

"You could definitely learn a thing or two."

"Wanna make a bet?" he said, suddenly, turning in his seat to her. She raised a curious eyebrow, tilting her head up for him to continue. "I bet you'll be hungover tomorrow."

"Oh yeah?" She smirked, resting her glass as she turned to him as well. "What would you get, then?"

"Well, I mean, I know what I want…" His voice dropped to a devious whisper, and she rolled her eyes. He perked back up. "What would you want?"

"I want you to shave an eyebrow."

"What?!" he sputtered, covering his right eyebrow as if on instinct. She folded an arm over her stomach as she beamed up at him.

"Can't back out now. I think I'm gonna take it easy tonight."

"That-that is cheating!" he snapped, looking genuinely irritated. "No way."

"Aren't Sarutobi's supposed to be known for keeping their word, or something?" She waved him away before pushing her wine further up.

"I've said it before, and I'll say it again. You are evil."

"I think I'll call it a night." She pulled out her coin pouch, smirking up at his slack jaw. If she had been tipsier, she might have shamelessly placed a teasing kiss on it.

Fortunately, she was fairly clear-headed right now.

"See you tomorrow, Lord Eighth."


Just as Hanabi began her lesson outside, she caught Konohamaru's fuming glare as he appeared at the back of the crowd, shadowed by a large oak. He had his arms crossed and he looked so pouty—so cute. She had to resist the urge to stick her tongue out at him, instead simply offering the kindest-looking smile she could muster.

When she finished up her lesson, several little Academy students swarmed her.

"Hanabi-sensei, you're so strong!" one of them squeaked out and Hanabi was surprised.

Was she being admired?

"Oh, thank you." Hanabi nodded. "Lots of training and you all can be just as strong."

The students giggled as Konohamaru approached her, several of their faces reddening. Her smile faltered when she realized they were flustered at the sight of him.

Aww. They think he's handsome.

They weren't wrong.

"Hi, Konohamaru-sensei." One of them shyly waved. He tilted his head at the girl, returning the wave.

"Hi, Namida." He raised his eyebrows as the girls broke into giggles, quickly running away with hushed whispers. Hanabi looked up at him with wide eyes. He gave her a quizzical look. "You've got fans."

"Me?" Hanabi questioned disbelievingly, her face breaking into a glowing smile. "Uh, no. You do."

"What?" he asked, genuinely and she couldn't believe she was in love with an idiot, thinking back to Moegi's tease about Udon being ugly and Konohamaru being stupid. Not that Hanabi really thought he was stupid. But he was definitely cuter this way.

"You're clueless." She pitched her pointer finger up at his nose, tapping it affectionately as his lashes fluttered and eyes crossed on it. Something squeezed at her heart.

"You're a cheat," he mumbled, eyes lowering as she dropped the hand. She beamed a toothy grin up at him.

"You keep saying that, but there were no rules. Just that the winner gets what they want. And guess what? I won." She gasped, clapping her hands together excitedly. "Ooh—can I shave it?"

"Nope." He shook his head, stepping away from her as he crossed his arms, looking down at her disapprovingly. "I'll shave it, but I'll also be using transformation jutsu to mask it until it grows back."

"Oh!" She huffed, looking offended. "Now that is cheating!"

"You wanted to get technical, didn't you?" He smirked, poking his tongue out slightly.

"Wow, wow, wow. Wow." She shook her head in disapproval, clicking her tongue. "That's something close to cowardice, Konohamaru-sensei."

"Mm-mm, that's strategy."

"You have to at least let me see you before you mask it."

"Nah—"

"You have to! How else am I gonna know you held up your end of the bet?!" She glared at him, feeling somewhat irritated over this silly bet. "Sarutobi's word and all that!"

"You put too much stock in my clan." He gave her that lopsided grin as he casually leaned against the tree beside him. "But fine. I'll let you see. But only you. And only when we're in my be—"

"Quiet!"

"Big bro! Big sis—"

"SENSEI!" They both turned and yelled in unison just as Boruto skidded to a halt in front of them, staggering back from their combined voices.

"Aah!—sensei, sorry," he offered genuinely. "Can you come here a sec?"

He bolted off without explanation, and Konohamaru gestured for her to go ahead. "After you." She eyed him suspiciously, but still shrugged, walking after Boruto. "I do like watching you walk away—"

It was a little difficult explaining why Konohamaru was clutching his stomach when they got to Boruto and his friends.


All this talk of ghosts from Boruto was frankly, ridiculous, Konohamaru thought. Why should he be surprised that the son of Naruto was so…weird, sometimes?

After the truth was revealed, he again wondered why he should be surprised that the son of Naruto would be caught up in such a mess.

Seemed the boy had a knack for talking people down, just like Naruto. He felt a little prideful. Maybe having him on his genin team would be good.

He recalled with laughter to Hanabi that he had run into Sakura's daughter, Sarada, who revealed she wanted to be Hokage.

"Rival to a child?" she questioned, unamused. "That's pretty low, even for you."

"It was a joke!" He pushed her. "You're no fun. Just get back to work, then, you stiff."

"Me, the stiff." She scoffed, looking back down at her paperwork. They both looked up at a knock on the door, then swiftly open. He glanced at Hanabi, who reddened. "Shino."

"Oh." Shino stopped, glancing between the two. "Apologies. Didn't mean to interrupt."

"Just doing paperwork." Konohamaru shrugged, dropping his papers on the table. He smirked when Hanabi scooted away from him, clearly trying to put distance between them. "What's up?"

"Surely I'm interrupting?" Shino's eyebrows raised and Konohamaru shook his head, pointing at a spare chair. Shino nodded and sat. "With the graduation exams coming up, I'm scouting for proctors for the practical portion. I need one more. The reason I'm telling you this is because Naruto suggested you."

"Me?" Konohamaru grinned, leaning back. "Yeah, of course. Anything for big bro."

He shot Hanabi a playful look as she scoffed. Shino straightened up. "Sorry, Hanabi. We didn't consider you because I assumed you'd be busy with your clan affairs. Hinata says you're working on some big things."

"Big things?" Konohamaru questioned.

"You know," Hanabi huffed, dropping her papers on the table as she looked up at her sister's old teammate, "it's not very professional to discuss your instructors' personal business so freely in front of one another."

"I apologize," Shino offered readily, getting up from his seat. "If you could be in my office tomorrow after class, Konohamaru, I would appreciate it."

"Sure thing." Konohamaru saluted him off, casting his eyes back at Hanabi's agitated expression. "Feeling a little jealous?"

"Hush," she snapped, picking her pen back up and focusing her eyes on her paperwork.

Ah. She's so cute when she's flustered.

He returned to his paperwork as well, deciding it wasn't the best time to tease.


Shino, Konohamaru, Hanabi, Moegi, and Udon all convened in the meeting room to discuss prospective teams after the genin exams wrapped up.

Hanabi ran her tongue over her teeth with mischief in her eyes as she looked up at Konohamaru, leaning over. "Look, this is the one that had a big ol' crush on you."

"Hanabi!" Konohamaru lurched away from her as she shoved Namida's profile in his face. "Get out of here with that crap."

"Ahh, Konohamaru's always been popular with the ladies." Udon joined the tease.

"Yeah, if you call getting pummeled into the ground by them being popular." Moegi rolled her eyes and Udon laughed. Konohamaru reddened, glaring at Moegi.

"Focus," Shino snapped irritably. "These are big decisions. The reason is that it can have a great effect on a team to be effectively put together."

"I've already chosen." Hanabi gestured forward with a shrug. Shino lowered his head at her.

"It's not up to you, Hanabi. Your opinion, however, is welcome."

"Well, listen." Hanabi spread out the three girl's profiles she had taken interest in. "I've seen all three of them and I'll just go ahead and model it off my experience." She pushed Namida's report forward. "This one is like Jun. Quiet, shy, but has good skills." She proceeded to add Wasabi's report. "This one is like Eiji, she's fiery and strong, though maybe a little temperamental. Plus the cat and dog motif? C'mon. And this one." She pushed Sumire's forward. "Is like me."

"How so?" Konohamaru pressed, raising an eyebrow.

"She's an outcast, well, kind of," she reasoned, "I know all the kids are so accepting and all that nowadays, but you get what I mean. She's levelheaded. She can protect Namida and keep Wasabi in line. She's a leader."

"Big words, Hanabi," Moegi teased, "you're basically declaring you're the leader of your old team."

"Well, I was, wasn't I?" Hanabi folded her arms, blowing a strand of hair from her face. "I was the first one to promote to jōnin. Tora-sensei passed the title to me."

"You do make very valid points, actually." She glared at Shino's surprised tone. "I'll certainly keep that in mind."

"Well, I think we all know who I'm getting." Konohamaru leaned back after pushing the profiles away.

"Boruto?" Udon asked, honestly. Konohamaru shook his head.

"The InoShikaCho kids. They always end up with a Sarutobi, why should it be any different this time?" Konohamaru shrugged, and Moegi shook her head, swiping up the three profiles.

"No, I'm taking them."

"What?"

"Yeah, I've already talked to Ino about it." Moegi waved him away. Hanabi watched with interest.

"Moegi, you can't—" Shino started, only to be quieted.

"You try arguing with that woman." Moegi lowered her eyes at Shino. "She's insisting. Besides, I don't mind. I grew up with the Akimichi's, I know a lot about their combined jutsu."

Shino sighed, dragging his head towards Udon. "Anything you want to demand from me, too, Udon?"

"I'm alright with whatever." He shrugged, thumbing through the profiles. "Just not Boruto, please."

"Yeesh." Konohamaru shook his head and Hanabi giggled. "He'd be heartbroken hearing you guys trash him like this."

"To be fair," Shino started, "Lord Seventh is interested in having you be his sensei." Hanabi held back a mocking scoff at the words. Big surprise. "It's just a matter of who he's paired with. The official recommendation is Sarada and Mitsuki."

"The transfer?" Konohamaru perked an eyebrow, picking up the boy's profile. "Not so sure it's a great idea to pair up Boruto and Sarada, though."

Hanabi peered over his shoulder at the paperwork. He'd been exasperated in the past by their arguments. She held back a giggle as she thought of her little nephew cracking an egg over Sarada's head in Hinata's home one evening years ago.

"Guess that leaves me with these kids," Udon piped in, gathering three profiles. "Kind of a weird mix, but I can make it work."

"This all still needs to be approved by Iruka-sensei and Lord Seventh—"

"Great, thanks Shino-sensei!" Moegi was the first to get up. "C'mon, guys. Let's go to the izakaya."

"Thank you~" Hanabi sang, trailing after Moegi as Konohamaru roughly patted Shino's shoulder, Udon with a little wave.

"See ya, sensei!"

It was the first time they'd been able to hang out together for quite a while, as a chunk of time was carved out for this. They were selfishly taking advantage of it, but Hanabi figured they'd earned it by doing their own research.

Shino sighed as Udon trailed out. "Instructing will send me to an early grave…"


"Didn't we agree to cut back on drinking?" Udon asked as Konohamaru approached.

"Eh." Konohamaru shrugged as he passed out the drinks, then took his seat next to Hanabi in the four-person booth across Moegi and Udon. "Tomorrow's the big day, might as well celebrate, right?"

"You always find a reason to celebrate." Moegi snickered as she pulled the drink to her lips. He chuckled, nodding as he sidled up as close to Hanabi as she would allow him.

"Have you guys decided what kind of test you're gonna do?" Hanabi asked curiously, wedging her arm between them to create some modicum of distance without looking at him.

Moegi grinned. "I'm gonna make them capture me. They won't be able to, but I wanna see 'em try."

"I don't do tests," Udon chimed in, pausing to pull on his drink, "they've already done a bunch of tests, why do another? It's a silly tradition if you ask me." He lowered his eyes at Moegi when she snorted disapproval.

"Huh." Hanabi tilted her head at him. "I think I'm gonna do like a hide-and-seek kind of thing with mine."

"Hide and seek?" Konohamaru snickered, eyeing her. "What, you'll hide, they seek? Sounds like what Moegi's doing."

"No, no, they hide." Hanabi smirked, the veins around her eyes popping. "See if they can avoid my byakugan, you know?" Konohamaru leaned his head curiously. He almost wished he could go watch that, it would probably be thoroughly amusing. He was just envisioning big, bad Hanabi scaring the daylights out of a hiding Namida.

"Ah, that's unfair." Udon pointed out with a perked brow.

"Tora-sensei used her shadow possession jutsu on us." Hanabi stuck up her nose. "I can use my byakugan."

"Poor girls," Moegi teased. "We'll see if Shikadai or Inojin have gotten any better with their parent's jutsus. Ino says Inojin hasn't been training the mind transfer jutsu. He's gonna regret that."

"Oh yeah, there's a bunch of different ways they could capture you, huh?" Udon questioned with a head tilt.

"Yep, so if they can't even come close, I'm kicking their asses back to the academy."

"Sheesh, and you pity Hanabi's girls?" Konohamaru raised his eyebrows. "More like poor InoShikaCho kids." He wondered how he would have handled them differently if he had gotten them like he thought he was going to. They were a sassy bunch, so it was probably better that Moegi got them, anyway. Konohamaru didn't have much patience for sassy kids. Boruto's attitude already wore him thin at times, and he actually loved that kid.

Moegi shrugged. "It's what Ebisu-sensei would have done."

"True." Udon nodded in agreement along with Konohamaru. "Konohamaru?"

"Ah…" Konohamaru slumped over now, rubbing the back of his neck. Those damn kids… "My kids aren't really…happy to be together. They're already demanding to be reassigned."

"Shit!" Udon exclaimed.

"What?!" Hanabi squinted up at him. "It's Boruto, isn't it?"

"I'd put equal blame on him and Sarada." He offered with a shrug. "They want to talk to Naruto about reassigning them, so I'm gonna have Mirai do her own little test on them. Hoping it'll knock it out of them."

"Yeah?" Hanabi tilted her head thoughtfully. "What's the logic there?"

"Make them work together." He tapped the side of his head. "Make them see they can get along as a team."

"Optimistic," Udon snorted and Konohamaru glared at him. Of course he had to be optimistic, he'd tear his hair out if he wasn't. His mom could offer exactly zero advice on this issue, as it was finally something he was doing she had no experience in. Too bad grandpa wasn't around, some advice from the sensei of the Legendary Sannin would be great at a time like this.

"You're not even doing a test," Konohamaru pointed out with a frown.

Moegi jeered in agreement, "you're gonna have soft kids, Udon."

"I got the weird mix!" he defended, shoving his foot towards her under the table as she hissed in pain, elbowing him back. "You guys snatched up everyone else and left me with whatever was left. Honestly, I'm having a hard time seeing how they'll fit together."

"Ah," Hanabi huffed in agreement, "that is true. You'll figure it out, though."

"He'll try," Konohamaru laughed, and Udon shot him a look.

"Remember, I'm the ugly one, not the stupid one."

Hanabi giggled and Konohamaru looked down at her with a mischievous smile. She didn't look back up, but he felt her foot wrap around his from below them. He could justify the red on his cheeks from the effects of alcohol if asked, but he did enjoy the way she could make him feel flustered, too.

"Look at us," Moegi declared, lifting her drink, "all jōnin-senseis! Who would've thought?"

"Yeah, it is kind of interesting we all went down this path, huh?" Udon inquired curiously, bumping his drink against hers. Konohamaru's chest felt warm. It really was the ideal scenario for him. His two best friends and the love of his life, all doing the same thing and being able to be around each other more often. It was as close to normality with Hanabi as he could get, so he was just thankful she'd also just so happen to want to become a jōnin-instructor, too.

It helped that Hanabi fit in so naturally, unlike his previous attempts at relationships.

"Big brother Naruto and his friends got to have all the fun with the war." Moegi shrugged. "We needed something to do, too."

"Eesh." Hanabi frowned, shaking her head. "Not sure I'd say it was fun…"

Konohamaru's stomach flipped briefly as he thought of Neji, suddenly feeling guilty. Leave it to Moegi to make things awkward just as he was thinking about how nice all of this was. Moegi rolled her eyes. "Come on, none of us got to get in on the fighting—OW!"

"Moegi." Konohamaru eyed her as she whined from the kick he gave her.

"That's the second time I've been struck in ten minutes!" She puffed out her cheeks and Konohamaru rolled his eyes, unamused by her antics. "You all abuse me! Abuse, and for what!" He glanced at Hanabi who had averted her eyes, and he wrapped his arm around her shoulders, squeezing.

"I'm fine," Hanabi whispered.

"Oh-shit—Moegi, you're an asshole—" Udon blurted out, pointing an accusing finger at her, "people died!"

"Well, yeah!" Moegi paused, then flitted her eyes over Hanabi and she grimaced in realization. Konohamaru squinted at her in disapproval as she looked at him and she shook her head. "Wait, sorry, Hanabi."

"I'm fine!" He listened to her force out that strained laugh, pulling her beer to her lips to drink from it far longer than normal. She exhaled as she sat it down. "Never mind all that. How are things with Aoi, Moegi?"

"Oh, yeah." Udon huffed a laugh and Konohamaru smirked, deciding to keep his arm around Hanabi if she let him. He was just happy she so easily redirected the conversation. Must've been that Hyūga training Shikamaru talked about those years ago, able to move things along if a politician was being too pushy or irritating. Moegi looked at Udon expectantly to continue. "You found someone crazy enough to date you."

"Sure did." Moegi nodded, seemingly relieved to move the subject forward. "Not like he's not an asshole, too."

"You always date assholes." Konohamaru frowned, resting his chin on the palm of his hand as Hanabi shrugged off his arm. He chose to rest the free hand on her thigh, and she didn't object.

Moegi barked a laugh. "You're one to talk."

Konohamaru felt Hanabi tense beside him and he scoffed. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Means all the girls you dated were rude and stuck up." Moegi sipped her beer, perking an eyebrow at him as if to dare him. Konohamaru clicked his tongue, feeling Hanabi's eyes burning into his cheek.

"She's not wrong." Udon nodded and Konohamaru glared at his friend. He was supposed to be on his side, it was always him versus Moegi. But then again, Udon had been taking Moegi's side more and more lately. He felt Hanabi fidget next to him.

"How's that?" Hanabi inquired, curiously.

Udon snickered. "Oh, that's right. You're never around when he's dating someone not you."

"Hey!" Hanabi slapped her hand on the table and Konohamaru winced. "Don't spread rumors!"

"Yeah, Udon." Konohamaru scowled at him. "Shut your mouth."

"Whatever, she asked, you wanna know, right Hanabi?" Udon asked, wiggling an eyebrow. Konohamaru looked down at Hanabi who pursed her lips while nodding.

"Oh, come on," Konohamaru groaned, falling back into his seat as he buried his face in his hands. Moegi and Udon gathered together, giggling and feeding off each other.

"Oh, let's see, there was Ume—she always looked like she had shit under her nose."

"She did, didn't she? Like she was above us."

"To be fair, she probably was." Moegi rolled her eyes. "But she didn't have to make it so obvious that she hated us. Remember when she threw away a full plate of food you made for her?"

"Oh yeah." Udon snickered and Konohamaru felt his entire body go fiery. He felt Hanabi shake next to him, little giggles escaping.

Assholes, both of them.

"Then there was Mika, she was always insulting Moegi." Udon prodded her side gently. "But only we're allowed to do that."

"Oh gods, I hated her!" Moegi snapped, slamming a fist on the table, "hated her, hated her, hated her!"

"Calm down." Udon laughed, grabbing her fist and Konohamaru wanted to disappear. "She told Moegi she looked like she had a diaper on her head."

"And thus ended my headband," Moegi growled, irritably.

"Well, good thing they're not around, huh?" Konohamaru snipped, avoiding Hanabi's stare.

"Eh." Udon shrugged. "Not like you've never dated assholes, right, Hanabi?"

"I mean…" Now Konohamaru glanced at her, curious. "No?"

"Please," Konohamaru scoffed, squinting down at her, "all those politicians? Every single one of them is an asshole."

"I didn't date them!" Hanabi objected, crossing her arms as she scooted away from him into the wall.

"Wait, Hanabi." Moegi set her drink down, eyes going wider. "Are you saying you've never had a boyfriend? Or girlfriend?"

"Well, no." Hanabi frowned, turning away and Konohamaru's heart skipped slightly. It was something he technically knew. If anyone asked, she'd deny she'd ever been in a relationship, even if Konohamaru's presence made that a bold-faced lie. They were absolutely dating, even if it were in secret. He only resented her a little that she wouldn't just admit it to his own friends, but it was easy to get over since he knew.

"So Konohamaru is your first boyfriend?" Udon frowned.

Konohamaru gritted his teeth, knowing this could go nowhere good as Moegi joined in, "then you have dated an asshole. I pity you."

"Quit it, both of you."

"I think I'm tired." Hanabi sighed, clearly looking for an exit. Konohamaru wanted to reach over and pinch both of his best friends' noses shut.

"No!" Moegi whined, reaching out for her. "I'm sorry! We hear you loud and clear to shut up, okay?"

Konohamaru raised his eyebrows at Hanabi, feeling sorry his stupid friends were putting her in this position. They hadn't formally defined their relationship. If asked by the right person, he'd immediately lay his claim on her as his girlfriend. But he knew she wasn't comfortable doing that yet, no matter how far they'd come. He'd said it before, he'd say it again. Konohamaru was a patient man. Hadn't always been, but when it came to her, he was. Hanabi softened back into the seat.

"Poor Hanabi." Udon tsked, reaching out to pat her hand sympathetically as she let out a puff of amusement. "She doesn't deserve the way we treat each other, huh?"

"Nope." Konohamaru stuck his tongue out, patting her head as she rolled her eyes. "She's a sweet angel and you two are demons."

"I must agree." Hanabi sighed, shoving away his hand. "—about not being as good at ribbing as you three are. But it is fun."

"You think this—" Udon gestured in a circle. "—is fun?"

"Takes my mind off other things, I guess." Hanabi shrugged, pulling her drink back up.

"Puts my mind on things I don't want to think about." Konohamaru hummed irritably. "It's always work, work, work with you two."

"Ha!" Moegi laughed. "You're one to talk, mister gotta do it all—Anbu, summons, sealing, sage mode, sensei, Hokage, god of men!"

"Hush, you." Konohamaru squinted at her, then turned the look at Hanabi who giggled.

"She's right, isn't she?" Hanabi smirked up at him, softening.

"Thought you were the nice one." Konohamaru poked her forehead and she reached up to rub the spot.

"I gotta keep up!" Hanabi defended, smiling over her glass at him. Even if he was a bit miffed she was joining his friends in mocking him, she was just so pretty. Especially when she smiled. So he returned it. She scowled too often, anyway.

"Don't worry." Moegi waved her away. "Konohamaru's terrible at insults and it's been a long time since we were all together consistently like this. You got too used to Jun's softness and Eiji's undying love."

"True." Hanabi nodded readily.

"Spoiled," Konohamaru tsked.

"Also true," Hanabi agreed again, and he had to smile.


Hanabi watched her team spar with folded arms, leaning against the trunk of the tree in their training grounds.

She couldn't wait to brag to Shino that she was right.

She jumped at a poke to her side, whirling around to find Konohamaru's grinning face. "Getting sloppy, Hanabi."

"I'm focusing on my girls." She waved him away, turning back around. "And I was right. They're perfect together. A woman's intuition is always right."

"I never doubted you." He defended playfully. "Glad your team's so great. Honestly."

"Yeah?" She looked up curiously, smiling. "How's yours? I heard there was just a little trouble."

"Ah." Konohamaru sighed, slumping a bit. "Don't remind me. It's fine, we got it all worked out. They're doing well, now."

"That's wonderful," she offered, sincerely. "Heard you have a mission coming up."

"Yep, out to trailing some bandits. I'm pretty confident in them, should be a breeze."

"Always too confident for your own good." She looked up at him. "Take care of my nephew, Konohamaru-sensei."

"Quit calling me that," he joked, his fingers ghosting over her hand briefly, "Hanabi-sensei."

"Hanabi-sensei! Are you even looking?!"

They jerked away from each other at Wasabi's irritated yell. The three stopped to look at them. "Konohamaru-sensei!" Namida squealed, waving her arms. She looked up at Konohamaru who turned slightly pink.

"Uh, hey girls." He rubbed the back of his neck, stepping backward. It took everything inside of her not to loudly proclaim that he was blushing, for his sake. "Just discussing sensei stuff with your sensei here."

"You know, I always see you around Team 7, too, Hanabi-sensei." Sumire flashed her purple eyes over Hanabi, and suddenly, she was blushing, too.

"Well, you all know Boruto is my nephew," she defended, turning away from them. "Just making sure Konohamaru-sensei here is training him correctly."

"Oh, yeah." Sumire laughed, seemingly accepting the explanation. "Well, don't let us bother you. C'mon, let's get back at it."

"No, no, I was just taking off." Konohamaru held up his hands and she glanced up at him, nodding.

Their teams finding out about them would be disastrous. Hanabi agreed, "yes, yes you were. See you around, Konohamaru."

"Hanabi." He bowed his head all too politely to her, the situation too close now for him to hug her. She bowed back just as he disappeared.

"Hanabi-sensei…" Wasabi eyed her suspiciously. "What's that all about?"

"You girls are nosy," Hanabi snapped. "Alright, laps! Laps around the village! Fifty!"

"Oh no!" Namida whined, slumping over.

"One hundred!"

"We're going!"


"Let's start with something simple."

"Jun-sensei, we've already practiced on fish before."

"You have?" Jun looked at Namida with surprise, turning to Hanabi. "Do they teach medical jutsu in the Academy now?"

"Oh, I guess." Hanabi shrugged. "I think Iruka-sensei put it in the curriculum a few years ago."

"That's fantastic." Jun smiled, turning back to the girls. "Well, excellent. Let's do something a little more difficult. You ladies just tell me if you need me to slow down."

"He'd be a good teacher." Eiji sunk her teeth into an apple as she leaned on the opposite side of the doorway they were occupying.

"Yes, he would," Hanabi agreed as she backed away to let him work. "Maybe I'll talk to Shino about having him come in for medical lessons."

"Funny hearing you two being called sensei." She chuckled, then her smile dipped to a frown. "He's been real busy, though." Eiji turned from Hanabi's team to stroll into the kitchen. She looked back briefly to find Wasabi's face contorted in anger. Jun was probably the perfect one to placate the girl if she really was anything like Eiji. She followed her into the kitchen. "Lot of shinobi coming in injured lately…you have any idea what's up?"

"No." Hanabi shook her head, joining her at the table, lying readily. "Just as out of the loop as you."

Eiji eyed her suspiciously, taking a purposefully loud bite of the apple. "No need to lie to me, Hanabi. You could just say it's classified, not gonna grill you."

"Sorry," she sighed, "bad habit, I guess. Boruto's always asking for more information, the only way I can get him off my back is by pretending I don't know."

"Fair." Eiji shrugged. "Just let me know if we should be getting out of dodge."

"What?" Hanabi asked, tilting her head. "Of course not. The village is safe, don't worry."

"Sure." Eiji shot the apple core into a food waste bin. "Whatever you say, Lady Hanabi-sensei."

"Ah." Hanabi sighed, resting her forearms on the table. "Wedding is getting close."

"Yep!" Eiji beamed now, tone shifting. "All the last-minute stuff is underway."

"You must be busy."

"Actually, no." Eiji laughed. "Inuzuka are pretty good at planning events. They're taking care of everything. All I gotta do is sit back and relax, let 'em pamper me."

"Oh, that's nice." Hanabi nodded.

"Look at me, a regular housewife!" Eiji sighed dreamily. Hanabi laughed.

"You still do police work, don't you?"

"Haven't really been needed." She waved her hand. "I don't mind it, anyway. I do get a little bored, though, so maybe you should bring those runts by more often."

Hanabi smiled. "I could if you want." Eiji shrugged. "Well, I can't wait. Jun must be relieved they're taking care of everything if he's been busy at the hospital."

"Yeah," Eiji breathed out, mannerisms quickly changing again. They peered out the doorway together when they heard cheering from the girls, Jun freely offering praise. "He's good with your girls. It's a nice distraction from all the wounded and dead."

Hanabi recoiled at the grim description. "Yeesh…"

"They remind me of us." She smirked, winking at Hanabi. "That on purpose? Let me guess, cat girl is me?"

"How—" She laughed, cutting herself off. Of course, Eiji would be able to tell. "Yes, sorry. It was just too perfect. But she's strong like you. Fastest in her class."

"Nice." Eiji beamed, slapping the table. "Maybe they can watch their sensei get beat up by me, huh?"

"Oh please." Hanabi rolled her eyes. "I wouldn't want to embarrass you."

"Hyūga," she growled warningly, but it was in good fun. They both laughed.

"Glad you guys are having a good time in there!" They looked up as Wasabi yelled. "While we're struggling!"

"It's just you who's struggling, Wasabi…" Sumire pointed out gently.

"Yep, just like you," Hanabi whispered, getting up to rejoin the group. "Don't make me get Lord Seventh to give you another d-rank in Ms. Ogawa's garden."

Wasabi opened her mouth to speak but quickly shut it. Namida sighed dreamily. "I like Ms. Ogawa."

Eiji couldn't contain her laughter from the other room.


Konohamaru pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling his vision getting blurry into the late hours of the night in his office. A knock tore him from his report, beckoning the visitor in. Despite his fatigue, a smile naturally pulled on his lips when Hanabi slid inside, gently shutting the door behind her.

"I heard you were back," she whispered as if others would hear. He was pretty sure no one was still there, though. "And you didn't come to visit me."

"Trust me," he sighed, turning the report over so it was hidden on the table, "I wanted to. This report is…it's kicking my ass, Hanabi."

"Worse than me?" she questioned, strolling over to him to sit on the opposite side of his desk. He smirked at her lazily, reaching up to rub an eye. "Can I help at all?"

"This one's classified, unfortunately," he mumbled, setting a hand on top of the report. "As much as I'd like to tell you."

"I understand." She nodded, leaning over the desk. "Maybe I can help you in…other ways?"

He paused, swallowing as he looked up at her. Why did she do this to him when he was dead tired? "What're you proposing?"

He watched her warily as she got up and circled around the desk, casually dropping into his lap and he chuckled, willingly wrapping his arms around her hips. "Massage, maybe?"

"For me?" He grinned. He couldn't resist her.

"Who else, idiot?"

"Ah, my favorite nickname," he jested as she ran her hands over his shoulders, gently pressing into him. An involuntary sigh left him as he felt warm chakra depositing into his muscles, his chakra points. She didn't often treat him to her families jutsu, so it was more than welcome. "Wish I could learn that one."

"Mmm," she hummed, smiling down at him as he caressed her hips, nudging her just a little closer. "Wish you could be a Hyūga?"

"Yeah, right." He shook his head before leaning it back and letting his eyes flutter shut as she worked on him.

"You look so tired," she whispered affectionately. "Sorry, you're here so late."

"Part of the job, right?" he commented lazily, squeezing slightly on one of her hips. "This helps a lot. Thank you, Hanabi."

"Yeah." She giggled quietly, her fingers trailing up toward the crook of his neck. "This one will hurt a tiny bit, okay?"

"You do love to hurt me," he teased and despite having closed eyes, he knew she was rolling hers. He hissed quietly when he felt as if a muscle snapped, but it passed quickly, feeling better than before.

"Baby."

"Dork."

"Doofus."

"Beautiful."

"Ah—"

He smirked. He did love catching her off guard.

Not without struggle, he peeled his eyes open to meet hers, looking at him lovingly. He dropped the smirk into a smile. "I'm gonna fall asleep like this if you don't stop. I gotta finish this up tonight."

"Of course." She nodded, moving to get off of him, but he tugged her back, taking her lips with his. She gasped, trying to push him off.

She liked to call him an idiot, but she could be pretty foolish herself. He relented slightly, pressing his forehead up against hers. "Hanabi, you're sitting on my lap. If someone comes in here, they'll know what's up right away, anyway. Dummy."

"Awful," she snarked, pushing off him. "Enjoy your report, Kono-sensei."

"Thanks," he called after her playfully, before she could definitively slip out, "really, thank you!"

"Mhm." She winked over her shoulder at him, her long hair cascading behind her back as she pulled the door shut.

This woman.

He did feel more awake now.

Unfortunately.


Hanabi shoved the front door of her sister's house open with force, stomping towards the kitchen.

"I'll kill those brats!"

"H—Hanabi-sensei?"

She froze at the little voice, dropping her gaze down to meet black eyes. Sarada looked like a mouse under her furious gaze, so she instantly relaxed, shaking her head. "Oh, sorry Sarada. Yeesh, sorry you had to see me like that." She reached out to pat her head. Sarada tilted it.

"Something with your team?" she asked, curiously. Hanabi shook her head.

"Not for you to worry about. Where—uh, where's Boruto's mom?" She hesitated with her words, realizing she wasn't really sure what to call her sister in front of Boruto's friends.

"Oh, uhm, outside with Boruto and Konohamaru-sensei. And Himawari. They're all outside."

"Oh, shoot," Hanabi huffed, feeling a little bad. "I didn't mean to intrude."

"I don't think you are," the girl offered earnestly. Hanabi raised her eyebrows at her, tilting her head thoughtfully. "I'm sure they'd be happy to see you…if you're not feeling too upset, I guess."

"Ah—" Hanabi waved her away, feeling embarrassed for Sarada to have caught her in such a state.

Her little team got on her nerves sometimes, as much as she adored them. Somehow, receiving teases from mere children really set her off—well, certain teases at least.

"I was just getting some water." Sarada offered, holding up a pitcher and several glasses stacked within one another. "We're training pretty hard out there. Your sister's actually a really great kunoichi."

"Actually?" Hanabi frowned at the unintentional insult. Sarada reddened.

"Sorry, I didn't mean—"

"No worries." She put the girl at ease, taking the pitcher from her hands. "Come."

She followed her out to the backyard, finding Hinata slamming Boruto into the ground.

Had she ever seen her sister take down her own kids before? It was completely amusing.

"Good one, elder sister!" Hanabi called, causing all eyes to shoot up at her.

Boruto groaned with exaggeration. "In front of big sis, mom?!"

"Hanabi." Hinata smiled as the veins around her eyes relaxed. "What a nice surprise."

"Yeah," Konohamaru added teasingly, and she did her best not to instantly give him her attention. "Come on, come put baby brother in his place."

"No, no." Hanabi waved her hands. "It's my day off, and this is honestly amazing. Throw him into the ground again, Hinata!"

Konohamaru laughed loudly as Himawari whined a bit. "No, mama!"

"Maybe you could spar with me, Hanabi-sensei?"

Hanabi pulled her head back to look at the girl in surprise.

"Oh, I'd love to see that," Boruto snorted as he got up and dusted himself off. "I don't think you really get what you're asking for, Sarada."

"What?!" Sarada snapped freely, glaring at the boy. "Think I'm weak or something?"

"No…" Hanabi smirked. "He just means I'm very much not weak."

"Well, all the better, right?!" Sarada puffed out of her chest before setting the drinking glasses down. "You don't have to, if you don't want to. It's your day off, after all."

Hanabi pondered for a moment, glancing up at Konohamaru to gauge his reaction. His eyes watched her back, and she saw him shrug, approval.

"Just don't close any chakra points," he warned as she stepped into the grass to face Sarada.

"A kid, Konohamaru?" she asked sharply, squinting at him. "What do you take me for!"

"A scary lady, sometimes," he offered honestly with a lazy upturn of his lips.

"Oooh," Himawari gasped, clasping her hands together. "I'm rooting for you, big sister!"

"Which one?"

"Both!"

Hanabi laughed as she turned back to face Sarada's determined gaze. The girl was always so controlled, she had to admire it.

She was just surprised when she found herself crashing to the ground, the world around her turning black.

This felt all too familiar. It flooded her memories with the chūnin exams. She activated the byakugan and darted her eyes around, inhaling long breaths to clear her thinking. She willed her vision further until she could make out a small chakra network barreling toward her. Swiftly, she caught it and forced it into the ground, breaking the genjutsu.

"H—how?!" Sarada gasped out as she reached out for nothing, Hanabi already back on her feet as the world around her returned to normal. "How did you—"

"Maybe us dōjutsu users should spar more often, huh?" Hanabi held out her hand for the girl, the other one on her hip. After Sarada took the hand and hoisted herself up, she tapped her fingertip to the side of her head. Sarada looked up in awe.

"Yes…yes we should."

"Ohhh!" Himawari called in amazement. "You could spar with me, big sister! See?" They looked over to see Himawari strain her eyes until they turned pearly and veiny. Hanabi beamed at her.

"Maybe when you're older, Hima." Sarada glanced at the girl before looking back at Hanabi. "Wow. Thank you."

"No problem." Hanabi waved her away, feeling a little too prideful to have the girl's admiration.

Maybe she could get used to being a sensei. For how hesitant she was about it, feeling like a phony for becoming one just to remain close to Konohamaru, she was really happy about her decision, now.

"Take a break, you two," Konohamaru called as he approached, fisting two glasses of water towards them. Hanabi smiled as she took it. Sarada accepted it as well, strolling over to Boruto to sit next to him under the tree. Konohamaru turned to her, smirking. "Nice job, sensei. Not too tough, but just enough so she knew who was boss."

She giggled as she brought the water to her lips. "Finesse."

"Indeed."


Konohamaru rubbed his chin thoughtfully as he stood next to the lake near the village, on his way home from a solo mission. He wondered if his team was following the training regimen he had set up for them before he left. He knew Sarada would probably be keeping them in line, even if Mitsuki too readily agreed to Boruto's antics. He pulled his canteen to his lips to take a deep drink before re-lidding it.

It was a familiar lake. One that he'd sat at with Hanabi so many years ago.

Gods, it was nearly ten years ago, now.

They'd been through so much at this point.

He chuckled as he thought of that silly turn of phrase about destiny he was never sure had any truth to it. He wasn't sure how they always ended up together, all he knew was he was grateful for it. Kept her around, even when she resisted it.

Sometimes he wondered if he was too pushy. If there was one thing his mother taught him, it was to fight for what you want. Now he wondered if it was really his grandfather who taught her that or his father.

He never realized how much he would want in his adult years, almost feeling greedy. He wanted to be Hokage of course. But now he wanted to see his team be successful. He wanted the Hyūga clan to change. He wanted Hanabi.

If he had to choose, it would certainly be a difficult decision. So he didn't entertain the thought of choosing. He'd have it all if it were up to him.

He mindlessly walked at a leisurely pace back to the village, actually having some extra time for once.

Then he picked up his pace as his mind wandered to Hanabi.

Extra time meant time with Hanabi.

He should've been using it to train his team, or make sure his report was extra detailed and void of error. But he let himself be selfish, sometimes. She truly made him a selfish individual.

Imagine his surprise when he opened his door to find her asleep on his bed.

She'd never done that before. She must've known he was due back in the morning.

Hanabi, Hanabi, Hanabi.

What you do to me.

Hastily, he stripped down to his boxers and crawled into bed with her, grinning when he could feel her bare skin. She was undressed, too. She stirred groggily as he pulled her into him, embracing her warmth, even as she shivered at his cold touch. He couldn't help but take her in, consume her essence. It had been a few weeks since they'd been able to be intimate, and it was far too long. She lazily wrapped her arms around his forearm, slurring a sleepy greeting as he began laying kisses over her shoulder.

"Sleeping in my bed, now?"

"Don't make me regret it…"

"I could make you glad for it, instead?"

"Doofus…"

Her quiet, mumbled tease was music to him as she conformed to his body, allowing him to do whatever he wanted. He shoved down that invasive thought about what it would be like to be able to do this every night, her warming his bed. That wasn't important right now.

This was.

He let it be silent as his hands wandered over her front, back flush against his chest. He smiled as she pushed her nose into the pillow away from him, sleepy little moans slipping out that made his chest swell. He nudged his other arm under her waist while cupping her breast, softly pinching her nipple as it slid between his fingers, eliciting that tiny whimper he craved to hear daily. He continued laying kisses across her back as she subconsciously pushed against him, grinding her bottom against his fully hardened erection.

What a nice reward for getting home early, he thought.

He moved his free hand down her side until he reached her thigh, pulling it up to hook her calf over his, spreading her. He dipped his fingers shamelessly between, gathering the accumulated gloss as he tended to the hardened nub there. Her panting became more haggard as he worked, pressing her mouth into the pillow now to suppress moans.

There was a time and place for loud, rough sex that he did enjoy. But right now, he was content to caress her gently and make love to her. She seemed so tired, but his judgment was cloudy and she was responding in all the ways that told him to keep going. He slid his finger between her lips and he saw her fists ball up with the sheets of his bed. She shoved her face further into the pillow, needy little sounds escaping the confines of the material.

Not wanting to waste any more time, he withdrew his hand to tug his boxers down, then reached under her knee to pull her back further. She finally gave him a little help by stilling her leg, letting him line himself up with her entrance before slowly pushing in. Once he was inside her enough to ensure he wouldn't fall out, he bent his arm around her waist to grab her bunching hand, forehead resting against the back of her neck as she let out beautiful, quiet moans.

As he pushed the rest of himself in her, his breath faded against her skin, causing her to shiver. The movement made him twitch and tighten his grip on her hands. Slowly, he moved out of her, then pushed back in, gradually getting into a rhythm. If there was a state of ecstasy he could engage in, it was being with Hanabi, becoming one with her. It was something he could never have imagined but was too magnificent to give up.

"Oh Kono…" she sighed, burying her face in the pillow. She repeated the phrase over and over with each thrust and it threatened to push him off the deep end. But he hated taking from her without giving first, so he released her hand and slid it down her stomach until he found her clit once more, rubbing deep circles into it. Her body spasmed against the touch, so he used his other arm underneath her to hold her body to his in a tight embrace. Her whines became a touch louder.

"Let go," he whispered against her neck, unintentionally burying his forehead into the crook of it, "come for me, honey."

"K-Kono—" she gasped quietly, his words gently moving her over the edge and he felt that sensual fluttering around himself that told him she was there. He retracted the hand and encased hers with it again, still pumping in and out of her to reach his own climax. His added hand helped keep her from moving too much as she rode out the orgasm—she was a bit shaky and if he wasn't careful, he'd slip out. He had no intention of leaving her entrance, not as close as he was.

He felt that hot coil in his abdomen begin to unravel as he felt her nails dig into his palms, clutching onto him. She rewarded him with beautifully lustful words.

"Come for me, Kono." They were barely a whisper into the pillow but he couldn't miss it. If he had gently lowered her off the edge, she threw him, and he felt his orgasm grip him.

Damn, he missed her.

Sometimes he wondered if he could justify bringing her along on some of his solo missions—just because he missed this too damn much.

As he released, he clutched her body to his, not allowing her to move too much because he wanted to stay inside her for a little longer. He knew his hold was too harsh, too possessive, but she was his. And he was hers. Nothing could stop him from clutching onto her as if his life depended on it.

When he felt her movements slow until they completely halted, he chuckled, breathing a deep sigh and taking in her scent. He nudged his nose against the crook of her neck, regretting that he had to interrupt her peace. "Can't fall asleep yet, Hanabi."

"Don't be cruel…" she mumbled, body slumping away from him. He gave her one last kiss on the shoulder before crawling out of bed. She whined as he hooked his arms under hers and dragged her up, carrying her like some drunk fool to the bathroom. He almost wondered if maybe she was drunk because she seemed so exhausted, but found no hints of alcohol on her, so shoved the thought back. "Ehhh, this is so gross for you to do," she whined as he took her to the bathroom.

He laughed. "Don't worry, I won't stay." He turned to leave her, shutting the door behind him.

As much as it grossed him out as a kid, he was thankful that his mother was so candid with him about these things now that he was an adult.

He pulled his boxers back on, catching her at the door just in time to pick her up by the arms and legs, carrying her back to the bed to lay her down. She finally gave a little giggle as he climbed in next to her, laying his arm across her stomach.

"Sleepy girl."

"Very…" She yawned, turning on her side to face him with her eyes closed. "So, so exhausted…"

"I thought I was tired, just getting back from a mission," he teased, scooting in to kiss the tip of her nose. She crinkled it and it made his belly warm. "Any particular reason you're so tired? Not letting another guy tire you out, I hope."

"Stop that," she huffed, though she kept her eyes closed. "Clan stuff."

"Always clan stuff."

"I stood in front of the council for hours…" She yawned again, widely, and he tilted his head forward in interest. Would she finally reveal some details? "Hours and hours arguing to officially end the curse seal…"

"Really…?"

"Mhm…stupid old men made me stand as a sign of respect…" That thought did not sit well with him. "Who knew standing would make me so tired…"

"I don't think it was the standing," he responded with a sigh, tucking his other arm under her waist to pull her closer, "it was probably emotionally draining, Hanabi. Mentally, too."

"Hmm…" she hummed, nuzzling her nose into his sternum, "you're probably right…"

"I'm proud of you."

He felt her breathing stop momentarily before it picked back up again. "Thank you…"

"Of course," he whispered, laying a chaste kiss on the top of her head. "Get some rest, Hanabi."


The next morning, she awoke to find his hands wandering over her body. She moved her head back to take him in. He was still asleep, but his hands had a mind of their own. She smiled at the cute way his jaw hung open and cheek pushed against her chest. She reached down to gently close it before brushing her fingertips against his jaw, tickling him awake. She admired the way his eyes fluttered open to reveal glassy blue orbs. Those blue orbs that were always her comfort. His little smile as he blinked away sleep only made her gooier.

"Mornin'," he mumbled, reaching up to hold her hand with his.

These were the moments she selfishly lived for. The moments that told her it was worth it to put all the work into her clan that she did. The moments she would get to have forever if she could just keep pushing forward. "Good morning."

He let out a tired yawn and she reeled away from him, giggling as she covered her nose. He noticed the action and quickly covered his mouth. "Shit, sorry."

"You should be."

"Hey, yours doesn't smell like roses either, okay?"

"How could you say such a thing?"

"It's too early for this."

She let a laugh go as he buried his face into her chest. She sighed with a little disappointment as she gently pulled him away. "I have to meet my team at 8."

He groaned needily, tightening his grip around her. She giggled. "Can't you be a little late? Those girls are always keeping you from me."

"We're sensei, Konohamaru." She tsked, tapping the top of his head. "You are keeping me away from them."

"Hmmm," he grumbled irritably, hugging her closer. She let him.