Chapter 2

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto

"speaking"

'thinking'

"Shouting"

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! My Princess!"

Naruto was still in shock after Himawari's declaration. He couldn't believe that his little princess was already talking about crushes. He felt like a protective father who was about to lose his daughter to the world.

"Hinata, what do we do?" he asked, his voice trembling.

Hinata smiled reassuringly. "Naruto, Hima is just 8 years old. It's normal for her to have a crush on someone. We don't need to panic just yet."

"But what if Inojin likes her back?" Naruto asked, his heart pounding in his chest. "What if they start dating? What if she gets married and moves away?"

Hinata laughed. "Naruto, you're thinking too far ahead. Hima is just a kid. She's not going to get married any time soon."

Naruto sighed in relief. "I hope you're right."

"I am right," Hinata said confidently. "Now, let's finish dinner."

He suddenly felt like he should visit Hiashi and ask the man to get drunk with him in sorrow. Is this how it feels like when Hiashi watched Hinata develop a crush on me? 'I'm sorry father-in-law, you have my highest respect for you to endure this torture'

Naruto tried to focus on his food, but he couldn't shake the feeling that his world was about to change forever. He knew that Himawari was growing up and that she would eventually start dating and moving on with her own life. But he wasn't ready for that to happen just yet.

The next day

Naruto was at the Hokage's office, trying to focus on his paperwork. The Chunin exam is coming up and they have to get ready. But he couldn't stop thinking about Himawari and Inojin. He kept imagining all the terrible things that could happen if they started dating.

"Naruto, stop worrying," Shikamaru said, entering the office. "Himawari is just a kid. She's not going to get married any time soon."

Naruto groaned. "I know, but I can't help it. I'm her father. It's my job to worry."

"I know," Shikamaru said sympathetically. "But you need to relax. Himawari is a strong and independent girl. She's going to be fine."

Naruto took a deep breath and tried to relax. "I know you're right, Shikamaru. I just need to get used to the idea that my little girl is growing up."

Naruto was sitting on the porch, watching Himawari and Inojin play together in the garden. They were laughing and having fun, and Naruto's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled at his daughter. He tried not to look at the boy. He understands that the boy did nothing wrong, but the irrational part of his brain (which proves to be dominant whenever his daughter's crush is involved) tends to believe that the boy is seducing his princess.

He didn't really know how to feel, he was happy because Hima got herself a friend. But he couldn't stop feeling like Inojin was trying to take his princess away from him.

"They look really good together," Hinata said, sitting down next to him.

Naruto frowned at his wife, a pout was automatically presented. "Don't tease me Hinata, I might have to send that kid to take care of Tora every day just to see him suffer" 'or send him to another village for a long-term mission if needed'

Hinata laughed at her husband. "Don't be petty Naruto-kun, he's a kind and gentle boy."

Naruto nodded and smiled at his wife. "Yeah, he is." He was rewarded by a sweet kiss on his lips.

He watched Himawari and Inojin play for a while longer, feeling a sense of peace and contentment. He knew that Himawari was going to be okay. She's a smart girl, and she has a loving family.

Himawari was now 19 years old, and she was still best friends with Inojin. They spent all their time together, and they were always laughing and having fun.

Naruto worried about Himawari dating, but he knew she was old enough to make her own choices. He just hoped she would be careful. If she got hurt, he, Boruto, and Kawaki wouldn't know what to do. It wouldn't be pretty.

One day, Naruto came home from work to find Himawari and Inojin sitting on the porch, talking quietly.

"Hey guys, what's up?" Naruto asked.

Himawari looked up at him and smiled. "Dad, I have something to tell you."

Naruto's heart started to race, he could feel himself start panicking. His eyes darted to find his wife, feeling that he would need her in the next couple of minutes. "What is it?" he asked.

"Inojin and I are dating," Himawari said with a pretty smile on her lips, which reminded him of Hinata's gentle smile.

Naruto felt a pang of sadness in his chest, but he forced himself to smile. "That's great, Himawari. I'm happy for you."

"Thanks, Dad," Himawari said. "Inojin is the best boyfriend a girl could ask for."

Naruto nodded and agreed, he watched them grow up. "I know he is."

He watched Himawari and Inojin hold hands and walk away together. He felt a lump in his throat, but he knew that he was doing the right thing. He was letting his daughter grow up and live her own life.

"It's okay, Naruto," Hinata said, putting her arm around his waist. "She's going to be fine."

Naruto smiled. "I know she is."

He looked up at the sky and took a deep breath.

"Besides, they are just dating, not getting married," Hinata said. She felt Naruto freeze in her embrace. She looks up to see his eyes. It seems like Naruto thought of something horrifying and his eyes wide, she was afraid it would fall off.

He suddenly kneeled over and lost all of his strength, her body followed him because of the sudden movement.

"What is it? What's happening? Naruto?" she asked, alarmed by the terrified expression on her husband.

"Hinata," he said "Did your father perhaps curse me?" he asked his voice cracking. Hinata frowned, confused about what was happening.

"Why would my Father curse you? Did you do something?" she asked

"Hinata! I married you at 19, 3 months after I confessed to you" he explained with a shaking voice.

"Hima and Inojin will not get married yet, right? Hinata? Tell me, he won't propose immediately, right? his voice was now desperate.

Hinata was frozen for a few moments before she burst out laughing.

"You're so silly Naruto-kun!"