Chapter 5: Clash of Convictions

Neji paced the living room, his worry for Sakura weighing heavily on his mind. Each tick of the clock seemed to echo his anxiety, thoughts swirling about Sakura's well-being and the Hokage's summon this afternoon. Checking his watch for what felt like the hundredth time, he waited for her return, concern deepening with every passing moment.

Just as he decided that he'd go and meet her at the Tower, the front door opened, revealing. Sakura. Her face held a mixture of concentration and exhaustion. Neji rushed to her side, his concern spilling out in a rush of words as he helped her remove her jacket, noticing the fatigue in her eyes.

"What did the Hokage want, Sakura? You mentioned you weren't feeling well. You shouldn't have gone," Neji said, unable to hold back his worry any longer. "I'm sure Hokage-sama would have understood."

Meeting his gaze, Sakura's weariness gave way to a small smile, attempting to ease her husband's fussing. "I'm not incapacitated unless the doctor says so, Neji," she teased lightly.

This stubborn woman. Of course, she'll say that. She's the doctor after all.

"Besides, it was a personal request from the Tsuchikage herself. Kakashi wouldn't have asked if it wasn't important, something I should look into."

Confusion furrowed Neji's brow. "But why you?"

Sakura's jaw tightened, frustration flashing across her features. "Because she made it clear that she wanted me, personally. Honestly, what's gotten you like an overprotective mama bear, Neji?"

Neji's frustration boiled over, his worry mingling with anger. "I worry because I'm your husband."

"Really? Because I'm beginning to think you're my mother," Sakura scoffed.

"Sakura, I'm serious. Maybe you should take a step back and focus on your health," Neji urged, his worry evident.

Sakura's gaze softened. "I promised to handle this personally, Neji. I'm fine. Besides, it's not out of the ordinary for me to visit other countries upon a particular request from other Kages."

Neji felt a wave of defeat wash over him.

This woman will be the death of me someday.

Silence settled between them, the tension thick in the air. Neji took a deep breath, his voice softer as he reached for Sakura's hand. "I understand, Sakura. I just… worry about you when you're away, and I'm not there to ensure your safety."

When they had Shiro, they agreed that one of them must stay in the village at all times. A shinobi's life is uncertain, and they can't take their chances. They no longer take missions together outside the village or at the same time.

Sakura closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of his forehead against hers. Her hand squeezed his gently. "I know, Neji. But I promise, I'll be careful. And you know how Kakashi can be just as overprotective as you are. He'll definitely send an entire Anbu squad with me if not two." She said fondly.

"And I'll make sure to come back to you and Shiro. I'll be here before you know it. Besides, I don't plan to be away for your favorite brother-in-law's birthday. I will never hear the end of it."

Neji couldn't help but be annoyed at the thought of Naruto's upcoming birthday celebration. "Don't remind me," he grumbled, more irritated by the idea that his wife's motivation for wrapping up her mission quickly was partly due to Naruto's incessant reminders.

Neji nodded, resignation in his expression. "I trust you, Sakura. Just... promise me you'll take care of yourself. Do not overwork yourself, and if you feel something is out of the ordinary with your body, your chakra, mission finished or not, you come home right away!"

Sakura laughed at that but showed her assent, "Yes, dear."

The tension eased between them and was replaced by a quiet understanding. Sakura took this chance to embrace her worrying husband, already thinking that she would miss not having him around for all these warm hugs if she felt under the weather, being so far away.

With a tired but genuine smile, Sakura asked, "Are we good?"

Neji nodded.

"Good, because now, I'm going to ask you to help me pack so we can rest early. I leave in the morning."

"Already?" Neji sighed, shaking his head in disbelief.

If my hair doesn't turn white before I reach thirty, I'll consider myself lucky.

"Guess what, Mama! Uncle Naruto took me on a ninja treasure hunt! We found so many ramen all over the village!" Shiro's eyes sparkled with excitement as he sat on the edge of the bed next to his mother, his little hands waving around to show how big the ramen loot was.

"So, Aunt Hinata was doing stuff with plants, and I was just... not interested," Shiro explained, scrunching up his face in a thoughtful frown. "Then, Uncle Naruto came in all fast and loud, like 'Hey there, kiddo! How about we go find some treasure?' And I was like, 'Yay, treasure hunt!'"

Shiro's enthusiasm bubbled over as he recounted their adventure. "We had to find special ramen, Mama! The kind with cool pictures on the packets. Uncle Naruto said his clones hid them all around the village, so we had to find them!"

He jumped off the bed, mimicking how they searched. "We ran and ran, and we climbed on stuff! Like that big tree near the playground, remember? And I found one there, Mama! It was so cool!"

With wide eyes and animated gestures, Shiro continued, "Then we went to the park, and I found another one under the slide! And another by the big rock! It was like a real ninja adventure, Mama!"

Finally, he flopped back onto the bed, breathless with excitement. "And then, when we found them all, we came back home! Aunt Hinata had dango waiting for us, Mama! Lots and lots of dango! Yum! But not as yummy as the cookies that you bake, of course!"

Shiro's eyes shone with happiness as he looked up at his sleeping mother, his little face flushed with the thrill of the adventure. "It was the best day ever, Mama! Uncle Naruto is the best at treasure hunts!"

"Oh, and Mama, guess what Uncle Naruto said?" Shiro added, sitting up straight. "He said I was a good ninja! He said I found the ramen like a real ninja!"

Proudly puffing out his chest, Shiro continued, "And then he said when my little cousin that's inside Auntie Hinata's belly is born, I have to teach them these important ninja skills! Like finding hidden treasures and going on adventures! Because that's what big brothers do, Mama!"

Neji watched his son with amusement, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. He couldn't help but worry for a moment, wondering if maybe Naruto was rubbing off on Shiro a little too much. But as he listened to his son's animated storytelling and saw the pure joy shining in his eyes, Neji couldn't help but feel a swell of pride.

Looks like Uncle Naruto has found himself a little ninja apprentice. Neji thought to himself with a chuckle. He made a mental note to keep an eye on the ramen stash at home, just in case Shiro decided to turn their house into a ninja treasure trove.

As Shiro finished his tale, Neji gently reached out and touched Sakura's hand, silently hoping that these stories, filled with laughter and adventure, reach her somehow and bring her back. For if anything could awaken the warmth and love in her heart, it would surely be the tales of her son's boundless imagination and the joy he found in the simplest of adventures.

"And yesterday, Mama, I went training with Uncle Lee!" Shiro suddenly exclaimed, his eyes widening as he remembered the fun they had.

Neji raised an eyebrow in mock surprise. "Oh, did you now? That's something you forgot to tell me last night, son."

Shiro's eyes widened even more, and he giggled. "Oops! Sorry, Papa! Uncle Lee showed me all sorts of cool ninja moves! Like the Dynamic Entry and the Leaf Hurricane!"

Neji chuckled, shaking his head. "I hope Uncle Lee didn't try to get you to wear a matching green tracksuit, again," he teased.

Shiro giggled even more, shaking his head vigorously. "No, Papa! You're silly! Uncle Lee said only strong genin can start wearing them!"

That's what I'm afraid of. I thought Sakura and I drew the line at the green baby onesies.

"And he did say that I have to train really hard to become a super ninja like him!" Shiro continued, unbothered by the sudden expression of concern that flashed across his father's face.

Neji ruffled Shiro's hair affectionately. "Well, I have no doubt that you'll become an amazing ninja, Shiro-kun. Just remember to always train hard and have fun!"

"Yeah, just like Uncle Naruto and Uncle Lee!"

With that, Shiro snuggled closer to his mother, his eyes bright with excitement and love. And as Neji watched his son, he couldn't help but feel grateful for the laughter that filled their lives, even in the midst of uncertainty. He also couldn't thank his friends enough for looking out for them.

Neji was still somewhat lost in his musings when Shiro's mood suddenly shifted as he snuggled closer to his mother, his excitement fading into a quiet sadness. "Mama, when will you come back?" he asked softly, his voice filled with longing.

Neji's heart clenched at the sadness in his son's voice. He could see the tears glistening in Shiro's eyes as he continued, "I miss you in the mornings, Mama. I don't get to see you every day, and it makes me sad. Did you sleep for a very long time because I was too naughty? I promise not to cause any more trouble, Mama. Just come back home."

Tears welled up in Shiro's eyes now, his little voice trembling with emotion. "I miss your bedtime stories, too, Mama, and your singing. Even though you're not the best singer," he added with a small, watery smile.

Neji's heart broke for his son, his own eyes misting with tears. He wrapped his arms around Shiro, pulling him close in a tight hug. "Oh, son," Neji whispered, his voice choked with emotion. "You haven't been naughty, my dear. Mama is just resting, and she'll come back to us soon. I promise."

He gently wiped away Shiro's tears, his heart aching at the raw sadness in his son's eyes. "You don't have to worry, Shiro-kun. Mama will be so happy to hear all about your adventures again when she wakes up. And I know she'll be back to sing you bedtime stories, and we'll tuck you in every night."

Shiro sniffled, leaning into his father's comforting embrace.

A/N: I don't own Naruto.

Just Neji's POV. But next chapter will be Sakura's—flashbacks or dreams, who knows.