Chapter 38 The Story

In the middle of the afternoon, Ino had brought Naruto to her home and invited him inside.

"Sorry I had to end the outing early Naruto-kun, but I can't go swimming anymore so I thought we might as well just relax here instead."

Naruto nodded. It's okay Ino, I don't mind. But where are your parents?"

"Probably still at their jobs. I think we have an hour or two to ourselves. Give me a moment."

"What are you going to do?" He asked as she started to walk towards the stairs.

"I'm going to change into something more comfortable." She told him with a smile then went upstairs to her room.

Naruto sat on the couch, not sure what to do until she got back.

Up in her room, Ino got out of her clothes and freshened up a little, before getting into more relaxed clothes. A part of her had been tempted to invite him up to come watch her change. It would have been a little exciting to do a striptease for him, and it wasn't like he hadn't already seen her naked. But she declined. Naruto didn't want to make her feel like she had to do something like that, and frankly thanks to her period she couldn't have sex for the next few days anyway. At this point her stripping would just be blue-balling them both. Satisfied with her attire, and more comfortable with her body now, she went back downstairs.

"Wow, you look comfortable." Naruto said, seeing her in a white blouse and grey sweatpants. She looked like she just back from Lee's dojo after taking a shower.

"That's the idea." She said, getting on the couch and putting her arm around him. "Right now I just want to relax and be held by you."

Naruto grinned and scooped her onto his lap, making her smile and lean against him. "There, is that to your liking?"

"Very." She said, giving him a kiss.

Neither were sure how long this session lasted, but what brought it to an end was the front door opening. Ino and Naruto turned and saw her parents come inside, easily seeing them right there with no mistake as to what they were doing.

Noriko smiled. "I take it this means things are good between the two of you again?"

Blushing, Ino nodded. "Yes, we're back together. And we don't care what the rest of the clan has to say about it."

Inoichi looked uncomfortable, since he knew that this was said more towards him than to his wife. He could tell he needed to find a way to resolve this before his daughter did something irrational just to prove a point. "Ino, Naruto, if this is to be your stance, then so be it. I will not fight you on this."

The teens were both a little confused.

"Not to sound ungrateful, but why the change of heart?" Naruto asked.

Inoichi just crossed his arms. "It's not a change of heart. I still think that the two of you being together will cause trouble. But frankly, time will be the one who confirms or denies this. By this time next month, you'll realize you're different people and break up. Why should I force you apart when it's more likely you'd do it to yourself in a few weeks?"

Ino frowned. "You really think we're not going to stay together?"

"You're teenagers, and from what I've been told, in an open relationship. If you really think this arrangement is going to do anything other than crash and burn, then I guess it's a lesson you both need to learn the hard way."

Naruto scoffed. "Every teacher I've ever had expected me to learn the hard way. And I surprised them every single time. You're not going to be the one that breaks me."

"I don't need to break you." Inoichi stated, his eyes and tone unreadable. Naruto honestly couldn't tell if this man was being accepting of his defiance or eager to see him fail. Even the vibe he was getting from him, like this weird sixth sense that had always alerted him of hostility, wasn't getting a clear take. Inoichi Yamanaka right now could either be convinced to accept him in time, or remain defiant to the bitter end. Like he said, time would be the one who revealed the answer.

"So, will Naruto be staying for dinner then?" Noriko asked, trying to get the mood in the room better.

"I'd prefer it if he did." Ino stated.

"Then I'll need to make sure we have enough."

"Would it be alright if I helped?" Naruto asked. "I could use some extra practice with making food."

Noriko grinned. "I don't see why not."

"Do you have any practice?" Inoichi asked, recalling the well known rumor that the boy practically bled ramen.

"Yes, I do. But I could use more."

Back at Naruto's apartment, Sakura, Hinata, and Sahino put down Naruto's unpublished story. It was obviously a rough draft and could use some revisions if he was ever going to actually publish it, but it still got a reaction out of the three girls. And two of them were crying.

"I... I wish I knew this was how he felt sooner." Sakura admitted.

Hinata wiped her eyes. "At least we got to him in time."

"I think I'm missing something here, can someone fill me in?" Sahino asked. Her eyes were the only dry ones in the room.

In Naruto's story, the Moonlit Waterfall Princess, a seaside village was destroyed by a swarm of youkai attacking abducting everyone except for three people who got away. The first was Namaki, a socially ignored orphan who had dreams of becoming a samurai in the daimyo's court. The second was Sagane, a brooding loner son of a samurai beloved by all. And the third was Sahino, the daughter of the village leader who was engaged to Sagane. In the attack, Sagane got cursed by one of the youkai to never be able to sleep, and Sahino was cursed to not be able to speak. Once the trio was away from the danger, Namaki claimed he had been told of a place that could cure them both and provide them with a weapon that they could use to fight back and free everyone who had been captured. Of course, Sagane and Sahino didn't believe him and they headed towards the daimyo's court, with Namaki following despite their desire for him to just go away. Along their travel, a two-headed snake youkai ambushed them and bit Namaki, giving Sagane and Sahino the opportunity to escape. The two found their way to a waterfall, and that night was the first time since the attack that Sagane had been able to sleep.

During the night, Sahino was briefly awakened by the sight of a woman dancing in the river and controlling the water like it was alive and under her command. It was described as so serene and welcoming, but also forbidden to see. Some noise caught their attention and they saw Namaki's unconscious body fall over the water and float down towards the river kami who panicked and fled. That woke up Sagane who now could not sleep again. when Namaki woke up, Sagane viciously verbally attacked him for ruining his one moment of comfort and that he can't even die properly. The young samurai left, with Sahino deciding to remain to tend to Namaki.

Laying there by the river, a turtle came by Sahino who claimed to be the river kami, who only took human form during the night. She said her name was Tsujika and asked their story. Sahino found herself able to speak again and so told the story. Tsujika revealed that in her presence youkai curses were invalid and that Namaki's story of a weapon that would save their home was true. Sahino pleaded to be granted it, but Tsujika said they would have to perform three tasks to earn it. Once Namaki was recovered, Sahino insisted on them tracking down and teaming up with Sagane to better their chances of completing the tasks. Against his better judgment, Namaki agreed.

The two found Sagane later in a canyon fighting against an otter youkai and struggling due to fatigue. Namaki jumped in and got in a good hit, prompting the otter away. Sagane took offense and refused to cooperate until it was let known that the river kami could allow him to sleep each night. So Sagane conceded, and the trio began the trial.

And so the story proceeded with Namaki, Sagane, and Sahino going out to complete certain tasks. During this time, Sahino began to warm up to Namaki and grow distant with Sagane. Along the way, their efforts became known to others who were fighting youkai, but gossip exaggerates things and it's assumed that Sagane did it all with Namaki just being in the right place at the right time. In the end, they complete the last task and earn the weapon, but only one can use it. Sagane takes it and heads off to take down the youkai, with Sahino and Namaki following to finish the job.

Soon, the trio and those inspired by them find the youkai swarm and the captives, and wage war. Things go well for the heroes and it looks like they're about to win, when a youkai gets in a sneak attack against Sahino, but Namaki takes the hit for her and falls unconscious. Tsujika comes into battle by redirecting her river to create a flood, washing away all but one youkai which Sagane succeeds in killing off. The captives are saved, Sagane and Sahino are freed of their curses, and Namaki is nowhere to be found, swept away in the flood. The village is rebuilt and the survivors declare Sagane to be a hero and the new village lord, with the daimyo making him an official samurai. Sahino is offered to him as a bride but she refuses, and leaves to find Namaki, last seen walking away with a turtle in her arms.

"This story, it's about Naruto-kun." Hinata told her.

"I kind of got that part. The name Namaki is kind of a dead giveaway. But do you two think Naruto-kun is actually going to die?"

"It's not that. This story, it's basically a retelling of what we went through on Team Seven. I think it's Naruto-kun trying to say how ignored and taken for granted he was with us. All he wanted to do was help us and be seen as worthy, but the only one who got recognition was Sasuke. That's who Sagane is, he's Sasuke."

"No, it's more than that." Hinata countered. "Sahino is the three of us, so I think Sagane is Sasuke and two others too. Going off the name, I'd say he's also Gaara and Neji."

Sakura ended up nodding. "Right, three people who rivaled Naruto and everyone expected to see him lose to. Two were humbled and respected him, and the third Naruto-kun is hoping to do the same with. Wait, Tsujika... Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Kakashi. Three adults whom Naruto-kun trusted to help guide him."

"Why is Namaki the only single person character then?" Sahino asked, thankful that Naruto had named her after a character who underwent character development and didn't remain a fangirl.

"Because this is Naruto-kun's past, and I think what he's afraid his future could be." Sakura confessed, looking downward. "If this is what I think it is, he's not only afraid that he really never could become hokage, but if he ever does bring Sasuke back, he'll have a better chance at being hokage than Naruto-kun ever did."

"I think he's also afraid of never finding love." Hinata added. "Sure, Sahino, that is, the story's Sahino, began to warm up to Namaki and see him in a new light, but he died before he had a chance to be with her. I think he's afraid, even now, that something or someone is going to try and take us away from him."

Both girls sat there feeling gloomy.

"Sheesh, don't be so negative." Sahino insisted. "Sure things got bleak, but it would be a boring story if there was no crisis to overcome, wouldn't it? If you ask me, Naruto-kun still gave his story a happy ending."

"How can you say that? The character based on Naruto-kun dies in the end!" Sakura objected.

"No, he only goes missing. He could still be alive. And this time there are people who care enough about him to go search for him and save him. Namaki ended up saving everyone and giving them a home again, as well as saving his friends from their curses. In the end, he may not have gotten the credit but he still saved the day. And there's still hope that he can be loved and find happiness in a new way."

She then took ahold of both of their hands. "Just like now. Naruto-kun may have lost faith in becoming hokage, but he does have us and a new path before him. In a way, Naruto Uzumaki did die, but you saved him and gave him a new future. That is something to be happy about."

A few tears went down the cheeks of Sakura and Hinata, but they both smiled.

"You're right. The story's not over, just this one part of it is. This now is the part where we find our man, and give him the happy ending he deserves." Sakura proclaimed, wiping her eyes.

Hinata nodded. "I'm glad that you think so. This Sakura is much better than the one that took advantage of him."

"Yeah, and this Hinata is much better than the one that was so quiet she might as well have been cursed."

Sakura then took ahold of Hinata's free hand with her own. This prompted Sahino to let go of both of their hands, but they didn't notice. "Think about it, the old Hinata would have never considered sharing Naruto-kun, especially with someone like me. But now she's someone I can honestly call a friend instead of just a girl I know the name of."

"And the old Sakura would never admit that she wanted to be with Naruto-kun in the first place. But now she actually wants him to be happy. Not only that, she's actually making other people happy too. This Sakura is much less selfish than the old one was."

After a moment Hinata closed her eyes and took a deep breath before looking back at the pinkette. "I think I finally forgive you for what you used to do. I don't feel mad at you anymore. I actually do like the idea of us finally being friends now, and as weird as it is, I actually do like the idea of us all being in one big loving family."

Sakura pulled her into a hug, which she reciprocated. "Thank you, sister."

Sahino grinned, but then her expression turned to shock.

Back at the Yamanakas, Naruto sat down to dinner with the family of mindwalkers. Working with Noriko, the two had created a pasta dish with a mushroom sauce and some toasted buttered bread for a side dish. Some chopped celery and tomato were included, adding some extra nutrition to the meal.

"This is really good Naruto-kun." Ino said, enjoying the food.

"Credit's not completely mine." He replied modestly.

"Something's different." Inoichi noted after swallowing a bite. "The taste is... fresher, for lack of a better word. Like the ingredients just came from the garden today."

"Now that you mention it, you're right." Noriko added, chewing slower to better sample the flavor.

"Oh, I hope you don't mind, but I did a little something to the food." Naruto admitted. "Nothing dangerous, I swear. It's a jutsu that Ero-sennin taught me. It makes the bad stuff like fat and empty calories go away and leaves only the good stuff. It's supposed to make the food healthier and better tasting."

"You mean this is fat-free?" Noriko asked, and Noriko nodded.

"Wait, the girls and I tried some of that cake you made the other day. Was that fat-free too?" Ino asked.

"Yeah, I'm told this jutsu works best with baked goods more than anything."

"Why would you know this jutsu?" Inoichi asked.

"Ero-sennin said that as a ninja, food is one of the few pleasures we have in this world and sometimes your enemy will try to poison you this way. This jutsu helps you enjoy your food more without worrying about poisons or getting fat."

Ino smiled. "If you do this with all your food, that new restaurant of yours will be a hit."

"New restaurant?" Inoichi asked.

"Yeah I've been given a new place to live, and it comes with all the stuff I'd need to start my own restaurant. Got to iron out some details, but if I'm not going to be a ninja anymore I need a new job and this is something I think I can do."

"Maybe we should invest in it." Noriko offered.

"Not so fast." Inoichi interjected. "One good meal isn't enough to go off of. And with Naruto's reputation there's no guarantee of business even if the food is good. Plus I still think it's best for the clan to keep their distance from him."

Ino and Noriko frowned at the clan head while Naruto just looked like he wondered if he should leave the table.

"Look, let's be real here. One good meal is not enough proof that the boy can handle the pressure of food service. He should, I dunno, prepare a variety of meals for multiple people under a deadline. That would be better evidence that he could handle this kind of work."

"Oh, how about the next clan get-together we make it a potluck and have Naruto-kun do the cooking?" Ino suggested.

Noriko grinned. "Yes, that's an idea. It won't cost anybody anything and you know with the Akimichi and Nara there, there will be pressure and impatience. I think it's a perfect place to test Naruto's resilience."

"Cook for Chouji and Shikamaru's families? Oh that's going to be tough. Good thing I have lots of shadow clones." The whiskered blonde muttered.

"You want to invite him to our clan bonding activities?" Inoichi asked.

"You yourself said he needs to prove himself. This is an opportunity to do so. And if he's good enough, he'll need capital to get started and some clientele to build up some business. So unless you actively want him to fail, give me one good reason why not?" Noriko challenged.

Inoichi stayed silent for a bit, then nodded. "I'll have to discuss this with Shikaku and Chouza first."

"Perfect." Noriko said happily, then looked to Naruto. "Do you mind doing this, son?"

Naruto blinked at being called that and for a moment felt nervous. But a smile from Ino calmed him. "I did say I could use the practice."

With that, they resumed eating and conversing on other subjects. Inoichi remained somewhat standoffish the entire time, but he never insulted his family's guest nor refused to answer him when asked something. The whole time Naruto felt a little awkward but happy. This was the first time he had anything like a family dinner since he was in Wave with Tazuna's family. It was a weird, but welcome, feeling for him to have.

Of course the night had to come to an end and he had to leave. He and Ino shared a goodnight kiss and promised to see each other soon, and he went home. Ino had been tempted to go along with him or have him stay, but her father would not approve of that and she didn't want to risk any gained good will by ruining it now. So she let him leave, but not without promising him a good time next week.

So Naruto returned to his apartment and went inside. He saw that for the most part everything was packed up. It was a lot like how he left it right before he went on his training trip. But some stuff remained, enough so that he could still sleep comfortably that night, but he'd likely be more comfortable moving everything over to the new place tomorrow.

"Naruto-kun?" Sahino called out, hearing the door open and close.

"I'm here. Did Sakura-chan and Hinata-chan go home?"

"Not exactly."

Sahino came out, and next to her was another girl. This girl had Sakura's mouth and chin with Hinata's nose and a pale green version of the byakugan. The hair was dark magenta and looked a lot like how Sakura used to have it when Team Seven started. Even the hair framing her face looked more like Sakura's in style. The body looked reasonably fit, not muscular but clearly the body of a woman who excelled in taijutsu. The bust and hips looked close to Ino in size, and she stood like she was happy to see him but trying not to be in his way, even though they were on opposite sides of the room. In terms of height she was about as tall as Sahino, maybe a couple of centimeters shorter, but right now it was hard to tell for certain.

Naruto blinked twice then laughed once. "It happened again?"

"Yeah. I'm still trying to come up with a name for her. What sounds better, Sanata or Hikura?"

The whiskered blonde sighed, finding it so hard to believe that this had happened to him twice now. But nonetheless, he smiled. "Welcome to the family."

The new girl came over and hugged him, which he returned.