Iruka and Anko were dressed in matching, fanciful kimonos for the evening. The couple was heading out for a dinner date, leaving Naruto in charge of taking care of little Hebi for the night.
"Now, Naruto, I left some instant ramen, but make sure that Hebi eats and gets to bed at a reasonable time. Anko and I will be home late, so after you're asleep," Iruka instructed calmly, trusting his adopted son completely.
Naruto grinned widely, giving Iruka a thumbs up. "You got it,Dad ! I will be the best babysitter for Hebi ever. I will make sure that she had a great night and that she gets to bed on time no worries, just go out and have fun tonight, you two. I got it under control, believe it."
Iruka nodded his head as he took Anko's hand into his own and took his leave with her. They were going out to have a very good meal. They had both been busy, and they both knew that to keep a healthy relationship going they needed nights like this where they could work on their own relationship and the bond between them.
As his adopted parents took their leave, Naruto walked into the living room and spotted his little sister, Hebi, completely engrossed in her blocks. She was carefully arranging them by color, building little houses and other objects with a serious focus that made Naruto smile. He sat down nearby, keeping a close eye on her. To him, Hebi was more than just an adopted sister—she was family, and nothing could change that.
He watched as Hebi, with her small hands and purple hair, meticulously placed each block, her mind clearly deep in her own little world. The way she concentrated so hard on her creation was incredibly adorable, and Naruto couldn't help but feel a surge of affection for his little sister.
Naruto moved closer and sat down next to Hebi, watching her work with a warm smile. "Sis, how can I help? You've got your big bro here to do some heavy lifting tonight," he declared cheerfully, ready to jump in and assist with whatever she needed. His enthusiasm made Hebi look up from her blocks, and Naruto grinned, eager to be a part of her little world.
Hebi looked up at Naruto with wide, sparkling eyes and a big smile. "Big bro! You help make big tower! Wanna make it really tall!" She giggled, clapping her hands excitedly. "You're strong, right? You lift the blocks, and I put them on top!" She scooted closer to him, her little hands already reaching for another block. "We make the best tower ever!"
Naruto grinned, his eyes lighting up with determination. "You got it, Hebi! We're gonna make the biggest, most awesome tower in the whole world! Believe it!" He grabbed a block and held it up high. "Just watch, with your big bro's help, this tower's gonna reach the sky!" He chuckled, already getting into the task. "No one's gonna beat us, not even the Hokage!"
At the same time, the married couple walked into the fancy restaurant where they were going to share their meal. It was not far from the Hokage Monument and offered a breathtaking view of the city, as well as the fanciest food in all of Konohagakure. As they entered, they were welcomed by ambient lighting that provided a sense of privacy, even with other people around. The waitress led them to their table, which Iruka had managed to secure thanks to one of his student's parents, who had offered it to him in appreciation for all the good work he had done.
Sitting down, Iruka gave a warm smile to his wife, Anko. They had been married for a few years now, and neither of them was unhappy with the situation. Although both were busy people, having time like this together was rare, especially with Hebi and Naruto at home, along with Iruka's responsibilities at the academy and Anko's time spent with her genin team on missions.
"So, how is the training with Naruto for the Chunin Finals going?" Iruka asked, knowing that Anko had been very busy over the past few weeks, working to get Naruto ready for his match against Amara and any matches that might follow.
Anko leaned back in her chair, a smirk playing on her lips as she picked up her menu. "You know that knucklehead is full of surprises," she began, her tone teasing but affectionate. "Naruto's got more guts than brains, but that's what makes him interesting. I've been pushing him hard, making sure he doesn't just rely on shadow clones and sheer luck. Gotta teach him some finesse, or he'll just run headfirst into trouble like always."
She glanced up at Iruka, her eyes softening a bit."However, having said that, those guts, and that heart is what makes him special. He has guts in spades, and I believe that is something that is going to make him a great ninja. I know he is a knuckled headed goofball, but when the cards are on the table, Naruto always comes through." He's getting stronger, and I can tell he really wants to prove himself. Not just to us, but to everyone who's ever doubted him."
Anko paused, tapping her fingers lightly on the table. "I know that Amara is a determined and tough gal. That she won't be a walk in the park for Naruto, but I believe in our boy. I know that he has been working really hard and I know that his teacher, has been getting him as ready as he can be," Anko said with a playful smile on her lips as she looked at Iruka. "Plus, with how gutsy he is and how determined he is to prove himself, I don't see any path for him, but for him to come out on top."
"Yeah, Naruto always tries to find a way, but that is what makes our boy so special," Iruka replied as he thought about Naruto, "I think the fights will draw a large crowd this year. I heard about your other two kiddos," Iruka commented, "Shino apparently has been putting in a lot of work with his father, and then there is Kaza, apparently both some strange out of town guy, and Hayate have been preparing that kid for his fight with Gaara," Iruka said thinking about what he had heard through the grapevine. "I also heard that Lord Hokage has been spending time helping Naruto with ninjutsu too."
Anko nodded, a knowing smile crossing her face. "Yeah old man Hiruzen has been a great deal of help. I had asked him to spend like a day helping Naruto, and he in turned decided to spend a full week helping Naruto get some things down. I even learned stuff from the old man just watching him work with Naruto. It was something impressive. I know that Naruto is going to really show his stuff now, that he has that extra work."
She leaned forward slightly, her voice dropping a bit as she continued, "As for Shino, well, Shino's a quiet one, but don't let that fool you. That kid's got a lot going on beneath the surface. He's been learning all sorts of new techniques from his father, and I wouldn't be surprised if he pulls off something impressive in the finals."
Anko then chuckled softly, shaking her head. "And Kaza… That kid's got something special too. I've seen him around, training like a man possessed. Whatever Hayate and that out-of-towner are doing with him, well I am curious what will be the result. I do know it is Gaara he is against, and well, that's a whole different beast. I just hope Kaza's ready for what's coming."
She paused for a moment, her eyes thoughtful. "This year's finals are gonna be something else, that's for sure. With Naruto, Shino, and Kaza in the mix, it's bound to be a show. But you know, no matter what happens, I'm proud of them. They've all come a long way, and they're only getting stronger."
"It reminds me of when the three were just kids like eight or so when you had them all out on that camping trip," Iruka said with a smile, "We still have that armor that Naruto found in his room. I half think someday he is going to just wear it on some random mission," Iruka said laughing softly as he thought about Naruto.
Anko chuckled, the memory bringing a fond smile to her face. "Oh, that camping trip… What a wild time that was. Naruto, Shino, and Kaza running around like they owned the place, getting into all sorts of trouble. And that armor—he was so proud when he found it, like he'd uncovered some ancient relic."
She laughed softly, shaking her head. "I wouldn't put it past Naruto to wear it on a mission one day. He would do it just to show off too," Anko said smiling thinking about that old mission. She had a guess why the armor was so important. That mission was the first one that Naruto and his team had been on. It was the first time that they started their friendship. It meant alot to all three of the boys, and she knew that armor was Naruto's found treasure from that old burnt down fort. It was the first time she had worked with them too, and it had a special place in her heart too.
Anko leaned back in her chair, her smile growing a bit softer. "Those three have come so far since then. From that camping trip to now, getting ready to face off in the chunin exams. It's like watching them grow up right before our eyes. And you know, no matter how tough things get, I know they'll pull through. They've got that fire in them, just like we did back in the day."
Iruka let out a soft sigh as the food came over. It was a fancy mix of food, curry ramen. It was a good mix, like the two of them were a good mix. He looked into her eyes as he rubbed the hack of his neck. "Here we are, talking about our kid, when we should be talking about ourselves right. I mean you do look really beautiful tonight Anko. I am always so happy to get the chances to spend time with you like this. Your agreeing to watch over Naruto with me was the greatest moment in my life because it meant I got a great son, and also an amazing woman to be my wife."
Anko paused for a moment, taken aback by Iruka's heartfelt words. She felt a warmth spread through her chest as she looked into his eyes, her usual tough exterior softening. A small, genuine smile formed on her lips as she reached across the table to take his hand.
"Well, look at you, getting all sappy on me," she teased gently, though her voice was filled with affection. "But you know what? You're right. We don't get moments like this often, and I'm glad we're here together. You're not just a great father, Iruka—you're the best partner I could've asked for. Watching Naruto grow and seeing the man he's becoming, it's been an incredible journey, but I wouldn't have wanted to do it with anyone else."
She squeezed his hand, her smile growing. "And for the record, you don't look too bad yourself. Maybe after dinner, we can see where the night takes us. But right now, let's enjoy this meal, and each other's company. We've earned it."
Naruto sat there looking at Hebi, his little sister as he just tucked her into bed. Her innocent face as she had already fallen asleep after he had read her a story. He smiled thinking about how lucky he was. He remembered before he had this family he had been alone. Before he had met Iruka and Iruka took him in when he was eight, he had no one. He wondered how different he would be if that hadn't happened for a moment. However he pushed those thoughts out of his mind. He had a great family, friends who cared and supported him, and everyone one of them would support him in his dream to become the greatest hokage ever.
As he walked out, he heard a knock on the door, and walked over to it. As he opened it he found two people before him and they were not his parents. They were Kaza and Shino, Kaza having a deck of cards on him and Shino having gotten some snacks. "Hey Naruto, you mind if we come over and play some cards and have some fun you know. Rumor has it your parents are out tonight, and I bet, knowing sensei they won't be back home tonight at all."
Naruto was happy to see his two teammates. They had been his first real friends, and he treasured that friendship a great deal. However, the three of them had been working hard getting ready for the exams, and hadn't had as much time for stuff like this. So the idea of spending a night with his friends playing games was priceless to the blonde teen.
"Hey guys! Yeah, come on in," Naruto said, stepping aside to let them in. "I just put Hebi to bed, so we've got the whole place to ourselves. And you're right, Iruka-sensei and Anko probably won't be back until morning, so we can do whatever we want!"
He closed the door behind them and led the way into the living room, where Hebi's toys were still scattered on the floor. Naruto quickly tidied up, making space for them to sit.
"Cards, huh? You guys are in for a beating tonight!" Naruto grinned, his competitive spirit kicking in. "And Shino, you brought snacks? Nice! Let's get this party started!"
He was glad they had come over. It was moments like these that reminded him of how lucky he was to have found a family and friends who cared about him. The loneliness he once felt was a distant memory, replaced by the warmth and camaraderie of his bonds with others.