"Love you," Naruto said, kissing Neji goodbye at the door. Neji was going on a mission with Team Guy. He'd returned to his old team but Hinata was there instead of Tenten who had her twins to take care of now. Naruto thought it could be good though, for Neji to spend some more time with Hinata and maybe strengthen their bond through working together.

"I love you too," Neji said, smile widening when he turned his gaze on Kenji who was in Naruto's arms. "And you, Kenji. I love you very much." Neji booped Kenji's nose, drawing a sparkling smile from their six-month-old son.

When Neji had left, Naruto looked at Kenji.

"I couldn't be bothered to cook. What do you say, Kenji? Should we go buy some breakfast?"

Kenji cooed happily.

"Uh huh, you're right."

Naruto grabbed Kenji's bag and they headed out.

Walking the village streets, nothing had changed and yet everything had. Life was different now. Of course he had more responsibility, but the best part was now that he had Kenji, he never felt lonely.

"You're the best, Kenji."

They were heading towards Ichiraku when he heard someone call his name.

"Naruto!" It was Iruka sensei. He came over to join them. "Hey, Kenji."

Kenji cooed happily, starting to recognise people now. It warmed Naruto to see the bonds Kenji was already forming, and to know that he was surrounded by people that would take care of him.

"Let's get ramen," Iruka suggested.

"Isn't that my line?"

"Come on," Iruka said. "For old time's sake."

"You don't need to convince me to get ramen."

The three of them went to Ichiraku's together but it wasn't the same now that Kakashi had stolen Ayame. Stupid Kakashi sensei, what'd he have to go and knock her up for? He coulda picked any other girl in the village.

"Everything alright?" Iruka checked.

"Yeah, as long as the old man here doesn't decide to run off and have kid too, everything should be fine. How's Ayame doing anyway?" he asked her dad.

"Wonderful," Ayame's dad said, smiling proudly. "Imagine my girl marrying the Hokage! And now she's giving me a grandchild."

"Yeah," Naruto said. "I guess all that is better than her dipping noodles idea."

The old man laughed nervously, it was an incident better forgotten.

"What'll it be?"

"Miso pork ramen, please!" Naruto grinned.

"I'll have the same," Iruka said. "With narutomaki, please."

"And can I get some pureed tofu for Kenji?"

"Coming right up!" the old man grinned.

"So, how's everything going?" Iruka asked. "Kenji's getting big."

"Yep, he sure is. I didn't expect the little baby part to be over so fast. He can sit up on his own now."

"Yeah," Iruka agreed. "Kids do grow up fast, though it feels like some take longer than others."

"I guess you'd know," he said, Iruka had been witness to plenty of village kids after all. Plus he had Mirai to spend time with too now.

"How's everything going with Kurenai sensei?" Naruto said, waggling his eyebrows.

"Actually, that's what I wanted to tell you. Kurenai is pregnant. I'm going to be a father."

Naruto blinked.

"Seriously?!"

"Yes," Iruka grinned.

"That was quick!"

"It wasn't planned, but we're excited. I wanted you to be the first to know."

"This is amazing!" he grinned. "I'm so happy for you Iruka sensei!"

"Thanks, Naruto. It wouldn't be happening if it weren't for you. You inspired me that day to put myself out there. I'll always be grateful to you for that."

"Hehe," he blushed. "And now there's gonna be another little ninja for you to boss around."

"And another friend for you, Kenji." Kenji cooed happily, picking up on the excitement of the occasion.

For the rest of the meal they chatted all things kids. Naruto offered some ramen broth to Kenji, who spat it out much to his dismay.

Iruka just laughed and mopped the mess up.

"Kids have their owns ideas about things,"

lruka smiled. "Of course with patience, they can be taught things too. Don't give up yet, Naruto. Keep offering it to him."

Naruto smiled back.

"I honestly don't know what I'll do if he doesn't like ramen…"

At the end of the meal, he pulled out his purse.

"It's gotta be my shout this time," Naruto said, taking out some money and handing it to the old man. "I'm really happy for you, Iruka sensei."

"Thanks, Naruto. That means a lot."