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**Chapter 5: Morning Tensions and Unexpected Proposals**


It was early morning when Sakura stirred in the guest room. The soft glow of dawn filtered through the curtains, casting a warm light across the bed where she lay with her daughter, Sarada. As Sakura blinked awake, she noticed Sarada was already up, her big brown eyes gazing at her mother with curiosity.

Sakura smiled, reaching over to brush a lock of hair from Sarada's face. "Good morning, sweetie," she whispered. Sarada, still sleepy, nuzzled into her mother's arms, letting out a soft yawn before drifting back to sleep. Sakura's heart swelled with love as she kissed her daughter's forehead gently.

"I love you," Sakura whispered, her voice full of warmth as she held Sarada close. The moment was peaceful, a brief respite from the chaos of her broken marriage and the heartbreak that had consumed her. But as much as she cherished this quiet moment, she knew she needed to talk to Ino.

After a few moments of lying there, she gently placed Sarada back in bed and stood up, her thoughts turning to the conversation she needed to have. **I need to ask Ino for help,** she thought. **Maybe she can help me figure out what to do next.**

Sakura left the guest room quietly, making her way down the hall to Ino's bedroom. She knocked softly at first, but when there was no response, she hesitated, wondering if Ino and Naruto were still asleep. But the curiosity tugged at her, and without thinking, she slowly pushed the door open, just enough to peek inside.

What she saw made her face flush instantly with embarrassment.

Naruto was lying in bed, his head resting firmly against Ino's large, bare chest, his face buried in her cleavage as he slept peacefully. Ino, with her arms wrapped around him, was holding him close, her fingers gently playing with his blonde hair. They were both completely naked, the sheets barely covering them as they slept in each other's arms.

Sakura's eyes widened, her face burning with a deep shade of red as she quickly averted her gaze. **Why are they always like this?** she thought, her heart racing with embarrassment. She had been prepared for some intimacy between the two, but not this.

Ino, sensing the door open, stirred slightly and glanced up, her sleepy eyes meeting Sakura's. Instead of being embarrassed, Ino gave her a lazy, amused smile and whispered, "Shhh, Sakura," placing a finger to her lips. "Don't wake him up. He's so cute like this."

Sakura stood frozen in the doorway, unsure whether to laugh or flee. "Why aren't you two wearing anything?" she whispered back, her voice full of awkwardness as she tried not to look directly at Naruto, who was still nestled against Ino's chest.

Ino chuckled softly, glancing down at Naruto with affection. "We're married, remember?" she whispered, her fingers still playing with Naruto's hair. "It's normal. Besides, this is how we like to sleep." She shot a teasing look at Sakura, adding, "You should know that by now."

Sakura blushed even deeper, her eyes darting nervously around the room. "B-But it's still embarrassing..." she mumbled, her voice faltering as her gaze inadvertently fell on Naruto again, this time noticing something that made her flush even more.

She quickly turned her face away, her heart racing. **It's so... big,** she thought, her mind spinning.

Ino, noticing the direction of Sakura's gaze, grinned mischievously. She reached down and gently woke Naruto, her hand brushing against his cheek as she spoke in a soft, playful voice. "Naruto... wake up, sweetheart."

Naruto stirred, his face still buried in Ino's chest, before slowly blinking awake. His eyes met Ino's, and his cheeks immediately flushed with embarrassment as he realized what position he was in. "G-Good morning, Ino-sama," he stammered, his voice filled with shy confusion.

Ino smiled warmly, leaning down to kiss him softly on the lips. "Good morning, my love," she whispered back, her voice full of affection. "Did you sleep well?"

Naruto nodded quickly, though his face was still bright red as he tried to sit up without exposing too much of himself. "Y-Yes, Ino-sama," he whispered.

Ino chuckled, brushing a strand of hair from his face. "Good," she purred, then added in a teasing tone, "Now, why don't you tell me something sweet, Naruto? I want to hear you compliment me."

Naruto blushed even more, his mind scrambling for the right words. "Y-You're beautiful, Ino-sama," he stammered. "Everything about you is beautiful... your hair, your eyes, your smile... and even your name. It's short and easy to say, but it's still... beautiful."

Ino's cheeks flushed slightly at the unexpected sincerity of his compliment, and for a brief moment, she was the one caught off guard. "T-That's... exactly what I wanted to hear," she said softly, her voice filled with warmth. She leaned down and kissed him again, her lips lingering against his for just a moment longer than usual. "You're learning how to make me happy, Naruto."

Before Naruto could respond, Ino sat up, stretching her arms above her head as she smiled lazily. "Come on," she said, her voice full of energy now. "Let's get up. It's time for a shower, and then you can make us breakfast. I want to show Sakura how good you are at taking care of me."

Naruto nodded quickly, though his face was still bright red from the morning's intimacy. "Y-Yes, Ino-sama," he said obediently.

As they got up and prepared for the day, Sakura quickly retreated from the room, her heart pounding as she tried to shake the embarrassment of what she had just seen. **I really need to stop walking in on them,** she thought to herself, her face still burning with redness.

When breakfast was ready, the three of them sat around the table, the aroma of Naruto's cooking filling the air. Sakura sat across from Ino, her eyes lingering on her friend's revealing outfit—a low-cut blouse that left little to the imagination.

"You're really comfortable wearing something like that?" Sakura asked, her voice tinged with surprise. "Aren't you worried about... you know, showing too much?"

Ino shrugged, laughing softly. "We're at home, Sakura. What's the point of covering up? Besides, Naruto doesn't mind." She shot a playful glance at Naruto, who blushed and looked down at his plate, clearly too embarrassed to speak.

Sakura rolled her eyes, though she couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. **At least she still has that kind of connection with her husband,** she thought bitterly. Sasuke hadn't shown her any affection in so long, and the ache of that loneliness weighed heavily on her.

Ino, noticing the brief flicker of jealousy in Sakura's eyes, smirked. "You're jealous, aren't you?" she teased, her voice light but knowing. "I can tell. It's been a while since you've had this kind of... connection with someone, hasn't it?"

Sakura stiffened, her face flushing with embarrassment. "I-It's not like that," she protested, though the truth was obvious to both of them.

Ino leaned forward, her eyes gleaming mischievously. "You know," she said slowly, "I could help with that."

Sakura blinked, confused. "What do you mean?"

Ino smiled slyly. "Naruto," she said casually, glancing at him. "Why don't we... share him?"

Sakura's face turned bright red, her heart racing as the full weight of Ino's suggestion hit her. "W-What?" she stammered, her voice filled with shock. "I-Ino, you can't be serious!"

Ino laughed softly, clearly enjoying Sakura's reaction. "Oh, come on, Sakura. You saw him this morning. You know how... well-equipped he is." She winked playfully, watching as Sakura's face turned an even deeper shade of red. "Why not? It's not like Sasuke's in the picture anymore."

Sakura covered her face with her hands, her mind spinning with embarrassment and confusion. "Ino, this is crazy," she muttered, her voice muffled.

Ino shrugged, still smiling. "Think about it," she said lightly. "I mean, we're best friends. Why not share everything, including Naruto? He's a good boy, and I'm sure he wouldn't mind."

Naruto, who had been sitting quietly throughout the entire conversation, nearly choked on his food. "I-I-Ino-sama!" he stammered, his face turning crimson as he tried to process what she had just said.

Ino reached over and gently patted his cheek, her expression softening slightly. "Relax, Naruto. I'm only half-joking." But there was a glint in her eye that made it clear she wasn't entirely kidding.

Sakura, still flustered beyond belief, took a deep breath and shook her head. "I-I need to think about this," she mumbled, her voice trembling. "I'm not saying yes... but I'm not saying no either."

Ino smirked, satisfied with the answer. "That's all I ask," she said sweetly, leaning back in her chair

The warm scent of breakfast filled the air as Naruto finished preparing the meal, his hands moving nervously as he set the plates on the table. Across from him, Ino and Sakura sat, the conversation between them tense and awkward after Ino's bold suggestion.

Ino's playful smirk hadn't faded since she proposed the idea of sharing Naruto, and she now leaned back in her chair with a smug expression. Her gaze lingered on Sakura, who still looked flustered and red-faced from the conversation they'd just had.

"Well, Sakura," Ino said in a teasing tone, "if you decide to share Naruto, there's something you need to understand." She leaned forward, her eyes narrowing slightly. "He's *mine.* I'm the main one in his life, and you'll just be... well, a bit of fun on the side. Don't get too attached, because at the end of the day, he belongs to me."

Sakura's face flushed with embarrassment, but she managed to hold Ino's gaze, though her heart was pounding. "I... I get it," she muttered, her voice shaky. "I understand."

Ino smiled, satisfied with Sakura's response. "Good," she said with a wink. "And trust me, Sakura, you'll enjoy it. Naruto's... well, let's just say he's got something big to offer." Her gaze briefly flickered toward Naruto, who had turned a deep shade of red, his mind racing with both confusion and embarrassment.

Sakura's face flushed even more at Ino's suggestive words, and she quickly looked away, her heart racing. She wasn't sure how she felt about all of this, but the truth was, her life had changed so drastically in the last few days that she didn't even know what normal was anymore. Part of her was curious, part of her was scared, and part of her was simply overwhelmed.

As if sensing the tension, Sarada, who had been sitting on Sakura's lap, reached her small hands toward Naruto, trying to escape from her mother's grasp. The little girl's eyes were wide with curiosity as she wriggled and squirmed, making it clear that she wanted Naruto to hold her.

Sakura blinked, surprised, as she tried to hold onto her daughter. "Sarada?" she said softly, glancing between her daughter and Naruto. "What's wrong?"

But Sarada's little arms were still reaching for Naruto, her small hands grasping at the air as she babbled softly. Her bright eyes were fixed on Naruto, and there was a determined look on her tiny face.

Ino watched the scene unfold with amusement, a grin spreading across her lips. "Looks like she wants you, Naruto," she said, her voice playful. "Go on, don't be shy. Pick her up."

Naruto, flustered as always, hesitated for a moment before standing up from the table. "I-I... okay," he stammered, stepping closer to Sakura and reaching out to take Sarada into his arms. His face was flushed, and his heart pounded as he carefully lifted the little girl, who immediately quieted down in his arms.

Sarada smiled up at Naruto, her small hands clinging to his shirt as she snuggled against his chest. The sight of the tiny girl nestled in Naruto's arms made both Sakura and Ino smile, though for different reasons.

"She really likes you, doesn't she?" Sakura said softly, her voice filled with a mix of surprise and affection. "I've never seen her take to someone so quickly before."

Naruto's face turned even redder as he looked down at Sarada, his hands trembling slightly as he held her close. "I-I don't know why," he muttered, his voice shy and uncertain. "I'm not used to holding babies..."

Ino chuckled, leaning back in her chair as she watched the scene unfold. "Well, get used to it," she said with a smirk. "You'll be holding our kids someday, too."

Naruto's face turned an even deeper shade of red at Ino's comment, and he looked away, clearly flustered. But Sarada seemed completely at ease in his arms, her tiny hands gripping his shirt as she looked up at him with wide, curious eyes.

Sakura smiled softly at the sight, though there was a faint hint of sadness in her expression. She had always dreamed of having a family like this with Sasuke—a warm, loving home where they could raise their daughter together. But now, that dream felt distant, almost impossible. **Maybe it was never meant to be,** she thought, her heart aching as she looked at her daughter in Naruto's arms.

"Looks like Sarada's made up her mind," Ino teased, watching as Sarada tightened her grip on Naruto, refusing to let go. "She doesn't want to be anywhere else."

Sakura laughed softly, though her face was still flushed from earlier. "Seems like it," she said, standing up and reaching out for her daughter. "Come here, Sarada. Mommy's got you."

But Sarada whined softly, shaking her head as she clung to Naruto even tighter, her little arms wrapping around his neck. Sakura blinked in surprise, not expecting her daughter to be so attached.

"She really doesn't want to let go," Sakura muttered, trying to coax Sarada into coming back to her. "Sarada, come on..."

Naruto looked down at the little girl in his arms, unsure of what to do. "I-I can... hold her a little longer, if it's okay," he said quietly, glancing nervously at Sakura.

Sakura smiled softly, her heart warming at Naruto's gentle offer. "It's okay," she said, sitting back down. "She seems happy with you."

Ino grinned, leaning over to kiss Naruto on the cheek. "See, Naruto? You're already great with kids," she said sweetly. "You'll make an amazing father one day."

Naruto blushed again, his face practically glowing with embarrassment as he held Sarada close. "I-I don't know about that," he mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper.

Sakura watched them quietly, her emotions swirling inside her. Part of her was touched by the scene—Naruto's kindness, his willingness to help, and the way Sarada had instantly taken to him. But there was also a lingering sadness in her heart, a reminder of the life she had lost with Sasuke.

Ino, sensing the complex emotions in the air, leaned back in her chair, her expression softening slightly. "You know, Sakura," she said quietly, "there's no rush. Take your time to think about what I said earlier. Whatever you decide, just know that you'll always have a place here with us."

Sakura nodded, though she wasn't sure what to say. Her mind was still reeling from everything—her broken marriage, her uncertain future, and now Ino's unexpected proposition.

"Thanks, Ino," she said softly, her voice filled with gratitude. "I'll... think about it."

Ino smiled warmly, her hand gently resting on Naruto's shoulder as she spoke. "Take all the time you need," she said sweetly. "Just know that we're here for you."

As the morning wore on, the three of them settled into a comfortable silence, the only sound in the room being the soft babbling of Sarada as she played with the buttons on Naruto's shirt. For a brief moment, everything felt peaceful, as if the weight of the world had lifted, if only for a little while.

But even in that peace, Sakura couldn't shake the feeling that her life was on the verge of something new—something she wasn't sure she was ready for.

Naruto stood in the warm morning light, still holding Sarada gently in his arms, her small head resting comfortably against his chest. The little girl, full of curiosity and innocence, looked up at Naruto with wide, sparkling eyes.

Then, to everyone's surprise, Sarada spoke her first word.

"Papa," she said, her tiny voice clear and sweet.

Naruto froze, his eyes widening in shock. Sakura, who had been sitting across the table, stared in disbelief, her heart skipping a beat. Ino, who had been watching with amusement, suddenly burst into laughter.

"Did she just...?" Naruto stammered, his face flushed with embarrassment.

"Papa!" Sarada repeated, giggling as she reached out her little hands to touch Naruto's face. She seemed so certain, so content with her new word. "Papa, Papa!"

Ino laughed harder, her voice ringing with delight. "I can't believe it!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Sarada's first word, and it's 'Papa'! Oh, this is too good!"

Naruto blushed deeply, unsure of how to react. His heart raced as he held Sarada closer, his mind overwhelmed with the unexpected warmth of the moment. **Papa? Me?** He had never imagined he'd be called that, especially not by someone else's child.

Sakura, on the other hand, felt a strange mix of emotions—joy for her daughter's first word, but also a deep pang of sadness. She smiled, though it was tinged with a bittersweet feeling.

"Say 'Mama,' Sarada," Sakura urged softly, her voice filled with both hope and longing. "Come on, sweetheart, say 'Mama.'"

But Sarada only giggled and clung tighter to Naruto, happily repeating, "Papa, Papa!" She seemed thrilled by the new word she had discovered, and no amount of coaxing could convince her otherwise.

Sakura's smile faltered just a little, her heart aching. **Why not 'Mama'?** she thought. After everything, after all the nights she had spent caring for Sarada alone, why hadn't her daughter said "Mama" first? The realization hit harder when she thought about how absent Sasuke had been from their lives. He had never held Sarada like this, never shown her the affection of a father.

Ino, noticing the subtle shift in Sakura's expression, stopped laughing and gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't take it personally, Sakura," she said gently. "Babies just say whatever they feel like at first. Besides, look at how happy she is."

Sakura nodded, trying to brush off the sadness. "Yeah, you're right," she whispered, though her chest still felt heavy. She looked at Sarada, who was now playing with Naruto's hair, completely comfortable in his arms.

Naruto, sensing the tension, smiled awkwardly. "I-I'm sure she'll say 'Mama' soon," he said, his voice full of kindness. He gently handed Sarada back to Sakura, still feeling a little flustered by what had just happened.

As Sarada nestled into her mother's arms, her small hands reaching up toward Sakura's face, Naruto took a deep breath. The moment had been overwhelming, but in a strange way, it had made him feel something warm and comforting—something that had been missing in his life for a long time.

Ino stood up, adjusting her robe slightly as she smiled at Naruto. "Alright, enough emotional moments for now," she said playfully, giving him a wink. "Naruto, it's a beautiful day outside. Let's take a walk in the garden. I'll show you my favorite spot."

Naruto nodded quickly, eager for a distraction from the whirlwind of emotions he had just experienced. "Y-Yes, Ino-sama," he said, his cheeks still a little red.

As they left the house, Sakura watched them go, her heart heavy with a mix of emotions she couldn't quite untangle. She loved seeing Sarada so happy, but it was hard not to feel a pang of jealousy watching Ino and Naruto together. **They have something I've lost,** she thought, glancing down at her daughter as she fed her.

Outside, the sun was shining brightly, casting a warm golden glow over Ino's garden. The air was filled with the soft fragrance of blooming flowers, and the gentle rustle of leaves created a soothing backdrop to their walk. Ino held Naruto's hand as they strolled through the garden paths, her fingers interlaced with his.

"This garden is my escape," Ino said softly, her eyes gazing out over the colorful array of flowers. "I only share it with people I love." She paused for a moment, looking over at Naruto with a gentle smile. "That's why I wanted to bring you here."

Naruto's heart skipped a beat, his face turning pink under her warm gaze. "It's beautiful, Ino-sama," he said, his voice soft. He couldn't help but feel a sense of peace as he took in the sight of the vibrant flowers, the soft petals swaying in the breeze. The world felt calm here, as if nothing could touch them.

Ino led him to a small bench nestled under a large cherry blossom tree. She sat down first, gesturing for Naruto to sit beside her. When he did, she leaned in close, resting her head on his shoulder.

"I made the right decision that night," Ino whispered, her voice filled with quiet confidence. "The night I asked you to be mine. It's been two weeks now, and I know I made the right choice."

Naruto blushed deeply, his heart racing as he remembered that fateful night when his life had changed forever. "It's... it's an honor, Ino-sama," he said quietly, his voice full of sincerity.

Ino smiled, her hand resting gently on his. She guided his hand up to her chest, placing it over her heart. "Do you feel that?" she whispered, her eyes locking onto his. "That's where you belong now, Naruto. You're mine, and I'll protect you."

Naruto's face turned bright red, but he nodded, his hand trembling slightly under the weight of her touch. "Y-Yes, Ino-sama," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Ino chuckled softly, leaning in to kiss him on the lips, her fingers brushing against his cheek as she pulled him closer. "You're so sweet, Naruto," she murmured against his lips. "And by the way... your hand is still on my chest."

Naruto's eyes widened in embarrassment, and he quickly tried to pull his hand away, but Ino laughed, holding it in place. "Don't move it," she said teasingly, her eyes gleaming with playful affection. "I like it right there."

Naruto blushed even more, but he stayed still, his heart pounding in his chest as Ino held him close. **This is my life now,** he thought, a mixture of emotions swirling inside him. **And... I'm okay with that.**

As they sat together in the garden, surrounded by the soft sounds of nature, Ino leaned in and whispered, "You're mine, Naruto. Forever."

Naruto smiled shyly, his heart full of warmth. "Yes, Ino-sama," he replied softly. "Forever."

Back inside the house, Sakura finished feeding Sarada, her mind still replaying the events of the morning. She felt a strange mixture of joy and sadness—a mother's pride at hearing her daughter's first words, but also a deep, lingering loneliness. **Naruto's kindness... it fills the void Sasuke left,** she thought, watching Sarada drift off to sleep in her arms. **But how long can I stay here, watching them?**

As Sakura gently laid Sarada down to rest, she couldn't help but wonder what her own future held.

Kushina drove through the busy streets of Konoha, her hands gripping the steering wheel tightly as she fought back the storm of emotions raging inside her. The memories of the past, the pain of losing her son Naruto, had always haunted her, but now, something had shifted. She had seen Naruto—she was sure of it. He wasn't dead, despite what they had told her all those years ago.

She had to know the truth, and only one person could give her the answers: Tsunade, the doctor who had delivered Naruto.

Her heart raced as she arrived at the hospital where she had given birth to Naruto two decades ago. It was a place filled with painful memories—memories she had tried to forget but could never truly escape. She marched down the hallways, her eyes filled with determination as she made her way to Tsunade's office.

Bursting through the door, Kushina's voice rang out before Tsunade even had a chance to look up. "Tsunade! I need answers."

Tsunade, now older but still as commanding as ever, glanced up from her desk, her brow furrowing in confusion. "Kushina?" she said, her voice tinged with both surprise and concern. "What's going on? It's been years."

Kushina stepped forward, her heart pounding. "Naruto," she whispered, her voice trembling. "You told me he died. But I've seen him, Tsunade. I've seen my son."

Tsunade sighed, leaning back in her chair. "Kushina, it's been twenty years. You've never been able to move on from this, have you? Naruto died at birth. You know that."

Kushina's fists clenched at her sides as she fought to keep her emotions in check. "No," she said firmly, her voice filled with conviction. "He didn't die. I saw him, Tsunade. I saw Naruto, alive and grown. There's something you're not telling me."

Tsunade shook her head, her expression softening with sympathy. "Kushina, you've been through so much. Sometimes grief can—"

"Stop it!" Kushina shouted, slamming her fist on the desk, her anger flaring. "I'm not hallucinating. I'm not crazy. There's something more to this. And I think Minato knows what it is."

Tsunade's eyes widened slightly at the mention of Minato. "Minato?" she asked, her voice quiet. "What do you think he's hiding?"

Kushina took a deep breath, her hands trembling as she spoke. "Minato's been hiding something from me for years. I can feel it. There's something he's not telling me about what happened to Naruto, and I'm going to find out what it is."

Tsunade sighed, rubbing her temples as she tried to process what Kushina was saying. "Kushina, I don't know what you think you saw, but you need to be careful. Grief can make people do reckless things."

But Kushina wasn't listening anymore. Her mind was already racing ahead, and the only thought that filled her was the need for answers. Without another word, she stormed out of Tsunade's office, her heart pounding as she made her way back to her car. **I'm going to Minato's house,** she thought, determination hardening her resolve. **He's going to tell me the truth.**

The drive to Minato's new home was filled with a mixture of rage and heartbreak. Kushina's mind spun with memories of their life together, the love they had once shared, and the pain he had caused her by abandoning their family. But this was something else. This was about Naruto, her son, the boy she had been told was dead.

As she pulled up to the large, expensive-looking house, a bitter taste filled her mouth. **Of course he's doing well for himself,** she thought bitterly. **While I've been left to suffer, he's been living comfortably.**

Kushina stepped out of the car and marched up to the front door, her anger bubbling just beneath the surface. She banged on the door, her heart racing as she waited for someone to answer. After a few moments, the door opened, and standing there was Minato's new wife, Mei.

Mei smiled politely, her face showing no signs of the tension that bubbled inside Kushina. "Kushina," Mei said sweetly. "What a surprise. Is everything alright?"

Kushina's eyes narrowed, and she pushed past Mei without a second thought. "Where's Minato?" she demanded, her voice hard and unyielding.

Mei blinked in surprise, clearly taken aback by Kushina's sudden entrance. "He's inside," she said quickly. "But—"

Before Mei could finish her sentence, Kushina stormed into the house, her eyes scanning the room until she saw Minato standing in the living room. He was holding a cup of coffee, looking far too relaxed for her liking.

"Kushina?" Minato said, his brow furrowing as he set down his coffee. "What's going on?"

Kushina marched up to him, her eyes blazing with anger. "I need to know the truth, Minato," she said, her voice trembling with emotion. "What happened to our son?"

Minato's face turned pale, his expression shifting from confusion to guilt. "What... what are you talking about?" he stammered, though his eyes couldn't meet hers.

"You know what I'm talking about," Kushina snapped, grabbing him by the collar of his shirt and pulling him closer. "You lied to me, didn't you? You told me Naruto died, but I've seen him. I saw our son, alive. What did you do to him?"

Minato's eyes flickered with fear as he tried to pull away from her grip. "Kushina, calm down—"

"Don't tell me to calm down!" Kushina screamed, tears welling up in her eyes as she tightened her hold on his shirt. "Tell me the truth! What did you do to Naruto?"

Mei stood in the doorway, her face filled with concern as she watched the confrontation unfold. "Minato, maybe it's time to tell her," Mei said quietly. "She deserves to know."

Minato swallowed hard, his eyes finally meeting Kushina's. He knew there was no way out of this. With a deep sigh, he placed his hand on Kushina's wrist, gently urging her to release him.

"Kushina... I didn't know what else to do," Minato said softly, his voice filled with regret. "We were poor. We didn't have enough money to raise Naruto. I thought... I thought I was doing what was best."

Kushina's eyes widened, her heart pounding in her chest as she listened to his words. "What are you saying?" she whispered, her voice shaking with both fear and anger.

Minato closed his eyes for a moment, as if gathering the courage to continue. "I sold him," he admitted quietly, his voice barely audible. "To a woman who wanted a child. She ran a... business. A place where she needed children for her clients. I thought it was the only way to give Naruto a chance at a better life."

Kushina's world shattered in an instant. Her hand trembled as she slowly released Minato, her eyes filling with tears. "You... sold our son?" she whispered, her voice breaking. "You sold him like he was nothing?"

Minato looked away, his face filled with shame. "I didn't know what else to do," he repeated, his voice hollow. "We needed the money..."

Without warning, Kushina slapped him across the face, the sound of the impact echoing through the room. Minato staggered back, his hand instinctively reaching up to touch his cheek, which was now red from the force of the blow.

"How could you?" Kushina cried, her voice trembling with rage and heartbreak. "How could you sell our child? Our *baby*?"

Minato stood there, speechless, as tears streamed down Kushina's face. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. The man she had once loved, the father of her child, had betrayed her in the worst way imaginable.

Kushina turned on her heel, her body trembling with emotion as she stormed out of the house. She couldn't stand to be near him any longer. Her mind was racing, her heart shattered into a million pieces.

As she got into her car, her hands shaking, she whispered to herself, "I'll find you, Naruto. No matter what it takes, I'll find you."

Inside the house, Minato stood in stunned silence, his cheek still stinging from the slap. Mei approached him cautiously, her eyes filled with concern. "Are you alright?" she asked softly, placing a hand on his shoulder.

Minato nodded slowly, though his eyes were filled with pain. "She's stronger than I remember," he muttered, rubbing his cheek.

Mei sighed, her expression softening as she wrapped her arms around him. "You should have told her sooner," she said quietly. "This secret... it was always going to come out eventually."

Minato closed his eyes, leaning into Mei's embrace as guilt weighed heavily on his heart. "I know," he whispered. "I just didn't know how."

Kushina arrived home, her heart pounding with a storm of emotions swirling inside her. She slammed the front door behind her, pacing back and forth in the quiet house. Her thoughts were racing, her mind spinning with one painful truth: Naruto was alive, and he was with Ino.

**I have to get him back,** Kushina thought, her fists clenched at her sides. **He's my son. He belongs with me, not with her.** The memories of holding Naruto as a baby, of the love she had poured into him before everything went wrong, flashed through her mind like lightning. Her son had been taken from her, and now he was being controlled by a woman with a reputation for cruelty and manipulation.

She paused, breathing heavily, and stared at her reflection in the hallway mirror. Her own face, tired and worn from years of heartache, stared back at her. **I can't just walk up to him and tell him the truth.** She knew that wouldn't work. Ino would never allow Naruto to be taken away so easily, and confronting him too directly might only push him further into Ino's grasp.

"I need to be smart," Kushina whispered to herself, her mind racing as she tried to form a plan. "I can't storm in there demanding him back. I need to figure out a way to get close to Naruto again, to make him see the truth on his own."

The thought of Ino—the infamous woman who had manipulated so many men, breaking them for her own gain—made Kushina's stomach turn. **She'll destroy him if I don't do something.** The way Ino controlled people, turned them into her puppets, was known far and wide. Kushina knew that if she wasn't careful, she might lose Naruto forever.

As she continued pacing, a cold determination began to settle over her. **Naruto is my child, and I won't let anyone stand in my way.** But to take him from Ino, she would have to be patient. Rushing in would only make things worse. She needed to gain Naruto's trust without Ino realizing her true intentions.

Kushina sighed, running a hand through her long red hair. She glanced at the clock. It was late, but sleep was the furthest thing from her mind. She made her way to her bedroom, where she slipped into her comfortable nightclothes. As she stood in front of the mirror, she couldn't help but feel the weight of the years pressing down on her. **I'm not the same woman I was when Naruto was born,** she thought, her heart aching with the memories of a life she had lost. But that wouldn't stop her. She had to be strong.

Sliding into bed, Kushina pulled the covers over her and closed her eyes. **I'll figure out a way, Naruto. I'll get you back.**

Meanwhile, in Ino's lush garden, under the soft glow of the afternoon sun, Naruto lay peacefully with his head resting in Ino's lap. The vibrant flowers around them danced in the gentle breeze, and the scent of fresh blossoms filled the air. Ino's fingers gently combed through Naruto's blonde hair as he lay there, half-asleep and completely relaxed.

Ino looked down at him, a satisfied smile playing on her lips. **No one is going to take you from me, Naruto,** she thought to herself, her heart swelling with possessive affection. **You're mine.** She continued stroking his hair, feeling an almost overwhelming sense of control over him. It had been two weeks since she had claimed Naruto as her own, and every day, she felt more and more secure in the idea that he would never leave her side.

In the quiet of the garden, Ino's thoughts turned darker. She had heard whispers of Kushina's sudden interest in Naruto, and the thought of someone else trying to take him away made her blood boil. **If Kushina thinks she can swoop in and reclaim him, she's got another thing coming.**

Ino's hand paused briefly as her thoughts became more serious. She reached into her pocket and felt the cold, smooth metal of the gun she always carried with her. It was a small weapon, one she kept more for intimidation than anything else, but just holding it reminded her of the lengths she was willing to go to keep what was hers.

A sudden impulse took over her, and before she realized what she was doing, Ino pulled out the gun and aimed it at the flowers in front of her. Without a second thought, she squeezed the trigger, the sharp crack of the gunshot shattering the peaceful silence of the garden.

Naruto jerked awake, his heart racing as he looked around in confusion. "I-Ino-sama, what happened?" he stammered, his voice trembling with fear. His eyes darted to the gun in her hand, a thin trail of smoke still curling from the barrel.

Ino smiled down at him, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Oh, don't worry, Naruto," she said softly, reaching out to brush a strand of hair from his forehead. "I just got a little carried away."

Naruto's heart pounded as he sat up, his eyes wide with confusion and fear. "B-But... why do you have a gun?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Ino chuckled, twirling the gun playfully in her hand before slipping it back into her pocket. "It's not for you, silly," she teased, leaning down to kiss his forehead gently. "I'll protect you from anyone who tries to take you from me. You're safe with me, Naruto."

Naruto's fear slowly faded, replaced by a strange sense of comfort as Ino's words sunk in. He leaned into her touch, his body relaxing once again as he rested his head against her chest. "I... I trust you, Ino-sama," he whispered.

Ino smiled, holding him close as the tension melted away. "Good," she whispered, her voice soft and possessive. "Now, let's go home."

With that, Ino stood up, pulling Naruto to his feet and holding his hand tightly in hers. Together, they walked back toward the house, the sound of the gunshot still echoing faintly in Naruto's mind. But as long as Ino was with him, he felt safe—protected.

Back at her home, Kushina lay awake in bed, staring up at the ceiling as her mind raced with plans. **I have to be smart,** she reminded herself. **I have to be patient.** But deep down, her heart was aching with the desperation of a mother who had been separated from her child for too long.

Ino might be powerful, she might be manipulative, but Kushina knew one thing for sure: she wasn't going to give up on Naruto. Not now, not ever.

**No one will take him from me again.**

Sure! Here's a continuation of the story that keeps the characters and their dynamics but focuses on their emotional growth and relationships in a thoughtful way:

**Chapter 5: Crossroads of the Heart**

As the sun began to set, casting a soft orange glow over the horizon, Naruto and Ino strolled back from the garden, hand in hand. The day had been peaceful, and the quiet of the evening filled the air with a sense of calm. Naruto, still feeling a bit shy from Ino's teasing earlier, couldn't help but feel safe when he was with her. The warmth of her hand in his grounded him, even as his thoughts sometimes spiraled into confusion.

As they reached the house, they were greeted by Sakura, who was sitting with her daughter Sarada. The little girl's eyes lit up the moment she saw Naruto, her tiny hands reaching out toward him with excitement.

"Papa!" Sarada squealed with joy, her face breaking into a bright smile. Naruto froze, his cheeks turning bright red as the little girl squirmed in Sakura's arms, trying to reach him.

Sakura, slightly embarrassed but smiling softly, held onto her daughter a little tighter. "Sarada," she said gently, "say 'Mama,' okay? Can you say 'Mama?'"

But Sarada, in her innocent joy, ignored her mother's request and instead reached out toward Naruto again, repeating, "Papa, Papa!" over and over, her giggles filling the room.

Naruto's face grew even redder, and he glanced nervously at Sakura. "I-I... I'm not sure why she keeps calling me that..." he mumbled, rubbing the back of his neck in embarrassment.

Ino, watching the scene unfold, burst into laughter. "Oh, Naruto, I think Sarada's already decided you're her father," she teased, nudging him playfully. "Looks like you're stuck with the title now!"

Sakura, though clearly amused by her daughter's attachment to Naruto, couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. Sarada had never known her real father's warmth, and now, with Sasuke gone and Naruto stepping into their lives in unexpected ways, her daughter was filling that void with Naruto's gentle presence.

"Come on, Sarada," Sakura urged softly, though her voice carried a note of defeat. "Say 'Mama,' just once."

But Sarada simply giggled again, reaching for Naruto, her eyes wide with admiration for the man who had unknowingly become a central figure in her little world.

Naruto, feeling the weight of Sarada's affection, awkwardly took a step closer, offering his arms to the little girl. "I... I guess I can hold her for a bit," he said quietly, still a bit unsure of himself.

Sakura handed Sarada to Naruto, her heart feeling both light and heavy at the same time. Watching her daughter snuggle into Naruto's arms, her small fingers curling around his shirt, made Sakura's chest tighten. **Is this what having a father is supposed to feel like?** she thought, her eyes softening as she watched them together.

As if sensing the deeper emotions in the room, Ino took Naruto's hand, her voice light but teasing as she said, "Alright, Papa Naruto, it's been a long day. Time to put Sarada back with her mom and get some rest. We've got our own plans tonight, remember?"

Naruto's face turned bright red again as Ino tugged him gently toward the stairs. "R-Right," he stammered, quickly handing Sarada back to Sakura, who smiled gratefully as she took her daughter into her arms.

"Goodnight, Sakura," Ino said with a mischievous grin, giving a small wave as she led Naruto up the stairs. "And don't worry—Naruto and I will have a nice, quiet evening."

Sakura blushed, knowing Ino well enough to realize that "quiet" wasn't exactly what she had in mind. As the door to their room closed, Sakura sighed and looked down at Sarada, who was already starting to drift off to sleep in her arms.

"Goodnight, my love," she whispered, kissing her daughter's forehead gently before placing her in the crib beside her bed. But even as Sarada's soft breaths filled the room, Sakura couldn't quiet the thoughts racing through her mind.

She sat on the edge of the bed, her heart heavy with the weight of everything that had happened over the past few weeks. Sasuke was gone, her marriage had crumbled, and now here she was—living in a home where her best friend was married to a man who had always been kind to her. And then there was the offer Ino had made. The idea of "sharing" Naruto had seemed outrageous at first, but now, as the house grew quiet and her thoughts had room to roam, she found herself wondering if it could really work.

Sakura blushed, thinking back to the way Naruto had looked at her earlier, the kindness in his eyes as he held Sarada. Could he be the stability she and her daughter needed? And, more importantly, could she ever be part of the life Ino had built with him?

Her thoughts were interrupted by the muffled sound of laughter from Ino and Naruto's room. Sakura's face flushed with embarrassment as she realized they were already enjoying their evening together, the sounds of their closeness filtering through the walls. She quickly grabbed a pillow and pressed it over her ears, trying to block out the noise.

**I need to stop thinking about this,** she told herself, her face burning with shame. **It's their life, and I shouldn't get involved... right?**

But the more she tried to push the thoughts away, the more they lingered. The truth was, she had been lonely for so long. The idea of sharing her life with someone kind like Naruto—someone who cared for her daughter—was becoming harder to ignore. As the sounds of Ino's laughter continued, Sakura lay back on her bed, her mind still racing.

"I'll think about it," she whispered to herself, her eyes drifting shut as exhaustion finally began to take over. "I just need time."

Meanwhile, in the other room, Ino lay back against the pillows, her arms wrapped around Naruto as she held him close. Her laughter had subsided, and now the room was filled with a comfortable silence as they enjoyed the peace of the evening.

"You did good today," Ino whispered, her fingers gently trailing through Naruto's hair as he rested his head on her chest. "With Sarada, I mean. You're a natural."

Naruto blushed, though he smiled softly at her words. "I-I just did what felt right," he mumbled, his voice filled with humility.

Ino chuckled, leaning down to kiss the top of his head. "You've got a big heart, Naruto," she said softly. "That's why I chose you."

Naruto's face turned even redder as he looked up at her. "I-I just want to make you happy, Ino-sama," he whispered.

Ino smiled warmly, her eyes softening as she gazed down at him. "You do," she whispered back. "More than you know."

As the night wore on, the two of them drifted off to sleep in each other's arms, the house falling into a peaceful silence. But even as they slept, the thoughts and emotions of the day lingered in the air—a quiet reminder that, for all of them, the future was still uncertain.

And somewhere, in the depths of her dreams, Sakura's thoughts continued to swirl, caught between the past she had lost and the future she had yet to decide.


the end