Welcome
Chapter 12 Naruto fever disease
Naruto awoke to the soft, warm presence of both Ino and Sakura lying beside him, each nestled comfortably against him, their bare skin entwined. As his eyes adjusted, Ino stirred, noticing him first and smiling. "Good morning, husband," she murmured softly.
Blushing deeply, he replied, "Good morning, Ino-chan." It was still new for him to call her that, a name he'd accidentally used once that she had loved, insisting he keep it. Sakura shifted beside them, opening her eyes with a soft yawn. "Good morning, Naruto," she said gently, as if savoring the calm start to their day.
Just then, the peaceful atmosphere broke as they heard the soft, urgent cry of Sarada, Sakura's daughter, from the other room. Sakura quickly rose, an apologetic smile on her face. "I'm sorry, I'll go tend to her," she said, wrapping herself in a robe and slipping out to comfort her daughter.
Ino looked back at Naruto with a playful glint in her eye, tilting his chin toward her before pressing her lips to his. "Well, that leaves just us, doesn't it?" she whispered, a light laugh escaping her as she saw his cheeks turn a deeper shade of pink. "Now, how about we take a bath together?"
Naruto hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck. "A-are you sure, Ino-chan?" he stammered, caught off guard.
She laughed, brushing her fingers through his hair. "Naruto, I've lost count of how many times you've seen me like this. Besides, we're married, and if I recall—" she teased, leaning in closer, "—my chest is bigger than everyone else's… even Hinata's and Sakura's." Her playful tone made his blush deepen, but she took his hand confidently, guiding him toward the bath.
After their bath, the three of them sat down to a breakfast filled with the usual lively banter. Ino and Sakura chatted animatedly, and though Naruto tried to join in, he felt strangely warm and a bit lightheaded. Ino noticed first, reaching over to touch his arm with concern. "Are you feeling alright, Naruto?" she asked, her eyes searching his face.
"Y-yeah," he managed, forcing a smile. "I think so, but… I do feel kind of hot."
Ino frowned, unconvinced. "Are you sure? You barely touched your food." She exchanged a worried glance with Sakura, who also looked concerned.
Naruto forced a smile, waving off their worry. "I'm just not that hungry," he said. But as he tried to stand, a wave of dizziness hit him, and he felt his vision begin to blur.
Before he knew it, he was falling, Ino's voice fading as she shouted his name. His last vision was her face hovering over him, eyes wide with concern, as everything went dark.
Naruto lay on the bed, unconscious, his skin flushed with fever. Sakura, her expression serious and focused, sat beside him, gently pressing her hand to his forehead. After a moment, she looked up and sighed. "He has a high fever," she murmured, concern etched on her face.
Ino, standing at Naruto's side with his hand in hers, clenched her fingers tightly around his. "Is it dangerous?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly despite her usual composure.
Sakura nodded, her tone calm but serious. "It could be, especially if he doesn't receive proper care. Ino, you've got responsibilities with your company. Why not let Hinata take care of him? She's your servant, after all. She can handle it."
Ino's eyes flashed as she lifted her head defiantly, her voice firm. "No! I'm the one who'll look after him. He's… mine. It's my responsibility."
"But you have other duties," Sakura persisted, trying to reason with her. "Hinata's more than capable of—"
Ino's voice rose, cutting Sakura off. "No! Naruto is my husband, Sakura. I don't care about work. I have people who can manage things in my place while I'm here. No one else will take care of him. Only me."
Sakura looked taken aback by Ino's passionate response, a rare softness in her expression as she looked at her friend. "Ino, what happened to you? This caring, protective side… it's been so long since I've seen it. You've been so hard, so… ruthless with people for years. It's almost like you've forgotten how to care for others."
As Sakura continued, her words ventured toward painful memories of the past. "You weren't always like this. I remember when—"
Ino's voice sliced through the air before Sakura could finish. "Stop it, Sakura! That's none of your business." Her gaze was sharp, her voice cold, but a faint vulnerability flickered in her eyes. "I'll be as harsh or as gentle as I want with whoever I choose. Now, leave me alone."
Hurt, Sakura lowered her gaze, regretting her words. She knew she'd pushed too far. She took a deep breath and stood up, her face softened by guilt and understanding. "I'm sorry, Ino." She turned and left quietly, closing the door behind her.
Alone at last, Ino's shoulders slumped, the tension of her defiance melting away. She glanced down at Naruto, his peaceful face a sharp contrast to the turmoil in her heart. Suddenly, as if a dam had broken, tears she hadn't allowed herself to feel for years began to well up and spill over, trailing silently down her cheeks. It had been so long since she'd let herself be vulnerable. But now, with Naruto lying there, fragile and unwell, all her defenses fell.
Sitting beside him, Ino gripped his hand tightly, feeling his warmth, hoping he could somehow sense her. "Don't leave me, Naruto," she whispered brokenly, her voice choked with tears. "You're all I have left. I love you…" Her words trailed off, lost in the quiet room as her tears fell onto the bed beside him.
The room was silent, save for the faint sound of Ino's quiet sobs. She sat there, unwavering, watching over him through the night, refusing to leave his side even for a moment.
Naruto's eyes slowly opened, hazy and weighted with fatigue. He was burning up, his skin warm under a thick blanket that felt like both a comfort and a burden against his fevered body. He shifted, feeling the heat almost unbearable, and noticed Ino sitting nearby, fast asleep in the chair by his bed.
Her posture was relaxed yet guarded, as if she had spent the night watching over him and only drifted off recently. He tried to sit up, but the effort was too much; he groaned softly, drawing Ino from her sleep instantly.
"Naruto!" she whispered, her eyes widening with relief. She leaned forward, wrapping her arms around him with gentle care, though the warmth of her embrace made him blush. She was dressed in comfortable pants and a simple bra, her hair slightly tousled, and Naruto found himself more flustered than he expected, especially with her presence so close.
"Ino-chan…" he managed to say weakly, his voice hoarse. Before he could say more, Ino placed a gentle finger on his lips.
"Don't speak. Here, drink this," she said, bringing a cup of water to his lips. She helped him drink slowly, her focus entirely on his comfort. "I'll have Hinata prepare you a nice meal to help you get better."
But in his fevered state, Naruto's words tumbled out unfiltered. "I want to try your cooking, Ino-chan."
Ino paused, surprised. She blushed deeply, feeling her heart race. "My cooking?" she asked, taken aback. Naruto's face, still flushed from the fever, held an expression of sincerity. "Yes, Ino-chan… your cooking would be… as wonderful as… well, as your big chest." His gaze drifted down slightly, and he blinked, caught somewhere between embarrassment and fascination.
Ino's face turned a deeper shade of red, truly flustered by his words. She'd never felt this shy before, especially not from something Naruto had said. No one had ever requested anything from her like that, especially in such a heartfelt, though unintentionally blunt, way.
At that moment, Hinata entered the room, her expression soft and attentive as she looked at Ino. "Ino-sama, shall I start cooking?"
Ino turned to Hinata with an unusual air of determination. "No. I'll be the one cooking today. You'll stay here and watch over Naruto for me while I prepare everything."
Hinata looked puzzled, hesitating. "But, Ino-sama, I always prepare the meals…"
"This time, I'll do it," Ino insisted, her tone final. "And you'll help by making sure Naruto's taken care of."
Hinata simply nodded, understanding there was no point in arguing. Ino rose from her seat, leaned down, and brushed her lips softly across Naruto's forehead. "I'll be back soon, Naruto," she promised.
Naruto, still half-delirious from the fever, mumbled, "Yes… Ino-mama… will cook for me." His voice was slurred, and he seemed almost childlike as he spoke, drifting between reality and his feverish dreams. Ino's cheeks turned pink at the endearing title, and though a bit flustered, she smiled warmly. She couldn't help but feel moved by it.
"Yes, Naruto," she replied softly, her voice tender, "I'll cook just for you." She glanced at Hinata. "Come on," she said, motioning for her to follow.
Hinata took her place beside Naruto, sitting on the chair where Ino had been all night. Naruto's eyes opened slightly, catching her gaze as he blinked, still in a daze. "Hinata… can I ask you something?"
Hinata blushed, not expecting the sudden question. "Y-yes, Naruto-kun?"
He tilted his head, his fever still clouding his thoughts. "Why haven't you gotten married yet?"
Hinata's cheeks flushed even deeper, the question taking her off guard. "I… I just haven't found the right person yet," she stammered.
Naruto, without realizing the weight of his words, nodded thoughtfully. "If you wore… less… and went to one of those dance bars, I bet… you'd find someone in no time." He seemed lost in his feverish logic, the thoughts pouring out unfiltered.
Hinata's face was now bright red, and she cleared her throat, gently encouraging him to close his eyes. "Rest, Naruto-kun," she said softly, though her heart was pounding from the unexpected conversation.
But Naruto, in his half-awake state, mumbled again, "Hinata… when… when will you…" He paused, his face thoughtful. "When will you… lose your… um… virginity?"
Hinata's heart nearly skipped a beat, and she felt a mix of shock and embarrassment. She'd never seen Naruto be so bold, even if it was only the fever making him speak so candidly. She stayed silent, unsure of how to respond, and only whispered softly, "Please… sleep, Naruto-kun." Inside, she felt as if she'd glimpsed a side of him she hadn't known before, a braver side that she couldn't ignore.
Meanwhile, Ino moved confidently into the kitchen, grabbing ingredients with determination. She felt a mix of excitement and nerves, her mind filled with Naruto's words. It was rare that she'd cook for anyone herself, but this was different. This was for Naruto.
After hours of preparation, Ino finally finished cooking, wiping a light layer of sweat from her brow. She looked at the spread she had prepared and whispered to herself, "I hope he likes it." She took a deep breath, carefully arranging everything on a food cart before pushing it toward the bedroom.
As she entered the room, she found Hinata sitting quietly beside Naruto, who was sleeping peacefully. Hinata stood up as Ino approached, looking a little surprised. Ino smiled and softly said, "Thank you, Hinata. I really appreciate your help."
Hinata blinked, taken aback—Ino had never thanked her before. She nodded, giving a small bow before quietly exiting the room. Ino felt a strange sense of warmth as she took her place by Naruto's bedside, gently brushing a hand over his messy hair.
"Naruto," she whispered in a soft, tender voice. "Naruto, wake up."
His eyelids fluttered open, and he looked up at her with a drowsy expression. "Did you make me some food, Mama?" he murmured, his voice still heavy with sleep.
Ino couldn't help but chuckle. "Yes, I did," she said, pulling the food cart closer. She took a plate, filled it with some of the food, and scooped up a bite with a spoon. "Now, open wide," she instructed, holding the spoon to his lips.
Naruto obediently opened his mouth, letting her feed him. His eyes lit up, and he smiled weakly. "Your food is the best, Mama. I love you…" he mumbled, resting his head against her chest, his face nestled against her.
Ino blushed deeply, feeling her heart pound, but she composed herself, gently placing a hand on his shoulder. "I… I love you too, Naruto. Now let me finish feeding you," she whispered, trying to focus on the task at hand.
She continued feeding him bite after bite, smiling each time he expressed how delicious it was. At one point, he looked up at her with a curious expression. "Why aren't you eating too, Ino-chan? It's delicious."
Ino felt her cheeks warm as she took a small bite herself to humor him. To her own surprise, the food was indeed tasty. She hadn't realized she could cook this well. "I didn't know I had it in me," she admitted with a small smile, savoring the flavor.
Naruto gazed at her, and his expression softened. "Ino-chan," he murmured, reaching for her hand. She looked at him, surprised by the gentle way he held her hand in his. "I… I think you're beautiful. And I'm glad I chose you when you offered to make me your husband. I don't regret a thing."
Ino's heart skipped a beat, her cheeks turning a soft pink. His words, though slurred from his fever, were sincere and heartfelt. It was as if the barrier between them had vanished, and he was speaking from his soul.
He continued, his voice a little hazy as he spoke. "You pulled me out of poverty… gave me a real home. Even if you were a little tough at first, I'm happy to be with you, Ino. I'd do anything for you… even give you the big family you want."
Ino's blush deepened, her heart racing from his heartfelt words. Naruto's hand tightened around hers, and he leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her hand, whispering, "Thank you for everything, Ino-chan…"
For the first time, Ino felt a deep, overwhelming warmth bloom in her chest. She held his hand, her cheeks flushed and her heart brimming with emotions she hadn't known she could feel so strongly. She gave his hand a gentle squeeze, whispering, "No, Naruto. I'm the lucky one for choosing you. You've filled my life with more joy than I ever thought possible."
She leaned down, pressing his hand softly against her chest, feeling her heart race beneath his palm. "You make my heart come alive," she whispered, her voice soft and sincere.
Naruto chuckled, and Ino blushed even deeper, feeling an unfamiliar shyness settle over her. For the first time, she felt vulnerable, but she also felt happier than ever before.
The two sat together, sharing the warmth and comfort of each other's presence, unaware of the passage of time as they found solace in each other's hearts.
After Ino finished feeding Naruto, she set the empty bowl aside and gently pressed a cool compress against his forehead, her fingers tenderly smoothing away his messy hair. She was surprised at the soft warmth in her chest as she looked down at him, sleeping soundly against her. Without thinking, she whispered, "Naruto-kun," a term she'd never used with anyone before.
Naruto opened his eyes slowly, looking up at her. "Ino-chan," he murmured weakly.
"Yes, Naruto-kun?" she responded, her voice warm and gentle, enjoying this newfound closeness.
"Can I… lean on you a little?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "You're so soft…" He gave a small, sleepy smile as his head rested against her, as though her touch was all he needed.
Ino blushed, but she nodded and shifted so he could lean into her, placing her arm around his shoulder. He nestled his head against her chest, sighing with contentment, his arms wrapping around her. "This is nice," he mumbled, his tone filled with childlike innocence.
A light laugh escaped Ino as she brushed her fingers through his hair, soothing him as he drifted. She thought about how this moment was unlike any she'd shared before. In the past, her relationships had been fleeting, and most of those men—whose lives she had shattered with her control—were gone. But Naruto was different. He was her chosen one, the one she had given herself to fully. He deserved so much, she thought, to be treated like a true king.
With a smirk, a thought crossed her mind, an idea that she could surprise him with once he'd recovered. Hinata, she mused. Naruto deserved a gift—a proper one. After all, it would be an honor for him to experience a special night with her only friend who still held her innocence. It was almost like destiny. Before Naruto, Ino had considered no one worthy of sharing her personal life. And she had discarded many relationships without a second thought. Even Sakura had her history with Sasuke. But Hinata was different—a pure-hearted girl with no past attachments.
Naruto's voice broke her thoughts. "Ino-chan, you said something about a gift?" he murmured, eyes barely open as he looked at her.
A playful smile danced on Ino's lips. "Yes, Naruto-kun. I have a very tempting surprise for you. But you'll have to get better to see it."
Naruto's face lit up slightly, curiosity in his eyes. "What is it?"
"You'll find out once you're better," she replied, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead.
"Alright," he mumbled with a satisfied sigh. His head nestled against her as he drifted back to sleep, the gentle rhythm of his breathing a comfort.
Just then, the door creaked open, and Sakura entered with Sarada, who was nestled in her arms. Her eyes widened as she took in the scene before her: Naruto, innocent and vulnerable, leaning into Ino with a soft smile on his face as she held him close, whispering words she had never used for anyone else.
"What is happening to the world?" Sakura murmured under her breath, her eyes flickering between the peaceful Naruto and the surprisingly gentle Ino. "Naruto, you really have changed her… She's nothing like the person I once knew."
Meanwhile, far away, Kushina stirred uneasily, a sudden sense of dread washing over her. "Naruto," she whispered, touching her heart as she remembered that fateful day. Her mind drifted back to the moment when Ino had brought Naruto home, warning her to stay silent about his origins, threatening to expose her past if she ever spoke a word to him.
"I love you, my son," Kushina murmured, feeling the weight of her silence. "I hope you're safe and happy… and that you're being treated well." She wiped away a tear, wondering how he would react if he ever learned the truth about his family, especially from someone like Ino.
Back in the room, Ino's hold around Naruto tightened as he nuzzled closer, sleeping soundly against her. She gazed at him, her heart filled with a quiet possessiveness as she whispered, "Naruto-kun, you belong to me." There was a calm determination in her eyes as she held him close, swearing silently to keep him by her side, no matter what.
Naruto lay in bed, still feverish but slowly recovering under the care of both Sakura and Ino. Sakura had just changed into more comfortable clothes and returned to Naruto's bedside, carefully checking his forehead. "His fever's gone down a bit," she murmured with a sigh of relief. "But he'll still need rest."
Ino, seated beside her, kept her hand on Naruto's forehead, nodding with a satisfied smile. "Good," she replied confidently. "I'm here for him. He's in good hands."
Sakura glanced at Ino, rolling her eyes slightly. "Just be careful. With a fever this strong, he's likely to say things he won't even remember later."
Ino chuckled softly. "I know that," she replied, amusement in her tone. "It's… cute, actually." Her fingers brushed a few stray strands of Naruto's hair back.
At that moment, Naruto stirred, his eyelids fluttering as he began to wake up. He squinted, disoriented but noticing Sakura's face first. "Sakura?" he mumbled weakly, still half-asleep. "Why isn't your chest like Ino-chan's? Hers is bigger than anyone's in the house…"
Sakura's cheeks flushed a deep red, and she nearly choked in surprise. "W-what did you say, Naruto?" she stammered, a mixture of shock and embarrassment clear on her face.
Ino, on the other hand, burst into laughter, trying to contain herself but failing miserably. She was holding her sides, barely able to stay seated from the force of her laughter. "Oh, Naruto," she managed to say between fits of laughter, "You're definitely feverish!"
Naruto, oblivious to the turmoil he was causing, looked at Sakura with an innocent expression. "Yeah, Sakura… Your chest is smaller," he said in a voice so casual that it sounded completely genuine. "That's why I like Mama Ino more." He leaned back into the pillow, sighing contentedly.
Sakura's face was as red as a tomato. She opened her mouth, trying to find something—anything—to say that would make the situation less embarrassing, but no words came to her.
Ino was practically rolling on the floor at this point, her laughter echoing through the room. "Oh, Sakura!" she teased, barely able to catch her breath. "Seems like Naruto's… um… honesty is a little too much for you!"
The jealousy and embarrassment in Sakura's eyes turned to determination. "Naruto," she said, glaring at him as he lay in bed, seemingly oblivious. "You're really pushing it. If you don't get better soon, I'll make sure you never get sick again! This is just insane!"
Naruto blinked up at her, barely processing her words, before his gaze shifted back to Ino. His eyes softened, and he reached up, touching her hand gently. "Ino-chan," he murmured, looking at her with a warmth that startled even her.
Ino's smile softened, her laughter fading as she leaned down, brushing her fingers over his forehead. "Go back to sleep, Naruto-kun," she whispered, her voice filled with affection.
Sakura stared at her, eyes wide with surprise. She had never heard Ino use that honorific so naturally, and certainly not for anyone like this. "Naruto-kun?" she echoed, blinking in disbelief. "I don't believe this… Ino Yamanaka has never called anyone that!"
Ino turned to her with a small smirk. "Naruto's different," she said simply, brushing back his hair as he closed his eyes again, relaxing under her gentle touch. "He's mine."
Then, with a tenderness that took even Sakura aback, Ino leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to Naruto's forehead. "Sweet dreams, Naruto-kun," she whispered, a genuine warmth in her voice.
Naruto, half-asleep but comforted, murmured, "Thanks, Mama Ino-chan," before drifting off with a peaceful expression, as Ino watched him, her heart full of affection and pride.
In her dimly lit room, Kushina lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling, her heart heavy with thoughts of her son, Naruto. Just as she murmured his name, a sudden knock sounded on the door, jolting her from her reverie. She rose to answer, her steps hesitant yet filled with defiance. When she opened it, she found herself face-to-face with Minato and his wife, Mei. Anxiety flared in Kushina's gaze, her hand instinctively moving to close the door on them. But Minato, gentle yet firm, caught the edge of the door, stopping her.
"Please," he began softly, his voice steady but laced with emotion. "Just hear me out."
Kushina's lips tightened, her expression a storm of pain and bitterness. "I have no interest in hearing anything from you," she retorted, cold and unyielding. Mei stepped forward, her voice carrying a hint of frustration but also compassion.
"Kushina, things don't work like this. We're here to talk things through."
Kushina's eyes flashed. "I don't care how things are 'supposed' to work," she replied. "All that matters is that you leave. Get out of my sight."
Minato's face softened with regret. "Please, just let me explain—"
"Explain?" Kushina's laugh was brittle, hollow. "Explain why my son was taken from me right after birth? What could you possibly say that would make me understand?"
Mei tried to interject. "We thought it was for the best, Kushina. Back then, things were… difficult. We were poor."
"That's your excuse? Poverty? I would rather have been destitute but had my son by my side, growing up with happiness, instead of watching him live a life I couldn't protect him from. Do you understand what he's gone through?" Her voice grew thick with emotion, rage mixed with despair. "Look at what your decisions have done. Because of you, he's fallen into the clutches of Ino Yamanaka—a woman who destroys lives without a second thought! You don't know what she's capable of, but I do. And now she controls him."
The memory of her last attempt to see Naruto surfaced, and her voice cracked. "The last time I tried to get near him, her security stopped me at the door. Imagine that, Minato—being barred from seeing your own son! And it's all because of you."
Minato's expression became one of deep sorrow as he lowered his gaze. "I was a fool, Kushina. I didn't understand the consequences back then. Now I see the damage I've done. I know it may be impossible to fix things, especially with Naruto in her hands, but…" He swallowed, struggling with his words. "I hope that someday you might forgive me."
Taking Mei's hand, he turned to leave, casting one last sorrowful glance back before disappearing down the hallway. As they walked away, Kushina clenched her fists, pain and anger raging inside her.
"Damn you, Minato," she muttered, her voice raw. "Because of you, I was forced into a life I never wanted. I tried to rebuild, to forget, and yet here I am, haunted by the things she holds over me. And the worst part? How could Naruto ever look at me the same if he knew what I'd become just to survive?"
Her voice softened to a whisper, her heart breaking under the weight of her thoughts. Curling up on the bed, she finally allowed herself to break down, her sobs filling the quiet room as she drifted into a restless, haunted sleep.
the end