"Hmm... hmm..."

A soft hum echoed from the kitchen. Yae Miko felt happy. The one thing that excited her this morning was preparing breakfast for her little prince.

With a gentle smile, she stirred the food warming in the pan.

Ding... Ding...

"Ara~ where is Ai-chan? Is he still not up?" Miko glanced at the clock that had just chimed, but the figure she was waiting for had yet to appear.

A mischievous grin spread across her lips. Without wasting time, she headed straight to her son's room. With a swift motion, she opened the door and found Naruto still fast asleep on his bed.

Miko walked closer, pausing to admire his sleeping face before letting out a quiet giggle.

Poke! Poke!

"Ai-chan~ wake up, it's morning already~"

The sleeping boy didn't even open his eyes. He only shifted slightly, adjusting his position to find a more comfortable spot, trying to escape the gentle pokes on his cheek.

"Ai-chan~ it's morning~" Miko whispered in his ear, hoping it would wake him.

"Ahm-mmm..."

She only received a muffled murmur in response.

Tilting her head in amusement, Miko suddenly had an idea. Without hesitation, she lifted the blanket and slipped into bed beside him. With a joyful smile, she pulled her son into a warm embrace.

"Hehehe, this brings back memories. When you were little, you always wanted Mama to hold you, didn't you?" Miko giggled softly, tightening her hug around her son's head against her chest.

Naruto slowly became aware of something blocking his airflow. His eyes fluttered open, and within seconds, his face turned bright red upon realizing his current position.

"M-Mama, let me go!" He quickly pushed his mother away and sat up.

"I told you not to do that while I'm sleeping! I'm not a kid anymore!" His face burned with embarrassment.

Miko only smiled sweetly. "Not a kid? You're still my baby, and you'll always be my little boy. Of course, Mama will keep hugging you, Ai-chan~"

Naruto's face turned an even deeper shade of red.

"Mama, stop calling me that. Just call me Naruto."

He clasped his hands together, hoping his mother would understand.

Miko placed a finger on her lips, pretending to think. Then, with a teasing grin, she pulled him back into another hug.

"Nope, I still want to call you Ai-chan."

Naruto sighed in defeat. He knew his mother would never back down when it came to this.

"Fine, do whatever you want..."


"Hmm, what is this?" Naruto narrowed his eyes as he took a bite of his breakfast, sensing something unusual about the taste.

"What do you mean, 'what is this'?" Miko asked in a mysterious tone as she set more dishes on the table.

"Mama, did you try a new recipe again?" Naruto asked warily, noticing her mischievous smile.

"Of course! I added some 'special ingredients' this time. You know, just for you, sweetheart~" Miko smirked playfully.

A chill ran down Naruto's spine. His hand froze before the food reached his mouth. His body trembled slightly.

"Mama!"

Yae Miko burst into laughter. "Ufufu~ just kidding! No need to panic."

Naruto ruffled his hair in frustration. His mother was always teasing him—anytime, anywhere. It was getting harder to tell when she was being serious.

But this time, he decided to fight back.

As they say, "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree."

"Mama, I've been thinking about something," Naruto said, flashing an innocent smile. Miko raised an eyebrow at him.

"What is it?"

"How about I move out?"

Miko instantly froze. Her expression turned serious, though Naruto failed to notice.

"What do you mean by 'move out'?"

"Hmm, Dad called me a while ago. He wants me to live with him in Korea and—"

BANG!

Naruto flinched as the sound of wood cracking echoed through the room. His mother's hand had slammed the table, leaving visible damage.

Miko was still smiling, but it was an eerie smile—one that didn't reach her eyes. Her gaze was sharp and terrifying.

Oh no. Naruto suddenly realized he had just said something he shouldn't have.

"M-Mama...?"

"Ufufu~ sweetheart, would you be so kind as to hand me your phone?" Miko extended her hand, her unnerving smile unwavering.

Naruto gulped. "W-why...?"

"I just need to have a little chat with your father."

Naruto could tell his mother was not happy about this.

"Eh, but... I..."

"Give it. Now." Her tone dropped into a quiet, dangerous whisper.

Naruto had no choice but to comply, handing over his phone with shaky hands.

Miko took the phone, stepped aside, and dialed a number. Before she spoke, she turned to Naruto and gave him a sweet yet chilling smile.

"Hello, Naru-chan! So, did your mom agree?"

Miko's smile vanished.

"It's me, his mother." Her tone was flat and cold.

"A-Ah, M-Miko! How have you been?"

"Spare me the small talk. What exactly did you mean by what you said?"

"I just thought I'd help take some of the burden off your shoulders. You know, let Naru-chan live with me for a few years. You're okay with that, right?"

Miko clenched her jaw.

"My answer: Die, You!" Miko shouted before abruptly ending the call.

Beep... Beep...

Panting slightly, she turned back to her son with a bright, sweet smile.

"Mama had a nice little chat with your father. Don't worry about what he said, he was just joking."

A drop of cold sweat trickled down Naruto's forehead.

She doesn't want me to leave... does she? Naruto thought to himself.


"I'm heading out."

Naruto finished his breakfast and quickly grabbed his bag. Spending too much time with his mother was unbearable—note, it was only because of her teasing.

"Hmm, have you finished your homework?" Miko walked him to the front door.

"Yes."

Naruto put on his shoes.

"Have you checked your school supplies?"

"Everything's complete."

"And your lunchbox?"

"I've already packed it."

"And—"

"Mom, I'm grown up. I know what I need."

Naruto looked confident as he said that.

Miko smirked mischievously.

"Are you sure?"

Naruto furrowed his brows and huffed.

"I'm sure. Mom, please stop teasing me." Naruto grabbed his bag, ready to leave. "I'm going now."

"Wait, Ai-chan."

Naruto sighed in defeat, delaying his departure.

"What now? I didn't forget anything, Mom."

He reassured her once more.

Miko chuckled playfully.

"Ufufu~ are you really sure, sweetheart?"

"One hundred percent sure."

"You're not planning to go out like that, are you?"

Naruto was confused.

"Hmm?"

"Look down."

Naruto glanced downward and—

"Aaaaaahh! Mom, you hid my pants again!"

He had forgotten to wear his uniform pants—only his boxers were there.

Miko just laughed, clearly entertained.

"You're not grown up yet, my sweet little baby~ Let Mama pamper you a bit more."

Miko chased after her son, who was desperately running away.

"No, no, no! Mom, stop it!"


-zXz-

Naruto closed his locker with a sigh. After enduring a long day—his mother's endless teasing, slightly difficult lessons, and various other struggles—he could finally relax a little.

"Naruto-kun!"

Naruto turned around and smiled when he saw who was calling him.

"What's up, Kokomi?"

Standing before him was Sangonomiya Kokomi, his classmate and childhood friend. Since kindergarten, they had always been together.

"Are you heading home?"

"Yeah."

"Wanna walk home together?"

"Can I?"

"Of course."

And so, they walked home side by side.

Throughout the journey, Kokomi occasionally stole glances at Naruto, her cheeks slightly flushed. For a long time, she had harbored feelings for her childhood friend. Unfortunately, Naruto was too dense to pick up on any of her signals. But Kokomi wasn't about to give up so easily!

Today, she would make sure Naruto started seeing her as a woman—not just a childhood friend. After all, this was a rare moment! Walking home together… maybe this was her chance to start something romantic…

Dating? A-A D-DATE?!

Kokomi quickly turned her head away, feeling her face heat up.

"Kokomi…?"

She snapped out of her thoughts and smiled sweetly at Naruto.

"Ehem! Sorry, Naruto-kun. What is it?"

Naruto raised an eyebrow, puzzled. Shouldn't he be the one asking that?

"Are you okay?"

Kokomi giggled, placing a finger on her lips.

"Of course, I'm fine~"

Naruto was still confused, but he shrugged it off.

"Hmm, well, alright then."

Kokomi quickly adjusted her strategy. Now was the time! She had to find an excuse to spend more time with Naruto.

"Oh, right, Naruto-kun. Are you busy?"

"Not really, why?"

"Ah, I see…" YES! My chance! Kokomi smiled sweetly, though internally, she was already doing a victory dance.

"Can you come with me somewhere?"

Naruto thought for a moment. He had plenty of free time.

"Sure—"

[You got an e-mail]

Both Naruto and Kokomi fell silent as his phone notification rang.

Naruto sighed, smiling bitterly. "Hang on, Kokomi."

He pulled out his phone and checked the message.


[From: Mom]
[Subject: To My Beloved Son]

"Hey, Ai-chan, my dear~"

"Mama's coming home early today! Aren't you happy? Of course, you are~"

"I also brought your favorite food, so wait for me at home, okay?"

"Oh, and before I arrive, you better already be home."

"If not… you're grounded for a week, or you have to come with Mama everywhere. 💖"

"With love, from your dearest Mama~ 😘"

P.S.: Mama will arrive in five minutes.


Kokomi noticed Naruto's shoulders trembling slightly.

"Naruto-kun?"

Naruto laughed—but not a normal laugh. It was a bitter, resigned chuckle.

"Khukhukhu…"

Kokomi was startled by his sudden expression—it was like an anime protagonist who just realized his life was over.

"Naruto-kun, what's wrong?"

Naruto turned to her with a smile that… honestly, looked more like a forced grimace.

"Kokomi, I don't think I can go with you."

"Eh? Why not?"

"You see… my life is in danger from now on. It's better if you head home first."

Kokomi grew even more worried. Naruto's voice sounded defeated, and his smile was that of a man who had given up on life.

"What's going on?"

"Goodbye, Kokomi!"

Without answering, Naruto turned around and bolted at full speed—as if his life depended on it.

Being grounded for a week or forced to go everywhere with his mother? That wasn't a choice. That was an S-rank punishment, worse than a surprise test at school.

"Naruto-kun! Wait!"

But Naruto was already too far, his figure vanishing from sight.

Kokomi bit her lip in frustration.

This was such a rare opportunity! She had imagined having a romantic moment with Naruto!

But… wait.

Kokomi started suspecting something.

This wasn't just a coincidence.

Someone was trying to interfere with their relationship.

And who else could it be but…

"Auntie Yae…"

Kokomi clenched her fists, determination burning in her eyes.

"I will get Naruto… keh… keh… keh…"

With a sinister chuckle, Kokomi vowed—this wasn't over yet!


Inside a luxurious car parked not far from where Naruto and Kokomi had been talking, a woman with pink hair sat comfortably, gently waving a folding fan in her hand.

Beside her, a purple-haired woman stood with her hands on her hips, her expression tired as if she had long given up on the world.

"Yae," Ei called out lazily. "Have you ever thought about continuing your lineage?"

Yae Miko turned to her casually.

"Hm? Why are you suddenly talking about lineage?"

Ei sighed, rubbing her temples as if carrying a heavy burden.

"You're sabotaging your only son's date like a cartoon villain. How is he ever going to have a partner if you keep doing this?"

Yae Miko elegantly flicked her fan before flashing a sly smile.

"A partner? Fufufu~ Ai-chan is still too young for that," she said confidently. "Besides, he's still Mama's little baby~"

Ei blinked.

"Little baby? Yae, he's a teenager."

"And?"

Ei stared at her for a long moment, as if trying to comprehend how her friend's mind worked.

"You do realize you sound like a soap opera mother-in-law who doesn't approve of her daughter-in-law, right?"

"And?"

Yae's response was so quick and shameless that Ei grew even more frustrated.

"How long do you plan on doing this?"

"Hmm..." Yae tapped her chin with her index finger, pretending to think. "Maybe until Ai-chan gets married... or maybe even longer?"

"Longer?!"

Ei stared at her with a 'why-am-I-not-surprised' look.

"Yae, this is called toxic parenting."

Yae Miko just chuckled lightly, her fan still moving gracefully as if enjoying the moment.

"Fufufu~ if it keeps Naruto by my side, I don't mind being called anything."

Ei was at a loss for words.

After knowing Yae Miko for so long, she had learned one thing: This woman had absolutely no shame when it came to Naruto.

The most undeniable proof?

Miko had secretly planted a listening device in Naruto's pocket.

Yes. A listening device.

"Ufufu~ young love is truly adorable," Yae Miko murmured in satisfaction, listening to Naruto and Kokomi's conversation through a small speaker in her hand.

Ei could only sigh.

"You're not giving your son any freedom at all."

"Ufufu~ my baby is still too young for relationships. I don't want him to experience heartbreak~" Yae replied cheerfully.

Ei crossed her arms, her expression unchanged.

"You just don't want anyone taking your son away from you, do you?"

Yae merely flashed a mischievous glance and flicked her fan gently.

"Ufufu~"

Ei blinked.

"Good grief, this woman..."

She could only shake her head.

What else could she do?

Yae Miko was the definition of an overprotective mother in its most extreme form.

And poor Naruto... his life would always be under strict surveillance.

-o0o-

Naruto finally reached home, panting. He had almost been fined for sprinting across a crosswalk, but it was a risk he had to take to avoid his mother's punishment.

With trembling hands, he reached for the doorknob and slowly turned it.

"You got this, Naruto... stay calm... stay cool..." he muttered to himself, though he wasn't very convinced.

As soon as he stepped inside, his eyes immediately caught sight of his mother sitting gracefully in the living room, legs crossed, fan in hand, and—what made Naruto's hair stand on end—the triumphant smile she was trying to hide.

But it was still obvious.

Naruto let out a sigh, half relieved, half wary.

"Welcome home, Ai-chan~" Yae Miko greeted in a soft voice, but her aura was like that of a lion that had just caught its prey.

Naruto carefully set his bag down.

"I'm home..." he said, trying to sound normal.

But he knew.

He knew this wasn't over.

And sure enough.

Not even two seconds had passed before Yae Miko stood up and approached her son with confident steps.

"Fufufu~ Naruto dear, Mama missed you so much!"

"...We just saw each other this morning, Mom."

"That was this morning. Now it's the afternoon. That means we've been apart for hours!" Yae Miko spread her arms wide. "Come, give Mama a hug~"

Naruto instinctively stepped back.

"Eh, no need, I'm already grown—WOAH!"

Before he could dodge, Yae Miko had already moved like a ninja and trapped him in a tight hug.

"Yokatta~ my baby is finally home~" she cooed, ruffling his hair like a little child.

Naruto could only lament in silence.

"Why was I born into this family..."

"Now, tell Mama all about your day~" Yae said, still hugging him tightly. "Did anyone bother you? Was the food good? Did any girls try to flirt with you?"

Naruto stiffened at the last question.

"N-no one flirted with me!" he blurted out.

"Oh? So Kokomi-chan asking to walk home with you wasn't because she likes you?"

Naruto froze.

He stared at his mother with wide eyes.

"...How do you know about that?" he asked quietly.

Yae Miko smiled triumphantly.

"You see, technology these days is very advanced. A loving mother would always want to make sure her son is safe no matter where he is..."

Naruto immediately checked his pocket in a panic.

"Don't tell me... DON'T TELL ME—"

"Fufufu~ that's right, Ai-chan dear~ Mama planted a listening device in your pocket~"

Naruto collapsed onto the floor with a blank stare.

His life had no privacy whatsoever.

"Mom, this is too much..."

"Nothing is too much when it comes to keeping my child safe~" Yae Miko said in a cheerful tone.

Naruto looked at her, his eyes filled with despair.

"Mom... I'm a normal guy... I need to have my own life... I want to have a girlfriend..."

Silence.

Miko's expression changed.

The air inside the house suddenly felt cold.

She narrowed her eyes and gave a small smile—but it wasn't a warm one. It was a smile full of hidden threats.

"Ara~ what did you just say, Ai-chan?"

Naruto immediately raised his hands.

"No, no! I didn't say anything! Forget it!"

Yae Miko nodded in satisfaction.

"Good. Now, let's eat~ Mama brought your favorite food~"

Naruto could only accept his fate.

Maybe, maybe one day he could escape his mother's watchful eyes...

But today was definitely not that day.


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