*o0o*

Secret book of Desire by Lady Hinata Uzumaki Chapter Eighteen

In the living room, Hinata knelt on a tatami mat, surrounded by neat piles of freshly laundered clothes. She carefully folded each item with practiced efficiency Boruto's spare jacket, Himawari's pastel skirts, and a few of Naruto's casual clothing she lifted a familiar orange sweater one of Naruto's old favorites, her mind wandered to the weekend getaway they'd just enjoyed. She couldn't help but see flashes of bright green eyes, intense red eyes, and Naruto's striking blue gaze burning into hers. The memory of him was intoxicating the way he had claimed her so passionately at the hot springs. It was as if Naruto knew her every hidden desire and was determined to fulfill them all. She could still feel his touch, the way his hands had gripped her hips, firm yet not gentle, as if she were the most precious thing in the world. His voice, low and rough, whispering her name …her thoughts was interrupted by a soft ping from her scrollpad. Looking up, she noticed the device lying on the coffee table. Gently setting aside the folded sweater, she walked over and tapped the screen. The Leaf Village's messenger service had delivered a new scrollmail.

Invitation to the Hyuga Moonlight Luna Event

Lady Hinata Uzumaki,

We warmly invite you and your family to attend this year's Moonlight Luna Viewing at the Hyuga compound. Festivities will begin at sunset…

A tiny surge of both excitement and nerves shot through her. The clan's annual ceremony… I almost forgot it was already that time. Her father, Hiashi, had once made these gatherings feel so strict and formal, but lately, they had become friendlier. Still, the idea of everyone in the Hyuga clan resting together in the same hall after midnight felt strange. It had once been one of her favorite memories, sitting and talking with Neji those rare moments when the main branch and the side branch were truly equal. They would laugh together before her uncle's death. She wondered if Naruto would come this year, though he had always declined, busy with his Hokage duties.

Just then, the front door slid open with a familiar click. Moments later, Boruto strolled in, dropping his small shinobi pack near the entrance. He wore a satisfied grin, hair a bit tousled from the day's mission."Hey, Mom!" he called, scanning the room until he spotted her. "I'm home." Hinata set the scrollpad aside, returning to her neat piles of laundry. "Welcome back, Boruto. How was your mission with Konohamaru-sensei?" She recalled hearing from Naruto that Boruto had been assigned a slightly tougher C-rank this time.

Boruto, grinning widely, approached and leaned down to give her a quick, affectionate kiss on the cheek. "Mission was… well, kinda awesome, actually. I'm starving, though." He glanced around. "Is there any lunch?"

A light laugh escaped Hinata's lips. She pointed to the kitchen counter, where a neatly wrapped bento box waited. "I made you a bento earlier, just in case you got home before dinner."

"You're the best, Mom," Boruto said, bounding over and scooping it up. He unwrapped the cloth cover, eyes brightening at the sight of steamed rice, grilled fish, and pickled vegetables. "Thanks! This looks great." Watching her son devour the meal in record time, Hinata felt a familiar sense of motherly pride. She recalled how Boruto had once refused to even look at the Hokage office, resentful of Naruto's absences. He's grown so much… we've all grown so much.

When Boruto paused to breathe between bites, Hinata asked. "So… how was the mission? Did Konohamaru-sensei push you hard?"

Boruto shrugged, taking a sip of water. "We had to track a lost merchant caravan near the old land of hills route. Nothing huge, but it tested my new jutsu combos. Konohamaru-sensei was proud. He said I'm starting to 'think more like a ninja' instead of just rushing in." He smirked, then glanced at Hinata. "Dad told me that, too. Guess I'm finally showing off how cool of ninja I am you know!."

Hinata's eyes softened. "That's wonderful, Boruto. I'm happy you're taking it seriously. Konohamaru's a good teacher he learned a lot from Naruto, too."

Boruto paused, setting the half-finished bento down. He turned, expression thoughtful. "Mom… you seem so… happy lately. Old man, too. You guys have been getting along better, right?"

Hinata felt her heart skip a beat. The memory of the weekend getaway flitted across her mind. "W-we're fine," she said softly. "Your father has been trying harder to be home. And the schedule changes help. Having him here for dinners more often… it's nice."

Boruto nodded, a faint grin shaping his lips. "I've noticed. He's not missing as many birthdays events or speading time with Hima." His gaze flicked to her face, searching. "It's good seeing him around for you, too. Not just me and sis. He's been more like his old self. Y'know… loud, goofy, but also like, caring. I used to think he cared only about the 'Hokage' stuff."

Hinata exhaled, carefully folding another shirt. "Your father loves you both so deeply. And… the village as well." She paused, recalling Naruto's unwavering vow to never let anyone suffer alone. "He made promises to many people his masters, your grandparents, even… your late cousin Neji. He wants to keep the village peaceful, so no one endures the kind of loneliness he had. Sometimes that means he works too hard."

Boruto's shoulders sagged a bit, regret flashing in his eyes. "Yeah, I… might've been a brat. Maybe I still am. I used to accuse him of ignoring me, but… I guess I see it's more complicated now. Sorry, Mom, if I made things harder for you guys."

She set aside the laundry, gently reaching to rest a hand on Boruto's arm. "It's okay. You were just being honest. Families… we learn from each other, right?" Her smile was tender. "And your father… he's proud of you, even if he doesn't say it as often as he like." Boruto took a breath, letting a grin resurface. "Thanks, Mom. I guess… we're all figuring it out. I do appreciate Dad… and you."

Hinata squeezed his arm, feeling an overwhelming warmth in her chest. My son is so grown. "I'm glad. Thank you for telling me, Boruto." He turned back to his bento, taking another hearty bite. After chewing, he nodded at the scrollpad on the table. "What's that, by the way? You looked kinda serious earlier."

"Oh!" Hinata retrieved it, re-reading the invitation. "It's a scrollmail from Father… well, from the Hyuga clan staff. We're invited to the Hyuga Moonlight Luna Event the annual ceremony is soon. They want me, your father , and you the kids to attend. We all rest in the main hall overnight after prayers."

Boruto blinked. "So… basically I have to share a room with a hundred Hyuga uncles, aunts, and cousins I barely know?"

Hinata laughed, a melodic sound. "That's the tradition. But you don't have to stay with the adults. Hinata's father had offered the children a special place on the other side of the clan grounds, where they could have their own fun. This was a new initiative, one aimed at improving the villagers' views on the old clan rules that once kept everyone apart. Hanabi had pointed out that Hinata was the first to marry outside the Hyuga clan, making this gesture all the more meaningful as it showcased a shift toward inclusion and unity.The ceremony's is at sunset.

Boruto shrugged, finishing his meal. "I'm going to go since Dad's actually might be going. It could be interesting to see him try to handle all that Hyuga formality." He leaned back in his chair, reminiscing. "Remember that time Mom, when Dad didn't bow correctly? Or the time Dad used the wrong utensils for serving? Or when he thought the bowl for washing hands was soup?" Boruto giggled. "Even I knew that, and I was only five when that happened."

Hinata laughed softly. "Your father… He just didn't have the experience, that's all."

"In any case, be sure to give your father a quick 'welcome home' too, if you see him. He's working, but it helps if he knows we appreciate him."

Boruto rose, slinging his pack over his shoulder. "Yeah, yeah. I will. Thanks for lunch, Mom." He stepped forward, giving her another quick, affectionate hug a sign of how far he'd come from the rebellious kid who once never wanted to come home. "See ya later."

As the door slid shut behind him, Hinata breathed a content sigh. She stacked the laundry neatly in a basket. Naruto's presence at home really does change everything. She allowed herself one last indulgent memory of the weekend getaway… the quiet hot springs, the stolen kisses, how he'd whispered "I love you" with that grin only he could wear.

Shaking off her amusement, Hinata stood, lifting the basket of folded clothes. She headed toward the bedrooms to put everything away, thinking how nice it was that Boruto cared enough to ask about her happiness and that Naruto cared enough to keep surprising her.

*o0o*

Naruto sat behind the Hokage desk, in his Hokage attire. Shikamaru leaned back against a file cabinet, casually smoking a cigarette as he glanced at Naruto. "You're really growing your hair out, huh? For what reason this time? I doubt it's just because you're getting lazy with the trimming."

Naruto sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "Actually, it's for one of Hinata's secret desires." He was about to reveal the number when a sudden ping interrupted his thoughts, coming from his scrollpad. It was an invitation to his wife's family clan. Naruto frowned, trying to focus on the notification, but he couldn't help but notice that Shikamaru had been smoking more than usual lately.

"Everything good with you?" Naruto asked, glancing at Shikamaru. "Yeah, why wouldn't it be?" Shikamaru replied, a hint of defensiveness in his tone. "I don't know… You seem a little on edge lately, Shikamaru."

"I'm not on edge, Naruto." Shikamaru leaned back, taking another drag from his cigarette.

"Hey, Shikamaru, have you… well, tried connecting with Temari?" Naruto asked casually, trying to steer the conversation. "You mentioned that secret book she kept…"

Naruto, of course, hadn't told Shikamaru that he was the one behind the creation of that book, offering it as a suggestion for Temari in the first place. Shikamaru's eyes narrowed slightly. "Listen, Naruto. I don't plan on becoming a stripper, or having sex with my wife at my best friend's wife's birthday party, or at the movies, or in the office like you do."

Naruto's face flushed with embarrassment, but only for a moment. "Yeah, well, my marriage has never been better. It's fun, exciting... you don't know the thrill of giving into your wife's desires, the look of satisfaction."

Shikamaru scoffed, his expression turning cold. "Yeah, well, not everyone's like you." Shikamaru was lying. He looked at the book Naruto had mentioned earlier and felt a pang of hesitation. He was afraid to act on it. He didn't want Naruto to know. "This conversation's over," Shikamaru said, trying to change the subject. "Why don't you sign off on these completed missions?"

"Yeah, sure," Naruto replied, still catching his breath from the awkwardness. "But hey, if you ever need advice, I'm here for you."

Thanks, Naruto," Shikamaru said with a smirk. "But if I want to act like an idiot, I'll come straight to you first." A faint knock came from the door, but no one entered. Likely just an assistant dropping off more forms. Naruto barely acknowledged it, too focused on the screen.

"Earth to Naruto," Shikamaru drawled, blowing out a thin stream of smoke. "You hear me?" Naruto blinked, tearing his gaze from the scrollpad. "Sorry, Shikamaru. What were you saying?" He set the device aside, rubbing his temple. "I was checking the clan invites. The Hyuga are hosting a big event soon. Gotta coordinate with Hinata."

Shikamaru shrugged. "Tch, family obligations. A real drag." He tapped ash into a small tray on the cabinet's edge. "But you should go. Keeps the clan ties strong, right?"

Naruto cracked a grin. "Yeah, that's the plan. I promised Hinata I'd be around more. The kids, too. Boruto's already warming up to the idea." He paused, flipping a new page on the scrollpad. "Actually, I also got a notice about the Kage Summit next month in the Sand. We'll need to set up the travel schedule."

"Mm," Shikamaru intoned, stifling a mild groan. "Gotta love it. Kage's Meeting in the scorching desert. I guess we'll see Gaara again." A hint of affection glinted in his eyes. Naruto leaned forward, chin propped on his hand.

"Temari, you two are still staying at Gaara's place when we visit, right?" he asked. Shikamaru scratched the back of his head before replying, "Temari's already there. Oh, visiting without us, huh?" Naruto added with a sarcastic grin. Shiakamaru raised an eyebrow, and then Shikamaru sighed in annoyance. "What's with all the questions, Naruto?" he snapped, lighting yet another cigarette. Naruto glanced over at the ashtray, noticing a few spent cig butts. "Right... how many have you smoked today?", eyeing the ashtray with amusement.

Shikamaru rolled his eyes. "Still is a strong word. We do it because it's cheaper and because Gaara insists. But I won't lie, it's… well, it's awkward sometimes." He took another slow drag, exhaling with mild exasperation. "Married to Temari for so long, but she still loves dragging me into so-called 'traditional Suna customs.' Stuff I never quite adjusted to." A crooked grin spread across Naruto's face. "But you guys have been together for what over a decade? Doesn't it get easier?"

"Pfft. We get along fine," Shikamaru muttered, flicking ash. "But it's the family gatherings that are… complicated. Temari's brothers, her cousin, half the Sand Council that she's chummy with… I can't keep them all straight." He paused, tapping the cigarette against the tray. "We argue a bit. But that's just us, I guess."

Naruto offered a reassuring chuckle. "Shikamaru, if you handled the Fourth Shinobi War, you can handle a few Suna get-togethers. And hey, maybe it'll be easier than you think."

Shikamaru scoffed but wore a faint smile. "We'll see. The older we get, the more I realize intimacy in marriage is a troublesome puzzle. But… somehow, it's still worth it." His eyes shone with a hint of private showing that he did, in fact, treasure Temari deeply.

Naruto rose, stretching. "Cheer up. We'll head to the Sand, hold the meeting, and I'm sure you two will find a moment to… reconnect." A playful wink. "Heh, maybe it'll even spark new flames, yeah?"

Shikamaru let out a short laugh, tapping out his cigarette in the tray. "You're ridiculous. But who knows. He cleared his throat, shrugging. "Anyway, let's finalize the travel details next week."

"Sounds good." Naruto picked up the scrollpad again, scanning more notifications. "Right now, I've got to get home soon. Family stuff, you know."

Shikamaru smirked, pushing off the cabinet. "Yeah, yeah, I hear you. I'll wrap up the rest of today's files. Just don't disappear for too long this is still your office, Lord Seventh."

Naruto snorted. "I'll keep that in mind, Lord Advisor." He reached for his Hokage cloak on the chair. "But seriously, thanks, Shikamaru. I know these next few weeks are busy, but it'll all work out."

"Yeah," Shikamaru said, heading for the door with a casual wave. "We got this. Still a drag, though."

Naruto had a master plan if he could pull it off, he'd give Hinata her secret Desire #21 right in front of the entire clan, and he'd have every reason to brag. "This is going to be epic," he thought with a mischievous grin. As the door swung shut behind him, Naruto pictured the upcoming Summits, the looming Hyuga ceremony, and even the possibility of Shikamaru finding a spark with Temari once again kind of like how he'd managed to reignite things with Hinata. The office fell quiet once more, filled only with the lingering scent of cigarette smoke and the promise of a new wave of paperwork.

*o0o*

Hanabi heard her name called, "Lady Hanabi!" She looked up to see Ko grinning from ear to ear. "Please Guess what?" Ko beamed, "Yes, those flowers will work perfectly!" Another member of the clan bowed and left, but Ko had more to share. "Lord Seventh is coming." Hanabi blinked in surprise, "What? Really? Naruto is coming? Wow, he really is!" the words sank in, and Hanabi's eyes widened with shock. That was unexpected. "That's great news! The elders will be so pleased!" Ko nodded in agreement, "Yes, indeed. And Boruto asked for Lady Sarada and Lord Mitsuki to join as well." "Great," Hanabi said with a grin, but she was still a bit caught off guard. "Oh, and Lady Hanabi, lord Konohamaru confirmed he's coming too." Suddenly, Hanabi almost spat out her tea in shock. She quickly lowered the cup and patted her chest in disbelief. "I didn't even invite him!" she exclaimed. "Oh, come on!" Ko laughed, sounding rather amused. "You two have been rivals since childhood of course, I invited him!"

Hanabi's cheeks burned with embarrassment she wasn't ready to see Konohamaru, especially after their last conversation.

Thanks readers !