Chapter 329: the Legend of Malik's Apron
Winter in the Land of Fire had a way of softening the edges of the Hidden Leaf Village. Snow dusted the rooftops like powdered sugar, and the air carried a crispness that made every breath feel like a quiet promise. Inside Naruto's apartment, however, warmth reigned supreme—thanks to the heater, the smell of freshly made food, and the quiet domestic miracle that was Hinata Hyūga.
Sakura sat cross-legged at the low table, her coat folded neatly beside her, cheeks still pink from the cold. The apartment was shockingly clean. Not just "Naruto tried" clean. Actually clean. The dishes were washed. The laundry folded. The floor swept. The windows wiped. It was almost unsettling.
She glanced around, then gave Hinata a grateful smile.
"Thanks for having me over for lunch," Sakura said, reaching for her tea.
Hinata, ever serene, shook her head with a gentle smile. "It's no trouble at all. You're always welcome."
Naruto, seated between them and already halfway through his second bowl of rice, looked up with a pout. "Hey! This is my house. Shouldn't you be thanking me?"
Both women ignored him.
Sakura took a bite of the warm vegetable dumpling Hinata had prepared and paused. Her eyes narrowed slightly in recognition.
"This recipe…" she murmured. "I've had this before. Malik made this once. With a ginger glaze and—wait, did you learn this from him?"
Hinata nodded, cheeks coloring faintly. "When Malik visits the Hyūga compound to spend time with Neji, Neji usually… well, she asks Malik to cook."
Sakura raised an eyebrow. "Asks?"
Hinata giggled. "It's more like politely insists. But Malik never minds. He enjoys it. I took the opportunity to learn a few dishes from him. I'm still focused on my training, of course, but it's nice to learn some household skills too."
Naruto leaned back, grinning. "Malik's the perfect little house husband, huh?"
He flinched immediately, bracing for impact.
But Sakura didn't punch him.
She didn't even glare.
She was staring into her tea, thoughtful.
"…He really is," she said softly. "Malik's the kind of man who could raise a dozen kids, keep the house spotless, and still make gourmet meals every night. He's got that… warmth. That rhythm. He's chaotic, sure, but when he's in the kitchen? It's like watching a storm make art."
Naruto blinked. "You're not mad?"
Sakura smiled faintly. "No. You're right. He's the perfect stay-at-home husband. And future dad."
Hinata nodded in agreement. "He's very gentle with children. Even the younger Hyūga cousins adore him."
Sakura leaned back, arms crossed, her mind spinning. "I don't plan on being the housewife type. I'll still be out there—missions, research, healing work. But maybe… maybe I should learn a few things from him. Cooking, especially. It's one of his greatest talents."
She paused, then smirked.
"Besides magic. And making me angry."
Hinata laughed softly. "He's more famous for his cooking than his magic, isn't he?"
Sakura nodded. "He is. People still talk about that moonlight banquet he hosted for the Sand delegation. I swear, half the treaties were signed because of his dessert table."
Naruto groaned. "I remember that. I ate so much I couldn't move for two days."
Sakura tapped her chin. "I'll make him teach me. No—ask him to teach me."
Hinata giggled again. "That's better."
Sakura grinned. "I'll be sweet about it. Maybe."
Naruto, now fully resigned to the chaos that was Malik's influence, folded his hands in mock prayer.
"Malik, wherever you are," he whispered, "may your apron be sturdy and your patience infinite."
The three of them laughed.
Outside, snow continued to fall.
Inside, warmth bloomed—between friends, between futures, and in the quiet realization that sometimes, love looked like dumplings and shared recipes.
And Malik?
Malik was already legendary.
Apron and all.