Rain pattered softly in the narrow alley, blurring the city lights as a boy made his way home along his usual route.
Trailing behind him was a striking girl with long, blue hair, her voice teasing and sweet. "Hey, hey, why don't you come over to big sister's place tonight? I made your favorite treats."
Hands shoved deep in his pockets, the boy didn't even glance her way. "Not falling for your tricks again."
She pouted, undeterred. "This time I promise—no weird stuff, I swear."
His reply carried a gravity far beyond his years. "Trust isn't something you rebuild once it's broken. So just give it up already."
But she only grew bolder, her confession shameless and direct. "No way! I'm going to marry you—I want to be the woman in your arms. I've even picked out names for our kids!"
Tap.
He stopped dead, finally at his limit. "Will you knock it off? I'm eight years old! I'm just a kid!"
She folded her arms, defiant. "So what if you're eight? I can wait. Or do you think I'm too old for you?"
He hesitated, honestly clueless about her real age—she looked like a teenager, but who knew?
She grinned. "I'm an android, you know. I don't age. If you want something new, I can have the old geezer who built me upgrade my hardware~"
He sighed, turning to face her, voice firm. "Eida, if you don't leave right now, I'm telling my family."
His hair was a vivid red, short and tousled, with two tiny brown horns peeking out. Pale skin, and three symmetrical whisker marks on his cool, reserved face.
Eida ignored his threat completely, her gaze drinking in his features with open adoration. "Tohjin, you're just perfect..."
The boy's name was Uzumaki Tohjin—Naruto and Hinata's son.
Just then, a mother and daughter rounded the corner, arms full of groceries.
Hinata had grown into a graceful, mature woman, soft and warm. She wore a lavender blouse and a khaki skirt that fell below her knees, a bag in one hand, the other gently holding a little girl's hand—her daughter, with glossy black hair and a bright smile.
That was Uzumaki Himawari—Naruto and Hinata's eldest, Tohjin's big sister.
"Eida-nee!"
Himawari's whole face lit up as she ran over, delighted.
Eida crouched down, her expression softening. She pulled a warm, lemon-flavored lollipop from her pocket and handed it to Himawari, gently ruffling her hair. "Your favorite flavor, sweetie."
Himawari clutched the treat, beaming. "Thank you, Eida-nee! Will you come eat dinner with us?"
Both Hinata and Tohjin frowned, exchanging wary glances.
Hinata had every reason to be cautious—Eida had once chased after her husband, and when that failed, set her sights on her son.
She answered politely, "Himawari, Grandpa, Grandma, and Auntie are all coming tonight. We wouldn't want to neglect Eida-nee. Maybe next time?"
Himawari pouted. "But one more person wouldn't hurt."
Eida flashed a tactful smile. "Another day, Himawari. Big sister has things to do tonight."
"Okay..." Himawari looked disappointed. "But you have to come next time!"
"Promise!" Eida winked at Tohjin as she turned, swaying her hips dramatically as she walked away.
Tohjin shook his head, baffled. I'll never understand her.
Himawari's eyes sparkled. "Eida-nee walks so cool!"
Hinata warned, "Don't copy her, or you'll turn into a troublemaker."
Himawari nodded, obedient if a bit confused. "Really? Okay, Mom."
Tohjin stepped up, quietly taking the grocery bag from Hinata's hand.
Hinata lowered her voice, concerned. "She didn't say anything weird to you, did she?"
Tohjin shook his head, calm and steady. "No."
Hinata relaxed a little, smiling. "Let's go home."
Himawari piped up, hopeful. "Is Daddy coming home tonight?"
With the Great Ninja Tournament coming up, Naruto had been busy all month as Konoha's combat advisor, helping ninja hone their skills.
Ever since the Fourth Great Ninja War ended, the tournament had become an annual tradition—eight years and counting, now the biggest event in the shinobi world. Even the daimyo of each nation would drop everything to attend, eager to see the fruits of ninja training.
Hinata's eyes softened. "Probably... a few more days."
Himawari's shoulders slumped. "Oh..."
But Naruto had already promised, in secret, that he'd be home tonight.
Hinata wanted to surprise the kids.
They crossed the street and reached their house—a bright, spacious three-story home, nearly rivaling Captain Yamato's famous estate.
Since Himawari was born, the family had left the gloomy southern tower behind. It was well-equipped, sure, but not a place for children.
And thanks to Hinata's close friendship with Konan, the former Akatsuki had moved in next door, often coming by for dinner.
Konan was sitting quietly on the living room sofa, lost in a book. Ten years had passed, but time hadn't touched her face. Only her hair had changed—longer now, framing her features with a gentle elegance.
"Nan-aunt!" Himawari and Tohjin called together.
Konan closed her book, smiling warmly. "Welcome home..."
Whoosh!
Suddenly, from the blind spot around the corner, a small figure rolled out, gripping a wooden kodachi in both hands. She charged at Tohjin, voice shrill and childish: "Spiral Flash Maha Evil Light—Single Slash!"
Tohjin dodged with a slight shift, then hooked her foot, sending the attacker tumbling with a thud.
It was a little girl, skin pale as snow, golden twin-tails bouncing as she got up, baring her tiny fangs. "Ugh! How did you see through my sneak attack? I came from your blind spot!"
Tohjin replied coolly, "Even if I couldn't see you, your chakra gave you away."
She gasped, scandalized. "You... you're not one of us, are you?! Are you a spy from the Space-Time Administration?!"
He shook his head. "You're making no sense."
She snatched up her wooden sword, shielding Himawari behind her. "Himawari, Auntie's got you—run! I'll stake the honor of the Namikaze clan to hold him off!"
Himawari giggled. "Auntie, my little brother's a good kid."
Tohjin thought, Man, this pint-sized goof is only a year older than me, but she's my aunt...
Namikaze Nayuta—Kushina and Minato's second child, Naruto's real little sister.
"Kids, try my cooking!" Minato called, wearing a pink apron as he brought out a feast.
"Dinnertime!" Nayuta tossed her sword, flapping her arms like wings as she dashed to the table.
Hinata lingered at the entryway, waiting.
A moment later, the door opened and Naruto stepped in, travel-worn but smiling. "I'm home!"
"Daddy!" Himawari nearly bounced out of her shoes.
Tohjin gave a faint smile, keeping his head down as he ate.
Hinata greeted him, gentle and radiant, helping him with his coat. "Welcome home, dear..."
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