The morning sun streamed through the stained glass of the Sanctuary, casting golden-red patterns across the sleeping harem.
Naruto sat in the center.
One by one, the midwives brought each baby to him, wrapped in silks still damp with birth fluids and milk.
First was Hinata's daughter.
Tiny. Soft. Quiet, her lips parting in a gentle yawn as Naruto cradled her.
He pressed his lips to her forehead.
"Himeko," he whispered."Princess Child.May you carry your mother's grace and my stubborn will.May no one dim your light."
Hinata wept softly, milk dripping down her breast as Himeko latched again.
Next was Sakura's daughter.
Pink hair damp, chakra flickering bright, tiny fingers curling around Naruto's thumb.
"Emiko," he named her."Smiling Child.May you never know loneliness.May you always laugh with power."
Sakura kissed him through her tears.
Ino's twins came next.
A boy and a girl, both blonde, both wailing in stereo.
Naruto held them close.
"Haru," he said to the boy."Spring. For new beginnings."
"Aoi," he said to the girl."Blue. For your mother's sky."
Ino cried so hard her milk spilled freely down her chest, soaking the silk mat.
Sasuko's son was next.
Dark hair, red flicker in chakra — his eyes would awaken early.
"Shisui," Naruto whispered."May your name honor the bravest of your clan,and may you know love he never could."
Sasuko bowed her head, tears hidden behind her hair.
Karin's twins followed.
The boy: wild red hair, chakra blazing hot.
"Katsuro," Naruto named him."Victorious Son."
The girl: softer pink-red hair, chakra pulsing calm and rhythmic.
"Megumi," he named her."Blessing."
Karin sobbed as her milk leaked down onto their tiny heads.
Tsunade's daughter came next.
Golden hair, already strong-chakra'd, a born medic and warrior both.
"Nana," Naruto whispered."Seven. For the seventh Hokage… and your grandmother's legacy."
Tsunade's tears were silent. She kissed Naruto's mouth deeply before taking Nana to her breast.
Aya's daughter.
Smallest of all. Quietest heartbeat. But Naruto felt her chakra flicker pure and true.
"Kiyomi," he named her."Pure Beauty."
Aya wept so hard her chest shook as Kiyomi nursed softly.
Last was Mizuha's son.
Dark teal hair. Mist-chakra flickering with fox gold at its core.
"Sora," Naruto whispered."Sky. Because I promise you'll never know cages."
When the naming ended, Naruto sat shaking, tears dripping onto his lap.
He looked at them:
Ten babies.Nine mothers.One clan.
And whispered:
"This is just the beginning."