Minato sat quietly in his old house, reminiscing about the past. His mind wandered through the memories of battles, friendships, and the countless sacrifices made along the way.
Meanwhile, outside in the village, Naruto was on what could only be called his first true date with Hinata.
The two of them walked hand-in-hand through the lively streets of Konoha. The night was peaceful, lanterns glowing faintly along the pathways, vendors calling out, and laughter spilling from families enjoying the calm that had finally returned after the Fourth Great Ninja War.
Hinata held Naruto's hand tightly, a bright, shy smile lingering on her face. Naruto, catching sight of it, tilted his head and asked teasingly:
"What are you doing? You've been laughing nonstop ever since we left your house!"
Hinata's face flushed crimson. She ducked her head slightly but answered with honesty.
"I'm just… happy. I never thought, Naruto-kun, that one day we would really become a couple and walk through the village like this."
Naruto grinned, his trademark smile lighting up his face.
"What's the big deal? Of course we're together. One day, we'll be husband and wife. You'll give me kids too!"
At those words, Hinata's blush deepened until it looked like steam might rise from her ears. She squeezed his hand, but said nothing, her heart racing with joy and embarrassment.
Soon, the two of them arrived at their familiar spot—Ichiraku Ramen.
"Oi, old man! Two bowls of the usual special ramen!" Naruto called happily.
From behind the counter, Teuchi peeked out, immediately breaking into a wide smile.
"Haha! Naruto, my boy! You're back! Coming right up!"
The shop was lively that evening, filled with villagers enjoying a warm meal. When they heard Naruto's voice, many turned in surprise before calling out.
"Hey, Naruto!"
"Good to see you, hero!"
"Welcome back, Naruto!"
One middle-aged man laughed loudly, slapping his friend on the back. "When I first heard the rumors that you'd turned your back on Konoha, I was stunned. I thought—if even Naruto Uzumaki, the very embodiment of the Will of Fire, betrayed us, then what hope was left for the village?"
The crowd burst into laughter at the ridiculous thought.
"Stop spouting nonsense!" another villager scolded jokingly. "Naruto would never betray Konoha."
"I'm serious!" the first villager insisted. "It was devastating just hearing those rumors. When Naruto left the village for training, I thought my heart stopped. He's always been our hope!"
Another leaned closer with a sincere expression. "Naruto, you must be tired… carrying so much on your shoulders."
"Yes, yes! You've suffered enough for all of us," another added warmly.
Naruto smiled, scratching his cheek, and greeted everyone cheerfully, exchanging pleasantries. The love and respect in their eyes made him feel a warmth deeper than any bowl of ramen could provide.
After the war, Naruto wasn't just another shinobi—he was the hero of the entire world. Those who had fought beside him during the war, who had felt the overwhelming embrace of his chakra when he shared Kurama's power with them, revered him even more.
"Boss!" one villager shouted, raising a hand. "Put Naruto's ramen on my tab tonight!"
"What are you talking about?" another interrupted. "I'll treat Naruto myself!"
"Step aside!" a third interjected proudly. "I fought alongside Naruto on the battlefield—I'm the one who should be treating him!"
The crowd erupted into playful bickering, each insisting they should be the one to pay for Naruto's meal.
Hinata stood quietly at Naruto's side, her pale eyes soft with admiration. The boy she had loved since childhood, the lonely outcast no one had believed in, was now the village's greatest hero. Seeing him like this filled her heart with pride.
Teuchi finally placed two steaming bowls of ramen on the counter.
"What are you arguing for? This one's on me! Naruto's ramen will always be free!"
He looked at Naruto fondly, his expression softening. "Good kid. For a while, I thought you might never come back to eat my ramen again."
Naruto chuckled warmly.
Then Teuchi turned his attention to Hinata, bowing slightly in respect. "And Miss Hinata, please try this. I hope it suits your taste."
As the eldest daughter of the Hyūga clan, Hinata's status was well-known, but she responded humbly with a sweet smile.
"Every bowl you make is delicious, Teuchi-san. It always suits my taste."
Teuchi laughed heartily at her kindness. Then, with a mischievous grin, he glanced between Naruto and Hinata.
"Tell me, Naruto… what exactly is your relationship with Miss Hinata here?"
Naruto, without hesitation, put an arm around Hinata's shoulder and announced proudly:
"She's my future wife."
Hinata's cheeks turned scarlet. She lowered her head, quietly eating her ramen, her heart fluttering wildly.
Teuchi blinked, then burst out in laughter. "You rascal! Excellent taste! Miss Hinata is a wonderful girl—you better not let her down, Naruto!"
"That's a promise!" Naruto said firmly, grinning ear to ear.
Teuchi's fondness for Naruto ran deep. Ever since Naruto was a lonely boy peering into his shop with empty eyes and an empty stomach, Teuchi had made sure to take care of him—offering free meals, extra toppings, and a place where Naruto was always welcome. Hearing rumors that Naruto had once "betrayed" the village had crushed Teuchi, but now seeing him alive, loved, and with Hinata at his side filled him with pride.
The surrounding villagers also caught wind of Naruto's declaration and immediately erupted into cheers.
"Naruto, when's the wedding?!"
"Yes! Tell us the date—we'll all be there to celebrate!"
"It's been too long since the village had a proper happy occasion!"
"That's right! We need a wedding!"
The teasing voices grew louder, filling the ramen shop with laughter and encouragement.
Hinata buried herself further into her bowl, her face a brilliant shade of red. She couldn't bring herself to say anything at all.
Naruto simply laughed and responded casually between bites of ramen, brushing off their playful demands. But he knew the villagers weren't wrong—after so much loss and despair, they longed for happiness and peace. His marriage to Hinata would be more than a personal event; it would be a symbol of hope and healing for everyone.
When the meal was finished, Naruto and Hinata stepped back onto the quiet street.
Naruto chuckled. "Man, those people really don't hold back."
Hinata only nodded, still flustered from the teasing.
Naruto leaned closer, smirking. "What's wrong? Are you embarrassed?"
Hinata shook her head softly. "N-No…"
"They said we should get married soon. What do you think?" Naruto teased further.
Hinata's face burned hotter, and her voice dropped to barely above a whisper.
"I… I don't mind. Whenever you want. If you come speak to my father, I'll… I'll marry you anytime."
Naruto stopped in his tracks, grinning as he scratched her nose playfully. "Silly girl."
Hinata looked at him earnestly and hugged him tightly. "I'll listen to you, Naruto-kun. Whatever you decide… I'll follow."
"Oh? Whatever I want, huh?" Naruto teased, smirking mischievously.
Hinata nodded, her eyes glimmering with quiet determination despite her embarrassment.
Naruto's grin widened as he leaned closer, his hand brushing against her lips. "Really?"
Hinata's ears turned crimson, but she nodded again.
"Alright then… let's go home."
Hinata's eyes widened. "Eh?! But I haven't told Father yet—I can't just not return home tonight."
Naruto squeezed her hand reassuringly. "It's fine. Tomorrow, I'll take you home myself… and while I'm at it, I'll ask your dad for your hand in marriage."
Before Hinata could respond, Naruto scooped her into his arms and sprinted through the streets with his usual boundless energy. His heart swelled with excitement at the thought of the future—of Boruto, of Himawari, of the family he couldn't wait to build with her.
In mere moments, they arrived at Naruto's home. He fumbled with the keys, opened the door, and shut it behind them with a soft thud.
Naruto pulled Hinata close, their lips meeting passionately as they stumbled from the doorway to the sofa. Coats slipped off, hands clutched desperately.
Click!
The lights flickered on.
Standing by the switch, Minato Namikaze—the Fourth Hokage—stared in surprise at his son and Hinata tangled together on the couch. His expression was utterly bewildered.
"Uh… this isn't what it looks like. I didn't mean to—"
Hinata gasped and buried her face in Naruto's chest, mortified. Naruto scrambled, grabbing a jacket and hastily zipping it around her.
Grinning sheepishly, Naruto greeted him. "Dad! You're back, huh?"
Minato quickly turned his back, clearly flustered. "S-Sorry, Naruto. I should've warned you. Anyway, the First and Second Hokage were looking for me… I really should get going."
Naruto reached out. "Wait, Dad, don't just—"
But Hinata quickly stood, her face still burning. "Naruto-kun, I should go home. If I don't, Father will be angry."
She bowed politely to Minato. "Goodbye, Minato-sama."
Then she rushed out the door in a panic.
Naruto sighed, scratching his head awkwardly. His eyes landed on the sofa—and he groaned in realization.
"Damn it… Hinata's coat is still here. The one I threw on her earlier… was mine."
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