Kushina POV
"Kaa-san!"
Kushina looked up from the dishes she was drying, head tilting as the voice echoed through the house.
"Kaa-san!"
This time, the source came sliding into the kitchen barefoot, his tiny feet smacking loudly against the tiled floor.
Kushina chuckled, setting the bowl aside as her son came to a stop in front of her, his wide foxy grin beaming up at her.
"What is it, Naruto-chan?"
The boy's energy was nearly vibrating off him. Kushina smiled as she crouched down with effort, gently brushing her fingers against the faint whisker-like marks on his cheeks.
"Tou-san's hiding again!" Naruto said, half-pouting, half-thrilled.
Kushina laughed harder this time, steadying herself against the counter as she pushed herself back up.
As she winced slightly, Naruto stepped closer, placing both his small hands on the curve of her large belly.
"Kaa-san, when's my imouto going to be done cooking?"
She groaned and laughed at the same time. Note to self: never let Minato explain pregnancy again.
"A few more weeks, Naruto."
He lit up at that, already daydreaming.
Then, with an innocent squint, he asked, "But how does she fit in there if you already have a fox in your tummy?"
Kushina sighed deeply. Another fantastic Minato explanation. "We'll explain it properly when you're older," she muttered. "For now, if Tou-san is hiding again… what shall we do? If only I have a smart strong boy to help me find your father"
Naruto lit up, his face scrunching in dramatic thought. "I'llfind him! But he's cheating! He's using the Hiraishin again!"
Kushina raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?" She paused, then raised her arm with a playful smirk. "And what do we do with cheaters?"
Naruto's eyes gleamed. "We catch them!"
A golden chain burst from Kushina's palm, snaking through the rooms of their modest two-story house. It darted around corners and under doors, winding up the stairs—before ensnaring an unsuspecting Hokage in the guest bedroom.
Minato blinked, then let out a short yelp as the chain coiled tightly around him and yanked him into the air.
He floated down the stairs, suspended like an overly dignified scroll, until he landed gently in front of his smug son and amused wife.
"Really?" Minato said, trying to keep a straight face. "You brought reinforcements? This was supposed to be a fair game."
Naruto argued. "A shinobi uses every advantage! Mother taught me so"
Minato chuckled as Kushina's chain released him, and he rubbed at his wrists.
"At least you're learning the right lessons," he said, ruffling Naruto's spiky red hair.
"But what's even more important than that?" Minato asked.
Naruto folded his arms, tongue poking out as he concentrated.
"Teamwork! And never abandon your comrades!"
Minato nodded. "Exactly right."
Kushina watched them both, arms crossed, a fond look in her eye. Naruto was so much like her at that age—fiery, stubborn, but open-hearted. And in all the little ways that mattered, he was his father's son.
Then Naruto caught them exchanging a loving glance—and groaned loudly.
"Ugh! Why do you have to do that kissing stuff around me?!"
Kushina laughed as Minato leaned over and kissed her anyway.
Naruto stomped out of the room dramatically, muttering something about adults being weird.
Minato smiled after him. "You know he's going to be doing the same thing one day."
Kushina leaned back against the counter, cradling her stomach. "He better not start early."
Minato lowered his hand to her belly, where the faintest little kick responded to his touch.
"How are my girls doing today?"
"Restless. Especially Sukoru. She's already more troublesome than Naruto was."
Minato paled slightly at the thought, but recovered with a sheepish grin.
"Just a few more weeks, Kushi-chan."
Kushina nodded, picking up her cloth again, the dishes still waiting.
"Right. Then we get to send our little whirlwind to the academy and hope he doesn't burn the place down."
Minato gave a wry smile before he turned to leave.
"Where are you going now?" she called after him.
"Training," he called back with a wave. "Can't have a Namikaze-Uzumaki falling behind." as Minato went out to search for his illusive son.
She chuckled and shook her head, rubbing her belly again as Sukoru kicked once more.
"Just a few more weeks," she whispered softly, "and our family gets a little bigger."