Clang. Clang. Clang.
The rhythmic sound of a spatula striking a wok drifted from the kitchen. Naruto watched Shikamaru disappear into the pastures, then turned back toward the house.
Inside, Kurama stood on a wooden bench to reach the stove, wearing his white lace princess dress covered by a flour-dusted apron. His tails swished with concentration as he worked, one paw holding a ladle, the other adjusting the heat with practiced precision.
It had been too long since he'd properly cooked.
Now that they were home, his paws had been itching to get back to work.
He'd wasted no time. The moment they'd returned, he'd selected a pig, a cow, and a sheep, planning a feast that would satisfy even Naruto's monstrous appetite.
Naruto paused in the doorway, watching the fox work with such focused intensity. Nine-Tails' whiskers twitched as he tasted a sauce, his expression becoming thoughtful before he added another pinch of salt.
Better not interrupt, Naruto thought. He gets grumpy when people distract him while cooking.
Besides, Sasuke and Kakashi hadn't returned from the Hokage Tower yet. There was time before dinner.
Naruto gathered the small bundle of gifts he'd prepared—items purchased in the Land of Waves specifically for certain people—and headed toward the Hyūga compound.
He'd made promises before leaving. To Hanabi, who'd demanded presents and stories. To Hinata, who'd wished him safe travels with those worried eyes. To Neji, who deserved another "friendly discussion" after their last encounter.
A man kept his promises.
Besides, Naruto thought as he moved through the village streets, I'm sure Neji is eager for our next friendly chat.
The Hyūga compound loomed ahead, its walls high and its gates imposing. Two guards stood at attention, their Byakugan active, tracking his approach long before he came into view.
One of them recognized him immediately—Naruto had visited often enough—and disappeared inside to alert the main house.
The remaining guard studied Naruto with the particular expression of someone watching a natural disaster approach with calm inevitability.
The young miss and second miss are very fond of this Uzumaki boy, the guard thought. Though I can't help but notice how the eldest miss's face lights up whenever he visits. Poor child. She doesn't stand a chance of becoming clan head with how the patriarch keeps having more daughters.
He sighed internally, then thought with malicious pleasure: Still, if this boy wants to marry into the Hyūga clan, he'd better prepare himself. Every male member of this family will be watching him like hawks.
Inside the compound, the guard found Hinata in the training yard.
She moved through Gentle Fist forms with fluid precision, her strikes cutting the air with audible force. Sweat dampened her training clothes, but her breathing remained controlled, her movements crisp.
The guard watched for a moment, impressed despite himself. The young miss has gotten so much stronger. Unfortunate that she wasn't born first. She could have been a fine clan head.
"Miss Hinata," he called during a brief pause. "Uzumaki Naruto is waiting at the front gate."
"Naruto-kun is back?"
The joy in her voice was immediate and unguarded. She stopped mid-form, her usual reserve crumbling for just a moment before she composed herself and headed toward the house.
The guard watched her go with a knowing smile. Ah, young love.
Hinata moved quickly through the compound, her heart beating faster than her training had made it. She was still wearing her tight black practice outfit, not exactly appropriate for receiving guests, but she couldn't bring herself to waste time changing.
Naruto-kun is back. He's actually back.
It felt like he'd been gone for months instead of weeks. Though admittedly, she'd seen him every night in her dreams, so perhaps that shouldn't count.
She passed through the covered walkway and heard voices in the front courtyard before she saw anyone—Hanabi's bright chatter and a baby's gurgling laughter.
Rounding the corner, she found her sister playing with their youngest sibling. Little Hiyori was barely six months old, all chubby cheeks and grasping fingers, giggling as Hanabi made silly faces at her.
Neji stood nearby, watching with the long-suffering patience of an older cousin who'd been recruited for babysitting duty.
"Hanabi, Neji," Hinata said, slightly breathless from her quick walk. "Naruto-kun is back. He's waiting at the gate."
"What?!" Neji's reaction was immediate and violent. He actually jumped, his face going pale. "Hinata, I just remembered—I have something urgent to do! Lee wanted to spar with me. Something about exploring the springtime of youth. I really need to go right now—"
He vanished in a blur of Body Flicker before anyone could respond.
"Naruto-niisan's back!" Hanabi's excitement was the polar opposite of Neji's panic. She scooped up baby Hiyori with practiced ease. "Nee-san, let's go! Quickly!"
Hinata stared at the empty space where Neji had been standing, confusion creasing her brow. What was that about? Did something urgent really come up?
She pushed the thought aside. I'll ask Naruto-kun to visit him next time.
Together, the two sisters headed for the front gate, Hanabi practically bouncing with each step.
The moment they stepped outside and Hanabi spotted that familiar blonde head, she broke into a run.
"Naruto-niisan! Hanabi missed you so much!"
Her small legs pumped furiously, baby Hiyori bouncing in her arms and giggling at the movement.
Naruto crouched down, arms spread wide, and caught Hanabi as she crashed into him. Now he was holding Hanabi, who was holding Hiyori, creating a three-person tower of affection.
Hinata followed at a much more sedate pace.
Her black training outfit clung to her frame, showing the lean muscle she'd developed through relentless practice. A faint blush colored her cheeks as she approached, her eyes finding Naruto's face and staying there.
"Long time no see, Naruto-kun." Her voice was soft, barely above a whisper.
Naruto's gaze shifted to her, and for a moment, he simply looked. She'd always been like this—standing in corners of light, present but unobtrusive, quietly beautiful in a way that didn't demand attention but rewarded it when given.
Still as the dawn. Quiet as snow.
"Long time no see, Hinata."
The words were simple, but they made Hinata's heart swell until it felt like her chest couldn't contain it. She'd learned to be satisfied with small things—a glance, a word, her name spoken in that warm tone.
It was enough. It was always enough.
"Hinata, I can feel it—your aura is stronger." Naruto's expression became serious, appreciative. "You've been training hard. Good work."
"Thank you, Naruto-kun." The blush deepened, spreading to the tips of her ears.
Their conversation was simple, as it always was. But both of them liked it that way. There was comfort in the simplicity, a shared understanding that didn't need elaborate words.
They existed in the quiet spaces between sentences, and both of them were content there.
"Naruto-niisan!" Hanabi's voice cut through the moment like a bell. She had one arm wrapped around baby Hiyori and the other clutching Naruto's neck. "You promised to bring me a present from the Land of Waves! Did you remember?"
"Of course I remembered." Naruto gently tapped her nose, making her scrunch up her face. He set her down carefully. "How could I forget my promise to Hanabi?"
He produced a wooden box from his bag and held it out.
"Nee-san, hold Hiyori for a moment." Hanabi carefully transferred the baby into Hinata's arms, then seized the box with both hands.
She opened it and gasped. "Wow! So many shells!"
The box was filled with conch shells of various sizes, all polished smooth by the ocean, their interiors gleaming with mother-of-pearl.
"Here, try this." Naruto picked up one of the larger shells and held it to Hanabi's ear. "Listen carefully. You can hear the sea inside."
Hanabi's eyes went wide as dinner plates. "Nee-san! Nee-san, you have to hear this! There are waves inside!"
She held the shell up high. Hinata bent down, letting Hanabi press the opening to her ear. The sound was faint but unmistakable—a soft rushing like distant surf.
"I hear it," Hinata confirmed with a gentle smile.
"Come have dinner at my place tonight," Naruto said, his invitation casual but genuine. "Nine-Tails is cooking. There'll be plenty of food."
"Okay." Hinata's acceptance was immediate and soft.
The sisters hurried back inside to leave baby Hiyori with their mother. The infant was still nursing, too young for an evening visit.
Naruto waited patiently by the gate.
When they emerged again, Hinata had changed into a cherry blossom pink kimono with delicate embroidery along the hem. White cotton socks covered her feet, and she wore simple wooden sandals. Her hair was still slightly damp from quickly washing the sweat from her training.
Hanabi wore a bright red kimono, the color making her look even more energetic than usual. She clutched her favorite conch shell in one hand, periodically pressing it to her ear with a look of wonder.
The sisters approached hand in hand.
"Ready?" Naruto extended both his hands.
Hanabi immediately grabbed one, her small fingers wrapping around his with complete trust.
Hinata hesitated, her face flushing deeper, like a girl who'd had too much sake. Slowly, carefully, she placed her hand in Naruto's palm.
His fingers closed around hers, warm and secure.
Together, the three of them set off toward the farm as the sun began its descent toward the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and gold.