Teddy babbled softly on the floor as Shizune packed a small bag for the day's errands, and Tsunade poured over the translated medical texts again, murmuring something about integrating magical regenerative theory into cellular chakra pathways.
Harry, however, was still. Quiet.
He stood by the door, fingers tapping restlessly against the doorframe, eyes flicking toward Shikamaru every few seconds. The boy was busy scribbling in his journal to Gaara, his tongue poking out in concentration, legs curled beneath him on the floor beside a low table.
It felt too peaceful.
Too temporary.
"I'm taking him to the Keep," Harry finally said to Tsunade, voice carefully steady.
She glanced up from her text. "Just him?"
"I… I need to talk to him. Alone."
Tsunade studied him with a sharp, assessing gaze. "Do it gently."
Harry nodded, but his throat was tight. "Will you watch Teddy?"
Tsunade reached down and tickled Teddy's chin, earning a delighted squeal. "We'll be fine."
He turned to the boy. "Shika?"
Shikamaru looked up instantly, eyes alert. "Yeah?"
"Want to go see the dragons?"
The boy's face brightened. "Just me and you?"
"Just us."
He didn't miss the flicker of suspicion in the boy's eyes—it was rare, but not surprising. Shikamaru had grown cautious, wary of shifts in tone. Still, he nodded. "Okay. Let me grab my coat."
Harry summoned Tilly, and they were gone a moment later, the elf's magic taking them to the sun-drenched field outside the Dragon's Mountain.
It was beautiful here.
A stark contrast to the cold damp of Tanzuka's streets. The wildflowers bloomed in a riot of colour, clouds drifted lazily overhead, and the air shimmered faintly with ambient magic. A herd of moon-antlered stags grazed peacefully near the tree line, and Fawkes flew overhead, singing to the land.
They walked in silence for a while.
Shikamaru kept close, watching the magical animals with his usual quiet awe. But eventually, he turned to Harry and frowned.
"You're being quiet."
Harry smiled faintly, though his chest ached. "Just thinking."
Shikamaru glanced away, his fingers brushing Harry's.
"Are you okay, Maashah?"
It hit Harry like a punch to the heart.
That little voice, so full of concern, and the small, calloused hand sliding into his own. His son. His little boy, who had already survived more pain in six years than most grown men.
Harry knelt in the field then, unable to hold back the storm swirling in his chest.
"Come here."
Shikamaru stepped forward, his brow furrowed in confusion as Harry took both his hands.
"I need to tell you something," Harry said gently. "And I need you to listen, okay?"
Shikamaru gave a hesitant nod.
"Do you know how much I love you?" Harry began, his voice thick. "How much I truly, fiercely love you?"
Shikamaru smiled. "Yeah. Of course."
"No matter what happens, Shika. No matter where we go or what changes... you are my son. In my heart. In my soul. You're mine. Forever."
"I know…" Shikamaru's smile faltered. "You're acting really serious."
Harry swallowed hard.
"I need to ask you something. Something important. And I'm sorry I haven't asked before. I was scared it would hurt you."
Shikamaru's body tensed. "I don't want to talk about it," he said instantly, voice small.
"I know," Harry said gently. "But we have to. Just this once."
Silence.
"I need to ask about what happened. Before I found you."
Shikamaru flinched.
Harry pressed on, softly. "You told me… that your mother, your clan sold you. That they didn't want you. That your parents didn't love you. You believed that, didn't you?"
Shikamaru's chin trembled. "I don't want to talk about it!"
"I'm sorry my love, but I need to know," Harry said, his own voice beginning to break. "Why do you believe that?"
And then it snapped.
"BECAUSE THEY TOLD ME!" Shikamaru screamed, his whole body shaking. "THEY TOLD ME I WAS USELESS! THAT I WASN'T STRONG ENOUGH! THAT I WAS A WASTE OF SPACE! THAT MY DAD DIDN'T WANT ME! THEY SAID—THEY SAID THE CLAN GAVE ME AWAY BECAUSE I WAS NOTHING! BECAUSE I WAS WEAK!"
He was sobbing now, collapsing forward into Harry's arms.
Harry held him.
Tight.
So tight.
The field around them blurred with tears.
"They lied to you," Harry whispered fiercely. "Shika, they lied. None of that is true. You're stronger than anyone I've ever met. You're brave. You're brilliant. And your father—"
Shikamaru's sobs stuttered.
"Your father…" Harry faltered. "Shika, did they tell you he was dead?"
Shikamaru blinked at him, stunned.
And slowly—he shook his head.
"No. They said… he gave me away. Because he's the clan head. And it was a clan decision. So he had to agree. Right?"
Harry's heart cracked down the middle.
"Oh gods, Shika," he whispered. "No."
He cupped the boy's cheeks, making sure he was looking straight at him.
"When I was in the Fire Capital," Harry said softly. "They told me something. They told me… your father is alive. And he's been searching for you."
Shikamaru's breath hitched. "He… he is?"
Harry nodded, tears falling freely now.
"He's been looking for you for months. Desperately. He didn't know what happened. He's not the one who gave you away. Your mother—your birth mother—she betrayed you. Not your clan. Not him. Never him."
Shikamaru shook his head slowly. "He's looking for me?"
"He loves you, Shikamaru," Harry said, voice cracking. "So much. He's scouring the world to bring you home. He never gave up."
The boy stared at him.
Then, very quietly, "He really loves me?"
Harry nodded.
And something broke in Shikamaru.
His knees gave way, and he crumpled against Harry's chest again, shaking with quiet, heart-wrenching sobs.
Harry could barely hold himself together. He just held him, rocking gently.
"I'm so sorry," Harry whispered again and again. "I didn't know. I should... I should have asked. I'm so sorry I kept you from your family." Harry was sobbing with him now and he could feel the tears on his face.
But then—
Shikamaru's little hands pressed to Harry's face.
"No, don't cry," he pleaded. "Please. It's not your fault. You saved me. You saved me."
Harry gave a wet, broken laugh. "Parents aren't supposed to cry in front of their children."
Shikamaru hugged him tighter. "Am I still your son?"
Harry held his face gently, meeting his eyes.
"Always," he whispered. "Always, Shika. No matter what happens, no matter what village says otherwise—you're mine. In heart. In blood. In every way that matters."
Shikamaru gave a small smile through his tears.
"Okay."
They sat like that for a long time—wrapped in sunlight and sorrow and quiet understanding.
Later, as they sat watching the dragons soar above, Shikamaru turned to Harry, excitement in his eyes. "Can we send him a letter? I want to see my dad."
Harry smiled, though a hint of sadness lingered. "I'd apparate us there if I could, but I've never been. I asked a Leaf ninja to send a letter to your dad to come to the capital. It might take a few days."
Shikamaru nodded, his mind already racing with plans. "I can't wait for you and Teddy to meet him. I want to show him the dragons and how strong I've become."
Harry's smile faded slightly. "You don't have to be strong, you know that right? Your father will love you even if you were a farmer."
Shikamaru looked thoughtful. "But I'm the clan heir. Unless Dad marries again, I'm the only one. I have to be strong. Besides, who else will protect you and Teddy?"
Harry chuckled, ruffling his hair. "I've faced dragon fire and armies. No puny ninja is going to hurt me."
A shadow passed over them, and they looked up to see Altair descending. The dragon landed gracefully, his massive form settling beside them.
"Mother, you're back!" Altair crooned.
Harry pressed his forehead to Altair's snout, greeting him in hisses. Shikamaru followed suit, earning a pleased rumble from the dragon.
Altair's eyes sparkled with excitement. "It's time. Nox is laying her egg!"
Harry's eyes widened. "Really?"
Altair nodded. "Come. Quickly."
With Shikamaru in his arms, Harry climbed onto Altair's back. They soared through the sky, the wind whipping around them.
Upon reaching the mountain, they were greeted by Lyra, Rigel, and the others. Harry instructed Shikamaru to wait outside Nox's cave.
Inside, Nox was in pain, her body trembling. "Mother, it hurts."
Harry approached her gently, soothing her with soft words and strokes. "You're doing great, Nox. I'm here."
After a tense half-hour, Nox finally laid her egg, a shimmering blue orb. She nudged it towards Harry.
"Call in the little one," she murmured.
Harry stepped outside. "Shikamaru, come in."
Shikamaru entered, eyes wide. He approached Nox, hugging her snout. "Are you okay?"
Nox rumbled affectionately. "There's an egg waiting for its rider."
Harry knelt, holding the egg. "Shikamaru, by taking this egg, you promise to love and bond with this hatchling. To never turn a dragon against its kin."
Shikamaru nodded solemnly. "I swear."
Harry smiled, handing him the egg. Shikamaru cradled it gently, whispering promises of love and protection.
Taking Shikamaru and his dragon egg back to the inn, Harry prepared to meet with Shinji and Asuma again. Shikamaru was showing off his egg to Tsunade and Shizune, letting Teddy pet it and giving small hisses to it. He'll say it again, his boys are adorable.
Apparating into the guest room in the palace, Harry found Shinji and Asuma already seated with some tea set out in front of them. Asuma gave him a worried look, silently asking if he was okay, and Harry smiled at the man.
"It was a tough conversation," Harry began, pouring himself some tea. "There were a lot of crying and misunderstandings, but he knows his father still loves him now. He wants to see him."
Harry's expression turned serious. "Do you know anything about Shikaku's wife? Has she been caught?"
Shinji looked curious, while Asuma shook his head. "I don't know, but I know someone who might. The team searching for Shikamaru is still in the capital."
Harry remembered the man who looked so much like Shikamaru. "Is there a Nara called Ensui?" Remembering Shikamaru talking about the gay 'cousin Ensui'. If the man wasn't Shikaku then he had to be another close relation.
Asuma grinned. "Yeah, it's Ensui. I sent out some scouts to keep an eye on them. Was gonna call them up to meet you."
Harry bit his lip. "I suppose I should clear the air a bit before I bring Shikamaru here. I don't want to bring Shika into the capital just yet, not until we speak to the Daimyo."
Harry nodded slowly. "Speaking of…" He looked to Shinji. "Your father is having tea in the garden again, right?"
Shinji straightened, smiling. "He is. It's a warm day—he prefers the shade near the lotus pond."
Asuma's smirk vanished instantly. "Wait, you're not saying you're just going to—what? Waltz into the Daimyo's presence? In the middle of his court? That's insane, Hari."
Harry raised an eyebrow. "I'm not going to waltz. More like… surprise." His tone was almost playful, but his eyes remained serious. "He's the one who put a bounty on my head. I'd like a word. I can't wait a week just for a meeting."
Asuma visibly wrestled with the idea. "Look, I'm still part of the Fire Guard, even if I'm assigned to the prince's security. This kind of thing, it's not how we—"
Shinji's chair scraped loudly against the polished floor as he stood. "Enough, Asuma."
That made both men look at him. Shinji's face was set with rare steel.
"I am a Prince of the Fire Country. You are my guard," he said evenly. "And I am telling you to guide our guest to my father."
Asuma opened his mouth, probably to argue, then exhaled sharply, dragging a hand down his face. He stubbed out his cigarette in the tray beside him with a muttered curse.
"Alright. But I'm not stopping him if he throws a tantrum," he muttered. "You better be right about this, your highness."
Harry grinned. "Don't worry. I'm excellent at dealing with egos. I was a Lord back in my land, passed laws and everything."
"Will you show me to the garden? I swear, I will not harm the Daimyo." Harry said, already draping his veil over all of them.
"Yeah, yeah," Asuma muttered, waving them toward the hall.
They moved quietly through the palace corridors, Harry's magic flowing invisibly over every guard they passed. Not one raised a brow in their direction, their senses gently nudged away. When the final corridor opened to the opulent gardens, Harry stilled.
"I'll take it from here," he said to Asuma and turned to Shinji. "Stay back. Just in case."
The Daimyo's court was laughing, sipping tea, slicing into fresh fruit and rice cakes under the blooming sakura trees.
Harry could smell crushed fruit, overripe and indulgent, coating the air like sticky syrup. The laughter of the Daimyo's court grated against his senses as he leaned against the banquet table, black and gold robes falling like shadows around him.
And then Harry dropped the veil.
Screams rang through the garden. Courtiers stumbled back, some scrambling behind chairs and guards. The Daimyo himself rose slowly, confusion on his face turning to stunned recognition.
Harry smiled politely. "Your Grace. We have some rather serious business to discuss."
Shouts of shock followed. A few choked gasps. A cup clattered to the stone path.
The Fire Daimyo sputtered, eyes bulging, half-risen from his plush seat. "L-Lord Harriso— I mean… Maashah-sama!"
Harry said nothing.
He simply raised his chin and let the silence speak.
An advisor recovered first, standing abruptly and snapping to the guards. "SEIZE HIM!"
Harry exhaled. He had been ready for this.
With a slow, deliberate raise of his hand, he whispered a single word, "Somnus."
Every single guard—tagged with his magic as he'd passed them earlier—slumped to the ground. Dozens of them. The court shrieked, several nobles scrambling from their seats.
"I could do worse," Harry said softly, his voice calm and deadly. "But I am not here for violence. Not unless it is invited."
The Daimyo swallowed thickly, his hands trembling. "W-We are glad to see you, Maashah-sama. I have long wished to apologise for the… misunderstandings between us."
Harry's lips curled faintly, unimpressed. "A bounty on my head is a misunderstanding? A notice that names me, my son, and my dragon—saying I may be seen with an infant. My infant son. That was supposed to be non-threatening?"
"They were not in danger!" the Daimyo insisted hastily, face flushing. "Only you were marked! We only wished for you to be brought back to the court!"
"Then you should've thought twice before marking my family as identifiers," Harry said, tone cold. "You think every bounty hunter in these lands would care to spare a child if the reward was high enough?"
Another advisor scoffed. "And yet we do not see your dragon now," he sneered. "Been abandoned, have you? You claim to be a champion of the gods—but where is the proof? You are no champion, merely a conjurer with tricks."
Harry turned his head slightly, and the man recoiled at the quiet fury in his gaze.
"I have never once claimed to be a god's champion," Harry said. "I saved the princes lives. I declined your concubine's trap of a marriage. And I left in peace."
The advisor straightened. "If the dragons have left you, it speaks to your character. We should not suffer a foreigner to remain, not when he's capable of such destruction. Let the infant marry Mei-Sama's daughter and let their children carry the dragons' gifts."
It took every ounce of Harry's control not to let his magic explode outward.
Instead, it surged around him like static, making the court draw back in instinctual fear. His voice dropped to a low hiss.
"You dare."
The air cracked—lightning slicing across the cloud-choked sky.
"You dare to speak of my son as a vessel. You dare to presume dominion over my dragons," Harry's voice shook with restrained power. "I could burn this entire city to ash. But I haven't. Because I am a lenient man. And I know restraint."
He reached out with his magic—into the bond.
He opened the gateway in the dragon's mountain.
Nox came first.
A roar split the heavens as the black dragon descended from the clouds, gold eyes like molten suns, scales rippling in the wind. She landed behind Harry with a thunderous slam of claws and wings, curling her tail protectively around him.
Altair wasn't far behind—white scales gleaming, his massive body dancing with lightning as he circled the sky. Then Lyra—sleek and rose-gold—and behind her, her three grown children; Vega, Orion, and Cassiopeia, wings spread wide as they shrieked over the gardens.
The courtiers screamed. One man fainted.
Only Nox, Altair, and Lyra landed—each flanking Harry like sentinels. Their growls rumbled deep, shaking glasses off tables.
Harry walked forward, black robes billowing, toward the pale-faced advisor who dared speak of his child.
"You do not command dragons. You do not bribe them, or bend them to your throne. They are not slaves, not pets, not pawns." His voice rose, layered with a power that echoed unnaturally. "But they will burn your walls to ash if I ask them to. No hesitation. No mercy."
Nox tilted her head back and screamed fire into the sky—an endless stream of blazing gold that split the clouds, sending terrified birds scattering.
Gasps of terror echoed through the garden. Several nobles fled.
Harry stopped.
"I could do these things," Harry said finally, voice steady. "But I won't. Because that is not who I am."
He turned to the Daimyo now, who had not risen from his seat. "What I am, however, is a father. And I came here to accept your apology, should you offer it sincerely."
The silence was palpable.
Then the Daimyo stood, bowed from the waist, and said, "You have my deepest regrets, Maashah-sama. We have wronged you terribly. What can the royal family do to make this right?"
From above, Altair roared in satisfaction. Harry felt the pride in their bond, and allowed himself a moment of smugness.
The scribe scrambled forward, ink shaking on parchment. The Daimyo turned to him sharply. "Record this as royal decree."
Harry stepped forward, composed. "I ask for this: recognition as a citizen of the Fire Country. The right to reside in Konoha, for me and all my kin. Diplomatic immunity—I will follow the laws of this land, and protect its people when the need arises, but I will not serve as a weapon in your wars. I will not kneel to any Hokage or village council."
The advisors bristled, but before they could speak, the Daimyo silenced them with a raised hand.
"No," the Daimyo said gravely. "He is asking too little. This man has saved my sons twice and we repaid him with betrayal. I will not risk the wrath of the gods a second time."
He turned to the scribe.
"From this day forth, Hari, known as Maashah-sama, shall be the recognised head of the newly founded Ryūjin Clan. He shall answer only to the Daimyo and only in times of dire emergency, holding moral grounds. He and his kin are granted all privileges of a noble clan. Any who harm or conspire against a dragon in this country shall be guilty of treason against the crown. The Ryūjin Clan may reside in Konoha as its seat, but is independent of the Hokage's command."
Harry stood still.
He hadn't expected this.
He'd thought he'd need to barter harder. Threaten. Plead. But this… this was power. This was protection—for his sons, for Tenzo, for the future.
The Daimyo bowed his head.
"Maashah-sama. Do you accept this?"
And Harry knew.
He'd wanted to claim wardship under the Senju. But this… this was bigger. He could help Tenzo properly. Demand answers. Demand justice. All they needed was evidence.
He straightened, robes fluttering.
"I, Hari, shall be Maashah of the Ryūjin Clan."
The Daimyo nodded solemnly. "So be it."
Harry exhaled. The weight of the moment settled on his shoulders.
He turned to the Daimyo and said, "It was your son, Prince Shinji, who stopped me from retaliating against the bounty. He gave me reason to believe your court could be honourable. You owe him much."
The Daimyo's eyes flicked toward the garden entrance—where, hidden behind a lattice screen, the Prince was watching.
He smiled.
And Harry, smug and sharp-edged, thought: That's right. Your son stayed my hand. It's his name that the people will praise.
~
Harry groaned as he reappeared in the inn, the paperwork scrolls tucked under his arm fluttering loose. He landed face-first on the futon with a muffled, "I hate bureaucracy."
Tsunade's laugh from the table wasn't even subtle.
"Well?" she drawled, not even looking up from the herbal poultice she was applying to her wrist. "Did the great and terrifying Maashah-sama get roped into court politics?"
Harry lifted his face just enough to glare at her.
"I may have… founded a clan," he mumbled.
Shizune, who had just entered with Teddy in one arm and Shikamaru trailing behind her, stopped mid-step. "You what?"
That, apparently, was all the boys needed. They launched forward with excited squeals—Teddy practically leaping out of Shizune's arms and Shikamaru moving with all the subtlety of a wild deer—and tackled Harry into the mattress.
"Oof—! You traitorous imps!"
Their laughter echoed through the room. Shikamaru let out a sharp bark of glee as Harry grabbed him and tickled his sides mercilessly. Teddy shrieked and joined in, smacking his small hands against his brother's arm in an attempt to "help."
"Quick, Teddy!" Harry cried, flipping them both onto their backs, "Deploy the weapon of ultimate doom!"
Teddy gave a mighty baby squeal and launched forward with the sloppiest, most uncoordinated series of baby kisses known to man. Shikamaru dissolved into breathless giggles beneath the onslaught.
Eventually, Harry let them breathe, tugging the boys into a pile on his chest. He pressed a kiss to Shikamaru's forehead, then another to Teddy's curls.
That moment—that softness—made the last few hours of politics worth it.
He sighed, then looked up at Tsunade, still watching with one arched brow.
Harry sat up, carefully shifting the boys so they didn't tumble off him. "Okay. So the asshole advisors tried to imply I'd lost my 'divine favour'—whatever that means—and that Teddy should be married off to the illegitimate princess to keep my 'bloodline' in the royal family."
Tsunade slammed her cup down.
"…I opened a gateway to the dragons mountain," Harry admitted sheepishly. "Summoned all six of the grown ones."
There was a beat of stunned silence.
Shizune squeaked. Tsunade groaned into her hands.
"You summoned six gods-damned dragons in the middle of a diplomatic garden?!"
Harry lifted a hand. "In my defence, it worked! I got what I needed!"
"What. Did. You. Do."
Clearing his throat, Harry stood and dramatically recited, "From this day forth, Hari, known as Maashah-sama, shall be the recognised head of the newly founded Ryūjin Clan. He shall answer only to the Daimyo and only in times of dire emergency. He and his heirs are granted all privileges of a noble clan. Any who harm a dragon in this country shall be guilty of treason against the crown. The Ryūjin Clan may reside in Konoha as its seat, but is independent of the Hokage's command."
Tsunade and Shizune both stared at him like he had grown a second head.
"…You're serious," Tsunade said finally, voice low.
Harry winced. "Sorry. I know the plan was to be a ward of the Senju, but I had to think fast. If we get enough evidence on him, I can bring it to the royal court directly if the Hokage doesn't take action. They won't be able to sweep it under the rug if I'm above village politics."
Tsunade exhaled, slowly. Then, to his surprise, she gave a sharp nod. "You made the right choice."
"…Really?"
"I hate politics," she said. "But not even the Uchiha or Hyuuga have decrees like that. The last clan to be granted anything similar was the Uzumaki. You'll have protections I couldn't give you."
Then she smirked. "Of course, now people are going to come crawling out of the woodwork to try and marry into your clan. You're a golden goose, Maashah-sama."
"I'm going to be sick," Harry muttered.
Shizune, gently setting Teddy down with a rattle, frowned as she looked through the scrolls Harry dropped. "This is… an actual declaration. You have your own clan seat, responsibilities, even a council vote."
"Exactly," Tsunade said, smug now. "No more solo freedom for our wild little foreigner."
Harry flopped back onto the futon again with a groan. "Why did I do this to myself…"
"I can help with the paperwork," Shizune offered brightly. "I mean, you… forgot to fill in your kekkei genkai field. And your village rank. Clan crest."
"Because I don't know what the hell half of that means!" Harry cried. "Do I put civilian? Samurai? Magical dragon lord?"
"Technically, your 'elemental manipulation without hand seals' might be considered an evolved kekkei genkai," Tsunade said dryly.
"Fantastic," Harry muttered. "Then someone's definitely going to try and dissect me." He suddenly felt a shiver run through him, and thought of golden eyes.
He paused.
Then slowly turned toward Shikamaru, who had been very suspiciously quiet.
"What's going on?" the boy asked.
Harry reached out and tugged him into his side again. "I needed to make sure I could go to Konoha with you. To stay in your life. So I got rid of the bounty, and I've been granted the right to form a clan."
Shikamaru stared at him, eyes wide and uncertain.
"But you wanted to travel," he said quietly. "You said dragons don't get chained down…"
Harry's heart cracked.
"A dragon will always need a nest," he said softly. "And how can my nest be away from even one of my sons?"
Shikamaru threw himself forward, hugging him fiercely. "You're really not leaving me?"
Harry kissed the top of his head. "Never."
Sniffling, the boy mumbled, "I wanted you to be in my clan. Dad would've let you."
Harry chuckled, brushing a hand through his hair. "Technically, you're already in mine. As my eldest child, you're the heir to the Ryūjin clan now."
Tsunade laughed. "Tough luck, brat. Double the paperwork."
Shikamaru blinked. "Wait—can someone be in two clans?"
"I make the rules now," Harry said loftily. "And I say yes."
The boy beamed.
Harry ruffled his hair again, then his tone shifted.
"Shikamaru… your uncle Ensui is in the capital. He's part of the team searching for you."
The boy tensed.
"I arranged for him to be brought to the palace later," Harry said gently. "If you want to go with me, we can meet him."
Shikamaru looked torn between excitement and fear. "…Only if you stay with me."
Harry smiled, though his heart ached.
"Always."
But deep inside, he feared the outcome of this meeting, the accusations.
He pushed the thoughts down and hugged his son closer.
~
The sky was calm, and Nox was impatient.
Harry stood outside the village walls with Shikamaru and Teddy bundled up, his own magical cloak shielding them from the chill. Tsunade and Shizune joined them not long after, eyeing the bright sky and their surroundings warily.
"Nox wants to fly again," Harry said softly, the dragon's call already thrumming through their bond. "She says she's feeling herself again."
"Didn't she just lay an egg?" Tsunade muttered, rubbing her temple.
Shizune smiled brightly. "I've always wanted to see a real dragon!"
"Exactly the attitude I was hoping for," Harry said, winking at her.
Tsunade, on the other hand, groaned. "You know how I feel about flying."
"You liked the carpet ride," Harry teased.
"I tolerated it," she huffed.
Harry smirked but didn't argue. Shikamaru, standing beside him with his egg clutched tight in its enchanted sling, was muttering quiet Parseltongue to Teddy, who was sitting in the crook of Harry's arm giggling at the hissed nonsense.
"Ready?" Harry asked. They nodded, and with a surge of heat in his palm, the gateway rune lit up.
The air shimmered, magic pulsing like a heartbeat. The gateway opened with a rush of warm wind and golden light, and out of it stepped Nox — majestic, fierce, scales glinting like onyx under the sun. Her golden eyes scanned them briefly before she let out a proud bellow.
Teddy shrieked happily, "NOX! NOX!"
Shizune gasped. "She's... she's beautiful."
Harry reached up, placing a hand against Nox's snout. "You look radiant," he murmured in Parseltongue.
"Mother," she rumbled, low and pleased. "They missed me, didn't they?"
"They did," Harry said with a grin.
Introductions were made — Nox nodding in recognition to Shizune and Tsunade, who both bowed, slightly stunned. Tsunade mumbled something about "not being drunk enough for this."
Once the saddle was secured and everyone was mounted — Teddy in his open crib at the front, Shikamaru tucked safely between Harry's arms, and the two women behind — they rose into the air. Wings stretched wide, beating with power.
And gods, it felt good.
The wind was in his hair, the sun on his skin, and for the first time in days, Harry felt free.
As they soared over the Fire Capital, Nox let out a thunderous roar. From below, voices lifted in awe, cries of "Nox-sama!" and "Maashah-sama!" echoing through the streets.
Nox preened. "They remember. They still worship us mother!"
"They'll never forget you," Harry promised.
She hissed to Shikamaru, "They'll worship you, too, little brother. You will be a rider too."
"I don't want to be worshipped!" Shikamaru laughed, blushing.
Harry smiled, pressing a kiss into his dark hair. "They'll do it anyway."
They descended into Prince Shinji's private courtyard. The guards, already aware of Harry's presence, didn't react violently — though many were wide-eyed. Tanaka approached, bowing.
"Hari-sama," he said warmly, the man had certainly warmed up to him. "The prince is speaking with his father. You... seem to have swayed opinion."
Harry raised a brow. "You mean he's finally seeing Shinji for what he's worth?"
Tanaka nodded, then leaned in to whisper, "Thank you. His Majesty never valued the prince like this before. But now? He listens."
Harry clapped him on the shoulder. "About time."
He introduced Tanaka to Tsunade and Shizune — and then to Shikamaru, who hesitated behind Harry. "And this," he said gently, "is Shikamaru."
Tanaka's gaze softened. "A pleasure."
The minutes passed in relative peace, though tension still simmered beneath Harry's skin. Asuma's teasing and the warmth of his sons helped ease the edge, even when Shikamaru looked nervously at Asuma's Leaf headband.
The egg was gently placed in the fire, Shikamaru kneeling beside it, whispering to it as Harry fed the flames. His magic wove around the egg protectively, the fire dancing with controlled heat.
Asuma crouched beside Shikamaru. "You look just like your dad, you know that?"
Shikamaru blinked. "You knew him?"
"Know him," Asuma corrected. "He's been looking for you everywhere. He never stopped."
"You're sure?" the boy whispered, voice shaking.
Asuma ruffled his hair. "Positive."
Harry turned away, heart aching. He knew the reunion would be coming soon.
When Asuma left to retrieve the others, Shikamaru clung to Harry's hand like a lifeline. Harry didn't say anything — just squeezed gently.
The door opened.
First through was Asuma. Then, a man who made Harry's breath catch. Dark eyes ringed in kohl, the same eyes as Shikamaru. Ensui.
"Shikamaru," he breathed, voice cracking.
He was across the room in an instant, dropping to his knees, wrapping his arms around the boy. "Shikamaru."
Shikamaru froze. "Ensui...?"
"We didn't know," he whispered. "I swear on my life, I didn't know. None of us did. If I had—gods, kid, we've been looking everywhere for you."
"Dad too?" The voice was tiny.
"Especially your dad."
Then Shikamaru cried and launched into his cousin's arms. Harry had to blink rapidly, his own eyes stinging.
A second ninja stepped forward — spiky silver-grey hair, masked face, single eye narrowed. Kakashi.
"You're the one who took him?" Kakashi asked, voice cold.
Harry stiffened.
"You kidnapped a clan heir. Do you think we should just let you walk free?"
Harry opened his mouth—
But Shinji beat him to it.
"Watch your tongue," the prince said coldly. "Hari-sama is the Head of the Ryūjin Clan, a citizen of the Fire Country under royal decree. He saved that child's life when your village failed to protect him. That boy was sold — SOLD — by one of your own. Don't you dare accuse him."
Kakashi hesitated. His eye flicked to Harry. He gave a stiff nod.
"Noted."
Harry's shoulders eased — only slightly.
He turned to Ensui. "Perhaps we should speak. Alone."
Shikamaru immediately panicked. "You're not taking him away! He didn't do anything wrong!"
Harry pulled him into a hug. "Shhh, little dragon. No one's taking me anywhere. We just have grown-up things to talk about."
"Then I'm coming too!"
"You're watching Teddy," Harry said solemnly. "And making sure Tsunade doesn't drink the place dry."
Tsunade, who'd been watching the whole exchange, raised a brow. "As if I'd drink in front of the children."
Harry gave her a look. She rolled her eyes. "Fine. One drink."
Satisfied, Shikamaru gave him a reluctant nod. Harry kissed the top of his head and followed Ensui into a private room, Shizune carrying Teddy and whispering soothingly as the baby yawned.
The quiet of the palace chamber didn't soothe the tension crackling in the air. The moment the door clicked shut, Ensui turned, his face solemn as he gave a sharp bow at the waist. "Maa—Hari-sama," he corrected himself quickly, "thank you. For protecting my baby cousin… for keeping him safe."
Harry gave a small, weary smile. "You don't need to thank me. I'd do it for any child." He paused, his voice softening. "But Shikamaru... he's special. He's kind and brave and far too clever for his age. He's wormed his way into my heart, and I would lay waste to this continent before I let anything happen to him."
A heavy silence followed his words. Kakashi's visible eye narrowed slightly, studying him. Shibi, near the far wall, remained quiet, almost watchful. His chakra flickered faintly—just enough for Harry to feel the tingle of something tasting the magic around him.
Harry exhaled and dropped into one of the cushioned chairs, suddenly feeling the weight of everything.
"I thought his father was dead," Harry confessed hoarsely. "He never said his clan name. Never mentioned Konoha. Just… said his clan gave him away because he was weak. That they didn't want him anymore. That's what the missing-nin told him, and he believed it. He truly believed he'd been discarded like nothing."
Ensui swore under his breath, sharp and bitter.
Harry continued, his voice thick. "I should've asked more questions. I should've known better. But he'd cry whenever I pushed. He'd change the subject, throw himself into helping with Teddy or the dragons. He just wanted to be loved. I thought—" Harry cut himself off, jaw tightening. "I thought I was all he had left."
"You didn't know," Ensui said firmly, moving to sit across from him. "You didn't know, and you kept him safe. That's what matters. He's happy, truly happy. That's more than I can say for the last six years of his life."
Harry looked down at his hands. "Still. I should have pushed him for the truth sooner. If I hadn't believed those lies... maybe he wouldn't have had to cry like that when I told him his father was alive."
Kakashi crossed his arms. "So you kept him."
"I didn't know who he was," Harry snapped, then moderated his tone. "I found him mid-sea. He threw himself into the ocean rather than be taken. He's six years old. I killed the men chasing him. He'd been drugged, starved, bruised. What kind of monster would I be to leave him behind?"
The silver-haired ninja inclined his head slightly. "Fair point. Suppose there are worse people who could've found him."
"But I need you all to understand something," Harry said firmly, looking directly at them. "No matter what happens from here, Shikamaru is part of my clan now. It doesn't matter what name he carries. I will not walk away from him."
Ensui nodded without hesitation. "Good. Because if you had, I'd have decked you. Don't think I didn't see him cooing over that egg, if it is what I think it is…I don't think we could train a dragon."
Harry huffed a laugh, tension slipping from his shoulders.
But then he turned serious again. "There's something else. A question I need answered. One that's haunted me since the truth came out." His voice dropped to a lethal whisper. "Where is the woman who gave birth to him?"
Ensui's eyes darkened. "You mean the snake who sold him?"
"Yes," Harry said with deadly calm. "If she's still alive, I will bring her name to the Daimyo myself. I have no interest in playing politics—except this time, I will. I want her dead."
"You're not alone in that," Ensui growled. "Shikaku left for the village weeks ago. To make it safe again. He... found more than one reason to end her. When we found out what she did, I've never seen him so full of fury."
Harry was quiet for a moment. Then he smiled. "Good."
Kakashi raised a brow. "You really would've petitioned the Daimyo?"
"I already have that kind of pull," Harry said flatly. "And I've been very patient. But that woman laid hands on my boy. She used her own child as a pawn. There's a special place in hell for that."
A slow chuckle came from the corner. Shibi had stepped a little closer, swaying almost. Then he grinned and said, "You taste like the best honey wine. Like lightning and fire." He tilted his head in eerie fascination.
Harry blinked. "Is… is he hitting on me?"
"Not exactly," Ensui said, amused. "Shibi has insects in his system. They react to chakra. And apparently, yours tastes very good."
Harry raised both brows, trying not to think about how someone could have bugs in their body. "...Right. I'm not doing anything though."
"You might want to draw it in a bit," Kakashi said lazily. "Before you melt all of Shibi's brain cells."
"I don't know how to draw it in," Harry muttered. "It's not chakra. I was born with it."
Shibi stepped back a little with a satisfied hum, muttering something about "tasting sunfire and stardust." Harry gave him a wary side-eye.
"You get used to him," Ensui said cheerfully.
"Riiight," Harry said, dryly. "Anyway—back to more important matters." He glanced between them. "Asuma said you arrived in the capital shortly after you left Waterfall?"
Ensui nodded. "We just missed you. Heard about the bounty, rushed to Takigakure. Hisen-sama had already left for the capital by then. His advisor told us what you'd done."
"Did you speak to Fu?" Harry asked curiously.
"Yeah. Fierce little gremlin. Wouldn't tell us anything. Refused to answer questions unless it was about beetles and fruit."
Harry groaned. "I told her to use the mirror. Left her with a two-way device so she could keep in touch with Shikamaru. If she had told you…"
"You would have brought him back?" Kakashi said shrewdly.
Harry paused.
"I would have been wary," he said softly. "I would have questioned you all. Knowing his father was alive. I just would have made the reunion happen sooner."
There was silence for a moment before Kakashi nodded slightly.
"You love him," Shibi said, his tone oddly solemn. "Even I can feel that."
Harry offered a small smile. "He's family now."
Ensui's voice was gentler then. "We'll work something out. I don't think he will be letting you or your boy go for anything."
"I appreciate that," Harry said, and he meant it. "But it's still going to be hard when Shikaku arrives."
"He'll want answers," Kakashi said.
"I'll give them. But if he thinks he can walk in and take Shikamaru away without a word—" Harry's tone went cold again. "He'll be sorely mistaken."
Kakashi actually gave a slight smile. "No wonder the kid's so defensive of you."
As they left the room, the warmth of the afternoon sun bled in through the corridor windows.
They returned to the courtyard to find Tsunade drunkenly teasing Asuma, Shizune covering her face in mortification, and Shikamaru playing with Teddy in the grass—his dragon egg cradled close to the fire.
Shibi started to step toward Harry again, only for Shikamaru to immediately wedge Ensui between them and glare suspiciously at the Aburame.
Ensui snorted. "Protective, isn't he?"
Harry smirked. "My little dragon."
Shikamaru, oblivious to being overheard, was animatedly chatting about their travels. "—and then Maashah made this huge blanket fort with real fireproofing! And we slept inside and told stories and—oh, and he knows so many jutsu! Did you know he has moving pictures?"
Ensui watched him, eyes misty. "He looks so happy."
Harry looked too. "He is. Happier now though."
Soon, all that remained was to wait.
Shikaku was on his way.
And no one knew how that meeting would go.
~ Shikaku ~
The air stank of sweat, desperation, and hope.
He had been running non-stop for nearly two days. His bones ached, his chakra reserves were low, and every muscle screamed with exhaustion. But none of that mattered. Not when he was close. Not when the memory of a black dragon's wings blotting out the sky was still seared into his mind. And on that dragon—on that saddle—he had seen his boy.
His son.
Shikamaru.
He hadn't imagined it. Enhanced chakra vision didn't lie. Even above the roar of the wind, he had heard that laugh. The kind only a child makes when they're free, when they're happy. The kind Shikamaru rarely made anymore.
Now, as he reached the final slope toward the Fire Capital, his legs nearly gave out. He pushed harder. Faster. He didn't care what it cost him. The gates came into view—and with them, a squad of palace guards.
"Halt! You are Jounin Commander Shikaku Nara?" one barked, eyes sharp and cautious.
Shikaku barely managed a breath. "Yes," he rasped.
"Prince Shinji has ordered us to escort you. You are expected."
Expected. The word sank into him like a stone. It wasn't a false lead. He was really here. He didn't dare believe it. Not fully. Not until he held his son in his arms.
The streets bustled as they moved. It was a strange thing, seeing so many civilians happy—children playing, people calling out with joy.
"Did you hear? Maashah-sama has returned!"
"I saw the black one! The dragon!"
"They say he saved the Princes life—and now he's made a new clan!"
Shikaku's heart pounded faster.
The palace gates opened without delay. Shikaku was ushered through a quiet courtyard—more private than most—and there it stood.
A black dragon.
Magnificent, majestic, and utterly terrifying. But its eyes weren't violent. They were intelligent. Calm. It gave him the briefest of nods, acknowledging him as if it already knew who he was.
Asuma was the one who greeted him with a rough pat on the shoulder.
"You look like hell."
"I ran," Shikaku croaked. "Didn't stop. Got the letter from Ensui. Please. Just tell me—"
Asuma's face softened. "He's here. Inside. So is Hari and his son."
Shikaku's breath caught.
Then the door opened.
The room was warm, filled with the scent of fire and something sweet. He barely registered Tsunade, Kakashi, Shibi, or the others. All he saw was a boy—his boy—playing on the floor with a baby. Laughter filled the room, so bright and clear it hurt.
He looked older, a little taller somehow, with more weight on his bones. There was colour in his face, and a light in his eyes he hadn't seen in too long. His son was alive. Healthy.
And smiling.
Shikaku's breath caught painfully. His feet wouldn't move.
His knees hit the ground before he even realised.
"Shikamaru," he whispered, voice cracking.
The boy's head snapped around—and everything else in the room faded.
His face crumpled. "Dad?"
And then he ran.
Shikamaru launched himself across the room, colliding into Shikaku's chest with such force that they both toppled. Shikaku's arms wrapped around his son on instinct, and a sob broke loose from deep inside him.
"I'm sorry—I'm so sorry," Shikaku choked out. "My baby, my son—I didn't know—I didn't know!"
"Dad," Shikamaru sobbed, his little hands fisting in Shikaku's vest. "I thought you didn't want me anymore! I thought… I thought I was worthless."
"No," Shikaku said brokenly, holding him tighter. "Never. Gods, never. You're everything to me. You're my pride, my reason. I never stopped looking, Shika. I would've burned the world to find you."
"But they said—" Shikamaru's voice cracked. "They said you gave me away. That I was weak. That I wasn't wanted…"
"They lied," Shikaku growled, fierce and low. "I didn't know your mother—that woman—had done this. If I had known—if any of us had known—we would have stopped it. I would've died before letting you go. You hear me? I would have died."
"I missed you," Shikamaru sobbed, curling up in his arms like he was five again. "I was so scared. But Maashah… Maashah saved me…"
Shikaku kissed his hair. "You were so brave. So strong. You survived. I'm so proud of you. I'm so, so proud of you."
For a long time, they didn't speak—just held each other and wept.
And then, after what felt like forever, Shikamaru pulled back and sniffled, wiping his tears with the sleeve of his shirt.
Then Shikamaru wiped Shikaku's tears and muttered, "Parents aren't supposed to cry in front of their children."
Shikaku laughed wetly. "And fathers shouldn't lose their sons."
Shikamaru's eyes lit up. "You have to meet him!"
Shikaku blinked. "Huh?"
"You have to meet Maashah!" Shikamaru said firmly. "He saved me. Cared for me. He's coming home with us."
Then, like it was the most natural thing in the world, Shikamaru took his hand and dragged him across the room to where the man stood.
And there he stood.
The man who saved his son.
Raven hair half-braided, green eyes like deep forests, dressed in fine embroidered black and gold, power coiled around him like silk and storm. But those fierce eyes softened the moment he looked at Shikamaru.
"Maashah," Shikamaru said, pushing them together. "This is my dad. Dad, this is my Maashah."
Shikaku bowed his head. "Hari-sama."
Shikaku didn't hesitate.
His knees were already on the floor, but now he bent forward, spine bowed, forehead to the polished marble of the palace room. The dogeza position was absolute, reserved for deep apology or utmost gratitude—and this was both.
Gasps rippled through the chamber. He felt them, but he didn't care. Let them whisper, let them stare. He would crawl across coals and broken glass if it meant thanking this man properly.
"Hari-sama," Shikaku said, voice thick. "Please… allow me to thank you—properly—for what you have done. You saved my son. You protected him when I couldn't. You held him through his nightmares, loved him as your own, and became his guardian when he had none."
His shoulders shook, and still, he didn't rise.
"I am in your debt for all my remaining days. You need only name your price. The Nara Clan will provide—land, wealth, influence. Whatever you desire. You need only say the word."
He heard a sharp intake of breath and then—
Hands. Warm hands—slim and elegant—grasped his own, gently but insistently lifting him up. Shikaku blinked in surprise, startled to find Hari kneeling now as well, their knees almost touching.
"No," Hari said softly, urgently, the green of his eyes deep with emotion. "Please—don't bow to me. You don't owe me anything. If anything, I owe you. I didn't know. I didn't know you were alive. If I had—if I had even thought you were—I never would have kept him from you. The love you have for your son is clear."
His voice cracked. "I thought he was… abandoned. That his clan had cast him aside. And I thought you were dead. That no one was looking. I never meant—gods, I never meant to keep a son from his father."
Shikaku could feel the truth in his voice, could see it in the tears in his eyes. And he understood—perhaps more deeply than he'd ever understood anyone before—because the guilt in Hari's voice was his own guilt, too.
"You don't have to apologise. You saved him. You gave him hope. You loved him. That is all I could've asked for," Shikaku said, his voice hoarse.
He squeezed Hari's hands, grounding himself in the heat of that touch.
"I don't care about the how or the why anymore. You kept my son safe. You gave him joy, and love, and family. I don't care if the whole world whispers your name like a god—I care that when my son cried, you were the one who held him."
The breath Hari exhaled was shaky. His hands trembled in Shikaku's.
Then the man straightened his shoulders and nodded slowly. "There is only one thing I ask in return."
Shikaku steeled himself for whatever would come.
Hari continued, eyes glowing with honesty. "I don't need land. I don't need riches—I have my own. Influence I already have more of than I know what to do with."
He glanced toward Shikamaru, eyes soft. Then he looked back to Shikaku.
"What I do want," he said, "is to stay in Shikamaru's life. To help raise him. To teach him what I've passed on these months. To love him as I have, as I will—for as long as he wants me. That's all I ask. No titles. No reward. Just… a place in his life."
Shikaku stared.
Of all the things this man—this Dragon Lord—could've asked for. Power. Recognition. Protection. He asked for none of it.
Only for the right to stay. To love his son.
Shikaku's throat clenched.
"Consider it done." he said firmly, without hesitation. "You are already in his heart. That means you're already part of my clan."
Hari's expression lit.
It was like the clouds parted in the man's face—like sunlight spilled across his features. He smiled, bright and genuine and so full, and it knocked the air from Shikaku's lungs.
Gods, this man was beautiful. Not just in his face, but in the way he looked at Shikamaru. In the way he had loved a boy no one else had protected.
It was then that Shikaku realised their hands were still joined.
Warmth spread from that contact like a slow, glowing tide. His ears heated, and he cleared his throat awkwardly—just in time for a small, determined missile to launch into their sides.
"You're really not leaving me!" Shikamaru shouted, throwing his arms around both of their necks, his whole body was vibrating with joy.
Hari laughed—soft and wet with emotion—and pulled him in tightly. Shikaku joined them, his arms around both boy and man.
Shikamaru nestled between them, practically purring in contentment, tears still glimmering in his lashes but a brilliant smile on his face. "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I love you!"
Shikaku rested his chin atop Shikamaru's messy hair and squeezed his eyes shut.
This wasn't how he imagined getting his son back.
It was better.
He heard cheers—Asuma, laughing and clapping; Shizune sniffling; Tsunade snorting into a drink, voice wet.
Even Shibi made a buzzing noise of approval.
And somewhere outside the window, a deep cry echoed over the rooftops—a dragon's roar, proud and victorious.
Shikaku let out a breath he hadn't realised he was holding.
His son was home.
He pressed a kiss to his son's head and let himself cry—just a little. But this time, the tears were made of light. Of laughter.
Of love.
He had his son back.
He could rest now.