That night, the compound was quiet.
Tsunade and Shizune had retreated to the other wing—though not before Tsunade attempted to leave a bottle of sake at his door.
"Don't drink it all at once," she warned. "Or do. I won't judge."
He found it touching that Tsunade would share her precious sake just because she thought he was sad. He didn't touch it though; he wasn't that lost without Shikamaru.
Instead, he read to Teddy, who kept looking around the room with a petulant scowl.
"Shika?" he asked for the third time.
"He's with his Dad, Teddy-bear."
Teddy pouted. "Da Da."
"No, little one. Not ours."
Teddy rubbed at his eyes. "Shikaaa."
"I know cub."
Teddy curled into Shikamaru's blanket from the Keep like a stubborn burr, his little wolf senses smelling traces of his pack on it.
"Two days," he whispered to the dark. "Just two days."
And already it felt like forever.
If he flicked his wrist and summoned Prongs, then that was his choice.
And if the ethereal stag galloped through the Nara compound —seen by all the Nara that were patrolling the grounds— and made its way to Shikamaru's side…
Well, the Nara clan would soon see that Shikamaru's saviour was always meant to be theirs.
~
Harry woke to silence.
He cracked open one eye and glanced around the unfamiliar room, tense until he remembered where he was.
Harry sighed.
He shifted slightly, brushing Teddy's curls back from his face. And the baby mumbled something unintelligible and buried his cheek against Harry's arm with a soft snuffling sound, making him smile slightly.
It was only the first day and it already felt unbearable.
He's with his father. That's a good thing. He's safe. Loved.
But Shikamaru had been his for months now—his little shadow, his constant little companion.
He eased out of bed carefully, murmuring to soothe Teddy and cushion him with some pillows, then padded barefoot across the cool floor to pull open the curtains.
The Ryūjin compound was bathed in light.
The courtyard looked neat now, the weeds and debris that had built overtime were gone. The young elves he'd brought over from the Keep had done wonders overnight.
He rested his forehead against the window for a beat, then sighed.
"Alright," he muttered to himself. "Let's make this place a home."
The next few hours were filled with quiet chaos.
The master bedroom had been stripped of the old Senju banners that once hung on the far wall, replaced with more neutral colours and soft lighting. A flick of his hand had cleaned away decades of dust, and the elves had worked through the night to start unpacking their things from the Keep—books, toys, blankets, the small stack of paper shuriken Shikamaru had tried to teach Teddy how to fold with his little clumsy baby fingers.
Across the hall, Shikamaru's new room was halfway done.
Harry stood in the doorway, arms crossed, brow furrowed in thought.
Too bare, he thought. He'll complain about how echoey it is.
A young elf named Elra popped her head out of the closet with her paint brush and beamed. "Master Harry, should Elra paint the stars and clouds again? Like the Keep?"
Harry smiled softly. "Yes, but let it match the ones over Konoha."
"Yes, Master!" She vanished with a pop, trailing some paint behind her.
Harry moved on to the next room—empty for now, but he had plans for this one.
The future Ryūjin library.
He'd spoken to the castle's archival elves before they left the capital. Many of the Keep's scrolls and books could be copied and translated. The library would start small but grow quickly. Medical scrolls, elemental theory, enchantment, herbology, and potions. Especially the medical books. Tsunade and Shizune would want access, and if they were going to use this place like a second home…
His mouth curved slightly.
The house was going to be loud again.
By midday, Teddy was in an even worse mood.
He clung to Harry's neck with fierce little arms and refused to let go. Any attempt to pass him off to Tsunade for even a second resulted in loud, indignant shrieks.
"Honestly," she huffed, after her fifth attempt ended with Teddy latching to Harry like a multicoloured leech. "You've turned him feral."
"I have done no such thing."
Shizune laughed quietly from behind a mountain of laundry. "He misses his brother."
Harry ran a hand down Teddy's back, who growled softly and buried his face in Harry's neck. "Yeah. So do I."
Tsunade tried one more time to ask Teddy for a cuddle and the baby screeched before she even touched him, the noise high-pitched and offended. Tsunade froze mid-motion and sighed. "Alright, alright. Bloody clingy brat."
"I seem to recall a similar reaction when someone lost her last bet," Harry reminded her with a smirk, rubbing soothing circles along Teddy's back. "He's just weaponizing his feelings."
"Runs in the family," Shizune muttered.
~
He walked the outer perimeter of the compound after lunch, etching the faint skeletons of wards along the edges. The land backed up to a sheer rock wall that climbed nearly thirty feet high.
He stood at the edge, overlooking the slope and imagined his dragons flying in, wings stretched wide, scales catching the sun.
Maybe even Shikamaru flying beside him someday.
He had to admit—dragons weren't known for patience. Neither, apparently, were their bonded.
Because he missed flying already and it was making him itchy.
The training grounds were massive, nestled just shy of the cliffside with thick forest encroaching on two sides. According to Tsunade, it was once the favoured training area of Hashirama himself, and Harry could feel the lingering power beneath the surface—deep, and green.
He spent some time just letting his earth magic roam the grounds, connecting with the trees softly. The roots stirred, not unlike an old cat rousing from a nap. He coaxed them awake gently, whispering to them with his magic.
It was a slow process at first. One of the thicker trees gave a groaning creak as it shifted, then yanked its roots from the soil and crawled its way across the compound like a sleepy Ent.
"Uhm… heads up!" Harry called over his shoulder to Tsunade and Shizune, who had Teddy in her arms.
Tsunade let out a strangled noise as she and Shizune ducked a particularly large trunk that swung past them with alarming ease.
"Are they moving on their own?!" Shizune yelled.
"Yes!" Harry called cheerfully. "They're quite polite if you ask nicely."
Tsunade straightened, covered in a bit of dirt and leaves. "Ask?! They nearly flattened us!"
Harry tilted his head. "They don't like to be rushed." He said, taking Teddy from Shizune.
"I liked it better when the trees didn't walk," Tsunade grumbled, brushing dirt from her robes.
One by one, the trees relocated themselves to the far western side of the compound, forming a line against the wall separating the compounds. Harry felt his magic breathe easier as the earth beneath his feet hummed in contentment.
"They're younger than they look," Harry explained as he crouched to examine the ground. "They still remember your grandfather, Tsunade. I could feel the earth magic in them—old, but familiar."
Tsunade's breath caught, and she looked away quickly.
He gave her a moment before adding softly, "I once asked a forest to rise and protect my school. They listened and fought for us. The land will always remember and protect its home."
Shizune's brows furrowed. "The trees fought?"
"They were very vicious against the enemy," Harry said simply. "Trapped them. Crushed them. But they only acted because of my magic. Otherwise, they prefer to stay stationary."
Tsunade turned to him slowly. "You could do that… here?"
Harry nodded. "If the land is willing. And it is." He turned back to her. "I want to add wards soon—real ones. This place… it'll be our home. I don't want anyone sneaking in."
"Wards are like security seals? They would have to go deep if you want to stop a ninja," Tsunade said, considering. "Ninja like to go underground, they could come from under the mountain aswell."
"I'll make sure to make it cover everything," Harry said, frowning slightly. "Maybe a few passive traps to keep people from forcing their way in. Nothing deadly—just… deterrents, something that will fling them away from the compound or trap them."
Tsunade gave him a sidelong teasing look. "And how will you entertain all the eligible young ladies if you're locking everyone out?"
Harry raised a brow. "What makes you think I'd want to?"
"Oh," she said with exaggerated innocence, "just figured the mothers in the village might come crawling with their daughters once they hear about the powerful, rich clan head that just landed in their laps. You're very pretty. That's basically a public service around here."
Harry gave her a flat look.
"She's not wrong," Shizune muttered with a sigh.
Harry lifted a clump of mud and flicked it at Tsunade.
She ducked.
Or tried to.
The lump redirected with a little help from the wind and splattered across her sleeve and she whipped around, eyes gleaming.
"Oh, you little shit."
Harry held up Teddy like a shield, grinning.
"Not in front of the baby," he said sweetly.
Teddy squealed, delighted by the chaos.
"Traitor," Tsunade growled, but her lips twitched.
When the last tree settled along the western wall, a hush fell over the compound. The once-sparse training field had doubled in size, wide enough now for both Altair and Nox to land comfortably with their wings stretched out twice over. The soft soil had already begun to sprout flowers and grass where Harry walked, tendrils of green unfurling behind him.
He stood barefoot at the centre, eyes closed and dug his feet slightly into the earth.
Magic bloomed beneath him, resonating in soft pulses. He let his power spread carefully, blending with the residual Mokuton chakra embedded deep in the compound's foundation.
Tsunade and Shizune watched as the lifeless patch of dirt transformed into a vibrant garden. Wildflowers burst into bloom, vines curled playfully over the walls, and trees once bare shimmered with blossoms in full bloom—despite the sharp winter chill in the air.
Shizune gasped. "You… you made it spring."
Harry blinked open his eyes and smiled. "I like it like this."
Tsunade wiped her cheeks subtly. "Grandfather used to do that when I was small. Just to make us play outside."
Harry plucked a violet from the ground and handed it to her. "Then maybe when we find Tenzo, I can teach him too."
Her fingers curled around the flower. Her voice was rough. "I'd like that."
The transformation hadn't stopped at the field.
The magical ripple had bled through the entire compound, spilling into gardens, wrapping around stone paths, dancing along walls. Where once had stood empty courtyards, now bloomed pockets of paradise—thickets of lavender, streams of wild strawberries, trees heavy with fresh fruit in the heart of winter.
Teddy had started crawling over to them and tried to eat the low berries before Harry caught him.
"You turned your entire compound into a fairyland," Shizune murmured, stunned. "Are you going to rein it in before it spreads to the village?"
Harry looked sheepish. "I just… got a little carried away."
Tsunade snorted. "Subtle."
Then she glanced toward the wall separating their halves of the estate.
"You know the council is going to have a fit, right?"
"Because of the flowers?"
"Because of Mokuton," she said dryly. "You'll have old bats crawling over themselves to pin you down and make babies."
"They can try," Harry said with a smirk. "I seem to recall the royal decree protecting me from the CRA. Their reactions will be even better when I tell them I can no longer sire any children."
That stopped them.
Shizune blinked. "You… can't?"
Harry waved a hand, trying not to think about how he can't even bear any children unless he asked Barty to share his bed. "It's not the end of the world. That ship sailed when I turned fifteen." His voice dropped a little. "It's alright. I have Teddy. I have Shikamaru and the dragons. I don't need to be greedy."
Tsunade looked stricken. "Hari—"
"I'm fine," he said gently. "Truly. I've made my peace with it."
There was a moment of quiet.
Then Tsunade straightened and clapped him on the back. "I'm sure loads of people would want to be adopted by a rich Mommy like you anyway."
Harry snorted. "You're terrible."
~
Later that afternoon, Harry stood near the cliffside he'd chosen for the dragons' new nests.
The stone was solid, but not impenetrable. He placed both palms on it and pushed his magic forward.
The mountain shuddered.
A cave was being carved and the more he pushed his magic and intent, the more it took shape. The cavern expanded on its own, the earth recognising what he wanted.
A nest.
It took a couple of hours to get everything stabilised, but Harry didn't tire easily. The more he gave, the more the land returned.
He was nearly finished when he felt it.
A void.
A hollow.
About half a mile into the cliffs, just past his compound border.
Harry stilled, his magic reaching out like tendrils.
It felt… wrong. Like someone had cut out the mountain, not like he did with his magic. A tunnel forced into creation instead of made with the earth. And very hidden from human senses.
"I wonder if all ninja villages have their own secret tunnels."
He frowned, letting his magic spread into the mountain to prevent it from being extended into his land. He'd ward against it later, extend the protections deep into the mountain.
No one would spy on his children.
If they ever managed to tunnel through to the caves, then their lives were forfeit. After all, he thought with a vicious smile, his dragons were still carnivores.
~
Back at the house, he found Tsunade lounging with a snoring Teddy curled on her chest, Shizune dozing beside her with a book balanced precariously on her lap.
Harry sank into the cushions nearby with a sigh.
"Caverns are carved, I just need to anchor another gateway from the Keep there so the dragons can come and go. And the magical garden did not spread to half the village, so there's that." He let out another sigh as he sunk further into the couch.
Tsunade opened one eye. "A productive day then."
He nodded. "I'll have to have Tilly watch Teddy tomorrow. I want to start inscribing the ward stone. Its delicate work and I can't have any distractions."
She nodded, then added slyly, "You know, with all of your magical talents, I bet you'd make an excellent housewife someday."
Harry glared. "I will turn you into a flower."
She cackled.
And across the compound, as the last of the twilight slipped away, a single golden lotus bloomed open and a shadow wearing a blank mask flickered away from the outskirts of the compound.
~
Tsunade had gone to the hospital for the first time that second morning, muttering dire threats about scalpel hygiene and storage standards, while Shizune followed behind her looking like a doomed assistant.
And Harry?
Harry etched runes until his hands cramped.
He had been up since dawn, barefoot in the dewy garden just behind the main house, breathing in the crisp air and feeling for the chakra that danced beneath the soil. The sun was slow to rise today and his mood was about the same.
But there was no time for melancholy. Not when the wardstone wasn't even half finished.
He focused on the core runes—binding his bloodline to the land, tying magic into the bones of the ground itself so that the protections wouldn't fade even if he were dead or absent. Everything had to be self-sustaining. Living magic. Anchored magic. In this case mixed with the chakra in the land.
Harry muttered under his breath as he sketched spiralling patterns into the base slab. "…lattice to tether the joining defences… triggers linked to the boundary lines…"
"Talking to yourself?" Shizune's voice floated across the courtyard.
He didn't look up. "It's day two without my boy, Shizune. I'm allowed a little madness."
She approached with a thermos and a smile. "Tsunade said you didn't eat breakfast."
"I did."
"Tea doesn't count."
Harry sighed but accepted the cup she poured, the steam curling into the chill air. He let the heat seep into his palms before he spoke. "How was the hospital?"
Shizune made a face. "Worse than expected. The inventory system is a disaster, the trauma wing is basically a glorified bandage station, and three of the newer medics think a chakra scalpel is for cutting toast."
He winced. "So not great."
"Not even a little bit." She glanced curiously over his shoulder at the rune matrix. "But better now. Tsunade's already started rewriting protocols. She left two ANBU with nosebleeds just from intimidation."
Harry grinned faintly, but it faded quickly. "That's good. You'll turn it around."
"We," she corrected gently. "You're part of this now, remember?"
"Right," Harry murmured. "At least I only have to supply the new medical miracle books to you both."
They stood in silence for a while, sipping tea.
Harry eventually crouched again, placing his hands on the rune circle. With a hum of focus, his magic extended outward, reading the etched lines and adjusting the flow where needed. Golden light flickered softly before dimming again, absorbed into the stone.
"Does the light mean you're close?" Shizune asked.
"I'm not just keeping us safe from shinobi." Harry's voice dropped. "You can never be too careful. Back in my world they developed explosives that fell from the sky."
She didn't argue.
He sighed and stood, brushing stone dust off his hands. "Do me a favour?"
"Of course."
"If I drop dead from exhaustion, tell Shikamaru that this entire ward structure is self-healing, self-sustaining, and will attack anything that even breathes in the wrong direction."
Shizune blinked, then nodded solemnly. "Got it. 'Touch the gate and die.' I'll carve it into a plaque."
Harry snorted. "Maybe something friendlier."
By midday, the new gates had been reinforced. Two carved dragon heads—clearly modelled after Nox—now flanked the new stone walls.
Anyone Harry permitted via blood to the ward would be able to pass unhindered. Anyone else would have to wait for approval and be escorted in.
"Eventually," he muttered as he pressed his hand to one of the stone heads, letting his magic seep in, "you'll learn to judge threats on your own."
The dragon ruby eyes glowed momentarily, then faded back to their resting state.
A shimmer of satisfaction curled in his chest. The gate was strong. The walls unbreakable.
His family would be safe.
He stood back to admire the compound. The newly expanded training field stretched nearly triple in size now, hugging the lower base of the cliff like an amphitheatre. More than large enough for his dragons to land and launch again. There was a cave entrance about 20 feet up the cliffside that the dragons can fly in and out of whenever they wanted.
Tsunade had joined Shizune on the patio, and they watched as Harry turned to start digging out a hole.
"He's a little manic," Shizune whispered.
Tsunade sipped from a bottle. "Probably one of his personality traits."
Harry looked towards them with a half-scowl. "You know I can hear you, right?"
Tsunade shrugged. "Then stop brooding and come inside. You'll scare the vegetables."
Harry rolled his eyes. "Let me finish planting this wardstone."
"It's finished already?" Shizune tilted her head.
He nodded. " I couldn't sleep last night. Felt someone poke near the outer proximity ward. Just a flutter, nothing major—but I don't want to take any chances."
Tsunade grew serious. "Bet it was one of Danzo's little agents. Will they be visible or more like the Senju security seals?"
"They'll be visible one they activate." He said with a wince. "There's no hiding it. I sent a note to the Hokage this morning telling him that I'd be setting up the compound security. Told him to expect a minor light show and not to be alarmed."
"And did you tell him when?" Tsunade narrowed her eyes.
"I'm just a little foreigner…I must have forgotten," Harry said innocently making them snort.
He grinned.
Harry walked to the centre of the courtyard, he cradled the crystalline core of the wardstone—now etched with hundreds of complex runes—and dropped seven droplets of blood onto its surface.
The stone pulsed once, then glowed white-gold.
He lowered it into the ground and began the activation chant.
As his magic surged and started to feed the stone, the stone answered and so did the chakra in the air.
Light exploded into the sky in a narrow beam, shattering clouds and turning the snow-silver sky into blazing gold. A dome of magic expanded outward, rising high into the air before cascading back down in shimmering waves.
The entire compound lit up.
Magic flowed down every path, every tree, every inch of soil. The dome sealed once the energy reached beneath the roots of the mountains and connected, sealing into a sphere, and when it was done… the sky dimmed, leaving behind a faint sparkle of golden embers drifting like snow.
Teddy clapped wildly from Shizune's arms. "Boom!"
Harry exhaled, panting slightly, sweat sticking to his collar. "That went better than I thought."
Tsunade was smiling faintly, though her expression lit as she watched the golden spark rain down. "It's done then?"
Harry nodded. "No one is coming into this compound that isn't meant to."
Shizune leaned down to Teddy. "Say thank you, Teddy. Your Maashah did such a good job!" She said cooing at the baby.
"'An 'ou!" the baby chirped, reaching for Harry.
He scooped him up with a grin and kissed his chubby cheek. "You're very welcome, little wolf!"
Tsunade sighed. "The villagers probably think you summoned the sun."
The protections would take a couple of months to mature fully—like a child growing into its limbs. But it was already much stronger than any ninja-style seal he'd seen in the Senju compound.
He'd borrowed heavily from goblin ward theory, tied it with elemental safeguards and added a blood-based recognition rune. Anyone he accepted as family or kin would walk through unhindered.
Everyone else?
Well, they would soon find out…
~
Prongs returned that night, galloping into his bedroom startling him slightly.
The whisper of Shikamaru's presence always lingered in Prongs' return. A soft curl of emotion—relief, contentment, joy.
Tonight?
Amusement radiated from the spectre.
Harry's eyes had narrowed suspiciously.
"What did you do?" he had asked aloud, voice low.
Prongs had just tossed his head and faded.
He should have remembered that Prongs was the embodiment of his father. And his father thrived on chaos…
~
Shikaku dozed in the chair beside Shikamaru's bed, head resting against the backrest, breath steady.
When his son finally stirred, it was with a groan and a slow blink.
"Ugh... dad?" Shikamaru grumbled.
Shikaku startled awake, blinking himself. Then smiled.
"It's well past lunch, kid," he said gently. "You hungry?"
Shikamaru rubbed his eyes blearily. "Yeah… my head hurts, though."
Shikaku's stomach twisted. The guilt was sharp and brutal, but he smoothed his son's hair. "Probably slept too long. Grandma left food for you. I'll go get it."
Shikamaru blinked again, then broke into a grin. "You stayed."
"I'm not going anywhere," Shikaku promised.
He left briefly, letting the scent of smoked herbs and rice waft through the kitchen as he reheated the food. That morning, his mother had spoken about how they should spread word of Shikamaru's return, of Hari's role in it. She was out right now, visiting neighbours, friends, clan heads. Speaking of a saviour, and a child found. Painting a different narrative before anyone else had the chance to write their own.
When he returned to the room, tray in hand, Shikamaru sat up eagerly, grinning wide.
They spent the next hour eating together. Shikaku watched every expression, every movement. It felt like he was seeing his son for the first time.
Once the food was cleared, he asked casually, "Shogi?"
"Really?" Shikamaru lit up.
"Really."
He pulled the old set from the shelf, and they sat cross-legged on the tatami mat between bed and window. The pieces were worn, the board older than either of them, but to Shikaku, it felt perfect.
"You've gotten better," Shikaku said after a few moves.
"Maashah plays with me sometimes."
"Does he now?"
"He still loses, though." Shikamaru puffed his chest slightly.
Shikaku chuckled. "Maybe he needs another teacher."
Shikamaru nodded. "Barty's good too. He doesn't cheat. He's Maashah's steward. Kind of like a butler, but he knows a lot. He's trying to help with Maashah's godfather. He's asleep, I think it's a jutsu gone wrong."
Shikaku nodded slowly, digesting the information.
"Sounds like you've made some friends too," Shikaku prompted gently.
Shikamaru lit up. "Fu and Gaara! Gaara draws weird things but they're good. We write to each other!" He darted across the room and pulled a small, leather-bound book. "See? I draw my deer and the dragons, and he sends back drawings of sand castles and cactus'. It's fun!"
Shikaku flipped through the pages. This was one half of those ingenious two-way journals that Hari gifted his son. "I'm glad you made some friends Shikamaru, just be careful with what you share."
"I know," Shikamaru said seriously. "I don't tell them anything about here. I'm not stupid, Dad."
Shikaku barked a laugh. "I didn't say you were. Just reminding you."
The mood dimmed slightly.
Shikamaru moved another piece, eyes thoughtful. "She never let me play with kids for long. Said it was a waste of time."
Shikaku's hand tightened on the shogi piece.
That woman. Even in death, her shadow loomed over them.
"Well," he said carefully, "maybe it's time we fix that. Would you like to meet Ino and Chouji?"
Shikamaru's eyes brightened. "Really?"
"They're your age. Good kids. I thought maybe we could host something soon. A clan gathering. Alliances, that sort of thing."
He watched as Shikamaru nodded eagerly. "Can Maashah and Teddy come?"
Shikaku smiled. "Maybe he'd like to see our library too. We've got a lot of scrolls on medicinal herbs. I heard he's interested."
"Aunt Tsunade and Aunt Shizune are too!" Shikamaru chirped. "You know, we're cousins!"
Shikaku blinked, not realising Shikamaru knew of their Senju connection. "Really?"
"Tsunade said so. She's Maashah's cousin so that makes her mine too."
That made Shikaku chuckle, realising he meant their relations through his adoption. "He's not wrong but were also related to the Senju clan through my mother."
Shikamaru tilted his head. "Really! How?"
Shikaku set his piece down and leaned back slightly. "Your grandmother—my mother—was the daughter of a Senju. Illegitimate. Her mother came back pregnant after a mission."
Shikamaru's eyes widened. "So… Auntie Tsunade really is my cousin?"
"Second cousin, once removed," Shikaku confirmed. "Maybe you should tell her. I don't think your grandma ever did."
Shikamaru giggled. "I don't mind! She needs more family."
~
The two days spent with Shikamaru were the balm Shikaku hadn't known he needed. After the brutality of the mind walk—the raw, unfiltered memories of pain, love, magic, dragons, and family—it had taken everything in him not to cling to his son and never let go again.
But they'd settled. Slowly, gently. Like a puzzle clicking back together.
There was laughter again in the Nara compound. Not the forced, polite chuckles of clan meetings or the dry sarcasm of Jounin reports—but the genuine, bubbling kind that came from Shikamaru's mouth as he told his grandmother about the blue dragon egg that was currently being babysat by a "very sad Maashah."
Even now, as he sat on the porch overlooking the gardens with a warm cup of tea, Shikaku could hear his son inside, animatedly retelling how Teddy had once changed his hair to match his own and turned it red during a tantrum. Saeko's soft laughter followed, warm and rich in a way he hadn't heard in years.
The hole left behind by Hari and Teddy's absence wasn't small. In fact, it had made itself known a dozen times over the past forty-eight hours.
He should have felt jealous. Threatened, even. Shikamaru spoke of Hari with reverence and unshakable trust. Of Teddy with the kind of protective instinct that Shikaku usually only saw in ANBU toward their charges.
Instead, all Shikaku felt was a bone-deep certainty.
They belonged together.
All of them.
That strange little unit—Harry, Shikamaru, and Teddy—fit too well to be ignored.
Shikamaru had started calling them "his parents" when speaking to others.
It did something unholy to Shikaku's heart.
Which is why, that afternoon, he found himself seated at his writing desk, ink uncapped, scroll unrolled, and his clan's seal resting beside his hand like a weight. There was no need to question what to say.
Hari had done the impossible.
Not just in rescuing Shikamaru, but in mending him.
And if the village couldn't see it—if the Hokage insisted on politics and Danzo dared move against them—then Shikaku would stake his clan's protection over Hari and Teddy himself.
They belonged to the Nara now.
As he struggled to put his thoughts into words, Ensui stopped by with news and banter, as he often did.
"I went by the hospital today," Ensui had drawled with a grin, "Shizune says Teddy's been howling all night."
Shikaku raised a brow, lips twitching. "Howling?" The pun not lost on him.
"'Shikaaaa!'" Ensui mimicked with a baby whine. "Over and over. She's not sure if he meant you or the brat. I'd bet on Shikamaru."
Shikaku snorted into his tea.
"Don't flatter yourself," Ensui shot back. "Teddy only sees you and gets confused because of the hair. He probably thinks he's seeing Shikamaru twice."
A warm pang hit Shikaku's chest. He could picture the boy—curly-haired and bright-eyed, his mop of hair morphing into Shikamaru's spikes, eyes the same impossible green as his guardian. It was adorable really, how well his and Hari's looks meshed together.
"Apparently," Ensui went on, "first thing Hari did was set up the nursery again. Shika's room too. Shizune said its beautiful, his ceiling has moving stars and clouds on it."
"Sounds like he's nesting," Shikaku muttered.
Ensui leaned forward, lips twitching. "You writing him a love letter?"
Shikaku glared. "It's a dinner invitation."
"Oh. Romantic dinner then."
"Ensui."
"What? Man's been moping like a widow. Let him eat some good food, stare longingly at your jawline, maybe cry into his tea about missing your kid."
Shikaku rolled his eyes but couldn't quite squash the smile. "Tsunade and Shizune are invited too."
Ensui gave a mock sigh. "There go your chances of seduction."
"Do you want to deliver this letter or not?"
Ensui grinned. "You know I do. The gates of the Ryūjin compound look way more fun than any patrol."
He dipped his brush again and wrote with careful strokes.
Hari-sama,
The Nara clan would be truly honoured if you and your family could join us for dinner this evening. We promise an evening of good food and pleasant company.
Please grace us with your presence at 6pm. Shikamaru doesn't know I've sent this invite, please send a private messenger if you decline. Shikaku Nara
Head of the Nara Clan
P.S. Your presence would make Shikamaru's day.
He let the ink dry, rolled the parchment with precision, and reached for the Nara seal.
He handed it over to Ensui with little ceremony. "Go. And take the straight route, no distractions."
"I'd never," Ensui said, mock-offended. "This is an invitation. Not a stealth mission."
Shikaku eyed him dryly. "Don't test his compound defences."
Ensui was already halfway out the door, letter tucked in his vest. "I'll let you know how loudly he squeals when he reads it."
Shikaku shook his head with a huff.
Then he glanced up toward the stairs, where Shikamaru's voice rang faintly as he argued with his grandmother over whether he could wear his "dragon kimono" to dinner.
Shikaku smiled to himself.
Tonight would be something else.
~
Harry felt the wards ripple before he even sensed the knock on the gates. A polite, careful pulse against the wards. He narrowed his eyes, already sensing the chakra signature on the other side of the stone dragons that marked the front gate.
"Stay with Tilly, alright, sweetheart?" he murmured to Teddy, who was currently trying to bite the ear off a stuffed lion plushie in the nursery. Teddy blinked up at him with his wide, ever-changing eyes and gave a muffled, "Maa?"
He smiled and kissed his soft curls. "We have a guest little wolf."
He disapparated with a crack, appearing on the other side of the warded gate.
He reappeared just outside the gate, the wards rippling softly around him like a veil of air.
Harry stepped through the wards and came face to face with a very startled Ensui Nara, who nearly yelled and spun on his heel like he'd been caught doing something he shouldn't.
"Gods above, Hari! You move like a ghost," Ensui hissed, a hand pressed to his chest.
Harry grinned. "You looked like you were about to knock the dragon's teeth."
Ensui glanced sheepishly at the snarling stone dragon head beside the gates. "I might have been. Didn't see a bell."
"Wards work just fine." Harry chuckled. "What brings you by?"
Ensui's grin returned in full. "Your favourite six-year-old, of course."
Immediately Harry's heart leapt. "Is he alright?" he asked, a little too quickly. "He's not—"
"He's fine," Ensui cut in, waving him off. "Sleeping better, eating well. Apparently mastering shogi again and terrorising my cousin's sleep schedule."
Harry released a breath and laughed. "That sounds like him."
Ensui stepped closer, digging into his sleeve and pulling out a small envelope. "That said, Shikaku asked me to deliver this."
Harry blinked. "A letter?"
"It's an invitation," Ensui said, his tone suddenly far too smug for Harry's peace of mind. "Dinner tonight. You. Teddy. Tsunade and Shizune, too. A surprise for Shikamaru."
Harry took the letter with careful fingers and broke the wax seal. The Nara crest stared back at him solemnly, the brushstrokes precise but slightly uneven — written in a hand that tried to be formal. He read it once, then again, and felt his heart warm at the awkward sincerity tucked between the lines.
He didn't realise he was smiling until Ensui elbowed him.
"What?" Harry said suspiciously.
"You look like a girl reading her first love letter."
Harry scowled and elbowed him right back. "It's not like that."
"Sure it's not," Ensui teased, still grinning. "Should I tell him you'll come?"
Harry hesitated for only a moment. "Yes," he said, voice softer than he meant. "Of course we'll come. Should I bring something?"
Ensui tilted his head. "Not unless you've got something as good as your dragons. The brat and my cousin will be thrilled just to see you again. The old woman's cooking a feast, so maybe bring an appetite."
Harry laughed lightly, still feeling a strange flutter in his chest. "Right. We'll be there."
He paused as Ensui turned to leave. "Thank you."
Ensui waved him off, already walking backwards toward the road. "Don't thank me until after dinner. Old Nara women are terrifying."
Harry stood by the gate for a few more moments, watching the wind rustle the trees. Then he apparated back inside.
Tilly took one look at his flushed face and brightened eyes.
"Master Harry is nervous," she sang, hopping beside the kettle. "He's worried about impressing his crush!"
"I do not—" Harry started.
Teddy let out a loud squeal. "Sh'ku!"
Harry buried his face in his hands.
"Traitors. All of you."
~
The wardrobe situation was worse than he thought. His robes from Hogwarts and the Wizengamot were either too stiff, or too small. Most of what he wore now were travel leathers or clothes charmed for durability. None of it felt quite right.
He finally gave up and went to find Tsunade and Shizune, who were in the west wing sorting through old Senju scrolls and herbs. Teddy trailed behind him on unsteady legs, clutching a flower he'd tried to chew on.
"Tsu!" he declared.
Tsunade arched a brow. "He finally speaks to me."
Harry smiled. "When he wants to."
"So like you," Tsunade muttered.
"Can you help me dress?" he blurted before he could second guess himself.
That got a proper reaction.
Shizune choked on her tea and Tsunade raised both brows. "For Shikaku? Already?"
"No!" Harry flushed bright red. "For the dinner. I need to look presentable. I don't have anything that suits a formal clan dinner, and I'm not showing up to the Naras looking like a lost tourist."
Tsunade hummed with a smirk. "You want to impress your boy's father."
Harry opened his mouth.
Closed it.
"I want to look appropriate."
"Right."
An hour later, they had found something that worked. A deep green yukata with a charcoal sash, which brought out the green shade of his eyes and echoed the forests of Nara. His hair was braided back in a neat small knot, a few strands falling in his face.
Teddy wore soft navy robes and his hair—currently a glossy black—refused to be tamed.
"He's going to chew on the table," Harry predicted. "And try to steal chopsticks."
"Perfect," Tsunade said smugly. "A true clan heir then."
Before they left, Harry took a moment to apparate into the Keep greenhouse, kneeling before the raised planter where a small grove of dittany plants thrived under gentle magical light.
"Tilly," he said softly, "could you pot one for me? Carefully. I want to gift it to Shikaku."
The elf popped in beside him. "Master Harry wants the healing plant for the Nara, yes? They'll like it."
Harry smiled. "That's what I was hoping."
He took the time to enchant the clay pot—small charms for preservation, gentle heat, and a charm against rot.
~
The walk to the Nara compound felt longer than Harry remembered thought it would be.
The nerves were ridiculous, really. He was seventeen. He had faced down Dark Lords, survived manipulative headmasters, cared for magical creatures most wouldn't dare to. He was raising children and flying dragons.
And still, here he was.
Heart fluttering like a twelve-year-old with a crush. Because he was about to see him again.
Not just Shikamaru, though Merlin knew he'd missed that boy more than he thought possible in just two days. But Shikaku too—sharp-eyed and soft-voiced, all quiet strength and wry smiles. A man who said little but meant everything he did say.
Who had invited them into his home.
"Shoulders," Tsunade said casually beside him, breaking his spiral of thought.
Harry blinked. "What?"
"You're doing that thing again, clenching your shoulders like you're about to fight off a fangirl."
He huffed, adjusting Teddy slightly in his arms. The baby was gnawing on the ear of his dragon plushie, completely unaware of Harry's inner crisis. "It's just a dinner."
"Mmhm," Tsunade hummed, clearly unconvinced. "You've only changed outfits three times, enchanted a healing herb pot, and rebraided your hair twice. Very casual behaviour."
"You're enjoying this far too much."
"I'm surviving off it," she said brightly. "That and spite. Shizune's taking my meeting for me, which means I get to eat Nara food without dealing with medics who think chakra scalpels are salad tongs."
Harry smiled despite himself, eyes flicking up as the outer edge of the Nara compound came into view. The stone gates stood nestled between two ancient trees. The gates were carved deep with deer imagery—spiralling antlers and blooming plants, scrollwork that shimmered faintly with protective chakra.
Two guards stood at the entrance, both in loose-fitting brown and green uniforms that blended into the treeline. One was tall and broad-shouldered, the other leaner, with a lazy smirk already curling his mouth.
As soon as they spotted Harry, both straightened slightly.
"Can we help you?" the lean one drawled, "you must be lost."
Harry blinked. "We're here for dinner—Shikaku-sama invited us."
The broad-shouldered guard had a sudden look of realisation and gave a sharp nod and immediately turned to jog down the path. The leaner one, however, stayed where he was, arms folding behind his head with easy confidence.
"Your little Shikamaru's saviour," he said. "Didn't think we'd see you so soon. Word is, the little lord's been talking about you all day."
Harry felt a tight warmth in his chest. "We missed him too."
He peered down at Teddy, who promptly offered him his plush in greeting.
"Well I'll be," the man murmured, eyes crinkling. "What a cute little fawn."
The guard's eyes flicked to him again, something quieter settling in his gaze. "You did good," he said after a beat. "For our clan."
"I just did what anyone would have—"
"No," the guard interrupted, voice firm now. "You didn't. You saved our fawn. That matters."
The word fawn jolted something in Harry's chest. A tug, like a memory brushing too close to the surface. He tried to grasp it—but then—
"Why can't I help grandma with the food?!"
Shikamaru's voice, young and indignant, floated clearly from behind the gates.
Harry felt Teddy stiffen against his chest, the little boy's head like a wolf catching a scent. His eyes went wide and shiny, and the plush dropped from his mouth.
"We need to greet our guests," came Shikaku's low chuckle in response.
"Guests?"
Harry barely had time to laugh before Teddy started wriggling violently in his arms, tiny legs kicking, hands pawing at his chest.
"Sh'kaaaa!" he squealed, desperate and loud.
"Alright, alright," Harry said, shifting him carefully. "We're nearly there, little wolf."
The gates creaked open.
There stood Shikaku. One hand rested on Shikamaru's shoulder, the boy glaring at the gravel path with all the fury of a slighted prince.
"Look up," Shikaku murmured, nudging him gently.
Shikamaru glanced up and let out a shriek of glee.
"MAASHAH! TEDDY"
Teddy echoed him at once, "SH'KA!"
Harry crouched automatically, catching the blur of limbs that was his eldest son as Shikamaru launched into his arms. Teddy clung tight to Harry's side, eyes locked on his brother, gleefully chirping.
"You came early!" Shikamaru cried. "I thought—tomorrow—Dad said—!"
"I missed you too much," Harry whispered, burying his nose in Shikamaru's hair. "We all did."
"I missed you so much!"
It took effort to stand with both boys latched to him like barnacles, but Harry managed, breath catching as Shikamaru clung to his middle and Teddy used his sleeve as a teether. He swayed slightly and felt a steadying hand against his back.
Shikaku.
Harry looked up—and instantly regretted it.
The other man's expression was soft. So incredibly soft. His hand lingered a moment, then reached up and ruffled Teddy's hair.
The baby blinked, startled at first, but then squealed and lunged toward him.
"Seems someone missed you too," he said, carefully transferring Teddy into Shikaku's open arms.
Their fingers brushed—just briefly—as Shikaku took the baby.
The baby settled immediately, patting Shikaku's jaw and giggling.
Harry then saw something —the way Teddy's head dipped forward slightly, his little nose brushing the collar of Shikaku's robes. Scenting. Claiming him as pack.
Shikaku didn't seem to notice.
Harry certainly did.
"Thank you for inviting us," Harry said, voice a touch too quiet. "We've missed him. A lot."
Shikaku's mouth quirked. "Well. It wasn't the same here either."
And was that—? No. Harry would not call that flirting. Shikaku wasn't even smiling properly. It was just... soft.
Tsunade cleared her throat behind them. "Thanks for the invitation, Shikaku brat. I'm sure the entertainment will be worth the trip."
"Brat?" he echoed flatly.
Harry smothered a snort.
They walked through the compound slowly, Shikamaru holding Harry's hand and narrating proudly.
"That's our training field—it's for shadow sparring!"
"And that building?" Tsunade asked.
"Library," Shikamaru said. "But Grandma calls it 'the real house.'"
They passed several outbuildings—modest structures nestled beneath the canopy of gently glowing lanterns.
"That one's a tea lab," Shikamaru added. "They test herbs and stuff."
Harry blinked. "You have a tea lab?"
"Welcome to the Nara clan," Shikaku said dryly. "We take leaves seriously."
Eventually, they reached the main house.
Sliding doors opened to warm light and the smell of grilled meat and herbs. Shikaku passed Teddy back to Harry with a strange reluctance—one hand lingering against the baby's back.
Then Shikaku cleared his throat. "If I'd known you'd dress for the occasion, I'd have worn something nicer."
Harry flushed. "You look fine —I mean you look nice."
"Mm. You look better."
Tsunade made a choking sound behind him.
Harry, for his part, did not die on the spot, but only barely.
Shikamaru grabbed his hand. "C'mon! I want you to meet Grandma—"
"Hold on," Shikaku interrupted. "Why don't you take our guests to the dining room? I'll help your grandmother with the rest."
"Okay," Shikamaru said, bouncing.
The dining room was large but intimate. Tatami mats surrounded a low table, cushions spaced evenly. A small alcove to the side held a scroll painting and an incense holder.
Shikamaru tugged Harry down to kneel.
"Dad sits at the head," he declared, "so Maashah sits next to him. Grandma sits across, and Tsu next to Grandma. I sit here—next to you—and Teddy too."
Harry eyed the look he and Tsunade exchanged.
"That's... very specific."
"I know formal stuff!" Shikamaru said proudly. "Maashah's the guest of honour."
Harry sighed. "I barely know which end of the chopsticks to use."
Tsunade patted his arm. "If you drop anything, I'll throw you a spoon."
"I might take you up on that," he muttered.
"What have you and your dad been up to?" Harry asked then, curious.
"Oh! We played so much shogi. And went to the deer meadow. And Dad showed me his new shadow trick! And Grandma made soup every night and we watched the stars from the roof—"
Harry smiled softly, letting the excited rambling wash over him. Even Teddy sat quietly, holding Shikamaru's hand with his little fingers.
Tsunade asked a few questions—about the deer, the games—and then added, "Your Maashah made the trees walk. Bet you didn't expect that."
Shikamaru gasped hearing about the compound. "Can Dad see it too? And Grandma?"
"They're always welcome," Harry said gently. "It's your home, too."
He didn't let his mind wander to what might come later.
He wasn't giving up Shikamaru.
He'd marry a Nara and chain himself to the clan before he gave up his son.
The door slid open.
A woman entered—late fifties at most, with white hair swept into a loose twist and warm brown eyes. Her tray wobbled slightly under the weight of the bowls she carried.
Harry shot to his feet. "Let me help—"
"Oh no, it's hot—"
"Heat doesn't bother me much," he said smoothly, plucking two of the wobblier bowls from the edge. "Dragons, you know."
She blinked, then laughed as he followed her to the table and laid them out.
"You're so polite," she said, setting the last dish down. "I see why my grandson's manners haven't degraded these past months."
"Speaking of," Shikaku said, stepping in with two larger pots. "Mother, I've got it—"
"Oh hush," she said, swatting at him. "He's helpful. You could learn something from him."
Harry covered his mouth quickly to hide the laugh that nearly came out.
Shikaku looked utterly betrayed at his mother's teasing.
Once the table was laid, Harry bowed.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Saeko. I—Shikamaru is an incredible boy. You must have raised your son well to have a wonderful grandson in him."
Saeko blinked, then stepped forward and pulled him into a tight hug.
Harry froze.
"Thank you," she said against his shoulder. "For saving my grandson. For loving him when we couldn't be there."
"I'd do it again," Harry said simply.
She stepped back, eyes shining, and studied him.
Then she looked down as Teddy made a soft coo and offered her his plush, long strands of spiky black hair covering his face cutely.
"Oh, you are a treasure," she whispered, taking it and kissing his cheek. "Looks just like Shikamaru did with all that messy hair."
Harry missed the look she sent her son. Shikaku did not.
Harry introduced Tsunade next.
Shikamaru piped up, "Grandma's your cousin!"
They blinked looking confused, but Saeko smiled and waved the questions away.
"I'll explain. But later. Let's eat before the food cools."
And that's exactly what they did.
The dinner was delicious—simple but lovingly made. Shikamaru listed his favourites with unfiltered joy, and Harry nodded through them, biting into dumplings with tentative grace and managing not to drop anything.
"My cousin's been angsty these past couple of days," Tsunade said after a while, sipping her sake. "He's been causing chaos to distract himself."
Shikaku smirked. "Heard rumours of walking trees."
"I forgot they were that tall," Harry groaned. "The wards weren't done yet. I needed more space for the dragons, okat?"
Saeko raised a brow. "How many dragons do you have?"
Harry scratched his neck. "I don't own then but I can summon seven so far. They'll be able to come and go as they please once I set up the…summoning seal?" Finding it hard to simplify the doorways he creates between worlds. "Once I do though I won't be waiting before taking flight, it's been far too long."
"Hm. Then you'll want to inform the village discreetly. Get the word out about your dragons protecting the village in case someone tries to use some scaremongering tactics to cause trouble."
Harry winced. He supposed a small village like this might fear the sight of a grown dragon that could burn the village to a crisp.
Even Shikamaru pouted. "But flying is amazing. Nox is the best flyer! I can't wait to fly my own dragon!"
Harry sent a pleading glance to Shikaku. "Not for years, right?"
"Right," Shikaku said, fighting a grin.
Then Saeko turned to Tsunade when she spoke.
"You said we're cousins?"
And so the story unfurled. Of Batsuma Senju having affairs. Of hidden children—illegitimate children.
Saeko told it quietly. Of Batsuma's illegitimate daughter —her mother— coming back from a mission gone wrong pregnant, the shame it brought. Batsuma's steadfast refusal to acknowledge them. The refuge she found in study. The boy who fell in love with her despite the shame of being a bastard of the Senju clan. The family she built with the Naras.
And the suspicion.
So many Senju gone during war. Too many.
Tsunade listened with clenched fists.
"There's only us left," she whispered.
Harry didn't dare look up. Didn't want Shikamaru to mention—
"I have a nephew," Tsunade said suddenly.
And there went that secret, he thought, wanting to groan at the sudden reveal.
Shikaku straightened, eyes sharpening in interest.
"His name is Tenzo. He's Nawaki's son, created from his stolen DNA. Orochimaru... raised him. He was the only survivor from his labs..." She said, looking at Shikamaru and mincing her words.
But Saeko paled, understanding that he was raised as Orochimaru's experiment.
Shikaku frowned. "You want help finding him?"
"I'm demanding discretion," she said. "As clan head."
Shikaku sighed. "Troublesome."
Harry smiled faintly. "So you'll help?"
"I think I know who you mean," Shikaku admitted. "I'll check to see if he's in village."
Tsunade relaxed. "Is he... okay?"
Shikaku shrugged. "Quiet. Tough. Good ninja. Kakashi likes him. They're friends I think."
Saeko whispered, "I'll light incense tonight. For Nawaki."
Tsunade's eyes glistened. She nodded.
Then Shikamaru beamed.
"Does that mean cousin Tenzo can come home now too?"
Harry laughed and wiped rice from his cheek. "Yeah, little dragon. Hopefully soon."
~
Dinner, once past the momentous revelations, unfolded into something softer.
Laughter came easier, the air warmer with each passing moment. The tension that had hovered between guests and hosts seemed to melt like morning mist. It helped that Teddy had begun his campaign to claim Shikaku's hair for his own, reaching, grabbing, babbling with unrelenting determination from Harry's lap.
"Teddy," Harry warned for the third time, gently pulling him back. "You can't just grab people's heads."
The baby pouted, then leaned again, his little hand outstretched with all the stubbornness of a dragonling eyeing its first treasure.
"He's determined," Shikaku noted, amused.
Harry exhaled. "He thinks your hair is a toy."
"I've heard worse," Shikaku said, holding out his arms. "May I?"
Harry handed Teddy over, fingers brushing against Shikaku's again in the exchange.
It was brief.
Barely a second.
But his skin tingled, and he ducked his head to hide the blush painting his cheeks.
Across the table, Tsunade leaned over to Saeko, whispering something behind a raised hand.
They both glanced at him and Harry felt his ears go red once more.
Was he that obvious?
He shoved a piece of dumpling in his mouth, trying not to think about how his thoughts had wandered earlier—how strong Shikaku's hands looked holding Teddy. How gently he cradled him in the crook of his arm, feeding the baby small pieces of rice and soft greens like it was second nature.
Gods, help me, Harry thought, swallowing hard. I think my magical ovaries are going into overdrive.
Not that they could ever be used.
That ship had sailed.
Still.
It wasn't like he had experience. Petar had been his first and only real kiss—more than his first kiss. Hormones at fourteen were vicious, sure, but this was... different. He had never wanted to climb someone the way he wanted to climb Shikaku.
Was that love? Or was it just carrier instincts confused by good parenting and broad shoulders?
He told his instincts firmly that unless they wanted to ask Barty to knock him up, they could shut up and go sit in his tragically barren womb.
Harry straightened slightly and looked at the small plant pot tucked in the corner of the room. "Shika? Can you bring me the pot we left by the wall?"
Shikamaru nodded and darted over, carefully lifting it and placing it in front of Harry.
Harry ran a hand over the rim and looked at the gathered family.
"I brought this as a gift," he said. "It's a plant from my homeland—dittany. It's used in powerful healing potions and poultices. When crushed and mixed with pure alcohol, it produces a liquid that can seal shallow wounds almost instantly."
Saeko leaned forward, eyes bright.
"I thought," Harry continued, "since the Nara clan researches herbs and remedies, you might be interested. I don't know if it can be processed the same way without my bloodline, but—" He rummaged through his robes and produced a small card. "—this is the recipe. You're welcome to cultivate the plant as well, of course."
He stopped, realising he'd been babbling.
Shikaku reached across the table and laid a hand gently over his.
The older man's eyes were serious, steady. "We invited you to dinner. You didn't need to bring a gift of this value."
Harry blinked. Then smiled, suddenly self-conscious. "I mean... I can take it back—"
"No!" Saeko practically lunged across the table, eyes alight with academic glee. "This is fascinating—what temperature do the leaves prefer? Can it be propagated through cuttings? How does it interact with chakra-enhanced salves?"
Harry laughed, delighted. "I've written what I know on the card."
Shikaku gave him a dry look. "If you want it back now, you'll have to pry it out of her cold, dead hands."
"Fair," Harry said, grinning. "I suppose she can keep it."
Saeko pulled back, eyes shining. "Thank you. This is a gift to our clan we will treasure."
Tsunade huffed. "I never got a magical plant."
Harry rolled his eyes. "You get access to my medical library. Stop complaining."
"Really," Shikaku said, perking up slightly, "a medical library?"
Harry raised a brow. "Interested?"
Shikaku gave a one-shouldered shrug with a smirk. "Maybe."
"I'm still translating the books to your language," Harry warned, then turned to Tsunade. "So buckle up. It'll be a while."
At that moment, Shikamaru leaned against the table. "Dad, when do you go to work tomorrow?"
Shikaku frowned slightly. "Early. Sorry, kiddo."
Shikamaru deflated.
Shikaku reached over and brushed his son's hair back. "But you can spend the day with Hari, if you want."
Harry's heart did a somersault.
"I'd love that," he said, before he could stop himself. "If you'd like to send a Nara guard with us, I wouldn't mind—"
"No need," Shikaku said firmly. "I trust you."
Harry sat back, stunned silent.
Tsunade snorted. "You two look like puppies wagging your tails."
"Guilty," Harry mumbled.
Shikamaru yawned, big and wide, and Teddy immediately followed suit, tiny jaw stretching.
"Bedtime I think," Harry announced gently.
"Can we get a story?" Shikamaru asked, looking hopeful.
He looked at Shikaku silently asking if that was alright and said, "of course."
Shikaku nodded. "If it's easier, stay the night. No point waking Teddy if he's already out."
Harry nodded gratefully. "Thank you. And—could we speak? Later. Privately?"
Shikamaru blinked up at him. "Is it about... that?"
Harry groaned. "Subtlety, your name is not Shikamaru Nara."
The boy grinned unrepentantly.
Tsunade stood, stretching. "Saeko, want help with the dishes?"
The two women left chatting like old friends, and Harry smiled seeing his cousin so relaxed.
He followed Shikamaru to his room, gently casting a cleaning charm over both boys.
"Into pyjamas," he instructed.
Shikamaru obeyed, changing into his sleepwear and diving into the covers. The room was tidy but plain—bare walls, a neat shelf, the expected shogi board, and not much else. Harry made a mental note to remedy that. Maybe a few star charts. Some plush animals.
He carefully removed Teddy's outer robe and held him close when the baby whined.
"Shhh, cub," he murmured, bending his head and scenting his now curly head. A soft wolfish rumble escaped his chest, and Teddy settled with a contented purr.
Harry's animagus stirred inside him, the wolf part content and pleased. His pack was here.
He sat at the edge of the futon, one hand stroking Shikamaru's hair. Magic gathered softly in his palm as he summoned sparks to dance in the air, shaping them into a quiet story of a dragon freed from chains, finding a family of stars who loved him as their own.
He didn't choose a long story today.
They wouldn't be awake long.
When both boys were breathing softly in their sleep.
He looked up and tensed slightly.
Shikaku stood at the doorway, arms crossed, watching with a look Harry couldn't place.
"You're going to ruin me," Shikaku whispered. "I'll never be able to tell a decent story again."
Harry smiled. "Then we'll take turns. Wouldn't want your storytelling skills to waste away."
Shikaku chuckled, then vanished briefly and returned with an old wooden cot. "This was Shikamaru's. Should work for Teddy tonight."
Harry's heart did something dangerous at the thoughtful gift.
He helped arrange the blanket, shifting Teddy gently. The baby whined, but the mixed scent of him and Shikamaru on the blanket calmed him instantly.
"Adorable," Shikaku whispered.
"Isn't he?" Harry beamed, then blinked at how close they were.
They had both leaned in at the same time to kiss Shikamaru's forehead.
Harry could feel the man's breath against his jaw.
Gods, help me, he thought, again.
Shikaku nodded toward the hallway, and Harry followed.
They stepped into what looked like a study—neatly kept, scrolls tucked along the walls, a desk at the far end. Shikaku moved to the chair but gestured for Harry to sit.
Harry didn't but he could tell Shikaku was waiting patiently for him to start.
He started pacing instead.
"I love him," he blurted. "I love Shikamaru just as much as Teddy."
Shikaku just smiled.
"I know."
Harry blinked, startled.
"But I didn't know he had parents," Harry pressed. "I thought he was alone. I never meant to take anything from anyone—"
"You didn't," Shikaku said quietly.
Harry kept going. "I—my people—we have a ritual. It's not done often anymore, but it's sacred. A way to pass on your blood, your legacy. A way to become a parent by choice and blood. It doesn't erase the child's original family. It just... adds to it."
"I did this ritual with Shikamaru a month ago." He ran a hand through his hair, restless. "I would have asked. If I knew he had a living parent who loved him still. I never would've done it without your consent otherwise."
Silence.
Then Harry stiffened. "But I won't give him up. I won't. I'll marry into the Nara clan if I have to—make a formal alliance. You can name the terms. I just—he's my son."
He turned away, heart pounding and breathing slightly elevated.
And then, arms were around him, strong and steady.
Harry nearly jumped out of his skin. His instincts surged, magic flaring then stopped.
Because it was Shikaku.
He was being hugged. By Shikaku.
Slowly, trembling slightly, Harry melted into the warmth. Shikaku's scent was all green woods and spice, grounding him. His hands gripped the man's back, clenching the fabric tightly.
"I could never ask for a better mother or parent than you are to Shikamaru," Shikaku murmured into his hair. "Our son is lucky to have you. I would never deny the bond you share. I'm lucky you found him, Hari."
Harry's throat closed.
"I can't regret what happened," Shikaku continued. "Because it brought me here. Back to him. These past few months let me become a better father for him.Thank you. For loving my son so much."
Harry held tighter, a little laugh bubbling out of him, a little breathless.
"Careful though," Shikaku said, smirking against his temple. "You offer marriage like that again and a man might actually accept."
Harry laughed again, muffled against his chest.
"I wouldn't mind," he whispered.
And maybe he meant it.
~ Tsunade ~
The kitchen had quieted, the soft clink of bowls and rush of water the only sounds for a while.
Tsunade rolled up the sleeves of her pale green yukata, rinsing a tray with deliberate care. Beside her, Saeko stacked dishes in neat, practiced order. Her sleeves were pinned up with silver clips, a simple but elegant touch that matched the quiet dignity the older woman carried.
"Never thought I'd be elbow-deep in dishwater at a Nara house," Tsunade muttered.
Saeko hummed. "And here I thought you'd be above such peasantry."
Tsunade smirked. "My grandmother made sure I did my share. My grandfather was the one that spoiled us."
"Well," Saeko said, scrubbing a stubborn rice crust with a satisfied grunt, "he always was a bit of a carefree idiot."
They worked in silence a little longer, the kind that felt less like awkwardness and more like a conversation waiting to bloom.
Eventually, Saeko dried her hands and poured two small cups of tea from a kettle that had been quietly warming at the back of the stove. She gestured to the bench near the wall.
"Sit. I want a proper look at you."
Tsunade eyed her warily but obeyed. She accepted the tea with a quiet nod, watching the steam curl between them.
"You've got Hashirama's stubborn jaw," Saeko said, eyes tracing her features. "And Mito's eyebrows."
"I got her temper too," Tsunade muttered.
Saeko smiled. "And I got none of it. Not the Senju name, the status, the gifts. Just the blood—and all of the shame that came with it."
Tsunade hesitated. "You don't sound bitter."
Saeko looked out the window, eyes distant. "I was. For a long time. Then I met Shikaku's father. He didn't care about names. Just my mind. My laughter. My heart."
She smiled faintly. "He died too young. But he gave me everything I ever wanted."
Tsunade sipped her tea. "He raised a good son."
Saeko nodded. "He did. And now it seems our families are tied once again."
They sat like that for a moment, letting the words settle.
Tsunade looked down, "I didn't know you existed."
"I know," Saeko said, softer now. "Not many did. Even Hashirama and Tobirama thought I was just a bastard cousin for years and not their niece."
They sat quietly again.
"I hope," Saeko said gently, "we can start fresh from here."
Tsunade met her eyes. "Yeah. I think we can."
Saeko smiled. "Seems like our legacy's still alive, doesn't it?"
Tsunade nodded.
Alive—and better for it.
"…So," the older woman began, tone shifting to something wry, "your cousin and my boy."
Tsunade blinked. "Oh kami, you see it too."
Saeko arched one pristine brow. "See it? I had to whisper to him not to drool across the dumplings."
Tsunade snorted into her tea. "Hari is only seventeen. His hormones are fighting for dominance like two stags in rut."
Saeko gave a sly smile. "And Shikaku's over there holding his baby like it's second nature, feeding him with one hand and making eyes at the poor boy with the other."
"Oh please," Tsunade muttered. "Shikaku has been making bedroom eyes since they met. And Hari? He practically went catatonic when they brushed fingers."
"I saw that," Saeko said with mock outrage. "He turned so red I thought he'd activated some kind of jutsu."
"I thought we'd have to peel him off the floor."
They both dissolved into quiet giggles, stifled only slightly by their tea.
Saeko shook her head fondly. "Honestly. They're like deer sniffing around each other at mating season—shuffling, staring, refusing to make the first move."
Tsunade leaned forward conspiratorially. "I give it a week. Tops. One more shared parenting moment and they'll end up kissing behind the shogi board."
Saeko smirked. "If they don't trip over a baby and fall into each other's laps first."
Tsunade raised her cup. "To idiot men and the very clever children who will one day explain to them what flirting is."
Saeko clinked her cup gently against hers. "And to sharp-eyed women who get to sit back and watch it all unfold."
They drank, warm with tea and mischief.
~ Shikaku two nights ago ~
Shikaku just wanted a cup of tea.
It was well past midnight and the house was quiet. He padded barefoot across the tatami mats, hair still tied back from the day, yukata loose at the collar. His fingers curled around the warm teacup, steam curling into the air.
Peace.
He deserved peace.
Then the wall glowed.
He froze mid-step as the light rippled across the hallway wall like someone had dunked it in moonlight. It shimmered once, then something enormous and very not-normal phased straight through the solid wood with the easy grace of a ghost.
Shikaku choked on his tea.
Standing directly in front of him—tall, luminescent, and very much glowing like a patronising deity—was a silver stag.
It had antlers like tree branches dipped in starlight, eyes like moonstone, and an attitude that screamed smug from nose to hoof.
Shikaku stared.
The stag stared back.
Neither moved.
He was still in a half-crouch from instinctively shifting into a ready stance, eyes narrowed, muscles tense. This was not, by any stretch of the imagination, the evening stroll he'd planned.
"I know you," he muttered.
Not personally, of course.
But he remembered that majestic bastard from Shikamaru's memories. The one that galloped into those horrible black floating beasts that tried to kill Hari.
The stag snorted loudly.
It tossed its head and strutted past him like a runway model, ghost hooves not even pretending to touch the floor.
Shikaku turned slowly, watching it saunter toward the bedrooms like it had an open invitation.
It disappeared through Shikamaru's door and Shikaku blinked.
"…Seriously?"
He hesitated, paranoia winning out. Ghost stag or not, this thing was in his house. Near his son. Possibly judging him.
He followed.
Inside, moonlight streamed through the window, illuminating the quiet room. Shikamaru was on his side, little hands tucked under his cheek.
And the stag stood beside the bed.
It lowered its massive head and gently nuzzled Shikamaru's back.
A visible wave of calm seemed to roll over the boy's body—his small shoulders relaxed, his expression softened into something peaceful and free of tension. A faint smile even curled at his lips.
Shikaku could feel the emotion pouring from the creature.
Pure, unfiltered affection. Relief. Joy. Love.
He stared, breath caught, as the stag settled beside the futon like some ancient protector god and tilted its glowing head back toward him.
What are you going to do about it? it seemed to ask.
Shikaku lifted a brow. "You've made yourself at home, haven't you?"
The stag blinked slowly, antlers catching the moonlight like blades of divine mockery.
Shikaku sighed. "Right. That's how it's gonna be."
He backed out of the room quietly, resisting the urge to bow on his way out.
Because that would've felt right.
But he couldn't let a bloody deer win. Especially this smug deer.
Still, as he returned to his now-lukewarm tea, he smiled.
Hari had sent the stag.
No other reason for it to appear, not like this.
He'd sent it to check on his son.
Their son.
~
The next couple of days were chaos.
By the second night, his inbox had six reports from patrol guards and one formal missive from a particularly dramatic Genin suggesting they "possibly call for an exorcism."
Rumours had begun to spread among the clan.
"The spirits of the ancestors walk again!"
"A deer god has returned to bless the line!"
"The heavens are delivering us a message through the antlers of the stag!"
Shikaku sat at his desk, hands over his face, laughter shaking through his chest.
He finally looked down at the newest report—complete with a sketch—and wheezed.
The artist had drawn a vaguely accurate silhouette of Prongs with the caption:
"Spotted near the heir's quarters at midnight. Possibly a manifestation of the Nara Clan's future?"
He nearly fell out of his chair laughing.
He'd have to tell Hari.
Because that was his stag and the Nara clan were taking it as a sign of the kami.
Hari would be rolling in courting offers from the Nara if they found out it was his. Meaning they couldn't find out, because it would drastically lower his own chances at wooing the man.
The single Nara men could never know.