The blind date between Kakashi and Shizune had quickly become the hottest topic at the family dinner!
Even Minato couldn't help but chime in with a teasing smile.
"Kakashi, Shizune's a wonderful woman. If you think it's okay, give it a try. Get to know her better—maybe something will come of it. When the time comes and you get married, I'll personally attend as your witness!"
Kakashi scratched the back of his head helplessly.
"Sensei… why are you joining in too?"
Fortunately, Shizune had something urgent to attend to that evening and couldn't make it. Otherwise, the dinner table would've been absolutely chaotic.
Jiraiya laughed boisterously.
"Alright, alright, don't tease Kakashi anymore. Let him figure it out on his own. Matters of the heart can't be forced. Look at me—I've loved Tsunade since I was a kid. Do you know how many times I've been pounded into the ground chasing her? She's beaten me half to death so many times, and only now, at this age, did I finally manage to make her mine!"
Tsunade snorted, looking away with her arms crossed, cheeks slightly red.
After three rounds of drinks and countless dishes, laughter filled Naruto's home. One by one, the guests began to leave. Naruto, Hinata, Minato, and Kushina stood outside their brightly lit doorway, waving as everyone departed.
"Hey, Naruto, come out for a walk!"
Shikamaru, slightly tipsy and flushed from the sake, called out casually.
Naruto turned to look at Hinata and his mother. Hinata gave a soft nod.
"Go ahead," she said gently.
Kushina smiled knowingly. "Go on, dear. Just don't stay out too late."
So Naruto followed Shikamaru out into the cool night air.
Rock Lee was busy escorting Guy-sensei home, Neji was dragged away by Tenten, Shino hurried home to feed his insects, and Kiba rushed off to feed Akamaru.
As for Sasuke—he didn't stand a chance. Sakura and Karin grabbed him from both sides and dragged him off before he could even protest.
In the end, only three remained: Shikamaru, Chōji, and Naruto.
Temari had been told to head back to the Konoha Guest House on her own.
The trio strolled down the quiet streets of Konoha, the night breeze carrying the scent of grilled food and flowers. Eventually, they found themselves walking through the village's commercial district.
Shikamaru exhaled slowly. "Man, time really flies. The last time the three of us walked around like this was back in our Academy days."
Chōji rubbed his full belly, grinning. "Yeah, and I used to carry a bag of potato chips everywhere back then."
Naruto chuckled. "I remember stealing one from you once—you looked like you were gonna cry!"
Shikamaru laughed. "I used to think Chōji never stopped eating. But during the Fourth Shinobi War, when he turned into that giant butterfly form, I realized losing weight actually makes him kinda cool."
Chōji puffed out his chest proudly. "That's right! I eat to build up power. Every bite counts!"
Shikamaru groaned. "It's peacetime now, you idiot. You don't need to keep eating like it's wartime. Last time we had yakiniku, you broke Asuma-sensei's record!"
Chōji crossed his arms, mock-offended. "Didn't Naruto say something about enemies from the stars someday? I'm just preparing early!"
Naruto laughed, clapping Chōji's shoulder. "Makes sense! Can't argue with that logic."
They wandered through the dimly lit streets until they reached the Ninja Academy.
Chōji suggested they take a look inside. "Come on, for old times' sake."
The three slipped through the front gate quietly. Some lights were still on in the offices—probably a teacher working late.
They sneaked into their old classroom.
Chōji pointed at the courtyard wall with a nostalgic grin. "Naruto, remember when the three of us had to stand there as punishment?"
Naruto smiled. "Yeah… those were the days."
Shikamaru put an arm around Naruto's shoulder. "To be honest, my grades were great back then. I didn't even deserve punishment, but they made me stand with you two. Such a drag…"
Chōji pretended to be angry. "You ungrateful jerk! We stood together in solidarity!"
Shikamaru sighed. "You call standing beside you two solidarity? Troublesome…"
Naruto burst into laughter.
Their laughter must have echoed, because moments later, they heard footsteps in the hallway. The three exchanged glances and bolted out the window.
Moments later, Anko Mitarashi switched on the corridor lights, glancing around suspiciously.
"Strange… I swear I heard voices just now…"
Meanwhile, the trio had already escaped to the main street and found a small drink stand still open. They ordered three cups of milk tea and sat down.
As they sipped, Shikamaru leaned forward. "So, Naruto… be honest. How does it feel being married?"
Naruto thought for a moment, then smiled warmly. "It feels… really happy."
Chōji looked skeptical. "Seriously?"
Naruto raised a brow. "What's that supposed to mean? You think I'd lie about that?"
Chōji groaned. "Karui's got a temper. She's rough, loud, and gets mad easily. She's hit me a few times too. If I wasn't this fat, she'd have killed me by now!"
Shikamaru laughed. "You mean a woman can beat you to death? That's pathetic!"
Naruto smirked. "You don't know Karui, Shikamaru. Trust me—she can."
He remembered her punch from years ago when she'd come to Konoha after Sasuke's attack on the Raikage's brother. Naruto had let her hit him without fighting back… and she'd turned him into a swollen mess.
Yeah, Karui's punches were no joke.
Shikamaru sighed. "I don't know Karui, but Temari… man, she's something else. Always bossing me around like she's my mom. It's a pain."
Naruto laughed. "She is Gaara and Kankurō's sister, after all. She's got that Sand sibling authority vibe."
Shikamaru groaned. "Don't remind me! You think I can act like her little brother?"
He caught himself mid-sentence, face turning red. "Wait, I mean—forget it!"
Naruto grinned. "Nothing wrong with being treated like a younger brother. It just means she cares about you!"
Shikamaru rolled his eyes. "You wouldn't get it…"
Chōji chuckled and turned to Naruto. "So, how's Hinata?"
Shikamaru snorted before Naruto could answer. "There's no need to ask. Back in the day, everyone knew Hinata liked Naruto. She used to faint every time she saw him. There's no one in the village who didn't notice except Naruto himself—the king of obliviousness!"
Naruto rubbed his neck sheepishly. "Yeah, I wasn't exactly sharp about that stuff…"
The three continued talking—about marriage, friendship, and old memories. The shopkeeper eventually began closing up, so they finished their drinks and went their separate ways.
Late that night, when Shikamaru reached his house, he noticed someone sitting on the steps.
As he approached, the person stood up.
"Temari?" he said, surprised. "What are you doing here?"
Temari crossed her arms, a faint blush on her cheeks. "I have something to talk to you about. Come with me."
Before he could respond, she grabbed his wrist and dragged him off.
"Hey, hey! I was about to go home!"
A few minutes later, they arrived at the Konoha Hotel. Temari pushed Shikamaru onto the bed, her face lit with a mischievous smirk.
"W–What are you doing?" he stammered, his cheeks heating.
Temari leaned in close, cupping his face gently.
"Stop talking, troublesome man," she whispered. "Just kiss me."
Dear Readers
For 60 Advance Chapters Join My Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/NF25
-------
Please Support My Patreon