Naruto returned home.
When he arrived, Hinata, Kushina, Minato, and the others had already finished tidying up the house. They had even taken the chance to rearrange a few decorations to make everything look perfect.
"I'm back!"
Naruto stepped through the doorway, calling out cheerfully. As he looked up, he saw Hinata walking toward him with a bright smile.
"Naruto-kun, you're back!"
Naruto nodded. "Yeah."
Minato and Kushina looked up when they heard him. After greeting their son and Hinata, they began gathering their things, preparing to leave.
Naruto smiled, a hint of pleading in his tone. "Mom, Dad, why don't you both stay here tonight?"
Kushina waved her hand dismissively. "No, no. Your father and I will head back to rest. We're… different from you now. Our souls only need a bit of rest to recover—we don't actually sleep anymore. Besides, we don't want to disturb you two!"
Before Naruto could insist, Kushina had already taken Minato by the hand and was leading him outside.
Naruto sighed but smiled helplessly. He knew better than to argue with his mother.
Standing by the door, Naruto and Hinata waved goodbye to Minato and Kushina as they vanished down the street. Then the couple stepped back into their quiet home.
Naruto looked around, taking in every corner. The warmth of the lights, the faint scent of Hinata's favorite flowers, the comforting silence—it all made his chest tighten with happiness. It truly felt like home.
Hinata stepped up from behind him, wrapped her arms around his waist, and rested her cheek against his back.
"Naruto-kun," she said softly, smiling, "we finally have our own home."
Naruto turned around, meeting her gentle lavender eyes. He understood exactly what she meant. This was their place—one that belonged to them alone.
He pulled Hinata into his arms, breathing in the scent of her hair as he stroked her head. "By the way, Hinata-chan, where are Hanabi and Hiashi-sama today? I only saw Neji earlier."
Hinata smiled. "The Hyūga clan is holding their annual clan meeting today. Father couldn't skip it. Hanabi attended in my place, since I was with you. Neji-nii was able to come only because Uncle Hizashi was revived—thanks to you. If not, he wouldn't have been able to attend either."
Naruto nodded with a small grin. "I see."
"Have you already put away the dishes?" he asked casually.
Hinata nodded. "Mm-hmm! I finished a while ago. I was just waiting for you to come back so we could go to bed."
Naruto laughed, gently pinching her nose. "You're so virtuous, Hinata-chan!"
Her cheeks flushed pink, and she glanced away shyly.
After tidying up together, they drew the curtains, letting the soft glow of the lamps fill the room. Then Hinata turned to Naruto.
"Naruto-kun," she said, "let's go to the bath together. I want to try the new system we installed."
Naruto smiled. "Sure! I've been sweating all day—it's the perfect time for a bath."
He went upstairs to grab a change of clothes, then came back down and entered the bathroom. The air was already warm and filled with the faint scent of steam and soap.
As he stepped in, he saw Hinata crouching by the tub, adjusting the water flow.
"Huh? Hinata-chan, what are you doing?"
She turned around, smiling shyly. "I'm running the bath for you, Naruto-kun."
Naruto chuckled. "You've already filled it halfway! Guess I'll take a soak instead of a shower."
Hinata stood up, tilting her head. "Okay! You watch the water; I'll step out for a moment."
"Alright," Naruto said, and she slipped quietly out of the room.
He watched the water rise until it was full, then switched off the faucet. He placed his clothes neatly aside and stripped down to his boxers, stretching his tired muscles as steam fogged the mirrors.
A few minutes later, the door slid open again. Hinata stepped back in, carrying a small tray with a bottle of soju and a plate of sliced fruit.
Naruto blinked in surprise. "Hinata-chan, what's all that?"
Hinata smiled. "I thought it'd be nice to enjoy a little soju and fruit while we soak. It helps you relax!"
Naruto grinned. "You really think of everything."
The tub was perfectly full now, so he turned off the tap and stepped into the hot water. It was just the right temperature—comforting and heavy on the skin.
Naruto leaned back with a sigh of relief, eyes closed as the warmth seeped into his muscles. The fatigue of the day slowly melted away.
Just as he was settling in, he heard a soft rustle. He opened his eyes—and froze.
"H-Hinata-chan?! What are you doing?"
Hinata calmly placed her folded clothes in the basket by the wall, her pale cheeks tinged pink but her smile serene.
"Taking a bath," she said innocently. "What else would I be doing?"
Naruto nearly choked. "You mean—you're joining me?!"
She tilted her head, pretending to think. "Of course. Why? Are you not happy about it?"
Naruto quickly waved his hands. "No, no! I mean—of course I am!"
Hinata giggled softly. "Then it's settled."
She placed a small wooden divider between them in the large tub, setting the tray with the soju and fruit on top. Then, without hesitation, she slipped into the water at the opposite end, near Naruto's feet.
The warmth enveloped both of them, and for a moment neither spoke. The sound of the water and their steady breathing filled the quiet air.
"Ahh," Hinata exhaled, leaning back with closed eyes. "It feels so nice… Naruto-kun, how does it feel?"
Naruto smiled lazily, eyes half-closed. "Yeah… feels amazing. Haven't felt this relaxed in ages."
For a while, they soaked in peaceful silence.
Then Hinata slid lower into the water until only her nose was above the surface. Naruto watched, amused, a warm chuckle escaping him.
He couldn't help but think—I'm really happy.
When Hinata finally surfaced, she brushed water from her face, her cheeks glowing pink from the heat. "So good… this is perfect," she murmured.
Reaching for the tray, she picked up the soju bottle, twisted the cap open, and poured into two small glasses.
"Here," she said, handing one to Naruto. "Let's have a toast."
Naruto lifted his glass, smiling. "Cheers, Hinata-chan."
"Cheers."
They both took a sip—and immediately grimaced at the burning taste before bursting into laughter together.
They drank, chatted, and nibbled on fruit between quiet moments of comfortable silence. Ten minutes passed before the water started to cool.
Hinata stood up, took the tray and divider away, drained some water, and ran more hot water until the temperature was perfect again.
Steam filled the air once more, fogging the room. She glanced at Naruto with a mischievous smile, eyes twinkling.
"Ne, Naruto-kun," she said playfully, "don't you think we should… do something now?"
Naruto, who was leaning back with his eyes closed, opened them slowly, a puzzled look on his face. "Eh? D-do something? What do you mean?"
Hinata chuckled softly, her smile both shy and teasing.
The warmth of the bath, the quiet intimacy of their new home, and the gentle light spilling through the steam surrounded them in perfect calm.
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