After an hour, Kushina woke up and gently placed her hands on Naruto's face, whispering, "Wake up, dear… That's enough rest… Come on."
Naruto opened his eyes slowly, and the moment he saw her face, a smile formed on his lips.
She smiled back and said, "I'll go wake up Hinata. You carry Sakura."
She got up and went to Hinata, who had cried herself to sleep.
Kushina: placing her hands on Hinata's shoulder "Hinata… Wake up… Hinata…"
Hinata slowly opened her eyes, her face slightly pale. Kushina noticed this and asked worriedly, "Are you okay?"
Hinata was startled by the question but quickly answered, "Of course… I'm fine."
Kushina: frowning with concern "But… why were you crying?"
Hinata looked down at the ground in sadness and didn't reply.
Kushina: "Alright… If you don't want to talk, I won't force you. But promise me you'll tell me someday."
Hinata looked at her, then forced a small smile. Kushina watched her for a moment before walking toward Naruto and Sakura.
Hinata sadly thought to herself as she watched Kushina walk away, I don't think I can promise you that, Kushina…
Naruto picked up Sakura in his arms again. She was still asleep, her face showing exhaustion. He gazed at her and thought, Forgive me, Sakura… I took too long to save you…
As if in response, Sakura shifted in his arms, resting her head against his chest. Seeing the peaceful look on her face, he smiled softly.
Kushina approached him, saying, "I woke up Hinata… Let's go."
They resumed their journey, and an hour later, they finally reached the village gates.
Naruto took a deep breath. "I missed this place so much."
The moment they entered, the gate guards, Izumo and Kotetsu, noticed them and immediately ran toward them in shock.
Seeing Hinata and a man carrying Sakura, they asked anxiously, "Are you two okay?!"
Hinata looked at them, confused. "Yes… Why are you so alarmed?"
Izumo: "Tsunade-sama sent a team to search for you…"
Then he suddenly noticed the two figures standing beside Hinata. His eyes widened in disbelief, and he pointed at them, stammering, "I-It can't be… Are you… still alive? No way…"
Naruto and Kushina exchanged puzzled glances before Naruto asked, "What?!"
Kotetsu studied Naruto's face carefully before murmuring, "Y-Yondaime… Hokage-sama?!"
Naruto burst into laughter. "Oh, now I get it… We must look a lot like my parents."
Kotetsu gasped, "Your parents?! Then that means… you're… Naruto?!"
Naruto nodded.
Izumo grinned. "I can't believe it… You've finally returned! The whole village has been waiting for you."
Naruto leaned in and whispered, "Don't tell anyone I'm back."
Izumo: "Why?!"
Naruto: Well… come closer…
Izumo suddenly gasped and shouted, "So today is—"
Naruto quickly placed his hand over Izumo's mouth, "Shhh!"
He then glanced at Kushina, who was watching them curiously. To cover up the situation, he flashed her a wide smile. She raised an eyebrow, looking even more confused.
Turning back to Izumo, Naruto said in a hushed voice, "Now… don't tell anyone."
Izumo: As you command, Sixth Hokage… but I'll at least inform them about Sakura and Hinata's return.
Naruto returned to Kushina and Hinata.
Hinata: Alright… I'll be heading home now, Naruto-kun.
As she turned to leave, Naruto called out, "Hinata…"
She looked back at him, and he simply said, "Take care of yourself."
A soft smile graced her lips before she turned and walked away.
Naruto then turned to Kushina, "Let's go home too."
She smiled at him, and they began walking together.
Suddenly, Kotetsu called out, "Hokage-sama…!"
Naruto looked at him in surprise, "What is it?!"
Kotetsu: Isn't your house that way?!
Naruto smirked mischievously, "Not anymore."
The two gatekeepers exchanged puzzled looks before shrugging it off.
Naruto took a hidden path through the forest to avoid being seen. As they walked, Kushina gazed at the village through the trees, admiring its warmth and vibrancy.
Kushina: This village is beautiful and full of life… just like you.
After a brief silence, she spoke again, "Naruto… we can live here, can't we?"
Naruto, surprised, "You're the one saying this?!
Kushina, looking up at the sky, "Well… I held on to the other village because it was where I met you… and it's my home, too. But this place… this is where you were born. And I feel like we'd be happier here."
Naruto smiled warmly, "If that's what you want… your wish is my command."
She blushed, her eyes shining as she stepped closer to him. Gently, she placed a soft kiss on his cheek, then looked into his eyes and whispered, "You are the greatest man in the world… no, in the entire universe."
They continued walking toward their home…
As they walked, Kushina noticed something and, surprised, pointed to the Hokage faces carved into the mountain.
Kushina: Naruto… if I'm not mistaken, that carved face over there is…
Naruto looked at her, smiling.
Kushina: It's you! (she said excitedly.)
He nodded in confirmation.
Kushina (teasingly): I didn't know my fiancé was the hero of this village!
Naruto (surprised): Hero… of the village…? No, it's not like that. The Hokage faces are carved on this mountain, but… not because I'm a hero or anything like that.
She wrapped her arms around his, saying softly,
Kushina: Well, that doesn't matter… because you're my hero.
When they arrived at the house, Kushina was stunned. It looked very similar to their previous home—only larger and even more beautiful. Her eyes widened in amazement.
Kushina: Is… is this our house?!!
Naruto looked at her warmly,
Naruto: No… it's your house.
She turned to him in shock.
Kushina: My… house?
Naruto: I bought it for you. A princess like you shouldn't live in my small, modest apartment.
Kushina (playfully): I'd live with you even in a tiny room.
Naruto: I know… my princess. Come on, let's go inside.
He opened the door, and as soon as Kushina stepped inside, she remarked,
Kushina: I think I'll get used to this house quickly… It looks a lot like our old one.
Meanwhile, Naruto carried Sakura into one of the rooms and gently laid her on a mattress on the floor. Suddenly, Sakura stirred, slowly opening her tired eyes.
Sakura (weakly): Naruto…
Naruto smiled, relieved.
Naruto: Finally, you're awake… How are you feeling?
Sakura managed a faint smile.
Sakura (softly): Better…
Naruto (relieved): That's good.
She attempted to sit up but failed, wincing in pain. Naruto quickly caught her.
Naruto: Sakura, what are you doing?! You're not healed yet.
Sakura: Where's my bag?
Naruto: Right beside you.
Sakura: Naruto… open it… inside, there's a flower. Take it to Tsunade-sama… quickly. I was supposed to deliver it last night, not today… And in my condition, I can't go myself.
Naruto smiled reassuringly.
Naruto: Don't worry… just rest. I'll take it to her.
He gently placed her head back on the pillow.
Sakura (with a weak smile): Thank you…
Naruto smiled before turning to Kushina and whispering,
Naruto: Kushina, take good care of her until I get back. And by the way, I'll be a little late…
Kushina (smiling): Alright, dear. I'll be waiting for you. And don't worry about Sakura… by the time you return, she'll be back to her old self.
Naruto: Alright… see you later.
As he headed toward the door, she called after him,
Kushina: Goodbye, my love.
She then turned back to Sakura while Naruto left, closing the door behind him.