Chapter 13: Paths Unfolding: Bonds of Family and Fate

The duo arrived at the Uzumaki garden, a peaceful and picturesque venue, bathed in the golden hues of the late afternoon sun. The expansive lawn stretched out before them, lush and vibrant, with a small pond glistening at the far end. The pond was home to a collection of koi fish that swam lazily through the water, and all around the garden, colorful flowers bloomed, their sweet fragrance wafting through the air. The atmosphere was serene and inviting, a perfect backdrop for the celebration ahead.

As Rika and Naruto made their entrance, there was an immediate buzz among the guests. Whispers spread through the crowd as they observed the pair, their connection clear to anyone who cared to look. Many assumed that Rika had already captured Naruto's heart, judging by the closeness between them and the easy camaraderie that flowed between them. The family members, particularly the women, were visibly pleased to see Rika walking confidently toward the girls, while Naruto greeted the men with his characteristic warmth and ease.

Rika's father, Steven, was among those waiting to greet the guests. A tall, athletic man with blonde hair and piercing blue eyes, Steven had the kind of presence that commanded attention. His height surpassed Naruto's by a good ten centimeters, and he stood with an air of quiet authority. Despite his imposing stature, there was no mistaking the pride and affection in his gaze when he saw Rika. He was an American businessman who had married into Rumiko's prestigious family, and though his career had brought him success, it was clear that family mattered most to him.

When Naruto approached him, there was no hint of intimidation. Naruto held his ground, offering a firm handshake and a polite greeting, but Steven's response was immediate and somewhat unexpected. With a broad grin, Steven pulled Naruto into a hearty hug, his words laced with an undercurrent of warning.

"That means you are my son from now on, aren't you?" Steven's tone carried an almost playful threat, one that Naruto picked up on instantly.

Naruto, ever composed, did not flinch. He knew the weight behind those words all too well. The unspoken message was clear—mess with his daughter, and there would be dire consequences. But Naruto, with his usual calm demeanor, didn't back down.

"No, I declined her confession," Naruto responded smoothly, his voice steady. "However, I don't have anyone that I like. So, I told her that she could win my heart if she so desired and had the patience."

Steven chuckled, his expression softening as he stepped back, clearly respecting Naruto's straightforwardness. "I see. I expected as much from you. You're a traditional guy, aren't you? Not one to rush into love. Waiting until you're older... We always thought you'd take your time. This just confirms it."

There was no anger in Steven's voice. In fact, his words conveyed understanding, as though he respected Naruto's maturity and the path he had chosen. The family wasn't one to pamper their children or rush them into decisions—far from it. Steven knew that allowing Rika to grow and mature on her own terms was the best way to prepare her for the challenges that life would throw at her.

"You are right," Naruto replied with a smile, keeping his tone respectful. "I'm waiting until I'm older. Thank you for not getting angry, Uncle. Please enjoy yourself while I excuse myself."

With a final, respectful nod, Naruto turned away, his calm resolve unwavering as he made his way toward the others. Steven watched him for a moment, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. It was clear to him that Naruto was no ordinary man, and Rika was lucky to have his attention, even if the road ahead was still uncertain.

After leaving Steven, Naruto was met by his father, Minato, who appeared exactly as he remembered him—strong, calm, and composed, despite being forty years old. Minato's appearance was unchanged from Naruto's previous world, and his personality remained the same as well. He was a kind man, soft-spoken for the most part, but capable of becoming harsh when necessary. His loyalty to his family and his diligence were qualities that Naruto admired deeply. Minato was not only a loving husband but also a powerful figure in his own right, with immense potential. His Digimon partners, Jazarichmon and Black-Rapidmon, were both on the cusp of evolving into their Mega forms, a testament to Minato's growth and strength.

The moment they locked eyes, Minato's gaze held a gentle, almost paternal rebuke as he stepped forward and embraced his son. There was a warmth in his actions, mixed with a subtle sense of pride. He had always known that this day would come—the day when Naruto would stand on his own, making choices and decisions that could alter the course of both their lives. As Naruto pulled back, Minato gave him a look of quiet expectation.

Minato's love for both of his sons, Menma and Naruto, was clear. Though Menma, the eldest, was known for his prideful and harsh nature, Minato never favored one over the other. However, Naruto's calm and thoughtful personality had always resonated more with him, and so there was an unspoken favor toward his younger son.

"Are you sure about this?" Minato asked, his voice calm but tinged with concern. His question wasn't about the relationship itself—it was about the gravity of it. This wasn't just a simple romance; this had the potential to impact both families, and Minato was aware of the stakes.

Naruto, steady as ever, met his father's gaze. "I am sure. I talked with Rika, and we agreed to it," he responded, understanding that questions like these were inevitable once he had made his decision. His calmness reassured Minato, who had always trusted his son's judgment, even if the circumstances were unusual.

Minato nodded, his eyes searching for any signs of hesitation in Naruto's expression, but finding none. He then shifted topics, his voice softening slightly as he inquired further, "What about Hikari and Yurine?" These were two other girls with whom Naruto had close ties, particularly Hikari, the sister of the leader of the Digi-Destined, and Yurine, his older cousin, whose interest in Naruto had been clear from the start. Minato was fine with Naruto's choices, as long as Naruto was true to himself. However, there was one thing Minato was adamant about: he didn't want his son to follow the example set by his grandfather, Jiraiya.

Minato's disdain for Jiraiya's behavior was clear. The old man had a reputation for indulging in one-night stands and casual flings, writing about his escapades for others to enjoy. Tsunade, Jiraiya's wife, had long given up trying to control him, knowing that his need for physical pleasure was insatiable. Minato, on the other hand, was a firm believer in monogamy, and while he respected the occasional polygamous relationship, it was clear to him that only those truly capable of maintaining it should pursue such a path. He didn't want his children—especially Naruto—to fall into a pattern of casual, meaningless relationships.

"I like both of them, but maybe we will stay as friends," Naruto replied honestly, his tone thoughtful. "I still don't know where my heart will settle." He was still figuring out his feelings, and he appreciated his father's patience in letting him work it out at his own pace.

The two of them exchanged a meaningful glance, the bond between father and son as unspoken as it was strong. Minato's eyes held a silent plea for Naruto to stay true to himself, to take his relationships seriously, and not to repeat the mistakes of the past.

"Don't disappoint me," Minato said, his voice firm but full of love.

"I won't. I am very serious about bonds," Naruto answered with unwavering sincerity. He meant every word. The connections he formed with others were sacred to him, and he would protect them at all costs.

Minato gave a satisfied nod, his face breaking into a smile. "Good! What about your partner? Will you join the Task Force for some time, or move to the Digital World?" He was looking for clarity in Naruto's plans, hoping to understand where his son's path would take him. Minato had no illusions about what Naruto was capable of, and he knew that his son would make the right decision, no matter where his journey took him.

"I'll train with Asura personally and then move out to the Digital World," Naruto replied, his expression resolute. "I like the people at the Task Force, but I'm not interested in staying there. I want to focus on growing stronger and understanding the Digital World more deeply."

Minato chuckled, a lighthearted sound that reflected his understanding of Naruto's nature. "Heh, I don't mind, so just enjoy," he said, giving Naruto's shoulder a firm pat. He then turned and made his way back to Steven, leaving his son with one last piece of advice: "Enjoy the journey, Naruto. Just don't lose yourself along the way."

As Naruto watched his father walk toward Steven, he took a moment to reflect on their conversation. His Digivice, which held his partner Asura, was safely tucked away. Asura, still a young Digimon, was sealed in his Digivice for now. Naruto knew that exposing him to the outside world could lead to unnecessary influences, and so he had taken precautions to let Asura rest and grow in peace. For now, Naruto would focus on his own growth, knowing that the journey ahead would require all of his strength, wisdom, and heart.

"Congratulations for getting such partners, you finally did it." Menma's arm draped around Naruto's neck, and the two brothers shared a brief, affectionate hug. They were both the same height, their appearances almost identical except for Menma's black hair and red eyes, which gave him a more intense, fiery look compared to Naruto's usual calm demeanor.

"Thanks, what about you?" Naruto asked as he returned the hug, genuinely proud of his older brother. Menma had always been a powerful figure in his own right. His three Champion-level Digimon were an impressive sight, and his starter Digimon was rapidly approaching Ultimate evolution, a clear sign of Menma's hard work and aggressive approach to training.

"Heh, your older brother is doing fine," Menma said with a smirk. "I'll soon get engaged to Elsa, and then we'll get married. My life is simple, walking straight, no complications." Menma's words held a note of caution as he looked at Naruto, who still hadn't quite settled down. "Don't move hither thither or you'll end up with too much on your plate."

Naruto chuckled at the advice, understanding the concern in Menma's words. He was the more reserved of the two, often caught between various interests, but Menma had found stability early on. Elsa, his fiancée, was Russian, and they had met in the Frozen Lands of the Digital World. Their relationship had flourished quickly, something Menma was proud of.

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing," Naruto reassured his older brother. While he didn't have all the answers yet, he was confident in his ability to navigate the complexities of relationships and life ahead.

Menma nodded, though his gaze remained serious. "Hmm, I'm just giving advice. So, do you want to join us in the Digital World from now on?" he asked, clearly curious if Naruto had changed his mind about his future plans.

"Not now, but later for sure," Naruto answered confidently. He wasn't ready to fully immerse himself in the Digital World just yet, but he knew it was a goal he would reach in time. He needed more time to grow and figure out what his next steps would be.

"Don't act like a stranger. Join us soon, okay?" Menma bumped his shoulder playfully against Naruto's before flashing him a smile and walking off. There was no sign of jealousy or rivalry between the brothers; Menma had always been supportive, even as Naruto's potential as a future Royal Knight began to surface. He wasn't threatened in the slightest. With his own Heavy Leomon nearing its Mega form, Menma was poised to become one of the strongest members of the Uzumaki family. His plan was clear—he would use his Digimon to rise to the top and eventually become the most powerful clan head, a position that would give him authority and influence within their family.

Naruto watched his brother leave, feeling a sense of pride in Menma's determination and stability. But he knew his own path was different. His journey was still unfolding, and he wasn't in a rush to follow a predefined timeline.

As he turned away, he spotted Taichi and Hikari arriving. They were both close friends and allies in their shared adventures. Naruto smiled and walked over to greet them, eager to catch up and enjoy the evening with more of his trusted companions.