Chap. 2: The Next Generation

"Those handsigns… Minato don't tell me---" Kushina started, her red hair was down around her waist as she held Naruto, the infant crying as he lay in the orange blanket that Kushina held on her front. The ninetails was being held back by Kushina's chains, tied to the ground, the leaf having more destruction than they were prepared for. 

"This is the only way, Kushina." Minato said before his wrist was grabbed, stopping him from completing the hadsigns for the reaper death seal. Nawaki standing right next to him, as he looked towards the fox spirit. He looked towards his brother in law and shook his head,

"There is another way. Minato. You don't need to sacrifice your life, my friend." Nawaki said, 

"Lord 4th. But, the barrier." Minato said, and Nawaki nodded, looking towards him, his brown hair in a loose ponytail behind his head wearing a green longsleeve shirt with black pants, a sky blue poncho over his shoulders with a gold staff in his right hand as he looked towards the couple and new infant they had. October 10th was meant to be for celebrating Naruto's arrival not taking down the fox once more, but it seemed life had other plans.

"I placed a marker on Kushina when you brought her to the safe house, just in case. My wife is safe with my sister. Now, Kurama! This is quite enough! The Masked man who controlled you, does so no longer." Nawaki said addressing the fox, holding his arms up towards him, 

"You're just going to seal me again! Like your grandfather!" Kurama said and Nawaki nodded, 

"Yes. It's not a prison sentence, but for your protection. The masked man will return, that I am sure of, I ask you understand. We do not mean to harm you." Nawaki said, before turning to Minato and Kushina, the three adults looking to each other before coming up with a plan. Kushina and Minato preparing to split and seal Kurama into both Kushina and Naruto, since Kushina wouldn't have the energy or chakra to seal the entire tailed beast. But if he was split, he'd be safer, and harder to find. That was the idea, anyway. Kurama, the 9tailed fox spirit, became enraged with their plan, and as soon as the dark half was sealed in Kushina once more, aimed to take out the baby, Naruto, who lay in the bassinet prepared to have the other half sealed within him. He planned to kill Naruto, before he could bring his claw all the way down, Nawaki put up a barrier around Minato, Kushina, and Naruto, the claw unable to tear through on the first attempt. Nawaki ending up stabbed through the middle as he blocked the attack

 "This will not hold. Minato, Kushina, do it now." He said looking at the two. Minato nodding along, 

"Right, Hokage." Minato said as they completed the sealing ceremony. Nawaki was sent for immediate medical attention as the barrier came down. miraculously Nawaki survived, largely thanks to the healing abilities of the Senju. There was an emergency meeting the next week between the hokage, elder council, and the council of clans, on which all of the clan leaders, including Nawaki's other cousin, Kansai, who led the Senju attended. Kansai was Tobirama's grandson, his white hair sat around his head, as he wore a blue ninja outfit with faux fur around the collar, trailing down his back partway, wearing his shuriken holster on his right thigh, with a kunai pouch on his back waist.

"The ninetails attack as left many places damaged, we need to rebuild." Hotaru said, stating the purpose behind the meeting as they bent over a map of the village, all the clans were set to remain where they were, with the Uchiha having a piece of land on the outer edge of the village as well as their main base, for their training grounds. Not unlike the Nara's forest. The Akamitchi moved a few paces from the village center, with the Yamanaka expanding just a hair, the Abarame wanted to move closer to the lake, where more bugs and insects would be found for their clans jutsu, leaving their spot which was originally near the village center, up for grabs. Nawaki suggested the leaf police force building take it's place. Uchiha handled the crime in the village, Nawaki asking Fugaku if he wanted to hire people outside of the clan as well, with Fugaku thinking it over. The Inuzuka handled veterinary, and animal know how. The Yamanaka's were responsible for their floral growth. Sarutobi's for their general defense. Akamitchi were responsible for growing and maintaining food supplies within the village. Nara were responsible for reviewing and writing guides to growing rare herbs in the village used for healing. Hyuga were responsible for aiding in medical care for the village as well as their own personal matters. While Tsunade and Nawaki's clan, the Senju, were responsible for protecting and maintaining the forest immediately surrounding, and inside the hidden leaf village. Specifically, they were responsible for the trees health. With the attack taking out so many of them, it was Nawaki and Tsunade's task to plant a new grove. Thankfully, Minato Namikaze, and Kushina Uzumaki survived the attack, even if just barely. Kushina was the daughter of Mato, being Kanto(Nawaki and Tsunade's father)'s sister Kushina was also the granddaughter of the first hokage, a fact that was not very well known since Mato had moved to St. Eddys to marry and have Kushina. though as Mato was the youngest of Hashiramas kids (Being 16 when Hashirama fell in battle and 25 when Tobirama did the same) she didn't have Kushina until she was in her late 20s. Kushina and Nawaki were 6 years apart in age, the woman currently 20 and Nawaki 26. Minato was 24 and Tsunade was 31. 

"Yes. many lives were taken during the attack, if it wasn't for the leaf police force, things would have been much worse. Thank you, Lord Fugaku." Nawaki said nodding towards the man who nodded in return, the councils discussed more of a plan of action with the rebuild. When the meeting adjourned, Kansai headed back towards the Senju compound to check on the families there, Kushina and Minato staying there for the time being while their home was rebuilt. Nawaki oversaw the rebuilding of the village. Tsunade remained at the hospital to heal the injured that were still being looked for. The death toll was in the hundreds from the 9tails attack. The Uzumaki clan within the leaf, was responsible for going over the barrier and sealings inside the village, to prevent outsiders from sneaking up on the village. The Uzumaki clan consisted of Hanako, Maho, Kureha, Kushina, Kuhina, Yumase, and Toa Uzumaki. Kuhina and Kushina were unable to tend to the sealings and barriers around the village, one still recovering from the attack, the other guarding her. Leaving that job to Maho, Kureha, Yumase, Toa, and Tsunade. Who was also of Uzumaki blood, and was taught by their grandmother about seals and barriers. With each person taking a different corner of the village, it was easier to see where the tear in the barrier came in, or if an entirely new barrier was needed to keep the masked man from the village, which, from the sound of it, that would be needed. The Senju were scanning the forest as well, investigating the attack area. the wood style users surveying the forest quickly. Kuhina and Kushina were fraternal twins, Kuhina married to Iroh Uchiha, the two having their child, Kyoto. The boy having black hair and black eyes of the uchiha. 

"I know, many are still wary and emotions are running high from the attack. But Kushina, you and Naruto, are heroes of the leaf." Nawaki said three months later, thanking Kushina and Minato for their bravery as they sat in the Senju compound. Naruto babbling on the ground with Hinami. Wearing a greenshort sleeve shirt with matching pants, socks on his feet as his blonde hair sat around his head, his violet eyes looking towards the girl who looked back. Hinami seemed to pick up on Hashirama's facial structure. Hinami wearing a sky blue bow in her hair that was pulled into a ponytail on the right side of her head with a matching dress short sleeve dress a baby purple belt around the waist. Hinami slamming her fist on the ground as she nodded, babbling, as Naruto watched her before doing the same., being 2months older than the girl, he sat at three months.. Or well laid.. While she was merely one month old. Sitting in Janurary.

"Yeah you stopped the uh… the.. Uh…fox!" Kiyoka said her light red hair was in two ponytails as she wore a tankstyle pink dress her hands on Kushina's lap before the seven year old bounced around. Dancing around as she spoke to Kushina, Minato, and Naruto.

"Not quite, Kiyoka. The 9tail fox spirit is not to blame for what happened. All we did was ensure the masked man will have a harder time coming back for him." Minato said in return, and the girl looked over in confusion, completely stopping her movements as she addressed the man explaining her confusion as a seven year old could, before she moved on to questioning his personality instead. Bouncing around as she asked the very entertained Kushina questions about the fox that she held within her, endlessly curious. Kushina looked at the child with a soft smile, ready to answer her rapid-fire questions as her violet eyes met Kiyoka's brown.

"Is he real scary, does he have a name? Oooh is he nice? I bet I'd like to be his friend." Kiyoka said and Kushina hummed, looking over as she spoke with the child, who continued to bounce around and ask questions. Which Kushina was happy to entertain. Minato and Nawaki walked off to the side as the others spoke and Minato turned to the hokage and his cousin-in-law. Tsunade popping in every now and then with answers to her questions.

"I'm sorry we caused so much trouble." Minato said, looking at his cousin-in-law, (Kushina and Tsunade's words, not theirs but eh, the two learned to just… go along with it. Tsunade had been Kushina's teacher and if she wasn't scary before, she was absolutely terrifying afterwards.) Nawaki looked back over at the small family of four and waved his hand, they sat at the Senju compound

"Minato, you're not responsible for the attack, this elusive masked man person is. It would have been much worse without you, Kushina, and Naruto. Not just anyone can hold a tailed beast. If I could take this burden from your shoulders, I would." Nawaki said in response, placing a hand on the blonde man's shoulder, with a smile. Before a scream was heard where the babies were, causing all of them to look over, Hinami had grabbed her hair and had begun pulling on it, her hands tangled in the her hair as she tried to bring her fists to her mouth.

"Hinami. Let go of your hair." Hadami said softly, moving her hands gently to rub the back of her hands, opening her hands gently and moving them. Lifting Hinami having prepared a bottle a few minutes before. The girl quieting down with the offer of food. 

"Uncle Nawaki! Uncle Minato! Uncle Kansai! Is it time yet? Is it is it is it?" She asked, Hinami was to be presented to the ancient tree that night, and Kiyoka was… more than a little excited about the whole thing. Nawaki grabbed her hands as she jumped around.

"Almost, why don't you go get ready." He said in return and the girl nodded seriously before leaving the area to do so.

Later that day, when night had fallen, the moon casting it's eerie glow on the village, Nawaki, Tsunade, Minato, Kushina, Hadami, Jiraiya, and Kansai were kneeled on the ground in front of a large white oak tree, of Which many branches were rotten, or had fallen from their place,indicating fallen clansmen. only Tsunade, Nawaki, and Kansai's branches stemming from the tree remain. Kiyoka's intertwining with Tsunade's own.

"Oh, great ancient tree. We kneel before you to speak the sacred oath. To announce two newcomers into our clan." Kansai said and the air calmed and stilled, as though nature itself was listening. Kiyoka kneeled next to her mother. Hinami waslaying underneath the tree, in a medium sized basket, wearing a white kimono with a bow in her black hair. Nawaki stepped forwards, covering her feet with some dirt, before swiping his thumb across her forehead, Hinami watching his hand, making cooing noises.

"I, Nawaki Senju, grandson of Hashirama Senju, introduce Hinami Senju to the ancient Tree. Let her roots remain strong, no matter where life guides her." Nawaki spoke the oath of the elders, the wind sung its praises, as two branches emerged from the trees trunk, on it, Hinamis names engraved. It grew right off of Nawaki and Hadami's branches. The tree seemed to move in greeting, welcoming Hinami to the clan, the girl laughing and babbling up a storm. The adults eyes widened as the trees seemed to follow the girls' movements, flowers blooming on the ground around them, Not only did she have large chakra reserves, they had the forest release Kekkei Tota. a stronger form of the Wood Release Kekkei Genkai. At least, that was the theory.

"The ancient one has accepted Hinami as one of our own." Kansai spoke, before they all prayed for a moment, 'Mother, Father, Grandfather, grandmother, Uncle Tobi, Uncle Itama, Uncle Kawa, thank you for welcoming Hinami with open arms. Please continue to watch over my daughter.' Nawaki prayed to his family, afterwards, they went inside for food, drinks and to put the kids to bed. The excitement still fresh in everyones minds. Though, with some food, and stories, Kiyoka was sleeping soundly in her futon. As was the twins, sleeping on their futons in Hadami's and Nawaki's room.

Tsunade and Jiraiya taught Kyioka as much as they could with Senju and other ninja arts and protection as well as fighting styles. She worked with Kushina to control her chakra chains, as well as learning seals and so on. But she loved every minute of her training. Kansai, with Tsunade's permission, listed Kiyoka as heir to the clan as he had no children. A single gay man, much to the Senju elders dismay. His sister, Kanae, had left the village, marrying into the Kazekage's clan and settling down in the satellite village with her husband, and Kazekage's brother, Gaisu. But last he'd heard from her was a few months prior, and they hadn't had any children. As for Hinami, she was to be put through the training to awaken their byakugan, which upon their birth, Hiashi was sure they possessed. Though, at the moment, they were too young to train. The girl and Hinata did spend a lot of time together though, as cousins, and members of the main house. They were to be raised much like siblings, same with Hinata and Neji. They were born in the same month: December, Hinami born December 15th and Hinata born December 27th making Hinami a few weeks older than Hinata. Hinata had deep violet hair which sat around her head, paired with pink eyes. They both were 5 months old, and as such were unable to train.

"They seem to like eachother, Hikari." Hadami said and her sister nodded, looking at the two infants, who were on the floor babbling together, the two 5 month olds were on the floor babbling together, 

"She'll be a good leader for the clan." Hiashi said referring to his daughter, who was destined to lead the Hyuga clan. Hinami didn't have an innate destiny other than protecting the Hyuga and Senju. The babies were babbling, in the same moment. When the twins were 8 months old, Hadami took them to meet their cousin, Neji, who was a year older than them, though six years younger than Kiyoka. Nawaki was at the hokage's office completing his work. Greetings happening on either side before Hadami brought Hinami out of the Obi sash on her back.

"She's so tiny and cute." Neji said looking at the babies that Hadami was holding in her arms, being let in by Honoke and Hizashi. Hizashi was the younger identical twin of Hiashi, but, because he was the younger brother, he was sent to the branch house to avoid fighting over power. He wore a white kimono with a blue belt, wearing a dark green Haori overtop paired with a blue band around his forehead, hiding his cursemark from view. Hadami hummed a moment before looking towards Neji. The two babbling and laughing up a storm Hinami reaching towards Neji in curiosity.

"Would you like to hold one of the babies?" Hadami asked and Neji looked towards her a moment before looking towards his parents both of whom nodded in encouragement for a moment, before he nodded rapidly towards Hadami, 

"Yes please." He said after Hizashi gave a headnod to the boy, Hadami handing the baby over, Hinami looked confused towards Neji a moment, 

"Hello Hinami. I'm Neji." Neji said in greeting and the girl babbled in return, before setting her head on his shoulder, at 8months, Hinami was half of Neji's height. She seemed to be a huge fan of the boy as well,

"Aunt, can she walk?" Neji asked, and Hadami hummed in response, 

"Close, but not yet. She still just crawls." She said in return, Hinami had her black hair down reaching her shoulders wearing a pink bow in her hair, wearing a shortsleeve pink dress. Hanami helping Neji place the infant on the ground 

"Hinaim's small…" Honoke commented standing at 2 months pregnant, and Hadami nodded in response, she wore her violet hair on her head her bangs falling over her face, her hair reaching her waist. Wearing a light purple kimono with a forest green belt. 

"Her chakra reserves are large." Hizashi said looking towards his sister in law, 

"They might have the forest release kekkei tota," Hadami said and Hizashi hummed as Honoke brought over some tea, she wore a light fabric around her forehead hiding her cursemark that was placed on her forehead upon her forehead, Hadami looking over towards the kids, her eyes following Hinami who was following Neji around. Before reaching Neji and lifting her hands up, Neji laughing, as he held his hands out, Hinami standing from the ground, walking with Neji. 

"Hinami, are you walking with Neji?" Hadami questioned and the girl blew a raspberry before stomping on the ground and giggling, before she let go of Neji's hands, Hadami taking two steps forwards, clapping her hands together

"Mamamamamama" She said in response, which was the only word she knew at the moment. "Honokeee. Look." Hadami said looking towards Hinami who was standing on her feet shakily, 

"Hinami! Come here!" Neji said looking over, the girls stepping closer before falling on their butts. Sitting confused for a moment, Hinami looked around before she put her hands on the ground, seeming to try and figure out how to get her feet back underneath her. Which took a few minutes. Before she took shaky steps forwards her hands in front of her as she took wide steps. Before clapping her hands together, and falling back onto her butt and deciding to just scoot across the floor. 

Hadami, Nawaki, Kiyoka, Kansai, and Tsunade kneeled in front of the girl, or well, Nawaki, Kiyoka, Kansai, and Tsunade did, Hadami was placing Hinami on the ground, they wanted to see who the one year olds would go to. Once placing the girl who'd been walking for a few months at that point on the ground, she ran to the otherside of the room, kneeling on one of the pillows and they called Hinami's name seeing who she would go to, Hinami walking towards Tsunade at least, that's what it looked like before she hugged Kiyoka instead who was kneeled next to Tsunade. Causing the girl to laugh. Tsunade convincing Orochimaru and Jiraiya to do so as well, though instead of calling out to Hinami, they let the girl walk to them. Hinami had her black hair in two ponytails on either side of her head with green bows wearing a green sleeveless dress with red bows on the straps, which had been Tsunade's at the same age.

"Why are we doing this again?" Jiraiya asked, 

"Curiousity." Tsunade said in return before calling to her niece who looked over, before clapping her hands and walking forwards Tsunade sat in between Orochimaru and Jiraiya, Hinami stepping forwards the sun kissing her feet, 

"Preetty." Hinami said stepping forwards, placing her hands on Orochimaru's cheeks Jiraiya and Tsunade trying not to laugh at his red face, 

"Pretty." Hinami said again, squishing his cheeks together when Orochimaru tried to get out of the situation. 

"Hadami! Your kids are fucking amazing!" Tsunade yelled over, 

"Language Tsunade!" Hadami said in response, 

"Fuck!" Kiyoka yelled right after, proud of the word, Tsunade laughing, 

Hinami was two years old, and loved to play with her aunt, who often stole the toddler from Nawaki, Much to the girl's delight. Hinami also enjoyed playing with her older cousin, Kiyoka, or with her other cousin, Hinata. Hinami was with lack of a better term, a genius. The girl was a bright and positive children, she could sometimes be a little dark, like Hashirama, but overall, they were positive children. She loved to train with Hinata, the girls discovering that they did in fact have the byakugan, as well as the forest release kekkei tota. They trained the byakugan with the hyuga while training their forest release with the Senju. Through forest release she could communicate to plants and grow anything she'd researched and knew about. Little did she know how much everything was going to change when Hinata turned three. Neji was branded with the clans curse mark, the brand of servitude of the branch family. Soon after, the hidden cloud tried to kidnap Hinata from her bed, Hiashi killing the assalaint, wanting Hiashi's corpse as retribution. Hizashi giving his life in his place, everyone in the hyuga attended his funeral. Kushina brought her, Kiyoka and Naruto with her to meet Sasuke and Itachi when she was watching them, while Nawaki was overseeing construction in the village and Hadami was attending Hyuga business. Kiyoka and Itachi were the same age, or well, almost the same age, with Kiyoka being 9 and Itachi being 8 having been in the same class at the academy. Though, he'd already graduated from the ninja academy and was a genin. Kiyoka was having trouble catching up to the Uchiha prodigy. Though, she was strong in her own right, with her chakra chains and fuinjutsu that she was learning, not to mention the gentle fist and hyuga techniques… Hinami went on a trip with Hadami, Kansai, and Kiyoka to the sand village when they were 4, they were to learn of diplomatics for the good of the Hyuga and the Senju clans, as they would be representing both, or well, Hinami'd be representing both. Kiyoka would be representing the Senju. Kiyoka being the heir apparent for the Senju clan, the 10 year old was older than everyone they were meeting. There Kiyoka was introduced to Temari, and Kankuro, the Kazekage's eldest daughter and son. The five kids walking through the sand village together. Hinami wandering off and look at the village away from the older kids. 

"Hey, Kiyoka… where'd the kid go?" Kankuro said the 6 year old looking back as he noted the girl was gone, Kiyoka looked over, along with Temari, the 7 year old also noting the girls absence. 

"Oh man! I'm gonna be in so much trouble." She said in return with hands on her head, the 11 year old looking back towards where Hinami had been standing. The two training in medical ninjutsu with Tsunade from the time they were old enough to walk, to ensure they wouldn't fall pray to simple injuries. Though, that wouldn't help Kiyoka locate her four year old cousin.

"Who are you?" Gaara said quietly as he noted the girls sitting on the sand Hinami startling, her black hair was in a waterfall braid behind her head secured with pale blue bows on either side of her face, a few strands framing her face, her hair reached her waist as she kneeled on the sand. Wearing a persian green dress with a square neckline shortsleeves that stopped halfwaydown her biceps. The skirt of the dress reached her knees, with blue zori around her feet. She looked over, her pale pink pupiless eyes looking towards Gaara's and Sana's seafoam. Before looking down and poking at the sand,

"U-um. I… I'm… Hinami Senju…" She said, though it sounded more like a squeak, Gaara and his sister walking closer to hear her, crouching down next to her"What? I'm sorry, I didn't hear you. I'm Gaara. This is my sister, Sana" Gaara said his dark red hair sat around his forehead, he had a red kanji in the left side of his forehead that he'd been born with spelling love in kanji, hence his name meaning love. his big seafoam eyes looked towards Hinami. Wearing an offgreen fabric over a tan shirt with black pants. His eyes held thick black eyeliner around them, a signal of his kekkei genkai. Wearing a large tan gord on his back that went from his waist to the top of his head.

"Hiii!" Sana said, her dark red hair was in two ponytails behind her head wearing a violet dress with a keyhole neckline, the sleeves reaching her inner elbows, she also had a light red 'love' Kanji birthmark though hers was on the right side. Her name also held a meaning for love. On her back she held a slightly smaller gord which stopped about midback to her shoulders. She held the same eyeliner Gaara did around her seafoam eyes as she looked towards Hinami and she looked over once more hesitantly.

"H-Hinami Senju… That's my name." Hinami said looking over, as she stood from the sand and introduced herself properly, bowing as she was taught. Being from two prominent clans meant she was taught how to interact with people on a more formal level than what Naruto was taught. 

"I'm sorry, did I intrude on… I'm sorry." Hinami continued and Gaara shook his head, the five yr old crouched near where she sat on the sand, as Sana sat down next to him, her legs spread out on the sand 

"The sand box is way more fun with more people." Sana said, the 5 year olds looking over towards Hinami a moment before Sana shook her head, clear excitement in her eyes. 

"No, you're not intruding. Hey, do you know Naruto Uzumaki?" Gaara asked and Hinami nodded, the 4 yr old had her hands under her chin before nodding towards Gaara

"He's my cousin. But he's very loud. Aunt Tsuna says hes loud like great grandfather." Hinami said and Gaara hummed, before sitting down next to her, lifting his hands

"Yeah, Naruto's really loud, but I think that's why he'll be a good hokage. Hey, you wanna see what I can do?" Gaara said and Hinami nodded, he moved sand, Sana did the same as Hinami watched in awe. The two created shapes and flowers and so on out of sand as Hinami watched them excited.

"Woooah, you can move the sand, thats so cool. Can you make anything?" Hinami asked quietly, Gaara nodded, Hinami whispering something to the boy and he nodded,

"I can do… this." Hinami said looking over as she moved her hands, before placing them on the ground, in between her hands, a hibiscus flower grew.

"So pretty." Sana said looking at the hibiscus flower which was pink bud in the sand the petals were a light pink, going red in the center where a red strand stayed with yellow spots on the end where the pollen was stored. 

"That's really cool." Gaara said in return, Sana nodding along in awe looking at the small flowers sitting in the sand before they retreated once more the four spoke for longer, Sana moving the sand around as well. Kiyoka, Temari, and Kankuro walked up to the sand pit quietly, noting how Gaara wore a crown of flowers in different colors while Hinami wore one of sand flowers, Sana hugging the girls back Sana wearing a small flower crown on her head as well, with a few small animals having made their way to the sand pit, the three laughing together.

"Well would you look at that…" Kankuro said laughing a moment, she was nodding along shyly to whatever Gaara was saying, Yashamaru walking forwards with four bentos, having seen the twins join the sand box. While Yashamaru approached the sand box, Gaara and Sana were laying on the ground, and so was Hinami laughing. 

"Lord Gaara, Lady Sana, are you and your friend hungry?" Yashamaru asked, coming into view of the kids, who sat up from the ground, Gaara and Sana nodding, while Hinami seemed to hide behind Gaara. Looking towards the man shyly, 

"Hello there, I'm Yashamaru, are you Gaara and Sana's friend?" Yashamaru said crouching, the girl nodded from behind her sister, looking towards the man, 

"I'm H… Hinami Senju. Hello." Hinami said from behind the boy

"She came all the way from the leaf village. Hinami's really shy. Hinami, this is Yashamaru, he helps take care of us." Sana said moving her arms as she spoke looking towards Hinami who looked back towards her with mild curiosity before stepping from behind Gaara

"n-nice to meet you." Hinami said Yashamaru holding up Bentos a soft smile on his face, as he looked towards her, offering one towards the girl. Karura and Rasa were busy with work related things and as such Yashamaru was appointed as a sort of caregiver when they couldn't help. Karura was a medic ninja and one of the best in the sand village. As such, she often had long shifts at the hospital during the day, as did Rasa as the Kazekage. Which is where Yashamaru came in. Though still being n active shinobi himself, his missions largely revolved around the village.

"Well, Hinami, it's nice to meet you two, are you hungry, I made enough for you as well." Yashamaru said and the twins looked over, looking towards eachother a moment, before nodding. Yashamaru had sandy-blond hair, which barely brushed his shoulders fair skin, and violet eyes. He was wearing a simple, dark blue, kimono-style shirt with white trim that was held closed by a white sash along with grey pants. Wearing black zori on his feet as he walked over the sand.

"Yashamaru, are there different injuries? like inside ones and outside." Gaara asked as they ate, looking towards the man who looked back in curiosity a moment before Hinami looked over as well, pointing her chopsticks over.

"Aunt Tsuna said its called uh… eternal bleeding when you have an injury on the inside." Hinami said and 

"Your talking about Internal Bleeding, that's when theres an injury inside your body and the blood isn't going to the right place. Eternal means it lasts forever. like a photograph, or your memories. Is that what you meant, Gaara, Hinami?" Yashamaru asked and the girl nodded with a light blush while Gaara shook his head, explaining pain on his heart. 

"Ah, well.. there's only one way to heal a broken heart" Yashimaru said, explaining how they would heal external injuries, looking towards the two sets of twins who looked towards the man with barely contained curiosity.

"What is it?" Gaara asked curiously

"Yeah what? Yashamaru." Sana said looking towards him, barely containing her excitement

"the answer, is love, Gaara, Sana. Only love can heal wounds on the heart." Yashimaru said, and Hinami looked over towards the boy before humming, thinking something over a moment before she grinned,

"I'll love you forever, Gaara." Hinami said jumping on the boy as she hugged him, shocking Yashamaru momentarily who had a hand behind the kids to ensure they wouldnt fall and Gaara nodded, stumbling at the added weight.

"Yeah." He said looking over, nodding along before Sana also jumped on him, 

"Me too! Twinnie" she said, jumping on the boy as well, this time, they did fall to the ground, a pile of bodies on the ground as Naruto walked in with Temari, Karura laughing behind her hand from the display. Looking towards the children as she sighed softly, she had shoulder-length, sandy-brown hair which framed her kind-looking face, and indigo-coloured eyes. She wore a simple dark red long sleeve dress with sleeves reaching her hands along with a long, light yellow scarf draped loosely around her neck. Hadami sighing as she looked over, her dark violet hair behind her head, wearing a purple yukata with a black belt, her hair holding bangs which sat on her forehead in a similar fashion to Sana,

"Me too! Hey Gaara! Hinami! I didnt know you were here!" Naruto said before crashing into the three as well, the four laughing as they lay tangled on the floor. Naruto had been let in by Temari who'd heard the entire conversation, finding it absolutely adorable, and unlikely the two would remember or hold to what they just agreed to. By the look on Yashamaru's face, the soft smile he was giving the two, he thought the same. 

"So what are we playing today?" Naruto said and Gaara grabbed Hinami's hand, looking excited at the prospect of playing with the boy, and Hinami at the same time, as well as Sana who grabbed Naruto's hand.

"Let's go outside, come on." Gaara said, Rasa reminded the boy to be back by curfew. The five ran outside playing airplanes as they chased each other, laughing. A year before Hinami graduated the academy, when the twins were 8, Nawaki passed the title of Hokage to Minato, letting him lead as the 5th hokage. Content to watch the village from the spot in the retirement, being there for his kids as they grew into the people they'd be for the rest of their lives.