239. Hugging a queen?
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Naruto draped an arm around Sasuke's shoulders, completely unaware of the growing storm he was brewing, and began to complain, "Sasuke, I ran into this super annoying guy during the mission."
Sasuke shrugged Naruto's arm off with mild irritation. "So? What's that got to do with me?"
Ignoring Sasuke's attitude, Naruto leaned closer, his voice becoming more animated as he continued, "This guy, he uses these crazy clay bombs. They're like little art projects that explode in your face. I couldn't figure out a good way to deal with him! Next time we see him, you'll have to handle it."
Naruto started mimicking Deidara's "art," using exaggerated movements to describe flying birds, crawling clay creatures, and explosions.
Sasuke's expression remained stoic, but he couldn't help feeling a little pleased at being relied on. That is until he mulled over Naruto's words. If Naruto couldn't handle it… could I?
He replied with his trademark smirk, "If you couldn't beat him, what makes you think I can?"
Naruto grinned. "Because you have the Sharingan, duh! You'll be able to see through all his bombs before they go off."
Sasuke raised an eyebrow at the flattery. It was a good start.
"And," Naruto continued with a mischievous grin, "you're really good at lightning-style attacks. That clay stuff is basically Earth Release. You'd totally wreck him!"
Sasuke's smirk grew. He couldn't help but feel smug at the praise, but in true Sasuke fashion, he didn't let it show beyond a slight twitch of his lips. Feeling playful for once, Sasuke decided to test something. "Oh, like this?"
Before Naruto could register the mischievous glint in Sasuke's eye, arcs of electricity crackled along Sasuke's body and shot into Naruto's arm.
"AHHHHHHH!" Naruto screamed, his body going stiff. His hair stood on end, transforming into a spiky mess that resembled an electrified hedgehog.
Sasuke crossed his arms, barely hiding his smirk, while Naruto's new "style" drew immediate laughter from the group.
"Pfft—HAHAHAHA!" Kiba was the first to double over, clutching his stomach.
"Wang, wang, wang!" Akamaru barked, hopping in place as if laughing too.
Hinata covered her mouth, trying to stifle her giggles but failing miserably. Even Sakura, usually the voice of reason, was holding her sides.
Naruto, realizing his predicament, growled, "What's so funny?! Stop laughing, dattebayo!"
Sasuke had already darted behind Kushina, who was equally amused by the sight. "Looks like Naruto finally lost a fight," Sasuke quipped.
Naruto scowled but didn't retaliate. Instead, he let Hinata approach him to help untangle his wild hair.
As she carefully removed his forehead protector, Naruto thought to himself, This must be why Jiraiya invented that lion's mane jutsu. He probably didn't have anyone to fix his hair.
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Meanwhile, in Konoha…
Far away, Jiraiya sneezed loudly, nearly toppling the deck of cards in his hands.
"Change the deck!" Tsunade snapped, tossing her cards down in frustration.
"Oh, come on, Tsunade. I'm starting to win!" Jiraiya grinned, shuffling the cards clumsily.
"If not for these little games of yours, I'd be destroying something by now," she muttered. Konoha's police force had shut down most of the local gambling dens, leaving Tsunade with fewer outlets for her… hobbies.
Kushina had once suggested Minato open a casino solely for Tsunade. The so-called "Wage Recovery Plan" would keep her losses within the family. Naturally, Minato declined. As much as he loved his wife's ideas, that was a bit too much.
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Returning to Konoha
After delivering their report to the Sand Village and discussing plans for future cooperation, the group returned to Konoha.
This time, instead of walking, Naruto flew them back using Flying Thunder God markers Minato had prepared.
Standing before the Hokage's office, Kiba let out a sigh. "Man, that ninjutsu is just too convenient."
"Wooof!" Akamaru barked in agreement.
Kushina knocked on the door before shoving Naruto inside. "Mission accomplished!" she announced cheerfully. "And guess who's got some explaining to do?"
Naruto stumbled forward, bracing himself against Minato's desk. He glanced up at his father, guilt flickering across his face. Minato raised a hand and waved casually.
"Yo," Minato greeted. "Isn't this my long-lost brother?"
Naruto let out a nervous chuckle. "L-long time no see… big brother."
Everyone else in the room: "?????"
Kushina grinned devilishly as she wrapped an arm around Naruto's neck. "So, Naruto, why don't you fill us in on all the details? Like how your dad here was hugging a queen?"
Naruto saw his opportunity to deflect and took it. "Yeah, Mom! I didn't want to say it, but Dad looked really comfortable holding Queen Sara back there."
"Naruto!" Minato protested, his face turning crimson.
Before either could explain further, Kushina wrapped her other arm around Minato's neck, pulling both father and son into a headlock. "Okay, both of you are explaining everything!"
Naruto groaned. "Ow, Mom, we're just kidding!"
Minato sighed. "So much for being the Hokage," he muttered, though a small smile tugged at his lips.
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After the Chaos
Later, Minato had one final word for Naruto. "Before you go," he said, his expression unusually serious, "there's something I need to tell you."
Naruto paused, curious.
"Don't be picky with your food. Eat well, grow up strong, and don't forget to take baths on time. Sleep is important too no staying up late! And don't forget to make good friends. They don't have to be many, just a few you can trust."
Naruto's face flushed as the group stifled their laughter behind him. "Geez, Dad, you sound like Mom now!"
Kushina grinned. "And I'm saying the same thing!"
Naruto rolled his eyes, a reluctant smile creeping across his face. Despite the teasing, there was a warmth in the moment a reminder of the bond he shared with his parents, one he never took for granted.
As they all left the office, Naruto glanced over at Sasuke. "Hey, don't think I forgot about you, Teme."
Sasuke smirked. "Just try not to lose the next time, Dobe."
Naruto laughed, knowing full well that despite everything, his family, both blood and chosen, had his back.
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