Chapter 12: Four Years Time skip

As time passed, the household grew warmer, filled with love and laughter. 

Tsunade, who once wandered, burdened by the weight of her past, found herself unwilling to leave. She stayed—not out of duty, but because, for the first time in years, she felt like she had a home. 

Jiraiya had left on his journey, seeking the child of prophecy, but Tsunade remained, anchored by the tiny hands that reached for her by the little boy who had unknowingly healed a part of her heart. 

Naruto had changed her in ways she never expected. She even cut back on alcohol—something unthinkable before—because the moment he smelled it, his little face would scrunch up in displeasure, and he would push her away with those tiny hands. She laughed the first time it happened, but soon, she realized… she didn't need it as much anymore. 

Shizune, ever loyal, remained by her side, but even she had changed. She had grown fond of the small family she found herself in, balancing her time between helping Kushina learn to cook—though with limited success—and doting on Naruto. 

Mikoto, a long-time friend, had also woven herself deeper into their lives. She treated Naruto like her own son, showering him with the same warmth she gave to Sasuke. She found it amusing how Naruto and Sasuke, though still unable to walk properly, would glare and babble at each other like they were already destined rivals. 

"You two are something else," she would chuckle, watching as Naruto waved his chubby fists at Sasuke, who in turn furrowed his tiny brows in defiance. 

Kushina, despite her frustrations in the kitchen, couldn't help but feel overjoyed. Her son was surrounded by love—by people who truly cared for him. And even though she missed Minato every single day, she knew, deep down, that Naruto was growing up in a home filled with warmth. 

Tsunade, watching Naruto doze off in her arms, whispered, "Guess you got me wrapped around your little fingers, huh?" 

And though he was too young to understand, Naruto gave a small, sleepy smile—one that made her heart ache in the best way possible.

Four years had passed, and Naruto had grown from an adorable baby into an equally adorable, energetic little boy. But something had changed—his once bright yellow hair had turned a striking shade of red. 

It was an odd phenomenon, one that confused everyone around him. Kushina had checked him thoroughly, Tsunade had examined him multiple times, and even Hiruzen had been informed—but no one could explain why. Eventually, they all gave up trying to figure it out. He was still Naruto, after all, just with a different hair color. 

His rivalry with Sasuke had only intensified. Whether it was play-fighting, seeing who could eat more, or racing to see who could climb onto Mikoto's lap first, they found endless reasons to challenge each other. 

"I won!" Naruto cheered, raising his arms victoriously after finishing his rice bowl before Sasuke. 

"No fair! You had a head start!" Sasuke pouted, crossing his arms. 

Mikoto and Kushina could only shake their heads in amusement. 

"You two are impossible," Mikoto laughed, patting Sasuke's head to soothe his wounded pride. 

Kushina, meanwhile, ruffled Naruto's now red locks. "That's my boy! But don't eat too fast, or you'll get a tummy ache!" 

Tsunade, who had become something of a second mother to Naruto, smirked. "At this rate, they'll be fighting for real before they even start at the Academy." 

Shizune sighed. "Let's just hope they don't destroy the house before then." 

Despite the chaos, the love in their home only grew stronger. Naruto was surrounded by people who cared for him, who supported him, and who, no matter what would always be by his side.

Naruto stood at the doorway, slipping on his sandals with a cheeky grin.

"Mom, I'm going out!" he called.

Kushina, who was busy preparing breakfast, looked over her shoulder. "Okay, but be careful, ya know!" she reminded him, her voice filled with warmth.

Naruto nodded, but before leaving, he turned toward Tsunade, who was casually sitting on the couch, drying her freshly washed hair. A mischievous glint flashed in his eyes.

With lightning speed, he darted forward, stood on his toes, and planted a quick kiss on her cheek.

Tsunade blinked.

Silence.

Then—

"Tch, brat! Get back here!" she yelled, flexing her arms as if ready to put him in a headlock.

But Naruto was already halfway out the door, laughing as he ran. He turned around, cupping his hands around his mouth to yell back at her:

"What's the problem with that? I only kissed my future wife!"

Tsunade's jaw dropped slightly, and for the first time in a long while, she felt genuinely flustered. Her cheeks took on a faint pink hue.

Kushina, who had been casually watching from the kitchen, nearly dropped the ladle she was holding. "Naruto! What did you just say?!" 

Shizune, on the other hand, looked mortified. "T-Tsunade-sama… you're not going to—" 

"That little…!" Tsunade cracked her knuckles, her face a mix of embarrassment and amusement. "He's getting too bold!" 

Naruto, already a good distance away, grinned and waved. "It's not my fault you're so pretty, Tsunade!" 

Tsunade nearly stumbled. "That's it! When you come back, you're getting training from hell!" 

But Naruto only laughed louder, running off into the village with the confidence of a boy who had just declared his future. 

Kushina sighed, rubbing her temples. "Where did I go wrong?" 

Mikoto, who had just walked in, tilted her head. "What happened?" 

Shizune, still stunned, whispered, "Naruto just… proposed to Tsunade." 

Mikoto blinked. Then, to everyone's surprise, she burst out laughing. "Oh my, this boy is going to be dangerous when he grows up!" 

Tsunade groaned, sitting down with her arms crossed. "That brat… he's lucky he's cute."

As Naruto walked down the familiar streets of Konoha, the morning sun casting golden hues over the rooftops, he heard footsteps beside him. 

Sasuke had caught up, hands in his pockets, his usual scowl in place. 

"Hmph. You are shameless," Sasuke muttered, side-eyeing Naruto. 

Naruto smirked, stuffing his hands behind his head. "What? You jealous, Teme?" 

"As if," Sasuke scoffed, kicking a small stone in his path. "You're just an idiot. Who goes around calling Tsunade their future wife?" 

Naruto laughed, carefree. "Someone with guts. Something you wouldn't understand." 

For a moment, there was silence between them, only the sound of birds chirping and the distant chatter of villagers filling the space. 

Then Sasuke sighed, glancing up at the sky. "Still... it's nice, isn't it?" 

Naruto turned his head slightly, confused. "What is?" 

"This." Sasuke gestured vaguely around them. "Walking like this. Fighting like idiots. Having people to go back to." 

Naruto stopped in his tracks for a second, processing Sasuke's words. He didn't often speak his feelings, but when he did, they hit deep. 

A slow, genuine smile formed on Naruto's face. "Yeah… it is." 

Sasuke looked at him, and for the first time that morning, he didn't frown. 

They continued walking side by side. Two boys, bound by rivalry, by unspoken understanding, by the promise of a future, neither fully grasped yet. 

No matter how many times they fought, no matter how many times they challenged each other, at this moment, they were just two kids enjoying the warmth of the sun, the steady rhythm of their footsteps, and the quiet comfort of knowing they weren't alone.

"Hey, Sasuke, accept defeat. I won more times," Naruto said, flashing his signature fox-like grin.

Sasuke scoffed, shoving his hands into his pockets. "No, you accept defeat. I won more times." His voice was cool, but his sharp gaze held a flicker of competitive fire.

Naruto narrowed his eyes. "What did you say?" He cracked his knuckles. "Fine! Let's settle this once and for all. Let's race! You decide the finish line."

Sasuke smirked. He didn't even have to think. "The finish line is Ichiraku Ramen."

For a second, there was silence. Then—

"Oh, you got good taste, Sasuke!" Naruto grinned wide, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Obviously," Sasuke said, rolling his eyes.

Without another word, they both took off.

The streets of Konoha bustled with activity as the two boys sprinted side by side, their rivalry burning as fiercely as ever. The afternoon sun cast long shadows behind them, and the villagers turned to watch as the two young heirs of powerful clans raced through the village, their laughter and competitive shouts filling the air. 

"You're too slow, Sasuke!" Naruto taunted, pulling slightly ahead. 

"Tch, don't get cocky!" Sasuke gritted his teeth, pushing himself harder. 

They weaved through the busy streets, dodging people, carts, and even a startled cat that screeched and leaped out of the way. Some villagers chuckled at their antics, while others shook their heads in amusement. 

As they neared Ichiraku Ramen, both boys pushed their limits, their feet pounding against the dirt road. The finish line was in sight. 

"I win!" Naruto shouted as he lunged forward. 

"No, I won!" Sasuke argued, panting slightly. 

Both boys stopped, hands on their knees as they caught their breath. Teuchi, the ramen shop owner, watched them with an amused smile. 

"Well, since you're both here, how about a bowl of ramen to celebrate?" he offered. 

Naruto and Sasuke looked at each other before grinning. Their rivalry might never end, but at least they could agree on one thing—Ichiraku Ramen was always worth it. 

"You're paying, Sasuke," Naruto declared, plopping down on the stool. 

"Like hell I am," Sasuke shot back, sitting beside him. 

Teuchi chuckled, already preparing their usual orders. Their competition would never end, but at moments like this, they were just two kids enjoying life, their bond growing stronger with each passing day.