Chapter 33: Return back to village

"And one more thing, Karin," he said, gently cupping her cheeks. "I'm about your age, so you must add 'Niisan' when you talk to me."

"What?! What?!" Both mother and daughter gasped in unison, their wide eyes darting between each other and Naruto.

To prove his words, Naruto grinned mischievously and, with a puff of chakra, reverted to his true four-year-old form.

Kana's breath hitched, while Karin stepped back, her mouth hanging open.

"H-How can that be?!" Karin blurted out, pointing at him accusingly. "You're still taller than me!"

Naruto smirked, crossing his arms. "That's just because I eat my veggies," he teased.

Karin puffed her cheeks in frustration, but the tension in the room melted into laughter, the warmth of family settling around them.

"Naruto, are you really four years old?" Kana asked again, even after seeing his original form, her voice laced with disbelief. 

Naruto grinned widely, his bright blue eyes full of mischief. "Yep, Kana-san, this is the real deal," he said, flashing a thumbs-up. "If you're still doubtful, you can ask my mom when we reach the village." 

Kana looked at him for a long moment, as if trying to piece together the impossible truth. Even though doubt still lingered, she didn't question further. This boy—no, this child—had saved her and her daughter when no one else had. For that alone, she would place her trust in him. 

Naruto didn't push the conversation further. Instead, he gently took Karin's hand. "Come on, let's go explore!" 

Karin hesitated for a moment before nodding, her eyes lighting up with curiosity. Naruto led her outside, seamlessly shifting back into his adult form, and watched with a soft smile as she marveled at the village. Every little thing—the bustling streets, the market stalls, even the birds in the trees—seemed to fill her with awe, and for the first time, he saw her acting like the child she truly was. 

A few days passed, and Kana's condition steadily improved. She could walk on her own without assistance, her strength returning little by little. Seeing her progress, Naruto knew it was time. 

With their objectives complete, and their bonds strengthened, they finally decided—it was time to return home.

With everything settled, the group prepared for their journey back home. 

Kana, though still recovering, was in much better shape thanks to Tsunade's treatment. She no longer needed support to walk, and her strength was slowly returning. 

Karin, on the other hand, was like a completely different child from the one they had rescued—her eyes now sparkled with life as she clung happily to Naruto's side, asking questions about Konoha and what it was like. 

Naruto chuckled, watching her excitement. "You'll love it there, Karin. And you'll be safe, I promise." 

She beamed up at him. "Really? Even though we're Uzumaki?" 

His expression softened, but there was a deep determination in his voice. "Especially because you're Uzumaki." 

Kana, overhearing their conversation, felt warmth spread in her chest. For the first time in years, she allowed herself to believe that maybe—just maybe—things would finally be okay. 

With their belongings packed and farewells said, Naruto, Tsunade, Shizune, Kana, and Karin set off toward Konoha—toward home.

As they approached the village gates, Naruto shifted back into his child form. The guards, ever vigilant, stopped them for a routine check-up. Even though Naruto had brought Kana and Karin himself, the protocol had to be followed. He waited patiently, rocking back and forth on his heels, while the guards ensured everything was in order. 

Once cleared, they stepped into the village, and Naruto immediately took it upon himself to be their guide. He excitedly pointed out different buildings, telling Karin and Kana little facts about each one. His enthusiasm was contagious, and Karin found herself captivated by the sights and sounds of Konoha. 

Then, Naruto stopped and grinned, pointing toward the towering mountain in the distance. "Karin, do you see those stone faces carved into the mountain?" he asked. 

Karin's red eyes widened as she followed his finger. "Yes… what are those?" she asked, her voice filled with wonder. 

Naruto's grin stretched even wider. "Those are the Hokage of Konoha! Do you see the last one, the one with the spiky hair?" His voice carried a deep sense of pride. "That's my father, Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage." His words were filled with pure, unfiltered joy, his emotions shining through as he looked up at his father's immortalized face. 

Karin blinked, tilting her head. "What is a Hokage?" she asked, the unfamiliar word rolling off her tongue. 

Naruto let out a small chuckle, scratching the back of his head. "Ah, I forgot to explain! My bad!" He cleared his throat before continuing, his tone turning slightly more serious. "A Hokage is the strongest ninja in the village. They are the leader, the protector, and the most respected person in Konoha. It's their job to keep everyone safe, no matter what." 

Karin and Kana exchanged a glance before nodding, finally understanding the weight behind the title. 

Karin looked back at Naruto, eyes sparkling with admiration. "Your dad must have been amazing." 

Naruto's smile softened his chest swelling with pride. "Yeah… he really was."

"Was?" Kana repeated, her brows furrowing as she caught the weight behind Naruto's words.

Naruto's smile faltered, his bright expression dimming slightly. He glanced up at the stone faces once more, his gaze lingering on his father's. "He died the day I was born," he admitted, his voice quieter now, tinged with a sadness that even his usual cheer couldn't hide.

Kana's eyes widened, and she immediately regretted asking. "I'm sorry, Naruto… I didn't mean to—"

Naruto shook his head, forcing a small smile. "It's okay. It's not like I ever got to know him… but still, I'm proud to be his son." His voice wavered slightly, but there was no resentment—only quiet acceptance.

"Let clear this gloomy atmosphere, let's go meet my mom, she is wonderful." He tried to bring back to happy atmosphere.

Karin, sensing the shift in mood, grabbed Naruto's sleeve. "Your mom… is she nice?" she asked hesitantly.

Naruto's grin widened. "Nice? She's the best! You'll love her. She's loud, a little scary when she's mad, but she's got the warmest heart ever."

Kana couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm.

"Then let's not keep her waiting," Kana said softly, a small but genuine smile on her face.

With that, Naruto led them toward his home, excitement buzzing in the air. This wasn't just a reunion with his mother—it was the beginning of a new chapter, one where Karin and Kana finally had a place to belong.