Chapter 34: Family Grew Bigger

As soon as Naruto pushed the door open, his voice barely got out—"Mom, I'm ho—"—before he was nearly tackled by a blur of red.

"My baby, you're finally back!" Kushina's voice was thick with emotion as she wrapped her arms around him in a crushing embrace. "Do you have any idea how much I was worried?!" Her grip only tightened as if afraid he would disappear again.

Naruto stood still for a moment, feeling the warmth of his mother's embrace, the tremor in her voice. Guilt gnawed at him. He had left her alone for days without telling her everything. Slowly, he raised his arms and hugged her back.

"I'm sorry," he murmured, his voice softer now, full of sincerity. "I didn't mean to make you worry."

Kushina pulled back just enough to cup his face in her hands, scanning him up and down as if to make sure he was really there. Her violet eyes, usually so full of energy, glistened with unshed tears. "Baka, don't ever do that again," she scolded, her voice shaking.

"Mom," he began, his voice softer now, carrying the weight of something important. "I want you to meet someone."

Kushina tilted her head, her worry momentarily replaced with curiosity. "Who?" she asked, her voice laced with confusion.

Naruto turned slightly, stepping aside to reveal Kana and Karin standing quietly in the doorway. Kana's hands rested protectively on Karin's shoulders, but her face showed uncertainty—hope, fear, and hesitation all mixed. Karin, on the other hand, was fidgeting, her fingers gripping the hem of her sleeves, eyes darting between Naruto and Kushina.

For a moment, silence filled the space. Kushina's gaze landed on Kana, her breath hitching slightly as she took in the unmistakable red hair, the familiar features. Then, she looked at Karin—so small, yet carrying the same vibrant Uzumaki spirit in her eyes.

Kushina's eyes widened in disbelief. "Don't tell me… you both are from the Uzumaki clan?" Her voice wavered slightly as if she couldn't fully accept what she was seeing.

Kana took a deep breath, regaining her composure. She gently placed a hand on Karin's shoulder before nodding. "Yes… my name is Kana Uzumaki, and this is my daughter, Karin Uzumaki."

Karin bowed her head politely, unsure of what to say.

The moment Kushina heard the name Uzumaki, something inside her cracked. It had been years—years of loneliness, believing she and Naruto were the last of their kind. The weight of that solitude, that loss, had settled deep in her heart. And now, standing before her were two more… family.

Her vision blurred as tears welled up in her eyes. She didn't hesitate. She surged forward and pulled Kana into a tight embrace, clinging to her like she was afraid she would disappear.

Kana gasped at the sudden warmth enveloping her. For a second, she was too stunned to react. But then, her body trembled, and her tears spilled over. Slowly, she wrapped her arms around Kushina, clutching onto her like a lifeline.

Naruto, Tsunade, and Shizune stood to the side, watching the emotional reunion unfold. They couldn't help but smile at the sight.

Tsunade crossed her arms, shaking her head with a smirk. "Naruto… you really did something incredible. I think even I'm a little jealous I don't have a son like you."

Shizune nodded in agreement. "It's truly amazing," she added softly.

Naruto turned to them with a playful grin, his blue eyes glinting with mischief. "Well then," he teased, "marry me, and I'll give you one."

Tsunade choked on air, her face turning red. "W-What did you just say, brat?!"

Naruto grinned mischievously. "You heard me, Tsunade-chan. If you want a son like me, I don't mind helping."

Shizune barely held back her laughter, covering her mouth as Tsunade's eye twitched dangerously. "Why you—!"

Before she could throw a punch, Kushina turned, still teary-eyed but now grinning. "Oi, Naruto! Don't go proposing to older women before your own mother approves!"

Naruto grinned, scratching the back of his head. "Come on, Mom. You know I like her. How could you not approve of it?".

Kana and Karin watched the exchange with amusement, feeling the warmth spread through them. It had been so long since they'd felt this kind of energy—a real, loving family.

Tsunade took a deep breath, calming herself. "Brat, you really know how to ruin an emotional moment," she muttered, but there was no real anger in her voice—only fondness.

Naruto just smiled, watching as his family grew before his eyes.

Then, all entered the home.

"Naruto, you should have at least sent me a message that you were bringing two more family members! Now I haven't cooked enough," Kushina exclaimed, rushing toward the kitchen with a mix of frustration and excitement.

Naruto chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. "Mom, how could I send a message when I wanted to surprise you?" he said, his voice filled with warmth.

Kana, feeling overwhelmed by Kushina's energy, tried to protest. "Kushina-san, please, there's no need to go through the trouble—"

Kushina turned to her with teary eyes and a wide smile, her voice trembling with emotion. "How could you say that, Kana? Do you have any idea how happy I am to finally meet more of our clan? This is a day to celebrate! A day to welcome you both home."

Kana's eyes welled up, her heart clenching at the sincerity in Kushina's words. For so long, she had fought to survive, to keep her daughter safe, and now—someone was welcoming them, cherishing them.

Kushina wiped her tears quickly and turned toward Shizune with determination. "Shizune, help me out! Tonight, we're having a feast worthy of the Uzumaki!"

Shizune smiled warmly, nodding. "Of course, Kushina-san. Let's make this a night to remember."

"Naruto, call your friends and everyone else—let them know we're having a party today!" Kushina said, her voice filled with excitement.

"Got it, Mom! I'll go invite them now," Naruto replied with a grin, already turning toward the door.

Karin, who had been sitting quietly beside Kana, hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Mom… can I go with Nii-san?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity and excitement.

Kana smiled softly, seeing the spark of joy in her daughter's eyes. "Yes, go ahead, sweetheart."

Karin beamed and jumped up, but Naruto sighed dramatically, crossing his arms. "Karin, how many times do I have to say it? I'm not older than you! I could even be younger by a few months!"

Karin giggled, shaking her head stubbornly. "No way, Nii-san! You act too mature to be younger than me!"

Naruto groaned in frustration before turning toward his mother, his last hope. "Mom, back me up here! Tell her I'm only four years old!"

Kushina paused from frantic movements in the kitchen and looked at Naruto with an exasperated but amused expression. "Naruto… honey, I know you're four, but look at you! Even if I say it, who's gonna believe me?"

Kana chuckled softly, covering her mouth. "It's hard to accept, Naruto-kun. You look so grown-up and act like an adult. Even I feel like I should be calling you Nii-san."

Karin smirked triumphantly, sticking out her tongue. "See, even Mom agrees! You are my Nii-san!"

Naruto groaned, throwing his hands in the air. "You know what? Fine! Whatever makes you happy, imouto," he said dramatically, making Karin giggle.

Shizune laughed as she tied her apron, ready to help Kushina. "Naruto, just accept your fate. Some things you can't argue your way out of."

Tsunade leaned against the wall, arms crossed, watching the whole interaction with a smirk. "Yeah, brat, just go invite your friends before you lose this debate any further."

Naruto sighed in defeat but couldn't help the smile tugging at his lips. "Alright, alright! Karin, let's go invite everyone before Mom goes overboard with the food."

Kushina huffed playfully. "I always go overboard when it comes to my family!"

Kana, watching the lively exchange, felt warmth spread in her chest. After years of suffering, loneliness, and despair, she and Karin had finally found a home. A real family.

As Naruto and Karin left, Karin tugged on his sleeve, looking up at him with a small, shy smile. "Thank you, Nii-san."

Naruto blinked before grinning, ruffling her hair. "Anytime, Karin."