Chapter 37: Two years Later

"Mom, we're back!" Naruto called out as he stepped into the house, his voice full of energy. 

"Welcome home, dear!" Kushina's warm voice floated from the kitchen, where the sound of chopping and simmering filled the air as she busied herself with party preparations. 

Naruto's gaze swept across the room, landing on Tsunade, who sat slouched on the sofa, arms crossed, her face clouded with irritation. Even Karin, standing beside him, noticed the heavy atmosphere surrounding her. 

Frowning, Naruto leaned toward Shizune and whispered, "What happened to her?" 

Shizune sighed, shaking her head. "I have no idea. She's been like this since she got back and refused to say a word. If anyone can get her to talk, it's you," she said, casting him a knowing look. 

Naruto exhaled, glancing at Tsunade again. He could guess it mostly about Kusagakure and partly would be due to those KF4. With a small smile, he walked over, already thinking of a way to bring back the spark in her eyes.

He grinned as he quietly approached Tsunade, his steps light and mischievous. Without a word, he reached out and gently placed his hands over her eyes, a playful attempt to break her sour mood.

But Tsunade's instincts kicked in instantly. In a swift motion, she grabbed his wrist, twisted her body, and effortlessly flipped him over.

With a loud thud, He found himself flat on his back, staring up at the ceiling in shock.

"Ow! Hey, you know that hurts!" he groaned, rubbing the back of his head. "Do you not know how to handle a child?"

Tsunade blinked, realizing what she had done, and let out an exasperated sigh. Despite herself, a small smirk tugged at the corner of her lips.

"You? A child? Who even recognizes you as one?" she teased, raising an eyebrow.

Naruto sat up, rubbing his sore back, before flashing a mischievous grin. "Can't you see? I know age is catching up to you, and that's why you were so grumpy earlier." He leaned in slightly, voice dripping with mock sincerity. "But don't worry, I'll take care of you in your old age."

Tsunade twitched. A vein popped on her forehead.

"Oh, is that so?" she said sweetly—too sweetly.

Before Naruto could react, her fist came down.

Boom!

A moment later, Naruto was face-down on the floor, groaning. "W-Was it something I said…?"

Shizune sighed, shaking her head. Karin, watching from the side, giggled behind her hand.

The room was filled with warmth and laughter as more guests arrived, each greeting one another with cheerful smiles. The scent of delicious food wafted through the air, adding to the lively atmosphere.

Kushina, standing proudly in the center, gently placed a hand on Kana's shoulder, drawing everyone's attention. "Everyone, these are my distant relatives—Kana Uzumaki and her daughter, Karin Uzumaki," she announced with a bright smile.

Kana's eyes widened slightly at the sea of friendly faces turning toward her. The overwhelming attention made her nervous, but she quickly noticed the kindness in their expressions. Taking a deep breath, she gave a small bow.

"Thank you for having me," Kana said, her voice soft yet filled with gratitude.

A moment of silence passed before the guests responded with welcoming words.

"Welcome to the village!"

"Any friend of Kushina's is family to us!"

"You've got that unmistakable Uzumaki hair! It's good to meet more of our kin."

Slowly, the tension in Kana's shoulders eased as the warmth of the people around her melted away her hesitation. Karin, standing beside her, was beaming, clearly enjoying the lively energy of the gathering.

Naruto grinned and nudged Karin playfully. "See? I told you the village was full of good people."

Karin held onto his sleeve, looking up at him with bright eyes. "Yeah… it really is."

As the party continued, the Uzumakis—old and new—felt the bonds of family growing stronger, weaving them into the heart of the village they now called home.

Two Years Later.

Over the past two years, Konoha had become home for Kana and Karin, though the watchful eyes of the village never truly left them. It was an unspoken truth, but one they had learned to live with. 

Naruto, now older, had matured into an even stronger shinobi—not just in skill, but in presence. He carried himself with the quiet confidence of someone who had faced both hardship and responsibility, his once boundless energy tempered into something more focused, more determined. 

Karin, on the other hand, had changed in her own way. Once shy and reserved, she had transformed into a wild force of nature. Her once hesitant steps were now filled with unshakable confidence, and her sharp tongue had become just as much a weapon as her skills. She was fiercely protective of those she cared about and had no problem making her presence known—especially when it came to Naruto. 

"Oi, Nii-san! Stop brooding and let's go spar!" Karin called out, her red hair whipping behind her as she stretched. 

Naruto sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "You never change, do you?" 

Karin smirked, cracking her knuckles. "Nope! And you're about to find out just how much stronger I've gotten!" 

As Naruto grinned, stepping forward to meet her challenge, it was clear that the little girl he had once taken in had grown into something fierce, a true Uzumaki in every sense of the word.

"Karin, you know we need to join the academy from tomorrow," Naruto said, effortlessly blocking her latest strike. 

"I know, Nii-san, but isn't training like this way better? Right, Hinata?" Karin huffed, throwing another punch, which Naruto caught with ease. 

Hinata, still shy but slowly finding her voice among close friends, nodded. She had grown more confident around Karin, Naruto and others. 

"Yes, Karin, but the academy will be a different experience. I think you'll love it too," she said with quiet conviction. 

Karin paused, crossing her arms. "Well… if Hinata says so, I'll give it a try," she finally relented, stepping back from the fight. 

With that, Hinata took her place in the sparring circle. Her stance was delicate yet determined. She knew Naruto was strong, but she wanted to challenge herself, to prove she could stand beside him—not just as a teammate, but as an equal. 

Then came Sasuke, his silent intensity a contrast to Naruto's boundless energy. The matches continued, one after another, yet Naruto showed no signs of exhaustion. His determination, his spirit—it was something that inspired them all. 

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the training ground, the three of them stood together, breathless but smiling. The academy awaited, and with it, the next step in their journey.

After their spar, they returned home, ready to eat and prepare for their academy entrance the next day. 

"Mom, we're back!" Naruto and Karin called out in unison as they stepped inside. 

"Welcome home, dear!" Two warm voices greeted them—one from Kushina and the other from Kana. 

"Go clean yourselves up and come for dinner," Kana said with a gentle but firm tone. 

"Yes!" they both replied, though a hint of reluctance lingered in their voices. Still, they knew better than to argue when food was involved. With playful grumbles, they dragged themselves toward the washroom, knowing a comforting meal and their loving family awaited them.