Chapter Text
They go to war.
Naruto fights gods, and the creatures of legends and myths.
Naruto glows, a radiant yellow-orange as he bonds with Kurama, the fox sealed within him.
While his beloved is fighting one-on-one, he does his best to support from the ground.
He does his very best to ignore that the reawakened Hokage's are helping, and that a certain Hokage is keeping close to Naruto. One with brilliant blonde hair and what used to be just as blue eyes as his sons.
The Yondaime is suddenly in front of him and gives him an intense gaze.
"So you're the one who has my son's heart, hm?" Minato says, a small smile gracing his features.
He nods, unsure how to answer.
"I'm glad."
And with that, the Yondaime is gone within a flash.
The approval resonates within his very soul, the depths of his heart.
They fight. They hurt. Some fall. Some are injured. They never give up. How could they when they see Naruto exerting everything he has to protect them.
He hurts his leg and is slipping in and out of consciousness, but he fights. He will not leave Naruto. He refuses to abandon his person.
There's a medic-nin at his shoulders funneling chakra into his system and healing his leg. His pain lessens, but he's still uncomfortable.
It's worth it.
Because the miracle that is Naruto Uzumaki manages to win.
Then he's gone, following Sasuke to finally fight.
He manages to force himself up, ignoring the medic-nin and finds Kakashi. Naruto's former sensei looks worried, and with one shared glance they go to witness the fight of the century.
Kakashi helps him until they're at the cliff's edge and watching the two speed toward one another in an amazing display of taijutsu. Purple and yellow light clash for what feels like hours, but eventually it does and both men are on the ground. His heart seizes up, but he listens to the way Sasuke brokenly questions Naruto. Naruto sincerely answers.
All seems to be well, until he notices both men without an arm.
Sakura is already healing them as she tears up. Kakashi helps him down and he is at Naruto's side, stroking the blonde's cheek.
"Hi sunshine," he teases, affection filling every crevice of his body when Naruto looks at him.
"Shika," he murmurs, "you're okay."
"Hey, what did I tell you, hm? I'm not leaving your side." He leans down to kiss Naruto's forehead.
He gazes at Sasuke and smiles at their wayward friend. "It's nice to have you back."
Sasuke gives him the tiniest smile and nods his head.
He focuses back on Naruto. "Keep your eyes open for me, okay baby?"
Kakashi lifts Naruto onto his back and Kiba is there lifting Sasuke onto his. They get the two injured friends back to what's left of the hospital so Tsunade can work her magic on the two of them.
Naruto gets his arm back. Sasuke declines.
Once his leg is healed up, he's on the ground running rebuilding efforts and making sure the supplies are being appropriately rationed based on need.
They rebuild, slowly, but it happens.
When Naruto is fully healed, he joins the efforts right by his side. His chakra reserves work miracles for the rebuilding, and while he refused to abuse it he also knows the importance of rebuilding faster so they're not vulnerable.
It's on the last day of October that he comes to a startling revelation.
"We…we fought on your birthday!" He says, turning to Naruto. "We didn't even celebrate."
Naruto smiles at him. "It's okay, Shika."
"It's not," he refuses, adamant. And he does something about it. Once he spreads the word of the mess up to his friends, they jump into action to make sure the Hero of Konoha is properly celebrated.
Within two days, they have the party set up and he's shepherding Naruto to the park. All of his friends and loved ones are there, and it warms his heart to see how much love Naruto is receiving from the people who truly know him.
Kakashi joins his side. "I know he's anxious to become Hokage, but I'm going to keep the hat for a couple more years so he can just…be. He's done so much for our village, he doesn't need any additional responsibility quite yet."
He smiles. He understands the sentiment for what it is.
"Don't worry, I'll make an honest man out of him soon enough," he promises.
Kakashi chuckles. The copy ninja walks toward Iruka sensei. Iruka sensei smiles up at him, leaning in to kiss Kakashi's cheek in a very sweet display of affection. He's happy for them.
Just like he's happy for Ino holding hands with Sai, and Sakura standing beside Sasuke with flushed cheeks and Sasuke looking at peace.
Finally, he rejoins Naruto's orbit and the blonde locks onto him almost immediately. He joins him, resting his hand on the small of his back and listening to the conversation he was having with Kiba and Shino.
And they celebrate Naruto for who he is, for who he's always been, and his heart feels a little.more at peace knowing there's so many who can see Naruto the same way he's always seen him.
The following spring, he's waiting for Naruto in their apartment. The blonde had gone out to spar with Sasuke, the two rivals turned best friends enjoying their outings as they were the only ones on an equal level.
When the door opens and he hears Naruto slipping off his sandals, he gets down onto one knee and waits.
Naruto enters their living room and pauses. "Shika?"
"Naruto, you've been my person for quite a long time, and it's time I ask you to make it official and permanent because there's no way I want to continue living this life without you firmly by my side. Will you please do me the honor of marrying me?"
Naruto's eyes widen before a smile spreads so widely on his face. Tears escape those pretty blue eyes as he nods his acceptance. "Yes!"
Naruto throws himself into him and he holds him tightly. He hugs him, squeezes him tightly against him and nuzzles into the citrus scent of his neck.
"I love you," he confesses. "I always have."
Naruto squeezes him tighter. "Love you, Shika."
News travels fast about their engagement. Their close friends and family are pleased. They're incredibly happy for them and he's relieved by their support.
Kakashi comes over to their apartment and they invite him in easily.
"What's up, Kaka sensei?" Naruto asks.
He watches the blonde and his sensei from the kitchen as he brews tea.
"I recently came across information regarding your inheritance," Kakashi says.
His ears perk up at that. He pays close attention.
"Inheritance?" Naruto questions.
"Regarding your parents fortune," Kakashi says, "there were some terms and conditions to it, but as acting Hokage I'm able to access the full will."
"My parents…fortune?"
"Yes, specifically the Uzumaki fortune," Kakashi says, "as the true heir of the clan, you are now the sole inheritor of the Uzumaki fortune, as well as your parents' acquired fortune."
Naruto leans back and stares at his sensei. "I've had money this whole time?"
"It appears so. Looks like that rotten council prevented you from accessing it to further disguise your true lineage."
And now he feels the simmering of rage begin.
"You're telling me that Naruto could have grown up…having access to food and clothes and school materials, but the council members argued against that?" He asks, monotone.
"Killing intent, Shika," Naruto reminds him, "reign it in."
He takes a deep breath and controls himself, a feat quite difficult when involved with Naruto.
"I'm not happy about it either," Kakashi says, "but it's no longer going to be withheld from you. I've already put my foot down. So, congratulations Naruto, you are one very rich man."
He goes to join Naruto's side and looks at the statement handed over to Naruto. He's familiar with these documents and his eyes narrow onto the number resting at the bottom of the page.
He points it out to Naruto. "Right here, sweetheart."
"This is…way too much money for one man!" He protests.
Kakashi shrugs, "Do with it what you will, Naruto. Donate to charity, buy a house, have kids and set it aside for them. But it's yours…as it always should have been."
Kakashi takes his leave after that.
Naruto is dumbstruck, staring at the document.
"Baby, I'm going to inherit a similar amount when I become my clan's leader," he shares, "and typically that means that I share that money with my entire clan. It's not just for me, but for the people I take care of."
Naruto nods, "I understand that. It just…there's nobody left. It's just me."
"I know," he murmurs, "but sensei did have a valid point."
"About what?"
"Having kids."
Naruto's eyes lighten in a way he's not seen in a while. The idea of having a family, building a life together with new life is something he knows his fiance has always desired.
"We can't exactly procreate," Naruto laughs.
He chuckles. "So we adopt."
And it's as easy as that.
There's rumors of a group abducting children and experimenting on them. They reach out to Orochimaru who seems to be innocent, oddly enough. The man does give hints about a location to check out.
Naruto is sent on a mission with Sasuke and Kiba.
After seven days of being gone, he receives a letter from Naruto with a location and an urgent message to join him. He gets permission from Kakashi before leaving the village.
He arrives at a decrepit part of the forest and is confused by the amount of children seemingly running around and playing or taking naps under trees. He see his blonde haired lover scooping up and adorable little boy and propping him on his hip.
"Hey Shika," Kiba chuckles.
He looks over at the man and snorts seeing a bunch of kids clambering all over him.
"Uh, what's going on?" He asks.
Naruto waves at him, "Hi Shika!"
Feeling overly fond, he goes to join Naruto and subsequently, the little boy his lover is holding close to him.
"Who's this?" He asks, taking in the little boy's appearance. The boy has black and blonde hair with silver eyes. He looks…withdrawn, but comfortable in Naruto's presence.
"This is Kawaki," Naruto says with far too much affection that he knows their lives are about to change for the better.
"Hey," he greets, giving the small boy a smile.
"Kawaki, this is Shikamaru, my partner. He's a good man who's come to help," Naruto explains.
Kawaki accepts the answer as he lays his head on Naruto's shoulder and closes his eyes.
Naruto fills him in about the experimentation on the kids to fill them up with a source of power called Karma. They were trying to create the perfect vessel much like Orochimaru did with Sasuke.
Speaking of. "Where's Sasuke?"
Naruto points to where a little girl with short black hair and a fierce expression is scolding the one armed Shinobi. "He's with Sarada," Naruto laughs, "the little one has been giving him a run for his money."
All together there's about ten children of varying ages, Kawaki definitely being the youngest. Naruto carries him for the journey back. Kiba has a set of twins in his arms and Sasuke picks up Sarada with ease. The older kids walk and he does his best to keep them in order since he has free hands.
They make frequent stops, but it's okay. Naruto seems so happy and just knows the decision they'll have to make when returning to the village. He's okay with it.
Upon returning, Kakashi is at the gate welcoming them. Hinata is already ushering the kids to the newly developed orphanage where the kids can get fed and bathed before taking a rest. Kiba follows her to help keep the kids in line.
Naruto keeps his hold on Kawaki and Sasuke on Sarada. He sighs. Sakura would be in for quite the surprise.
"Sensei, I rarely ask for such favors," Naruto says, "but I want an expedited adoption so Kawaki can be mine."
"Ours," he corrects.
Naruto beams at him.
"Consider it done," Kakashi agrees easily.
He'd had a feeling that Kawaki would be a permanent fixture in their lives, and he's not mad about it. It's really the next step in their dynamic.
Kawaki is obsessed with Naruto, already calling him 'daddy' and wanting to be with the blonde as much as possible. It's sweet and he loves seeing his future husband step into a fatherly role with such ease.
Kawaki seems to tolerate him, which he's okay with. He's not going to force his presence on the kid. He cooks for the boy, already knowing his likes and dislikes. He makes sure to have the warm bubble baths ready with the strawberry bubble bath soap he loves and his favorite bath toys. He's always nearby when Kawaki is playing in the front room.
They estimate that Kawaki is close to being two. He's underweight and small for his age, so they've been instructed to feed him nutrient dense foods and to not withhold food. He doesn't, he refuses to allow their son to go hungry for another day.
The two of them are having lunch while Naruto is with Kakashi. Kawaki is in his high chair eating his food with gusto until it's empty. He looks up at him cautiously, "Da-da, more?"
His heart doubles in size hearing Kawaki call him 'da-da'. He smiles, "Of course, kiddo."
He refills his bowl with another serving and watches Kawaki dig in. Such a good eater, exactly like his dad.
When Naruto does return home, Kawaki excitedly tells him in his own rambling vocabulary about lunch. Naruto listens raptly as he cradles the toddler closer to him.
"Good boy eating your lunch and having seconds! You're going to grow up super strong," Naruto praises.
Eventually, Kawaki toddles off to play and he shares with Naruto about being called 'da-da'. Naruto tears up, and excitedly hugs him. "I'm so sad I missed it, Shika!"
Turns out, Naruto didn't have to wait long for Kawaki to say it again.
Kawaki joins him in their room while he's going through laundry and Naruto is resting on their bed.
"Da-da, up, please," Kawaki asks, arms outstretched to him.
It appears he now has two people in his life he'd drop anything for.
Naruto wipes away a few years from his position as he lifts Kawaki up and cradles him close. The warmth is reassuring and comforts him. He can only imagine how precious a baby Kawaki must have been for him to cuddle up so easily to him.
He would raze a village for this child, no doubts about it.
Wedding preparations are in full steam ahead with Sakura and Ino planning it. The two are a fierce team together and are excellent task managers. They asked them to do it since they're main priority is Kawaki, and the two girls immediately agreed.
Iruka and Kakashi have taken on the role as honorary grandfather's to their son, which Iruka is absolutely ecstatic about. Iruka loves Kawaki and the feeling is mutual.
Tsunade has turned into a fiercely protective grandmother toward their son, constantly doing health checks and offering him a lollipop every time he gets through one. Check-ups are hard for him because the doctor's office looked so similar to the lab he was in. So they try to associate the doctors with positive consequences. A lollipop typically did the trick as well as some fun at the park.
His mother has been an absolute godsend to them. She's been there every step of the way when they had questions or concerns. Kawaki adores her, and she is just a smitten.
She's the one person they can leave Kawaki with without the little boy panicking.
He has a feeling his dad would be just as smitten.
The day of their wedding starts early. People from all over have traveled to witness their nuptials, and to meet their son.
They dress in traditional wear, and get Kawaki into his little set as well. His mother picks Kawaki up and takes him to the ceremony. And then it's just them two left to take in the quiet before chaos eventually erupts.
Naruto looks over at him and smiles. "Not running for the hills?"
He grins, "Nah. Too much effort."
Naruto laughs.
He holds Naruto's hand. "Love you, sunshine."
People really should have connected the dots earlier.
The world sent him his own personal sun to orbit around in the form of a blonde haired, blue eyed boy and he will forever be thankful.