Chapter Text
Just as Naruto had predicted, the Olympians had little objection to his “sacrifice” in the name of Sakura’s escape.
Though she had seemed overjoyed to be returned to the arms of her mother, Naruto had not missed the way she glanced over her shoulder at him, eyes sparkling with appreciation regarding their unspoken agreement. Much like he had someone awaiting him in the Underworld, she now did as well.
While the true nature of the bond she’d formed seemingly overnight with Lady Ino remained a mystery to him, the bashful excitement in Sakura’s eyes was one he understood with his heart and soul. He had promised her that when time allowed it during his six hours, he would transport her back to the Underworld to visit Lady Ino in private. That had been more than enough to placate her, and no one else was any the wiser.
Much to his own surprise, King Jiraiya had checked in on him after. He’d wanted to ensure that this was in fact something Naruto had decided upon willingly, and that he wasn’t being threatened or pressured to remain at Sasuke’s side. He didn’t bother to hide the way he scoffed at the assumption.
He knew the rest of the gods would whisper amongst themselves even more than they had before. He knew he’d be on the receiving end of hundreds of stares and inappropriate questions, but none of that mattered. At the end of the day, Naruto had found a home without sacrificing his freedom. He now had arms that welcomed his return each day with a warm embrace, and lips that would kiss his temple in times of mental duress.
Perhaps the Underworld had been his home for longer than he’d known it. It was possible that darkness held him for years, both by the belly and by the heart, and he had only finally been brave enough to choose it.