281-285

*Chapter 281: After the Battle*

Hattori had no knowledge of the encounter between Black Zetsu and Kaguya Ōtsutsuki. In his understanding, the events unfolded like this: after Black Zetsu betrayed Madara Uchiha, he then tried to turn on Hattori himself, but Hattori managed to seal him away after Black Zetsu's plan failed.

Because of this, the Great Ninja War ended earlier than expected—just like that.

"Now, all that's left is to end the Infinite Tsukuyomi. Let’s see if I have that skill… Ah… there it is!"

Activating his Ten-Tails Jinchūriki mode, Hattori quickly found the skill to undo the Infinite Tsukuyomi:

*[Infinite Tsukuyomi: Release]* - In Ten-Tails Jinchūriki mode, reverse the Rinne Sharingan on your forehead, releasing the moon's projection and halting the Infinite Tsukuyomi.

Once Hattori found this skill, he immediately flew up to the sky and released the technique toward the moon.

"Infinite Tsukuyomi: Release!"

As the skill was cast, the patterns and tomoe on the moon disappeared, signifying the end of the Infinite Tsukuyomi.

With its end, the Divine Tree, which had been sustaining it, began to wither.

People hanging from the tree's branches, cocooned like silkworms, gradually began to awaken.

"Phew… It’s finally over!"

Seeing this, Hattori let out a deep sigh of relief and walked over to Madara Uchiha, who lay nearby.

"Lord Madara, as you can see, your dreams and everything you've done have been nothing but a tool for Black Zetsu. Is there anything you’d like to say now?"

"I… I failed!"

Hearing Hattori's words, Madara's face filled with desolation.

Once a Jinchūriki himself, he was now at the end of his life after losing his tailed beasts, his voice barely a whisper.

"I… I’m still the same as before… always seeking but never finding. Perhaps Hashirama was right all along. My dream has crumbled, but his… his dream continues…"

His voice grew softer and softer until his eyes closed for the last time.

He was gone.

Hattori's face darkened slightly at the sight, and he let out another sigh.

"Ah… so this is what they mean by ‘a dying man speaks kind words.’ If only he had seen it sooner… Well, rest in peace."

Saying this, Hattori raised one hand and tossed a black sphere into the air.

As the black sphere rose, he clapped his hands together and shouted softly, “Planetary Devastation!”

With that, the ground’s rocks and soil began to gather toward the black sphere, taking Madara’s body up with it.

A few minutes later, a massive sphere nearly 100 meters wide had formed in the sky.

The sphere no longer pulled in earth and rock but instead rose higher into the sky, eventually becoming a small black dot and then disappearing from sight.

Hattori then released his hands and waved into the sky.

"Farewell, Lord Madara!"

Hattori still held some respect for Madara, which was why he performed a “sky burial” using the Planetary Devastation technique, ensuring no one would desecrate Madara’s body in the future.

But to the newly awakened Allied Shinobi Forces, it looked like Hattori had used a powerful jutsu to defeat and seal Madara, banishing him to the sky forever.

At that moment, a thunderous cheer erupted around him.

"Madara Uchiha has been defeated by Lord Kazekage! The Great Ninja War is over; we’ve won!"

"Yes! We’ve won! Long live the Allied Shinobi Forces! Long live Lord Kazekage!"

"Long live the Allied Shinobi Forces! Long live Lord Kazekage!"

"Long live the Allied Shinobi Forces! Long live Lord Kazekage…"

Their cheers rose like waves, and as they shouted, they lifted Hattori, throwing him up into the air in celebration.

"Long live Lord Kazekage!"

"Long live Lord Kazekage!"

"Long live Lord Kazekage!"

Thanks to Hattori’s intervention, the Fourth Great Ninja War ended differently from the original story, yet all had concluded peacefully.

Through this great war, the shinobi alliance, previously divided by distrust, forged unbreakable bonds on the battlefield, creating a strong foundation for future peace.

Of course, this alone wasn’t enough.

After the war, Hattori, as the Kazekage of the Sand Village, made a proposal to the other four Kage: forming a United Shinobi Nations.

A united organization would be established by the Five Great Nations of Fire, Wind, Water, Lightning, and Earth, bringing together all countries in the shinobi world.

Hattori promised that every legitimate country, regardless of its power or the presence of a hidden village, would have a seat in this organization.

If conflicts arose, they would be resolved through discussions between representatives of each country stationed at the United Shinobi Nations.

"Let the minority follow the majority. Resolve disputes through peaceful means to reduce or even prevent wars."

Hattori’s proposal quickly received unanimous approval from the other Kage.

Of course, it wasn’t solely because of Hattori’s reasoning. Everyone present knew that in a show of force, even if the four villages joined, they couldn’t defeat Hattori.

Under these circumstances, they gladly embraced his peaceful approach.

Over the next few days, they negotiated the structure and rules for the United Shinobi Nations.

With Hattori’s knowledge as a traveler between worlds, they developed a relatively complete plan, which they implemented promptly.

The United Shinobi Nations headquarters was established in the Land of Iron, in the east of the Land of Fire—where the Five Kage had previously held talks.

The location was ideal not only because the Land of Iron lay at the center of the Five Nations but also because it was a neutral country, allowing everyone to feel at ease.

Naturally, the headquarters would need more than just the Land of Iron’s samurai for defense.

At Hattori’s suggestion, they selected about ten thousand elite ninja from the current Allied Shinobi Forces to form a United Shinobi Nations peacekeeping force.

This force would protect the headquarters and foreign dignitaries and would also be responsible for preventing and controlling conflicts among nations.

Hattori's proposal once again impressed the other Kage, showing them his dedication to lasting peace in the shinobi world.

There was no further argument—they all agreed.

Thus, with Hattori, a powerhouse, leading the way, the shinobi world took a significant step toward peace.

Having created peace for the world on his own, Hattori felt immense satisfaction.

At the celebration banquet, he drank to his heart's content.

Half-awake, he found himself gazing at blue skies, white clouds, and an endless stretch of green grasslands.

Sitting on the grass was a beautiful woman in a white robe with eyes as clear as a lake—intelligent and breathtaking.

The sight filled Hattori, whose mind was already foggy, with even greater enchantment.

“Is this a dream? Yeah… It has to be a dream; a woman this beautiful could only exist in my dreams. I’ll call you… Dream Maiden.”

With that, he tore off his shirt and rushed toward the beautiful woman before him.

“Dream Maiden, here I come! (づ￣3￣)づ”

"…"

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 282: The Green Fields in a Dream*

When he woke up in the morning, Hattori felt an unprecedented sense of well-being.

Thinking about the beautiful woman he had dreamed of the night before and the thrilling battle that had ensued, a sense of “satisfaction” filled his heart.

“Even though it was just a dream, it still felt pretty good. It’d be nice if I could dream like that again.”

Though he thought so, Hattori knew it was unlikely. After all, dreams are unpredictable and hard to pin down.

But what he didn’t expect was that he had the same dream that night.

It was the same green meadow and the same beautiful woman with clear eyes. Even her slightly embarrassed and angry expression was identical to what he’d dreamed of the previous night.

Faced with this familiar scene, Hattori didn’t hesitate and went after her once again.

“Demon, face my staff!”

…

Over the following days, Hattori found himself dreaming of this beautiful woman every night. He even discovered an “Easter egg”:

Though the beautiful woman never spoke, her expression toward him seemed to change little by little.

From initial anger and embarrassment to helplessness and shame, and finally to hopeful anticipation—Hattori felt like he was nearing the end of a level in a game.

“Keep it up, maybe the end is near!”

As if in response to Hattori’s thoughts, the beautiful woman in his dreams began to change daily—not only her attitude but also her stomach, which grew day by day.

She was pregnant.

When he realized this, Hattori woke up the next day with a smile on his face.

In real life, where he didn’t have children, having his own in a dream was some small comfort.

In anticipation, he continued to dream, and finally, on a dark, windy night, the beautiful woman gave birth to 27 fierce-looking children.

Hattori was stunned.

What he thought was a beautiful recurring dream had suddenly turned into a nightmare?

Hattori immediately felt disturbed and decided it was time to end this pointless dream.

That night, he didn’t go to bed early or think about the beautiful woman in his dreams. Instead, he spent the night at his office, dealing with paperwork until dawn.

When he got home, he collapsed into bed, and this time he didn’t dream of the beautiful woman but of his old partner—Four-Tails.

Four-Tails sat on the grass, looking relieved as if he’d survived an ordeal. When he saw Hattori, he even gave him a smile.

“Hattori, it’s been tough on you lately!”

Hattori: “(ω`)”

What?

Hearing this, Hattori was momentarily stunned, then finally realized what Four-Tails meant.

“Oh, you’re talking about the Ninja World War? Yeah, it was tough; Uchiha Madara is a tough one.”

“No… that’s not what I meant!”

To Hattori’s surprise, Four-Tails shook his head and gave him a grin.

“I meant the trouble you went through sending off those 27 death gods!”

Hattori: “(ω`)”

Twenty-seven death gods? Sending them off?

It finally clicked for Hattori, and he looked around.

“Is this my mindscape? Right… where did those 27 death gods go? And what did you mean by that?”

“Tsk… still playing dumb?”

As soon as Hattori spoke, Four-Tails gave him a mischievous look.

“I saw it all when you were with Goddess of Rabbit, heh!”

“Uh… Goddess of Rabbit?” Hattori was even more confused. “Who is that?”

“That’s the true form of the Ten-Tails, mother of Sage of Six Paths, Ōtsutsuki Kaguya!”

Four-Tails looked at Hattori with a peculiar expression.

“Don’t tell me you really didn’t know who she was?”

Hattori: “Σ(っ°Д°;)っ”

Goddess of Rabbit is Ōtsutsuki Kaguya?

Does that mean… I really “consumed” Ōtsutsuki Kaguya? And she even had children with me?

Does that make me the Sage of Six Paths’ stepfather?

No, wait! The most important thing right now isn’t that! What’s important is, why did Ōtsutsuki appear in my mind? Where is she now?

In a state of mental chaos, Hattori’s thoughts were soon answered by Four-Tails.

“Goddess of Rabbit entered your mind through the Ten-Tails seal, but she’s already left!”

“Left?”

Hattori was stunned again. “How did she leave? Wasn’t she sealed inside me?”

“You overestimate yourself!”

As soon as he spoke, Four-Tails rolled his eyes.

“Your seal is barely strong enough to restrain me. Thinking you could seal Goddess of Rabbit? Not in a million years. She was suppressed by those 27 death gods!”

“Uh… then, if that’s the case, how did she manage to leave?” Hattori asked again.

“Because death gods became her children!”

There was a hint of admiration in Four-Tails’ voice.

“For the death gods, having a physical body capable of containing their powerful souls is an opportunity they couldn’t refuse.

Goddess of the Rabbit is truly impressive; she thought of a way to turn her opponents who were supposed to keep her restrained into her allies. Incredible!”

Hattori: “(Д*)”

So I was just a tool?

In that instant, Hattori’s mood hit rock bottom, and he felt completely deflated.

Just then, he felt a hand on his shoulder, and a raspy voice sounded beside him.

“Don’t be sad. In a way, you’ve surpassed all mortals and become eternal. Immortality is almost within reach.”

“Uh…”

Turning around, Hattori found himself face-to-face with a pale face.

“Orochimaru? What are you doing here?”

It was none other than Orochimaru.

“Hahaha…”

Seeing Hattori’s shocked expression, Orochimaru chuckled, waving his hand.

“That’s not important anymore. What’s important is that you’ve given me what I’ve always desired. So before I leave, I just wanted to say thank you… and goodbye.”

With that, his figure grew fainter and eventually disappeared completely.

Hattori stared blankly, then turned to Four-Tails.

“What was that all about with Orochimaru?”

“Eh… just some stuff!”

Four-Tails smacked his lips and explained how Orochimaru had tried to take over Hattori’s body, only to be suppressed by the death gods and ended up singing Journey to the West for three years to stay alive.

But after listening to Four-Tails, Hattori grew even more puzzled. “Then why did he thank me?”

“That I don’t know!”

Four-Tails shrugged, then seemed to remember something and clapped his hands.

“Oh, right! I remember now—placenta left from the Goddess of the Rabbit’s childbirth was taken by Orochimaru. He seems to be planning to raise it!”

Hattori: (Д*)

There's a method to this madness?

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 283: Meeting Kaguya

Hattori once heard a particularly harsh insult: “When your mother gave birth to you, did she throw out the person and raise placenta instead?”

He never thought he'd actually see someone like that, especially someone who claims to “master biology technologies” like Orochimaru.

Hattori had a gut feeling that Orochimaru might actually succeed.

But he didn't care too much about that—Orochimaru, in Hattori’s eyes, was just a minor character who couldn’t make much of an impact.

What he was really concerned about was Kaguya Otsutsuki.

It wasn’t that he was harboring some lecherous thoughts, hoping for more "battles" with Kaguya, but rather he was worried she’d destroy the ninja world.

In the original storyline, Kaguya’s most notable act was using Divine Tree to drain people’s chakra, turning them into soldiers known as White Zetsu.

To stop her, her two sons—the Sage of Six Paths and his brother—had to seal her away, saving the ninja world.

But now, Kaguya has been resurrected, and she even has 27 reincarnated Death God helping her.

Seeing this, Hattori figured that not even Sage of Six Paths coming back would save the ninja world. Maybe it would just be a deadly countdown:

“No way out! We’re doomed! Goodbye!”

“It really looks like the end for the ninja world!” Hattori thought to himself, even considering if he should surrender early.

Maybe then, Kaguya might spare him out of their brief past “bond,” allowing him to cheer her up daily by singing the silly “Good Bye” song.

Hattori: “Σ(っ°Д°;)っ”

Why did he get chills just thinking about that?

That night, he was so worried about his future that he couldn’t sleep...

But to his surprise, over next few days, the “end of ninja world” he’d expected never arrived.

Months went by with no word of Kaguya Otsutsuki, and Hattori finally started to relax.

Based on what he knew about Kaguya, he doubted she’d remain quiet for months after breaking free.

With no signs of her in the ninja world, she might have left altogether.

As for where she could’ve gone, Hattori had a theory: the moon.

The moon in ninja world wasn’t a natural satellite; it was created by the Sage of Six Paths and his brother using the Six Paths Chibaku Tensei to seal Kaguya away.

Now that she’s broken free and hasn’t caused trouble in the ninja world, the most likely scenario is that she’s up on the moon causing trouble.

In the original story, Hattori knew that Toneri Otsutsuki was the only one on the moon.

Toneri wasn’t easy to deal with either. In one movie, he even tried to kidnap Hinata, until Naruto gave him a beating.

If Kaguya’s on the moon now, Toneri is probably in trouble—or worse, already defeated.

Of course, Hattori would need confirmation, and he figured the best way was to wait.

If Toneri doesn’t show up during Naruto and Hinata’s wedding, it would mean he’s likely done for, and Kaguya has made the moon her base.

If Toneri does try to crash the wedding, then Kaguya probably went somewhere else.

In truth, Hattori hoped Toneri would show up. Compared to Kaguya, fighting him would be far easier.

But in the end, he was disappointed.

More than two years had passed since the Fourth Shinobi War. He frequently used the Flying Thunder God Technique to visit Konoha Village but never found anything unusual.

Even when he received Naruto and Hinata’s wedding invitation, Toneri was still nowhere to be seen.

Hattori was finally certain: Toneri was most likely gone, and Kaguya had indeed made the moon her stronghold.

“This is going to be a problem!”

He looked up at the moon, feeling as if it were a Sword of Damocles hanging over his head, ready to fall at any moment.

Fortunately, after two years of preparing himself mentally, Hattori had grown much more resilient.

Even knowing Kaguya was on the moon and could return at any time, he remained calm.

He just clicked his tongue.

“Tsk... well, no other choice. After wrapping things up here, I’ll make a trip to the moon myself. Waiting to die isn’t my style!”

After deciding, Hattori immediately called a high-level meeting in the Hidden Sand Village.

In the meeting, he informed everyone that he’d be leaving for a while and proposed making Gaara the acting Kazekage.

He suggested that if Gaara passed the trial period and Hattori hadn’t returned by then, Gaara should inherit the title Sixth Kazekage.

Unlike Konoha, Hidden Sand Village had a highly centralized power structure; whatever Kazekage said was rarely opposed.

Plus, after the Fourth Shinobi War, Gaara had gained a lot of respect, so Hattori’s proposal was approved, and Gaara became acting Kazekage.

After transitioning power to Gaara, Hattori attended Naruto's wedding in Konoha before finally setting off for the moon.

He didn’t bother hiding his presence, knowing that with Kaguya, “Mother of All Chakra,” it would be pointless.

It was better to approach her openly, find out what she intended, and see if there was a chance for reconciliation.

Before arriving, Hattori braced himself for Kaguya’s anger, cold stares, insults, or even attacks.

But when he arrived on the moon, he was met with an unexpected sight.

A group of cheerful kids were running around, playing hide and seek.

And Kaguya, in her white robe and with a lovely face, had her hands over her eyes, crouching with her back turned, counting, “75, 76, 77…”

Apparently, she hadn’t used any sensory abilities, so she hadn’t noticed Hattori’s arrival and continued counting.

“…98, 99, 100… Ready or not, here I come!”

As she uncovered her eyes and turned around, she saw Hattori’s awkward smile.

“…”

Facing a silent Kaguya, Hattori quickly forced a grin.

“Hehe… well, uh... long time no see. I came to visit—how have you been?”

Kaguya’s expression froze for a moment, then she finally addressed him.

“What brings you to see me?”

“Uh... well…”

Hattori scratched his head, not sure how to answer.

“Hehe… I’m just checking on you, and, um, I had a small question?”

“What question?”

“Um…” Hattori pointed at the children around them. “Could these little ones call me Dad?”

“…”

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 284: Kaguya's Request*

Hattori didn't come all the way here just for a friendly visit; that much was clear to Kaguya Otsutsuki.

Knowing this, she didn’t beat around the bush. Instead, she gave him some reassurance right off the bat.

"I understand why you’re here. Don’t worry, I won’t attack those weak humans. I have a better option now."

With this, she glanced at the 27 children playing nearby, a hint of satisfaction flashing across her face.

"These kid`s, born from the bloodlines of Shinigami and Otsutsuki, wield power to control and strip away souls. Even those as powerful as Otsutsuki cannot fully defend against them. With them, I no longer have to fear those lingering spirits. For that, I thank you. In return, Shinobi World now belongs to you."

"Uh…so that’s how it is!"

Hearing Kaguya’s words, Hattori looked enlightened but then scratched his head, a little embarrassed.

"Heh, there’s no need to thank me so much. I enjoyed it back then, too. If you want… we could, you know, go again… right here…."

"Get out!"

"Okay, okay!"

If Hattori used his last-resort technique, Reaper Death Seal, he thought he could still defeat Kaguya Otsutsuki. In fact, before meeting her, he was prepared to use it if she intended to destroy the Shinobi World.

But now that she clearly expressed she wouldn’t, Hattori saw no reason to fight.

It would be pretty heartless to turn around and act like strangers right after they’d been together. So, even though she was curt in asking him to leave, he humbly exited the moon and returned to the Shinobi World.

Of course, leaving without looking back wasn’t his style. After all, women’s feelings can change on a dime. To keep an eye on things, he left a Flying Thunder God marker on the moon, popping in now and then with food, supplies, and toys for the kids.

Maybe Kaguya softened a little, seeing Hattori’s sincerity. Her attitude improved; she was less guarded and distant. Now, they were like a divorced couple—neither enemies nor friends, but polite acquaintances.

Hattori didn’t mind. As long as Kaguya didn’t stir up trouble, he was fine with whatever. His efforts gradually paid off, and as time went by, she warmed to him. Though far from romantic, they could at least share a drink together.

One day, as they sat under Divine Tree drinking, Kaguya suddenly asked, "Hattori, do you know how long we’ve known each other?"

"Uh…seems like quite a while!" Hattori took a sip of his drink. "Maybe ten years?"

"Twelve years," Kaguya corrected, then turned to him, her expression serious.

"Those people have found me. They know my location, and at latest, they’ll be here in a year."

"Those people?" Hattori was surprised, then quickly understood. "Momoshiki and the others?"

"Yes!" Kaguya nodded, slightly surprised he guessed her enemies’ names so easily.

Hattori: "(ω`)"

No way—really? Seeing that he’d guessed right, Hattori looked at her in confusion. "Why are you telling me this? Do you want my help?"

"No. I mean, I’d rather you not come here again—at least for next year. When they arrive, I won’t be able to protect you."

"Uh..."

Kaguya’s response surprised him, and he blinked.

"Are you…worried about me, Kaguya chan?"

"I’m warning you for the last time—don’t call me by that sickening nickname!"

Before he even finished, Kaguya glared at him.

"I just don’t want you to die. Otherwise, I’ll have no one to boss around."

"Heh, don’t be so shy!" Hattori winked at her. "Just admit you care about me, okay?"

"Get out!"

"Heh!"

Seeing her frustration and anger, Hattori grinned and put his hand on her shoulder.

"Don’t worry. I’m not as weak as you think. You’re my woman, after all. I won’t let you down—I’ll protect you."

Protect… me?

Hearing these words, Kaguya was taken aback. For a moment, her expression softened, showing a trace of emotion.

But she quickly turned angry again, swatting his hand off her shoulder.

"You humans are untrustworthy. I’ll never believe you again. I don’t need your protection—now get out of here! I don’t want to see you!"

She readied herself for battle, bones of her All-Killing Ash Bones technique emerging from her palms, threatening to attack if he didn’t leave.

Seeing this, Hattori raised his hands in surrender.

"Okay, okay…I’m leaving now. Don’t get all worked up… You’re so unpredictable sometimes."

With that, he transformed into a flash of golden light and disappeared.

Once he was gone, Kaguya let down her guard. Tears began to trickle down her face, though Hattori never knew.

After using his Flying Thunder God technique to return to Earth, Hattori found himself in Yūhi Kurenai’s home, only to discover she wasn’t there. A note read, "I’ve gone out for a while and will be back in a few days."

It was clearly for him. Sighing in slight frustration, Hattori left and strolled around the streets of Konoha.

Eleven years after stepping down as Kazekage, Hattori enjoyed a carefree life, going wherever he pleased. Kakashi, who’d recently retired as well, was even more relaxed, spending his days at hot spring inns across the country.

Hattori’s influence led to two new couples in Konoha.

The first pair was Obito and Rin. Shortly after the Fourth Great Ninja War, they married and recently joined the peacekeeping medical team in the Land of Iron.

The second pair was Neji and Tenten. Neji survived the war, and the two married. Neji opened a dojo, while Tenten ran a ninja tool shop, and they led a good life together.

As for others, things went as they did in the original story: Naruto married Hinata, Sasuke married Sakura, Sai married Ino, and Temari married Shikamaru, with a son named Shikadai.

After leaving Kurenai’s house, Hattori headed to the Nara residence, where he heard Temari’s voice raised in irritation.

"I’m here worrying about our family, and this is your attitude? Are you thinking ‘What a drag’? Huh?"

He then heard two crisp slaps.

Hattori watched as Shikamaru and his son Shikadai emerged, both holding their cheeks. Holding back a laugh, Hattori turned and walked away.

"Better to avoid others’ domestic disputes. Haven’t seen Naruto in a while; might as well drop by his place."

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 285: Naruto's Home*

On his way to Naruto's house, Hattori couldn't help but think, "With Temari's personality, Shikamaru and his son sure have it tough! Naruto's got it lucky, though!"

But what he didn't expect was that, just as he reached Naruto's door, he would hear Hinata's angry shout.

“You two…if you’re going to argue, do it outside!”

Bam!

With the sound of a door slamming, Naruto and his son Boruto were kicked out of the house, left awkwardly stare at each other—and at Hattori, who had just arrived.

"…"

Seeing Naruto’s embarrassed expression, Hattori sighed helplessly and then quietly turned away.

“The night is perfect, thoughts swirling around, making it hard to sleep. Why do you always want to escape…”

“…”

Watching Hattori act as though he hadn’t seen anything and humming as he prepared to leave, Naruto swallowed his pride and quickly called out to him.

“Uh…Big Brother Hattori, wait a moment…”

“Hmm?”

Hearing Naruto’s voice, Hattori stopped, turned, and looked at him with a surprised expression.

“Oh? Isn’t it the Seventh Hokage himself? What a coincidence!”

“Uh…”

Hattori’s teasing only made Naruto more flustered, his face turning red.

“Big Brother Hattori, please don’t make fun of me. Since you’re here, why don’t you come in for a bit? We haven’t seen each other in ages.”

“True enough!”

Hattori nodded, then looked at him with a half-smile. “But are you sure Hinata will let you back in?”

“Uh…Big Brother Hattori, please stop joking!”

Naruto smiled awkwardly, turned to grab the doorknob, and…found it locked from the inside. His embarrassment grew.

“Um…Big Brother Hattori, please wait a moment.”

He started knocking on the door.

Knock knock knock… “Hinata, could you open the door? Big Brother Hattori’s here, Hinata…”

"…"

Seeing this, Boruto covered his face, unable to bear it.

Hattori, on the other hand, started laughing.

“Haha, Boruto, do you think your dad is embarrassing? Don’t worry, I don’t mind—I’ve seen him in more embarrassing situations than this.”

Boruto: “╭(°A°`)╮”

Naruto: “╭(°A°`)╮”

…

Soon, Hinata heard the knocking and rushed over to open the door.

Seeing Hattori smiling at her, she blushed and bowed in apology. “Big Brother Hattori… I’m so sorry, that was rude of us.”

“Haha, no need to apologize, Hinata!”

Seeing her flustered apology, Hattori waved it off with a laugh and gave Boruto’s head a friendly pat.

“For someone as gentle as Hinata to get angry, it must be these two's fault. So if anyone needs to apologize, it’s these two. By the way, Hinata, have you made dinner?”

“Huh?”

Hinata quickly snapped back to attention and nodded.

“Yes, I’ve made dinner. Big Brother Hattori, please come in! Boruto, go pour some tea for Uncle Hattori!”

“Oh!”

Boruto quickly ran off to pour tea, while Hattori, welcomed by Hinata and Naruto, entered the house.

After going inside, Hinata headed to the kitchen while Naruto chatted with Hattori on the sofa.

“Big Brother Hattori, it’s been so long! You must be busy with the Ninja United Nations and the peacekeeping force. Thank you for all your hard work!”

“Oh…no, I handed that over to Gaara. I’m on vacation every day now!”

“Uh…”

Naruto was at a loss for how to respond and finally managed a forced smile.

“Haha…well, that sounds amazing, really!”

“You won’t be able to relate!” Hattori laughed, glancing at Naruto. “Those who think, lead others; those who work, are led by others. Think about that carefully.”

“Yes, yes…” Naruto nodded quickly.

Boruto, who had just come back with the tea, looked surprised, clearly not expecting his dad to be so respectful toward Hattori.

When he reached Hattori, his own attitude had become more respectful. “Uncle Hattori, here’s your tea!”

“Thank you, Boruto!”

Hattori nodded, took a sip of tea, and smiled.

“Good tea! Naruto would never pick something like this—must be from the Hyuga family?”

“It’s from my grandfather!” Boruto replied quickly.

“Haha, I knew it!”

Hattori laughed, placing his cup down and looking around.

“By the way, where’s Himawari? She’s not back from playing yet?”

“No!” Boruto shook his head. “My sister’s sick; she’s resting in her room.”

“Hmm?”

Hearing this, Hattori stood up and gave Naruto a disapproving look.

“Himawari is sick, and you didn’t mention it? Lead me to her now.”

“Uh…”

Naruto, unable to argue under Hattori’s serious gaze, nodded and led him to Himawari’s room.

Himawari was sleeping on her bed, looking a little pale, her breathing slightly rapid.

Hattori stepped forward, gently placed a hand on her forehead, and frowned.

“It’s likely a cold. Her fever has mostly gone down, but she’s still a bit warm. It’s not serious—a healing jutsu should take care of it!”

With that, a gentle green light glowed from Hattori’s hand as he held it over Himawari.

After several seconds, he withdrew his hand. Though still asleep, Himawari looked much better, her breathing now calm and steady.

Naruto’s face immediately filled with gratitude.

“Hatt—”

“Shh!”

Before he could speak, Hattori made a gesture to keep quiet, signaling not to wake Himawari.

Naruto quickly nodded, and once they were out of her room, he turned back to Hattori.

“Thank you so much, Big Brother Hattori. Using medical ninjutsu for a simple cold—it’s so nice of you!”

“It’s nothing, really!”

Hattori waved it off and took a seat on the sofa in the living room, then looked at Naruto.

“But honestly, how could you let your daughter’s cold get this bad? Is it so hard to call a medical ninja?”

“Uh…well…”

Naruto stammered, while Boruto didn’t hesitate to expose him.

“Dad didn’t call anyone. He’s always working, and he didn’t even know my sister was sick!”

“Oh?”

Hattori looked at Naruto, his expression growing serious.

“Naruto, a man who doesn’t make time for his family isn’t a true man. No matter how great a Hokage, in my eyes, such a man is still lacking. I hope you remember that.”

“…”

(End of Chapter)