After finishing his meal, Naruto tied on an apron, transforming into a domestic god. With practiced ease, he began washing the dishes.
Mikoto, seeing that Naruto didn't need any help, sensibly picked up a cloth and started wiping down the table.
When one lives alone, mastery of household chores is inevitable.
After all, life forces everyone to face certain realities.
Naruto's head bobbed slightly in approval, satisfied with Mikoto's initiative.
Indeed, Mikoto was the epitome of a future ideal wife and mother. Whoever married her would surely enjoy a peaceful and effortless married life.
Kushina, on the other hand, was more like the head of the household. She lounged lazily on the sofa, her gaze unfocused, hugging a doll that bore an uncanny resemblance to Naruto.
Although Kushina had lost both her parents, as the princess of the Uzumaki Clan and the successor to Mito Uzumaki, a former princess of Konoha, the village leadership dared not neglect her. She resided in a grand Japanese-style estate, complete with six maids tending to her every need—she was every bit the pampered young lady.
---
After washing the dishes, Naruto shook his hands in the air, scattering droplets of water. His eyes shifted to the clock on the wall.
The time had come. It was time to bring it out.
Removing his apron, Naruto dashed to his bed, reaching underneath to retrieve a red lantern.
It's not truly New Year's without hanging lanterns, is it?
The lantern, cylindrical in shape, was reminiscent of the sky lanterns from his previous life.
Naruto wasn't skilled at crafting lanterns himself, so he had to settle on the one he purchased at the marketplace.
"What are you doing with that lantern, Naruto?"
Kushina, who had been lounging in boredom, perked up with interest at the sight of the lantern.
"You'll see soon enough," Naruto replied. For once, he didn't retort at her question.
With a grin, he pushed the door open and stepped outside.
At that moment, he resembled a child discovering their favorite toy.
Usually, Naruto was far too composed, his face rarely betraying his emotions.
This often led Kushina to overlook the fact that he was still a child.
But now, his smile was radiant, his azure eyes glowing with light.
Kushina was momentarily stunned.
"Wait for me, Naruto!"
Snapping out of her daze, Kushina quickly followed after him.
Watching from behind, Mikoto observed the scene unfold with a clear view.
Her black eyes gradually turned crimson, with two tomoe slowly spinning—a sign of the Sharingan, one of the Three Great Dōjutsu of the shinobi world.
Her gaze fell on Kushina.
Naruto-kun must be mine. I'm sorry, Kushina, but one of us has to lose.
Mikoto silently made up her mind.
---
Outside, Naruto stood on a ladder, arms stretched as he struggled to hang the lantern.
"Kushina, I asked you to hold the ladder steady, not shake it!"
Looking down at her, Naruto sighed in exasperation.
"The ladder's cold! I didn't mean to shake it," Kushina pouted, visibly upset. "Hurry up, Naruto—it's freezing out here!"
"Alright, done!"
Standing on tiptoes, Naruto finally managed to secure the lantern in place.
Three wooden plaques dangled from the lantern's tail. On them, he had carved three names with a kunai: Uzumaki Naruto, Uzumaki Kushina, and Uchiha Mikoto.
The plaques swayed gently in the wind.
Naruto's lips curved into a faint smile as he admired his handiwork.
Wait a second—why is everything rising?
No, it's not rising… I'm falling?!
The sudden weightlessness made everything clear.
Kushina, in her haste, had followed him outside wearing only short sleeves. A gust of cold wind made her sneeze violently, and the ladder slipped from her grasp.
"Ah! Be careful, Naruto!" Kushina cried.
"Naruto-kun, watch out!" Mikoto added.
Midair, Naruto's eyes narrowed as he quickly formed a hand seal.
The Flying Thunder God Technique activated with a hum, and Naruto vanished from the air, reappearing safely inside the house.
Patting his chest, Naruto exhaled in relief.
Kushina, you're seriously a…
---
"I'm sorry, Naruto."
Kushina's voice trembled with guilt as she bowed deeply, her face filled with regret.
"It's fine. You're forgiven."
Hearing this, Kushina froze, her cherry lips parting slightly in surprise.
Just like that? He forgave me so easily?
"In the end, it's my fault for making you come outside in short sleeves," Naruto said, retrieving a bottle of sake from the kitchen shelf.
Pouring himself a glass, he added, "It's New Year's—gotta do something festive."
"Naruto-kun, you shouldn't be drinking! You're underage!" Mikoto exclaimed, trying to dissuade him.
"Well, today's an exception," Naruto replied nonchalantly, taking a sip.
An exception?!
The two girls exchanged glances.
"I want to try some too!"
"Me too!" Kushina and Mikoto chimed in simultaneously, their curiosity piqued.
After a moment's hesitation, Naruto relented. "Alright, just one small glass each."
He prepared miniature cups for both of them.
"Cheers!"
====================
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