Kapitel 15: Slice Of Life!
Family time...I love not having to rack my brain about plots and just enjoy stuff.
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The party was now in full swing at the Uzumaki household. Laughter and chatter filled the air, but the atmosphere was far from carefree. Boruto, having arrived with Himawari and Arsene a few minutes earlier, sat at the dinner table with Cho-Cho, Inojin, Shikadai, Sarada, and Mitsuki. Despite the colorful decorations and the delicious smell of pizza and cake, there was a palpable tension hanging over the group.
In the background, Arsene sat on the couch, his usual stoic expression barely masking his indifference as he and Himawari watched cartoons on the TV. Himawari, completely absorbed in the show, giggled and cheered with excitement, oblivious to the unease that had settled over her brother and his friends.
Boruto, who had arrived at the house in high spirits, now seemed deflated. His face, usually brimming with energy and mischief, was clouded with disappointment. He absently poked at a slice of pizza on his plate, his thoughts clearly elsewhere.
Sumire, peeking out from the kitchen, noticed the change in Boruto's mood. "It's only been 15 minutes, Boruto," she said softly, sensing the emotional weight pressing down on him.
Boruto didn't respond right away. He just stared down at the table, his fingers tightening around his slice of pizza. After a moment, he sighed deeply and asked the question that had been on his mind since he arrived. "Class Rep... do you know why my mom's not here?"
The room fell silent. The usual banter and teasing that flowed so naturally between the group dried up instantly. Shikadai let out a quiet sigh, already bracing himself for what was coming. Here it comes... he thought. Even Inojin, usually quick with a sarcastic quip or witty remark, kept his mouth shut.
Sumire hesitated, unsure how to respond. But before she could say anything, Boruto spoke again, his voice calm but tinged with bitterness. "Because I knew he wasn't coming. That's why I asked her to come back later." He took a slow bite of pizza, pausing before continuing. "I wanted this to just be a family birthday... but Himawari would've been sad if it was just the two of us. It would've reminded her of… you know, him."
The room grew heavier with his words. Boruto had never been one to openly talk about his feelings of resentment toward Naruto, but today was different. His disappointment was simmering just beneath the surface, and everyone could feel it.
Inojin awkwardly scratched the back of his neck, trying to lighten the mood, though even his usual sarcasm seemed out of place. "Whoa... it's weird to see you this thoughtful, Boruto."
Boruto gave him a half-hearted smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. He knew Inojin was just trying to help, but this wasn't something a joke could fix.
Shikadai, who had been silent for most of the conversation, finally spoke up. He leaned forward, his tone calm and measured—using logic because, for once, no emotional response seemed adequate. "So… are you going to be sad all day?" he asked quietly. "Your sister wouldn't want that on her birthday, Boruto."
It was a calculated move, and Shikadai knew it was a bit dirty to use Himawari to make Boruto snap out of his funk. But it was the truth, and he knew Boruto would understand. Himawari doesn't deserve this, Shikadai thought. She deserves a fun birthday, no matter what's going on.
Boruto let out a long sigh, rubbing his temples. He knew Shikadai was right. Himawari was the most important person in his life, and the last thing she needed was for her birthday to be ruined because of his feelings about their dad.
"Hah... fine," Boruto muttered, forcing himself to put on a smile. "I've got all the positivity in the world!" He raised his slice of pizza in mock triumph, trying to muster his usual bravado.
Sarada rolled her eyes but smiled at Boruto's attempt to cheer up. "Amazing. Glad you're not crying anymore," she said, teasing him lightly. "Now are you ready to actually start the party?"
The rest of the group exchanged relieved glances, grateful that the mood had lightened—if only a little. But even as the laughter and conversation picked up again, the unspoken tension still lingered.
Outside the Uzumaki House
Meanwhile, outside the Uzumaki household, Naruto Uzumaki paced nervously along the quiet street, his cloak fluttering behind him as he moved back and forth. His hands were clenched into fists, and his brow was furrowed in frustration. The sounds of laughter and faint chatter drifted from the house, and every time he heard a burst of joy, his heart clenched.
Should I go in? he wondered, glancing at the door. Maybe I should wait a bit longer... What will the kids say if I just show up?
Naruto's mind raced with indecision, his anxiety building as the seconds ticked by. What if I just ruin it by being there? I'll stand out... He was the Hokage, after all. The kids were probably having fun without him—maybe it would just make things awkward if he barged in, looking all official. I can't just walk inside. It'd be weird. A grown adult at a party full of teenagers…
"Pathetic," a gruff voice growled in his head, cutting through his anxious thoughts. "You're scared to go inside your own house, Naruto?"
Naruto rolled his eyes. "It's not that easy, Kurama," he muttered under his breath, feeling the familiar presence of the Nine-Tails stirring within him. "I can't just walk in there like it's no big deal. It's… complicated."
Kurama let out a long, frustrated sigh. "It's not complicated. You're overthinking it." The demon fox's voice was tinged with impatience, but there was an undercurrent of something else—concern, maybe? "You're the Hokage, sure. But you're also her father. Just go in there and be with your family."
Naruto shook his head, still unsure. I've already missed so much... The weight of his responsibilities had cost him more than just time with his family. He knew Boruto resented him for not being around enough. Himawari, sweet as she was, always tried to be understanding, but even she couldn't hide the disappointment when he missed something important. What if I walk in there and make it worse?
Kurama grumbled again. "The Uzumaki family… always so weird. Just walk in before you regret it later, idiot."
Naruto stopped pacing, standing still as he stared at the door to his home. He took a deep breath, his heart heavy with guilt and hesitation. I want to be there for them. But his duties as Hokage always seemed to pull him away, no matter how hard he tried.
As he stood there, torn between his role as Hokage and his role as a father, the laughter from inside grew louder, and Naruto felt a pang in his chest. I should go in... But what if—
Suddenly, the door creaked open slightly, and a small head peeked out. It was Himawari, her bright blue eyes wide with curiosity. "Papa?" she called softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Naruto froze, his breath catching in his throat as he met his daughter's gaze. Hima... His heart swelled with love and regret in equal measure. She had caught him, standing outside like a nervous wreck.
Himawari's face lit up with a big smile, and she opened the door wider, waving him inside. "Come on, Papa! You're just in time for the cake!"
Naruto hesitated for only a moment before a soft, resigned smile spread across his face. Maybe... maybe this time, I won't let them down.
"Alright, Hima," Naruto said softly, stepping forward and closing the door behind him. "I'm coming."
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[Auther: Yo, been awhile eh? Also, my editor(Whose totally not me), cried a bit reading this.
AUTORENGEDANKEN 
Seth_Eden_5432
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Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein