Naruto Karyuden

Chapter 54: Academy Days XIII - Family

ACADEMY DAYS XIII - FAMILY

Yakiniku-Q

It's been some two years by this point. Two years ago in this very restaurant, eleven classmates and friends held a dinner together to celebrate their future and to send off two of their friends who would set off on an over-year-long journey.

Today, they're back here once more to celebrate the future. Their lives had gotten busier since then, with everyone becoming more and more respected and more well known in their respective fields. It was difficult to get everyone together in one place but they finally managed, thanks largely to Ino getting in everyone's business about it.

Ino stands up proud and looks over the table with all her friends gathered in one place and declares. "We need to get gifts to Azuki and Shohei!"

"Do we really need to be in the same place for that?" Shikamaru asks.

"Probably not." Ino shrugs. "But! We also have another special occasion to celebrate!" She motions to Naruto and Hinata who look around, cheeks red with embarrassment. "Our newly engaged sweethearts!" She gives a round of applause that everyone joins in on.

Sakura playfully punches Naruto on the shoulder. "Congratulations, you two."

Sai smiles. "I hope you produce healthy offspring." He takes pause when he gets a room's worth of weirded out looks. "Is that... not the proper thing to say?"

Sakura sighs. "We'll... work on that." She pats him on the shoulder.

"First thing's first, though. What do we do for Azuki and Shohei? Iruka-sensei taught us for as long as we've been shinobi; we owe him a lot, and Kakashi-sensei's been there for us in more ways than one."

"I'm not sure why I'm here, though." Temari speaks. "I'm sure they're good people but I barely even know them. I respect Kakashi as much as any shinobi does, but that's about it."

Karin raises a hand. "I'm having the same doubts, honestly. Not sure I even belong here..."

Jugo calmly drinks his water. "I think a gesture of goodwill wouldn't hurt."

"You don't have to if you're not really feeling." Ino explains. "Not forcing anyone into anything, just... throwing out some thoughts. And besides, you two," She points to Karin and Jug, "are part of our little family now thanks to Naruto, whether you like it or not. And you," She points to Temari, "Are a part of it since you're dating Shikamaru."

Temari freezes in place.

Shikamaru spits out his drink and pounds his chest, trying to get his breathing back in order after the drink went down the wrong throat.

"How.. How do you know?!" Temari slams the table, demanding an answer.

Ino smirks. "I know everything."

"Wait, really?" Choji smacks Shikamaru on the back. "Who woulda thunk?"

Kiba laughs. "You two? But you two're like oil and water." He's quickly silenced by Temari's deathglare.

"Come on, they're absolutely adorable together!" Ino giggles.

"Ino..." Temari growls.

"Our next step will be to invite Yakumo." She sends a cheeky grin Sai's way.

"Yakumo Kurama?" Sai cocks his head in confusion. "We could if you wish."

"Oh, don't play coy with us, Sai, I know you two are a thing."

Kiba joins in on the teasing. "We saw you two together out and about, buddy, you don't have to hide it."

"It's entirely possible you've seen us. We share the same hobby, so we've gotten to painting together." Sai explains.