Wrecking The Past

13

Naruto returned to the village on schedule and as he had his documents stamped he went to an Akimichi restaurant for a bit of lunch. Once he settled down and placed his order he took note that Kushina was here in the restaurant but he didn't turn to her even though he could feel her stare boring into his side profile. She was around other her age shinobi, including Shikaku, Inoichi, and Chouza, the Ino-Shika-Cho that would become famous in the Third Great Shinobi War. He hummed as he noted the chakra signatures of Minato, Fugaku, Mikoto, and Sukumo. He sighed slightly as his food arrived so he could finally dig in. He was hungry and he didn't want anything to do with Kushina until he had a level head. His assessment was tomorrow and since it was held in the stadium many people would come to witness his power.

He was the grandson of Uchiha Madara and he would live up to the name. During his time away he managed to lock down 70 percent of Goku's chakra through patience and a listening ear as the being was all-powerful and knowledgeable. As for the last 30 percent? He could have mastered it all but he honed his new Lava Release, testing it out on men printed in the Bingo Book and getting their bounties and he needed money of course. He didn't intend to take many missions from the village if he could help it. While he was frontline and would have to answer to Sarutobi he knew that the man had thoughts of crippling him financially and while Kagami could prevent that from happening it never hurts to have an emergency stash.

He needed to check in on the projects that he had set in motion three months back but he knew he could trust his clan. It felt right. To have blood in this time, blood that trusted him because he was blood, he would ensure they prosper. As he finished his lunch and paid while leaving a generous tip he was approached by Kushina who looked pained by staring at him. Naruto kept his gaze blank as he looked at her. "Uzumaki-hime," He addressed her formally and Kushina cringed.

"Can we talk?" She pleaded. "I messed up, I know I did. I'm sorry."

"It's fine," Naruto could see her becoming hopeful. "I knew you were leagues above a commoner. I shouldn't have been bold enough to assume a girl of your standing would cater to one shinobi. I don't share, I'm a very selfish and jealous person hence I cannot fit into your rotation as you entertain other suitors."

She looked crushed and Naruto liked that expression. He wanted to rub it in more but any further and it would be bordering on cruel as the offense wasn't that high but if she stepped out of line again then Naruto would abandon his plans. He would protect her but she wouldn't be his wife. "I offer my protection in any time of need as that is the duty of the common Uzumaki to the main branch. But I will not seek any more romantic intentions."

"It was a mistake and I wholeheartedly accept that as I should have refused Minato's advances," Kushina looked down at her feet. "I like you Naruto, I have deep feelings for you."

Naruto narrowed his eyes. "Forgive me if I find that hard to believe."

"It's true, however," Kushina blushed. "Ever since you saved me from Kumo and our little dates I've come to like you more. I never thought I would but I do and I wrecked that by giving into Minato even if it was to get him to stop hugging me."

Naruto stayed silent. "Promise me."

Kushina's head snapped up. "What?"

"Promise me you'll only be this way with me," Naruto stated boldly. "Promise me that you'll be loyal."

Kushina smiled as she stepped closer. "I promise Naruto. I promise on my title."

Naruto smiled, swearing on one's title is akin to swearing on Kami. "Hime-chan."

Kushina hugged him as he called her fondly. Naruto slipped his arms around her waist as he rested his chin on her shoulder to have his Mangekyou Sharingan spin into place as he glared at Minato. The blonde flinched but tried to give back a hard stare as well. He closed his eyes as he took in Kushina's warm body and peach-scented hair, beautiful crimson hair that he loved running his fingers through. When Naruto pulled back a bit he kissed her forehead, her face exploded into a blush but Naruto's expression never changed from blank. "I have affection for you Hime-chan please don't disappoint me."

Kushina rolled her eyes as she began to learn that Naruto had a weird way of admitting things that would only take far fewer words. She understood the meaning of his words and took them to heart. She kissed his cheek, her eyes glittering as Naruto held her against his chest tightly. "I won't," She murmured in a daze as Naruto kissed her neck, she was a bit embarrassed to be like this in public but if Naruto didn't mind then she wouldn't either. Plus it was nice to have someone willing to claim her romantically in public, none of the boys who claimed to like her ever went with her in public—hiding behind excuses and lies before finally coming clean.

Was there something wrong with her? 

She wondered that for a long time before Naruto came along and smashed her expectations. Naruto seemed to want to show her off to everyone, not being ashamed of her in public and putting on displays of affection while keeping that blank face of his. He did it so effortlessly and Kushina wondered why it took an emotionless Uchiha to do what others had failed. The more she thought about it the deeper she fell for Naruto as she clung to his body, her arms around his neck. Those rumors she had heard in the past of Uchiha men not appreciating their significant others were just rumors. Naruto appreciated her and she had damn near messed it up to the point she was sure that it had been long lost. But Naruto gave her a final chance and she will fight anybody who dared to ruin their relationship.