Naruto: Path of Uchiha

Chapter 30: Eternal peace?

Naruto's POV

Almost six years have passed since the war took place. I am now 20 years old, about to turn 21.

Tomorrow, October 10th will be my 21st birthday.

Right now, I am at the Konoha Graveyard, which I have made a habit of visiting the night before my birthday.

I go over to the graves of my loved ones one by one. First my mother's, then my father's, then Ji-chan's, and lastly Jiraiya Sama's.

As I am about to return home, I hear a rustle in the leaves behind me.

The sound makes me smile.

'I know it's you all. Come out now', I say, a feint smirk on my face.

'You should let them have some fun',
'I prioritize my own fun', I laugh.

At their failed attempt at trying to stay hidden from me, Hinata, Shikamaru, and Sasuke all come out from the leaves behind.

'I told y'all we wouldn't be able to hide from him. He definitely lives up to his title', Sasuke snides jokingly.

My title. After my efforts in the war, I have been bestowed with the title of 'the shinobi you can't escape from',

I honestly find it silly.

'Happy birthday, Naruto', Hinata says, coming towards me.

I see Shikamaru at the back holding a cake with candles, I guess to be 21.

I embrace Hinata into a hug, planting a kiss on her forehead.

'Stop with the PDA', Sasuke says, scrunching his eyebrows.

Hinata's my girlfriend now. We got together after the little scene on the Hokage monument, which happened just after I returned from war.

I plan to propose to her soon. When? I don't know. I am just waiting for the perfect moment. I do have a ring in my pocket, which only Sasuke knows about right now.

Hinata chuckles at Sasuke's remarks. I just want to savor the sound forever.

'I agree with Sasuke. Stop with the PDA. I am tired',

'What would an old fox know about PDA?'

Kurama snares in response.

'Come on now. Blow out the candles. My arms are tiring out', Shikamaru sighs.

Wanting to put my friend out of his misery, I blew out the candles.

My wish is to experience many, many more moments of happiness like the one right now.

***

The next day, I was surprised once again. This time, by my family.

'Happy Birthday, Naruto', Mama and Papa call out at once.

I hear Obito Nii-san singing an out-of-tune song in the background and Kakashi Nii-san telling him to shut up.

Itachi Nii-san is the one holding the cake.

Sasuke had to go on a mission today. Hence the celebration yesterday night.

'You are way too free, Hokage', Kakashi Nii-san says, in another attempt to quiet Obito Nii-san down.

'Oh, come on, I am retiring soon', Obito Nii-san shrugs.

That's right. At the age of 32, he's retiring from Hokage. Which means...

'You're going to be the next',

'Mhm',

Honestly, I am thrilled to be Hokage.

'Naruto Uzumaki! About to be the sixth Hokage', Itachi Nii-san singsongs.

I assume he's a little drunk.

***

Today is Hinata's birthday. Her family has thrown her a huge birthday party.

The whole Uchiha family is invited. This would've been a shock regarding their previous rivalries. But it seems mine and Hinata's relationship has brought them closer.

I spot Hinata in the distance greeting some guests.

Her eyes meet mine, and I signal her to come forward.

'Want to sneak out?' I ask mischievously.

'From this crowd that's engulfing me? Definitely', she says.

I immediately grab her hand, leading her to the place I had planned for.

She doesn't question; rather, she follows my lead without hesitation.

I take her to the Hokage monument.

'Look', I point out to the sky.

Fireworks ignite, covering the night sky.

'Oh Naruto! That's really pretty!', she says, a huge smile on her face.

'I agree', I say, my gaze never leaving her.

I get down on one knee, taking the ring box out of my pocket.

'Hinata', I call out.

She turns towards me, her eyes widening at the sight.

'I am never good with words. Still, I want to relay everything I feel for you through this', I say.

She is looking at me with eyes full of glimmer.

And it is taking such strong will not to just stand up and kiss her right away.

After a short pause, I continue, 'You, Hinata, have taught me what love is. I promise to cherish our love today, tomorrow, and forever. Heck, not even till death do us apart, but in this lifetime and the afterlife as well', I say.

I begin to continue, but my mind blanks out.

'Shit',