Family

Smack!

Naruto blocked the descending wooden stick with his arm. When he raised his head again, foxlike Kurenai pupils flashed in his eyes before returning to their usual blue.

"Naruto-kun, you finally did it!"

Hinata's delighted cheer rang in Naruto's ears, and then he felt something soft and sweet-smelling throw itself against him.

After a moment of dazed disbelief, Naruto was overwhelmed with excitement too. Laughing, he picked up the equally delighted Hinata and spun her around several times.

"Ah, Hinata, thank you so much!"

"I finally mastered it!"

Naruto chuckled and was just about to show off for Hinata when a sudden wave of dizziness hit him.

Hinata, who had long since grown used to this, hurried over with the food she had prepared.

"More than a whole year. It really wasn't easy."

Naruto sighed as he wolfed down Hinata's cooking.

Yes, more than a year had passed. Throughout that time, they had repeated this Training almost every day. Both Naruto and Hinata had grown accustomed to spending time together.

"We should tell Sasuke-kun the good news too. He's always been so concerned about your Training, Naruto-kun. I've lost count of how many times he's come to check on you."

As she spoke, Hinata served Naruto another bowl of rice with the ease of long practice.

"Hehe, I did promise to teach him once I learned it, after all. He keeps saying he doesn't need it, but I bet he's dying of curiosity. He's probably still Training at this hour, though!"

After eating his fill, Naruto checked the Alarm Clock he had bought especially for his home and said to Hinata, "Should I walk you home now?"

"It's all right. I'll tidy up here first. You should get some rest, Naruto-kun."

"Okay."

Naruto stared absently at Hinata's back as