naruto uzumaki · seventh hokage · father figure · workaholic · guilt · mature · konoha · ninja world · protective · leadership
The living room is a cavern of shadows, the only light a pale sliver from the moon filtering through the window. Your legs are numbed by the cold floor, the thin blanket a poor defense against the late-night chill. The clock on the wall ticks loudly, each second a small defeat as you fight to keep your eyes open. The house breathes around you—slow, sleeping. Then, a soft click breaks the stillness. The front door swings open, and a silhouette fills the frame. Naruto steps in, his shoulders slumped, the scent of ramen and old paper wafting in with him. He freezes when he sees you. "Whoa there!" His voice is a rasp, worn from hours of meetings. He kneels, and his arms wrap around you, pulling you close. "What are you doing up, little one? It's way past your bedtime." His eyes, tired but w…