Boruto watched the scene with cold detachment. Even if he had two fathers now, what difference would it make? His real dad still wouldn't spend time with him.
In his father's heart, there was only work.
Not him. Not his sister. Not even Mom.
Boruto had tried everything to get his father's attention. Pranks, property damage, increasingly outrageous stunts. None of it worked. Dad just never noticed him, no matter what he did.
The frustration burned constantly in Boruto's chest.
Himawari, on the other hand, still had hope. Her small mind worked through the possibilities as she was held in young Naruto's arms. If she had two fathers, didn't that mean one could go to work while the other stayed home to play with her?
Two dads equals double happiness!
The thought made joy bubble up inside her.
Himawari was more sensible than her brother in many ways. She understood that Dad was busy, that his work was important. When Boruto got in trouble and Dad had to lecture him, she'd comfort both of them afterward. She tried to make everything easier for everyone.
A little angel lived in Himawari's heart.
But even angels could hope. Even if she couldn't show it openly—what if both fathers had to work?—the possibility alone was enough to make her happy.
That was Himawari's way. As long as there was even a tiny bit of hope, a single ray of light, she could find a smile in the world.
Boruto noticed his sister's barely concealed joy and snorted internally. He knew exactly what she was thinking.
Sister, you're dreaming, he thought bitterly.
"Himawari's face is full of smiles," young Naruto said, his perception picking up on her emotions easily. He slipped naturally into the father's role. "Can you tell Dad why you're so happy?"
"Hehe, I'm happy because I have two fathers!" Himawari giggled.
Two fathers make her that happy? Young Naruto didn't fully understand children's minds, even though he was technically a twelve-year-old child himself. Though at this moment, he was also a twelve-year-old father, which made things complicated.
Still, his mind was sharp. Combined with what he knew about this family's situation, he could guess why Himawari was happy. She probably thought that with two fathers, at least one could spend time with her.
And she was right to hope.
Naruto fully intended to spend time with Himawari during his stay here. After all, with such an adorable daughter, he could experience the warmth of having a "little padded jacket" ahead of schedule.
For now, he wouldn't tell her directly. Better to make it a surprise.
His gaze shifted from the happy Himawari to Boruto, who stood like a wooden post with an expression that suggested someone owed him money. The boy's entire demeanor screamed "I need to be beaten."
Deeply unpleasant.
Naruto decided immediately that during his time here, Boruto would learn what "father's love like a mountain" truly meant.
After all, the boy clearly lacked proper paternal attention.
The commotion at the entrance had naturally reached Hinata, who was in the kitchen reheating the dinner. She'd heard her husband arrive, which puzzled her—why was he home so early?
But she'd decided to heat the food first. That way, after Naruto changed his shoes and washed his hands, he could eat a hot meal.
This was her routine. Heat the dishes when she heard him arrive, then go to the entrance to welcome him home. Not too eagerly—that would make him feel guilty about coming home late and distract him from his important work.
To avoid worrying her husband, Hinata generally kept her concerns hidden. Even when Boruto caused trouble at school and needed discipline, she handled it without mentioning it to Naruto.
Though she had to admit, lecturing Boruto did make her feel considerably better afterward.
No wonder people say sons are their own source of entertainment, Hinata thought wryly.
She walked toward the entrance. "Naruto, you're home!"
The words died in her throat.
Two husbands stood in the entrance hall.
One was young, tall, and devastatingly handsome, holding their daughter Himawari. The other had a bruised, swollen face and looked exhausted.
Despite the pig-faced appearance, Hinata recognized her real husband immediately. Years of physical intimacy—becoming one with him in every sense—meant she knew his presence instinctively. The beaten-up man was definitely her Naruto.
Which meant the younger, more handsome version holding Himawari was... what? Also Naruto, but not her husband specifically.
Who is this?
Hinata quietly activated her Byakugan, scanning the young Naruto from head to toe.
Her face immediately turned scarlet red.
She deactivated her Byakugan so fast it nearly gave her whiplash.
"What's wrong, Hinata?" the Seventh Hokage asked his shocked wife. Did I really get beaten so badly that even my own wife doesn't recognize me?
"It's nothing!" Hinata covered her burning cheeks. "Just... summer weather is a bit hot..."
She changed the subject quickly. "Naruto, who is this? What happened to you?"
The Seventh Hokage laughed weakly. "Believe it or not, this is me too. Just not from this world. It's a long story—I'll explain more during dinner."
He gestured for young Naruto to follow him inside.
Young Naruto set Himawari down gently, bowed politely to Hinata in greeting, then followed the Seventh Hokage into the house.
"Sister," Boruto said coldly, watching Himawari's happy expression, "you're celebrating too early."
"Why, brother?" Himawari looked confused.
"Hmph. Don't think that having two fathers means one will actually spend time with us. A dad is still a dad. What's true for that dad will be true for this one too."
"Hmph! I'm not listening to you anymore!" Himawari glared at her brother. "You're mean!"
She ran off in a huff.
The family gathered around the dinner table. Hinata had set out an extra place for young Naruto, complete with bowls and chopsticks.
Looking at the modest amount of food on the table, young Naruto knew better than to eat freely. He took small portions out of politeness, enough to be respectful but not enough to accidentally consume the family's entire meal.
During dinner, Naruto revealed his identity to everyone.
Learning that the young Naruto was actually the Fifth Hokage of Konoha genuinely shocked both Boruto and Himawari. Their father was the Seventh Hokage, but this young dad was the Fifth?
"Ah!" Himawari's eyes went wide. "Young Dad, doesn't that mean you're stronger than Dad?"
Seeing the exaggerated expressions on both children's faces, young Naruto felt a surge of satisfaction. The term "young dad" from Himawari's mouth was strange, but he didn't mind. He nodded and glanced at the Seventh Hokage, about to speak.
The Seventh Hokage cut him off quickly.
"Yes," he said, his swollen face making the admission painful in more ways than one. "The young dad is much stronger."
Boruto and Himawari's eyes went even wider.
Young Naruto smiled, pleased with the admission.
Under the table, the Seventh Hokage's fists clenched slightly.
At least they're looking at me now, he thought. Even if it's only because they're comparing me to someone better.
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