Chapter 97: Aftermath Pt.V

 

When Riku got home after lunch, he went to check on Ino and his clones. Half certain he would find her being tag team by them he was surprised to be wrong. Not by that much. His wife was laying her head down on the lap of a clone while said clone was fanning her. The rest were working hard. The table was almost done, being sculpted by two clones with a kunai channeling wind chakra, while others were tending to walls of vines.

 

“I see my sun princess is having the time of her life.” He joked as he crouched down to kiss her lips which was happily answered to.

 

“No really but I do like this little break. Oh, your mom, grandmother and you know who are back. They went to the botib. I think your mom wanted to show them around. Particularly us girls’ special rooms.”

 

“I’ll go see them, then. Have you eaten?”

 

“Hm.” She nodded. “One of your clones in the kitchen made me a veggie sandwich or two. Not you delicious but good enough that I wouldn’t mind having it again.” She squeezed his crotch suggestively and in amusement.

 

“Good. Did they?”

 

“No idea, you’d have to ask them.”

 

Giving Ino a last kiss he left for his bedroom where he had left his Botib open. Once inside he began searching for the three ladies. Ino’s room was empty and so was Hinata’s but they definitely had lunch there as he found a bit of crumbs inside the gazebo, something his dear wife would never allow.

 

That left only one place to look at, Karin’s space.

 

He found them there at the edge of the water, under a huge umbrella, sitting at a table drinking tea.

 

“Hello~” His greeting was quite jovial. He kissed Mito on the cheek and went to hug Tsunade from the side, giving her a big smooch on her forehead. When he saw Kaguya looking attentively, he considered his next move carefully before going with it. He reached for her and just like for Mito he kissed her cheeks. It surprised her a bit but had no real outward reaction. “Enjoying the sea?”

 

“Yes. I’m amazed you were able to reproduce such a small parcel of Uzushio. The salty air, the movement of the water. Hm, my interest in space-time has been picked.” his grandmother replied.

 

“I didn’t think humanity would have advanced so much in chakra’s handling that it would be able to recreate a facsimile of reality. My son warned me about seals,” she paused for a moment with a frown. “Fuinjutsu,” she corrected herself. “The possibilities of it. I was not dismissive, not when Hagoromo had this glint in his eyes while talking about it, but I wasn’t expecting something like this.”

 

“Fuinjutsu is just the application into words filled with chakra of the principle of reality.” Riku tried to explain. “In a way it’s a kind of a shortcut. Those talented in it can do many things without understanding what they are doing. They do need to understand how fuinjutsu work though.”

 

“And that’s the hardest chakra art.” Tsunade added.

 

Riku confirmed it. “Yes. Even the Yin-Yang release wasn’t difficult in comparison.” Then he changed the subject. “Whad did you ladies do today?”

 

His mother was the one to speak first. “After my eye surgery, I gave a tour to baa-chan and Kaguya-sama.”

 

“I didn’t recognize a single thing about the village,” Mito took the floor. “Granted, Tsuna-chan didn’t show us everything. It’s amazing how many things have changed in almost four decades.”

 

“We had to rebuild everything from scratch, baa-chan.” Riku said.

“Yes.” Tsunade nodded in agreement. “That allowed us to have a more strategic and logical approach. The village used to develop here and there without much thought beyond the need with new clans joining and space was limited. After Nagato’s attack we used the opportunity to literally set things straight.”

 

“Ah, that explains why I found everything so… architected and not organic.” Kaguya interjected. “I particularly like the trees. The chakra in them is so pure. You made them, didn’t you?”

 

Riku smiled proudly. “Not alone but yes. We needed wood fast to give shelter to the people and resume our day to day life or we would have been preyed upon. Unlike hashi-ji however, I didn’t use a jutsu to make a forest grow but a seal. His prowess is far beyond my capabilities.” He sighed.

 

“Don’t depreciate yourself, like this. Your grandfather was my grandson’s reincarnate. That gave him quite the boost in chakra.”

 

Mito gave him a kind smile. “Kaguya-sama is right, Ri-kun. Hashirama-kun would be more than impressed, he would be proud that you equaled his feat by being smart. So would Tobirama-kun.”

 

“I don’t know about them but I’m sure proud.” Tsunade reached for Riku’s cheek and caressed it lovingly. “You did well, Riku. More than any Hokage before in such a small amount of time. I dare say you did more before being Hokage.”

 

Riku knew what she was leading the conversation to and put an end to it quickly. “I needed to step down, mom. It’s done, no point in talking about it anymore. Speaking of,” he clapped his hand as if to dissipate the strange mood Tsunade had brought forth. “There is a… dinner? Party at the manor tonight? Family, direct family friends and of course Mei, Gaara and their bodyguards. I thought we could all celebrate Kushina’s new position and Naruto being chosen as her candidate for successor.”

 

Mito chuckled. “Oh, that’s why your wife was leading your clones like a general in the courtyard. She had been quite mum and mischievous about it being a surprise.”

 

“Yes. We would be around twenty? Maybe twenty five? The dining hall is too small for that many people.”

“Riku…” Tsunade seemed a bit worried. “That’s a lot of people to feed and…” She looked at her watch on her wrist. “It’s already the middle of the afternoon. You won’t have the time to cook for everyone.”

 

“That’s why I started this morning.” Riku reassured her. “I also ordered a hundred bowls of rame from Ichiraku.” As expected Mito had a reaction at the word ‘ramen’.

 

“Young man, I have a very delicate palate regarding the food of the gods.” Mito warned.

 

“Karin, Naruto and Kushina say it’s the best ramen in the world.” He shrugged. “I believe them.”

 

“We’ll see.”

 

“Otherwise, it’s a bit of a buffet?” Riku shared. “Everyone can make their own plate. I thought it would be better for people to mingle and be less formal.”

 

“That was a good idea. Alcohol? I’m retired now!”

 

Riku’s eyes rolled skyward when he heard his mother asking about one of her two vices. “Yes, mom, there will be alcohol.” He exhaled loudly through his nose.

 

“That’s my good son.” She pulled him down to her level and kissed his cheek.

 

Riku then turned to Kaguya while Tsunade made the kiss last loudly. “What about the nine?”

 

“If Kurama and Shukaku promised to behave then I will let them out. If they create trouble they all go back inside the seal.” the rabbit goddess replied in a motherly tone.

 

Mito couldn’t help herself and chuckled. The idea that the nine tails fox, a being who had plagued her and her people for so long was now treated like a child was sweet.

 

“Just those two?” Tsunade asked.

 

“Yes. They’re big babies, those two. Their siblings are well behaved in comparison. Matatabi is a bit mischievous but well, she’s a cat. Isobu is quite timid and is like an old man who enjoys taking in the sun. Songoku is prideful and has great respect from the people he recognizes. Behind his hard exterior he has a heart of gold. Kakuo is quiet, reserved and very polite, a bit hermit-like. Saiken is boastful but surprisingly kind. Chomei is happy-go-lucky and would like to know if it’s possible to invite his former container to whom he took a liking.”

 

“I don’t see why not.” Riku made a clone who disappeared into a forest green flash. “Naruto said she was quite nice and got along very well with her.”

 

“He’s pleased and thankful for your help.” Kaguya smiled. “Gyuki is tough and serious, the most level headed of the nine.”

 

“As long as they don’t cause trouble they’re welcome any time at the manor.” Tsuade offered.

 

“I doubt the kyubi would like that. Not after I sealed him and left him in the dark for decades.” Mito said with a bit of shame. She hadn’t known at the time that the fox and his siblings were far more than enraged animals.

 

“It’s fine, grandmother. I don’t think he will do anything. He’s too prideful for being this petty.”

 

Kaguya chuckled and for a moment Riku thought it was because of his words. He was wrong.

 

“Kurama knows you’re playing her but that you’re also right.”

 

Riku shrugged. “After dealing with the Uchiha, especially Madara, I’m used to prideful people. Also, ‘her’?”

 

“Kurama chose to identify as female.” Kaguya revealed.

 

“That explains so many things.”

 

“Do you have to antagonize her like this?” Tsunade inquired.

“No but it’s fun. Besides, if she’s so great, she wouldn’t care about the words of a mere mortal.”

 

Riku had the kyubi in a checkmate and unknown to him, her siblings were having a good laugh at her expense. Centuries of arrogance and pride from the fox towards them, made them feel vindicated and grateful even though Riku was a human.

 

The shadow clone he had sent to give Fu an invitation popped and Riku got the memories back, making two more clones he had them flash away. Under his mother’s curious gaze he explained himself.

 

“Fu asked if Killer B and Yugito, as fellow jinchuriki, could come too.”

 

Choosing to leave the ladies alone, Riku stepped out of the Botib. He had still a bit of time before the sun began to set and decided to pick up the twins at the Hyuga compound. He hadn’t seen the girls in ages and wanted to rectify that.

 

A nod of greeting was exchanged with the guards at the entrance of the area and he was let inside and led to the inner house of the clan.

 

“Riku-sama.” Hiashi greeted him. He was sitting on a tatami in front of a table. Hitomi was bouncing gently on his knee and they both looked at a picture book.

 

“There is no need for such formality Hiashi-san. Not in private. I’m your son-in-law before being your Hokage.”

 

To the side, Hanabi was laying on her back. Toka was in her arms, up in the air and giggled at the silly faces her aunt was making. Riku found the sight adorable. Deciding to not overwhelm them with his fatherly love, he sat at the table in a way he could look at both, with a smile on his face.

 

“I hope they behaved.”

 

Hiashi’s answer was full of pride. “Oh, Hitomi is as calm as the water of a pond. Toka on the other hand…” 

 

“She’s a firecracker like me.” Hanabi was proud too, a smirk on her lips. “She’s not creating trouble beyond exploring the compound when no one notices.”

 

“She’s a bit fussy when she’s caught.” Hiashi added. “Is it a work related visit?”

 

Riku shook his head to indicate it wasn’t the case. “No. I just miss my daughters. I haven’t seen them in years.” He sighed. His words made the two adult Hyuga curious. “It’s a long story. Honestly, I was half expecting to have to intimidate boys away at my return.”

 

“I know how you feel.” It was Hiashi’s turn to sigh. “One moment, they’re sleeping soundly in their cribs, then a blink later they’re telling you they’re pregnant and getting married.”

 

Hanabi frowned. “I’m not, father.”

 

“That’s because I didn’t blink yet with you.” He uncharacteristically joked, surprising Riku. Not so much. Hiashi had been more mellow since the Main House and the branch family had been reunited and he learned he was to be a grandfather. 

 

“You don’t have anything to fear, father. I’m not marrying anytime soon.”

 

“Hmhm. What about the Sandaime’s grandson?”

 

“Raaaaaaahhhh!!!!”

 

Riku couldn’t help himself. He laughed. Poor Hanabi was being teased from every side for her relationship with Konohamaru. Toka, cutely tried to imitate her aunt’s cry of rage and irritation making him laugh even more. Lips pressed into a thin line to not laugh, Hiashi was doing his best.

 

“I’ll be single for the rest of my life, father!”

 

“You’re cute when you’re angry, Hanabi-chan~” 

 

Riku teased her following Hashirama’s advice. He had asked the old Hokage how to deal with an Uzumaki whose temper was flaring and that had been the answer he got. Before using it on Karin and risking death, he was testing it on someone who had a bit of a similar temper. It proved to work in a way. Hanabi gave him a murderous look but the blush on the pale skin couldn’t be missed unless you were blind. She began to mutter something and Riku only understood the words ‘stupid’ and ‘aneki’ from it.

 

He asked a few questions about his daughters. While to him it had been decades, for them he had been a few months. For toddlers? It was like night and day. Their development was the fastest at their age. Hiashi wasn’t wrong when he said that if you blink your child would be all grown up. His daughters’ hair were longer and they were a fair bit taller. In a few months he wouldn’t be surprised if they began to run around the house making everyone go crazy chasing them.

 

‘Hm… Definitely putting a hiraishin tag on them soon. I won’t suffer headaches searching for them.’ Riku thought.

 

The conversation turned to the internal affair of the Hyuga clan. If everything was alright or not. After a century, if not more, of segregation in the family, suddenly being united was bound to create a few problems. 

 

Hiashi confirmed that it has but nothing bad. Despite what the people outside the clan believed, the main house never abused the caged bird seal. The few who did were severely punished if they couldn’t justify the use of it. The branch family may have been a branch but they were Hyuga first and foremost. True sometimes they have been treated harshly by the elders but not to the point of using the seal. He himself had only used the seal once. 

 

He didn’t elaborate on the fact that it had been on his brother who had shown killing intent towards Hinata in a moment of emotional distress. Hiashi wasn’t about to air this painful event. Instead he went a bit more in detail regarding the small problems. Mainly, elders who were too old and too stuck in their ways and former branch members talking back. Otherwise everything was fine. Hanabi and Neji were doing a very good job in appeasing everyone and so did Hinata when she visited. No one in the family could resist her kindness and the few who tried felt ashamed of themselves afterward.

 

It was when Hanabi joined them at the table, rocking a sleepy Toka in her arms, that she shared that many non-combattants were thriving in the medical field. Some even decided to assist the Inuzuka’s veterinary business. However, to not create troubles and tensions with their allied clan, it was only assistance. The Hyuga would not create a veterinarian clinic and steal some revenues. The small feud that could result from it wasn’t worth the money the few clinics would earn for the clan.

 

Hinata showed up soon after the end of the conversation to pick up the girls. She was happily surprised to see her husband with them in his arms. She gave him an appropriate kiss on the cheek, out of respect for her father and after thanking him and Hanabi for babysitting them. Taking Hitomi from Riku, they bid them goodbye and walked hand in hand back to Senju Manor.

 

“I miss you, my moon princess.” He raised her hand to his mouth and kissed it.

 

“Me too. Months without you have been difficult.”

 

Riku wanted to say it had been a decade for him but thought better of it. It wasn’t a competition. “Tonight and tomorrow I’m all yours.”

 

“Good. Because neither fingers nor toys were good enough.” 

 

It was bold of Hinata to say this and Riku understood that she was really pent up. Especially when she didn’t think of Ino and Karin first.

 

“We can have an extended stay in the Botib, if you wish more time.”

 

“Hm…” She considered it. Seriously. “I… would like that.”

 

Between the twins and her job at the hospital, she seldom had time for herself. Furthermore the few moments she had, she was all alone. Riku, Karin and Ino had been on the front lines. So was Shizune as a leading medic of the field hospital and Tsunade was dead (as far as she knew). While the war was over and her loved ones were back, Hinata still had work to do and very little time. The use of the Botib sounded like a godsend.

 

“It would have to wait a bit tonight though.” Riku corrected himself.

 

“Oh, why?”

 

“There is a party.”

 

“A party?! Riku! It’s past five! I don’t have the time to-”

 

He interrupted her panic with a kiss. Looking at her lovingly, he gave her some reassurance. “You don’t have to do anything. I took care of it all. The food but also the invitations, the decorations, with a bit of Ino’s help for that one. Everything is taken care of. You just have to relax and enjoy yourself.”

 

“I really landed a good husband, haven’t I?” She smiled happily.

 

“The best?” He tried but knew her answer.

 

“Maybe when you’d spend more time home? With you being Hokage, I don’t see that happening.”

 

“Good thing I’m stepping down.”

 

Hinata’s reaction was priceless. Her eyes widened and her body froze on the spot. Her feet sticking to the ground as if she was suddenly a statue.

 

“You… You’re stepping down? Riku that’s…”

 

He shrugged. “Doesn’t matter. What matters is that I will have more time for our family. For us.”

 

“But… Your dreams, your plans…”

 

“All taken care of.” 

 

He pecked her lips and continued walking in silence, Hinata by his side, not stuck on the ground anymore.

 

“Also… you know how I’m calling you my moon princess?” He suddenly said as they reached the entrance of the compound.

 

Hinata was confused by the sudden change of mood and topic. “Yes?” 

 

“Turns out, I wasn’t far from the truth.” The smirk at the corner of his lips confused his wife even more. She said nothing, knowing he wouldn’t tell her anything more right now. If anything he was just teasing her about something.

 

When they stepped inside the manor, they went straight to the girls room to put them in their crib. Riku left a shadow clone behind to watch over them after looking at their cute sleeping form with Hinata in his embrace.

 

Reaching the living room, they found Tsunada, Mito and Kaguya enjoying the evening breeze of this Autumn day on the patio. The sight of Hinata took aback the rabbit goddess. It was clear to everyone present that the two women looked like each other a lot despite the small differences.

 

The lady Senju gave a quizzical look at her husband who took her by the hand and used ninshu to explain everything.