Transcending Realities: A Journey to Reclaim Home

"Karin, go inside and rest. I'll take you to meet your sisters later," I said with a reassuring smile.

As she started towards the house, Mom gave me a knowing look. "Sisters? So, Naruto, she's also one of them?" she asked, her voice laced with pride. "I'm so proud of my son," she added warmly.

Kushina then turned to Karin, her tone soft but playful. "Karin, if he ever does something bad, come straight to me. I'll take care of him," she said with a wink.

"Thank you, Kushina-san," Karin replied politely, bowing slightly.

Mom's expression immediately changed to mock sternness. "It's not Kushina-san for you. It's Mom. Say it," she insisted.

"Y-Yes, Mom," Karin said, flustered and blushing, before quickly running inside.

Mom chuckled, watching her retreat. "She's adorable. You've got good taste, Naruto," she said teasingly. I just smiled, knowing Karin was already being welcomed as part of the family.

I chuckled softly as I watched Karin disappear into the house, her face still red with embarrassment. "Mom, you're going to scare her off if you keep teasing her like that," I said with a grin.

Kushina crossed her arms and smirked. "Scare her? Nonsense! I'm just making sure she feels at home. And besides," she added with a wink, "if she's going to be part of the family, she has to get used to me."

I shook my head, still smiling. "You never change, do you?"

"And you wouldn't want me to," she shot back, a hint of pride in her tone. "Now, you go handle whatever it is you have to, Naruto. I'll take care of Karin while she's here."

"Thanks, Mom," I said sincerely. "That means a lot."

Kushina softened, reaching out to ruffle my hair. "I'm proud of you, you know? You're bringing people together, giving them hope. You're a true Uzumaki."

Her words hit me right in the heart, and for a moment, I couldn't find the words to respond. Instead, I just nodded, my resolve strengthening even more. "I'll make sure to live up to that, Mom."

"I know you will," she said, her smile warm and unwavering.

"Then take care of her, Mom. I'm going out for a little bit," I said, stepping toward the door.

"I will. You go take care of your business," she replied warmly.

Leaving the house, I made my way toward the Hokage's office. The streets of Konoha were bustling as usual, filled with the happy chatter of villagers going about their day. It was a comforting sight—a reminder of the peace we had fought so hard to maintain.

Reaching the office, I pushed the door open without hesitation. "Tsuna, I'm back! Did you miss me?" I called out with my usual energy.

But the office appeared empty, and I furrowed my brow, scanning the room. Just as I was about to call out again, I felt a subtle shift in the air—a familiar presence closing in fast from behind.

Without thinking, I spun around, catching the wrist of my would-be attacker. In one smooth motion, I pulled them close, grabbing their hip for balance, and planted a deep kiss on their lips.

As our lips parted, I smirked, only to meet the surprised—and slightly flustered—gaze of Tsunade.

"Well, that was unexpected," she said, her tone caught between sternness and amusement.

"Tsuna," I teased, "you really shouldn't sneak up on me like that. I might just take it the wrong way."

She rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the faint blush creeping onto her cheeks. "You're impossible, Naruto."

"And yet, here we are," I grinned. "Now, about the summit—let's talk."

Her expression turned serious, the playful mood evaporating. "I've been reviewing the plans. The daimyo and kage are already on edge after what happened to the Fire Daimyo. They'll be looking for someone to blame," she said, her voice laced with concern.

"Let them," I replied firmly, crossing my arms. "I'll make sure they understand Konoha isn't a place to mess with. Besides," I added with a confident smirk, "they need to know we're not under anyone's thumb anymore."

Tsunade's gaze sharpened, though her lips twitched with the faintest hint of a smile. "Good. I'll leave the talking to you, then. Just don't start a war in the process," she warned.

"No promises," I chuckled, earning a pointed glare from her.

"Naruto," she began, her tone more cautious now, "this isn't just about proving a point. I know how you are, but these alliances are fragile. One wrong move, and we could have chaos on our hands."

I stepped closer, my voice softening but firm. "Even if it leads to chaos, I'll handle it. Don't worry, Tsuna. Trust your boyfriend. I know you're afraid of war, but I don't die that easily," I said with a reassuring grin.

She sighed, a mix of exasperation and fondness. "You really are impossible, you know that?"

"And yet, you still adore me," I teased, lightening the mood.

Tsunade shook her head with a small smile. "Just don't do anything reckless. The summit's too important."

"I got this," I promised, my tone unwavering. "Now, let's make sure Konoha's ready for anything."

Tsunade's glare softened as she studied my face, her sharp demeanor replaced by a faint trace of worry. "Naruto, it's not about trust. I know what you're capable of," she said, her voice quieter now. "But war... it's not something you can control once it starts. The cost isn't just measured in victories or losses—it's measured in lives."

I stepped closer, placing a hand on her shoulder. "I know, Tsuna. I've seen it, and I've lived it. But if it comes down to protecting our people, our family, and our home, I'll do whatever it takes. Even if that means standing in the line of fire alone."

Her lips pressed into a thin line, and for a moment, she looked away, her hands clenching into fists. "You're too reckless," she muttered, shaking her head. "Always taking on the world like it's your responsibility alone."

I tilted her chin up gently, forcing her to meet my gaze. "It's not just my responsibility, but it's my choice. And if I have to be reckless to keep you, Mom, and everyone I care about safe, then so be it."

Her amber eyes searched mine, a mix of frustration and admiration swirling within them. Finally, she sighed and placed her hand over mine. "You're infuriating, you know that?"

"I get that a lot," I said with a grin. "But you love me for it, don't you?"

A reluctant smile tugged at her lips. "Don't push your luck."

I chuckled. "I'll take that as a yes." I leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "I promise I'll come back, no matter what. So, trust me, okay?"

She closed her eyes for a moment, nodding slowly. "Just don't do anything stupid, Naruto."

"Me? Stupid? Never," I teased, stepping back with a confident smirk. "Now, let's get ready to show those kage what Konoha's made of."

Tsunade shook her head, a quiet laugh escaping her. "Go on, then, hero. Just remember, I'll be watching your every move."

"Do you need anyone other than me to accompany you to the summit?" I asked, leaning casually against her desk.

Tsunade tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Let me think… I believe it's fine with just you and Shizune. If you want, you can add someone else to the team."

I considered her words for a moment. "I think three of us should be enough. If I need anything else, I can always use your grandfather's Flying Raijin Jutsu to come back and pick up reinforcements. It's always handy," I replied with a confident smirk.

Tsunade gave a small nod, her expression thoughtful. "The Flying Raijin definitely gives us an edge. If things go sideways at the summit, having a way to get reinforcements quickly could save us."

"Exactly," I said with a grin. "Plus, with Shizune there, we'll have someone to keep us grounded—and make sure you don't overdo it with sake during the talks."

She rolled her eyes but smirked. "I'll have you know, I can handle my sake just fine. Besides, if anyone needs supervision, it's you."

"Fair enough," I replied, holding up my hands in mock surrender. "But seriously, it's better to keep the group small. A larger team might make the other nations nervous."

"Agreed," Tsunade said. "Just remember, this summit is about diplomacy, not picking fights."

I grinned. "No promises. But I'll behave… unless they give me a reason not to."

Her sharp look told me she wasn't entirely convinced, but she didn't argue. "Fine. Just make sure you're ready. We leave tomorrow at first light."

"Got it," I said, turning to leave. Then I paused at the door and glanced back at her. "Tsunade… thanks for trusting me with this."

She smiled faintly, her usual sternness softening. "You've earned it, Naruto. Now don't make me regret it."

"Never," I promised before heading out.