Naruto, my father's name is Uchiha Madara.

Page 224

At this moment, he seemed to have found the most solid support and the warmest harbor.

No more hesitation, no more restraint.

Naruto took a sudden step forward, like a fledgling returning to its nest, and opened his arms wide.

With all his might, he hugged Iruka tightly in front of him!

This hug contained so much—

Longing for a long-awaited reunion.

Gratitude for the silent protection.

An infinite longing for the warmth of "home" and "family".

And then there's the indescribable sense of peace and belonging that comes with finally returning home after three years of wandering.

Iruka's body stiffened slightly at first, then completely relaxed, and a touch of emotion welled up in his eyes.

He raised his hand and, just like countless times when he was a child, gently patted Naruto's back, which had become much broader but still retained a youthful air.

He could feel that the little boy in his arms, whom he once had to look up to, had now grown so tall and strong.

He has also experienced too much burden that someone his age should not have to bear.

"Uh-huh……"

Iruka's voice was a little hoarse, but with a relieved smile: "It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back."

After a while, Naruto loosened his grip slightly and raised his head.

Her face still bore traces of tears, yet she revealed an incomparably radiant and pure smile, like sunlight melting ice and snow.

That smile was filled with the most sincere and unreserved emotions.

He looked into Iruka's eyes and, with all his might, spoke clearly and loudly:

"I am back!"

These four simple words encapsulate his three years of wandering.

All the battles.

All my longing.

All of growth.

And at this moment, all the feelings that overflowed for the man before her, who was like a father and a brother to her.

Iruka nodded vigorously, raised his hand and ruffled Naruto's soft blond hair, just as he had done countless times before.

A warm and satisfied smile graced his face, and his voice was gentle yet firm:

"Welcome back, Naruto!"

The afterglow of the setting sun shone through the clean window, bathing the embracing master and apprentice in a warm golden light.

The small apartment was filled with the warmth of a long-awaited reunion and the silent bonds that flowed between people.

For Naruto, this moment was the first time he truly... went home.

Chapter 247 Laughter and Joy at the Barbecue Restaurant

As dusk falls in Konoha, the streetlights begin to twinkle. The familiar aroma of yakiniku Q, a blend of charred fat and secret sauce, can be smelled from across the street.

The store was bustling with activity, a bustling hub of activity, and business was booming.

Kakashi Hatake had already arrived in the largest cubicle at the far end.

He leaned back on the cushion, one hand supporting his chin, the other unconsciously tapping the table. His exposed, lifeless eye was now filled with something...

The sorrow of feeling utterly hopeless.

He looked at the huge barbecue table in front of him, which could easily accommodate more than a dozen people, and his mind was racing with calculations.

That Naruto kid... can eat enough for five people by himself...

Sasuke looks refined, but he has quite an appetite...

Sakura seems to be alright...

In addition to myself...

Hmm... it hurts, but it's still within an acceptable range...

At the end of the month, I can always mooch off Kai a few more meals...

He was trying to mentally prepare himself, attempting to convince himself that the sacrifice of his wallet was worthwhile, after all, his disciples had returned in triumph.

Just then, the curtain of the cubicle was suddenly flung open with a "whoosh"!

"Yo! Kakashi-sensei! We're here—!!!"

Naruto's signature loud voice instantly drowned out the noise in the store.

He rushed in like a little sun, his face beaming with excitement.

Following behind him was none other than the gentle-smiling Umino Iruka.

Kakashi: "..."

That brat Naruto... he actually brought Iruka-sensei along too?

That's alright, Iruka-sensei doesn't eat much...

Yes, it's still under control...

Kakashi was about to force a welcoming smile when Naruto had already busily arranged for Iruka to sit down.

Then he left with the words, "Kakashi-sensei, wait for me! I also called Hinata!"

Before he finished speaking, he had already dashed out like a gust of wind.

Kakashi's smile froze on his face, and his eyelids began to twitch uncontrollably.

Hinata? The young lady of the Hyuga clan? That brat Naruto...

Not long after, the curtain to the cubicle was lifted again.

This time, a small group of people came in.

Naruto walked at the front, a slightly embarrassed, silly smile on his face.

Beside him stood Hinata Hyuga, her cheeks slightly flushed, head bowed, her hands nervously twisting the hem of her clothes, her voice barely audible: "Kakashi-sensei, hello..."

And following behind Hinata...

Shino Aburame adjusted her sunglasses, her expression calm and composed: "Excuse me."

Kiba Inuzuka casually put his arm around Akamaru and grinned, "Yo! Kakashi-sensei! I heard you're treating? Then we won't be polite! Haha! Akamaru is looking forward to it too!"

Akamaru: "Wow!"

Finally, there was Hyuga Neji, arms crossed and a cool expression on his face. He gave Kakashi a slight nod and said, "Excuse me, Kakashi-sensei. I wasn't planning on coming, but Naruto insisted that I come."

Kakashi's eyelids twitched: "..."

Team 8...the whole...the whole team is here?! And Neji too?

Naruto, you bastard! I only asked you to call your teammates! I didn't ask you to organize a class get-together!

He looked at the grill table, which was now half full in an instant, and at Kiba and Naruto, who were already excitedly studying the menu.

I felt like my heart was being violently clenched.

My wallet is...wailing in despair.

"Ah! Ino! Shikamaru! Choji! Over here!"

Before Kakashi could even catch his breath, Sakura's clear voice rang out from the doorway again.

Sakura lifted the curtain, followed by Ino Yamanaka, Shikamaru Nara, and Choji Akimichi.

Ino gave Sakura a warm hug as soon as she came in: "Sakura! I heard your mission was super cool! Tell us about it!"

Then she looked at Kakashi and winked playfully: "Kakashi-sensei, sorry to bother you! Sakura said we could come over for a meal, so we shamelessly came!"

Shikamaru had his hands in his pockets, his eyelids drooping, and a "what a hassle" expression on his face, but he still waved lazily at Kakashi: "Well... thank you for your trouble, Kakashi-sensei."

Although he said it was troublesome, he still honestly found a seat and sat down.

As soon as Choji entered, his small eyes precisely locked onto the most expensive item on the menu: the "Special Selection Wagyu Beef Platter".

With a simple, honest smile, he said, "Kakashi-senpai, thank you for the treat! I'll start eating!"

It was as if the ownership of that plate of meat had already been declared.

Kakashi: "..."

Class 10...is here too...Sakura...you...

He looked at the cubicle that had suddenly become crowded, and at Choji's gleaming eyes, filled with a longing for meat.

I feel my blood pressure soaring.

He silently and discreetly reached under the table and touched his wallet, which was noticeably deflated...

"Tsk, so many people." A cool, slightly disdainful voice rang out from the doorway.

Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw Uchiha Sasuke leaning against the door frame with his arms crossed, looking at the lively scene inside with a slight frown.

Behind him were two smiling people.

One was a young man with short black hair, a cheerful smile, and a gentle demeanor—Uchiha Shisui.

The other is a woman with long black hair, beautiful features, and a gentle smile—Uchiha Izumi.

"Sasuke-kun!" Sakura greeted him happily immediately.

Sasuke nodded in response, then found a relatively quiet spot next to Naruto and sat down.

To put it simply: "My parents are not home."

The meaning is clear: the person he invited didn't come.

However, Shisui, who was behind him, walked in with Izumi in a grin and greeted everyone familiarly: "Yo! Hello everyone! Kakashi-senpai, it's been a long time!"