The Shopkeeper of Konoha

For everyone of them, the start of the new year in Konoha was unique. Including Aoto, John, Hot Pie and Arya had a wide smile on their faces as the final seconds of the year waned. They were already aware of the decorations and the festive atmosphere. They wished to see it for themselves.

Shikuro had also shown up at their shop for the celebration. He wasn't alone either. He brought his son along. the infant, who had not even turned one. Baby Torune. Aoto exhaled in relief upon seeing the youngster. No matter what, Aoto had a soft spot for the majority of the tragic shinobi characters. They had been pushed to their tragic life due to circumstances. He pondered whether he might affect the lives of others now that he had the ability to alter someone's course in life.

The charming town of Konoha acquired an air of enchantment. Every facade was embellished with dazzling lanterns and ethereal strings of fairy lights, which gave the area a beautiful glow. Kindred spirits congregated in comfortable inns and secret taverns to celebrate in secret, and laughter and joy erupted from these establishments.

The village of Konoha was filled with a melodious symphony of joy and happy voices as the clock struck midnight. The kimono was worn by Aoto and others when they first appeared, and Arya adored donning it. It was odd because Arya never enjoyed formal occasions or any other situation that called for dressing up, but kimonos seemed to be really comfy.

Aoto was enjoying watching the fireworks and all the nearby folks. He saw Kakashi and Guy sitting on the roof together. Guy hanging out with Kakashi so frequently before they had the responsibilities of young genins startled Aoto.

Additionally, he observed Asuma and Kurenai gazing at the fireworks while holding hands. These two seemed to have been together since a very young age. Additionally, he encountered some of the clan leaders, whom he always greeted. However, it was the leader of the Uchiha clan that truly stunned Aoto.

Mikoto was pregnant. Aoto's mouth fell open at this. He was seeing things that he couldn't believe. How could Mikoto get pregnant? Did the butterfly affect started to stake shape in such a violent way.

Actually, it hadn't been long since she became pregnant, and it wasn't very obvious. The 'good news' was something Fugaku only shared with people when he was speaking with them.

'Shit, that viagra shouldn't have been given to them.' Aoto pondered as he observed the couple.

"What are you looking? Haven't seen a pregnant woman before?" Fugaku enquired.

"No.. No.. I was just a little taken aback." Shaking his head, Aoto. When Fugaku saw him glancing at Mikoto's stomach, he felt embarrassed.

"If it's a son we will name him Minato and if it's a daughter, we will name her Sarada."

"Huh.. You want to name your daughter after a salad?" For some reason, Aoto shuddered at hearing the name. He was baffled as to how some of Konoha's brightest individuals could come up with such unoriginal names. Where were the creative ideas?

Since Sasuke was named after Sasuke Sarutobi, a great shinobi of the Saurtobi clan, and Minato was the late 4th Hokage, he could understand the name Minato, but why in the world would they name their daughter after a salad?

"Umm.. Aaaaaaa..." When Aoto criticized Fugaku for having a common name, he felt embarrassed.

"See I told you Sarada was a weird name. You never listen."

"Why don't you suggest if you have so many good names?" Fugaku spoke in a harsh tone. He didn't want to be made fun of in front of everyone by his wife and Aoto.

"How about the name Lyanna?" Arya suddenly interrupted her takoyaki-eating to speak. When she spoke, everyone tensed up, including John, who had been staring at her with wide eyes.

"What? You all required some suitable girl's names. The name of my late aunt ought to do the trick. She just so happens to be the mother of this guy." Arya said not caring for the formalities at all and spoke the truth while pointing at John.

"Arya, you shouldn't speak when the the elders are talking." Right now, John asked her to stop talking.

"What elders? I have also matured. It's you who is getting old." Arya counter-argued.

"Lyanna? That's a beautiful name. A name from your lands?" Fugaku enquired. He was surprised to learn that these two siblings were only first cousins and had a close blood relationship.

"Yes. It was my mother's name, who I have never seen. My uncle, who raised me, treated me like his own son." John said and didn't allow Arya to speak as he felt she was still young to deal with people like Fugaku. He constantly used caution since he felt helpless in the face of these "gods," no matter what.

"Hmm... You really do have a deep story. I like the name, young girl and I also like your fierce and bold attitude. It's decided, if it is a daughter, we will name her Lyanna.  Aoto said that you don't have chakra, why don't you come to our clan and take lessons on swordsmanship from me." Fugaku declared while beaming broadly.

When Aoto heard the notion, he arched his brows. Did Fugaku really intend to instruct Arya in swordplay? That is new. He wouldn't give a damn, though. Arya seemed to be very happy and promised to show up at his place the next day for lessons.

Meanwhile, Mikoto was very happy with the name and asked the meaning to which Aoto replied. The name meant light in a little different language. Knowing that her child, if a daughter, would be called after a good thing made her extremely pleased.

Before they parted, they continued their conversation briefly. The Uchiha clan was still not seen in very good eyes around and thus Fugaku and his family left after sometime because it would be a little irritating if people around didn't have good will for them.

Aoto even presented some gifts to Itachi and young Sasuke. Itachi was overjoyed to receive the gifts.