Transcending Realities: A Journey to Reclaim Home

3rd POV

Tsunade and Temari exchanged a glance, their expressions a mix of understanding and amusement.

Tsunade leaned back, her tone softening. "Shizune, you've been by my side for years, and I know you better than anyone. You're loyal, caring, and strong. If anyone deserves to be happy, it's you. And knowing Naruto… I don't think he's the kind of person to reject someone as wonderful as you."

Temari nodded, adding, "Naruto doesn't judge people by rank, status, or anything superficial. He values what's in someone's heart. If you're honest with him, I think he'll appreciate your feelings—even if it surprises him at first."

Shizune fidgeted with her hands, her face still flushed. "But he already has so many people in his life—people who are closer to him than I am. I don't want to get in the way or complicate things for him."

Tsunade's expression turned firm. "That's not for you to decide, Shizune. Naruto's the kind of person who sees the good in everyone and finds a way to make things work. If you love him, you owe it to yourself—and to him—to be honest about your feelings."

Temari crossed her arms, smirking slightly. "Besides, Shizune, you've been with him and Tsuna for years. If anyone understands Naruto's strength and struggles, it's you. Don't underestimate what that means to him."

Shizune took a deep breath, her nerves still evident but a flicker of determination in her eyes. "I… I'll think about it. Maybe someday, when the time feels right, I'll tell him."

Tsunade gave her a reassuring smile. "Good. And if he gives you any trouble, just let me know. I'll set him straight."

The three women shared a light laugh, the tension easing as the topic shifted to lighter matters. Yet, in the back of her mind, Shizune resolved to find the courage to speak her heart—when the time was right.

"Then, if you decide to tell him, we'd all officially become sisters," Tsunade said with a smirk, her tone teasing but her intent clear. "But let's be honest—I'd naturally be the big sister. After all, he proposed to me first, and I was his first love." She crossed her arms, her smug expression radiating playful dominance.

"Oh, really? And why do you get to be the big sister?" Temari shot back, narrowing her eyes. "I could easily take that spot."

Tsunade raised an eyebrow. "Because I've known him longer, and he confessed to me first. Simple as that," she replied, her smirk widening.

Temari huffed, stepping closer. "That doesn't mean you're automatically the big sister! This isn't a hierarchy you get to decide!"

The two women began bickering, their voices overlapping in a growing contest of dominance. But their heated debate came to an abrupt halt when they heard the soft sound of laughter.

Turning toward Shizune, they found her laughing openly, her previous tension melting away.

"Why are we even quarreling?" Tsunade said after a moment, shaking her head as a smile tugged at her lips. "You know how much he dislikes fighting in the family."

Temari chuckled in agreement. "One thing's for sure," she said, her tone turning softer but confident, "he would love me. And that's all I need to know."

The three women shared a warm laugh, their competitive energy shifting into camaraderie. Despite their differences, they all cared deeply for the same man—and somehow, that was enough to bring them closer.

The atmosphere in the bath became lighthearted as the three women shared a moment of camaraderie.

Tsunade leaned back with a confident smirk. "Well, at least we agree on one thing—Naruto would hate to see us fighting over something so trivial. He's all about unity."

Temari chuckled. "Exactly. Besides, if we're going to be a family someday, it's better to focus on supporting him together rather than competing."

Shizune, still smiling, added, "You two might argue about who's the 'big sister,' but honestly, I think Naruto doesn't see anyone as above or below him. He values everyone equally."

Tsunade nodded thoughtfully. "That's true. It's one of the things that makes him so special. He doesn't let titles or hierarchy affect how he treats people."

Temari sighed with a small smile. "Well, regardless of who's the big sister, one thing's for sure—Naruto has a way of bringing people together. Even when we argue, we still end up laughing."

Tsunade stretched, her tone playful. "Fine, I'll let it go for now. But don't think I won't remind you of my 'big sister' status every now and then."

Shizune shook her head with a soft laugh. "I think the real challenge isn't about who's the big sister—it's keeping up with Naruto and all the chaos he brings into our lives."

The three women shared another laugh, their bond growing stronger as they prepared to stand by Naruto's side—no matter what challenges lay ahead.

After finishing their bath, the women dried off and donned their robes, stepping out into the cool evening air. Shizune adjusted her hair while Temari looked around. "I wonder if the boys are out already," Temari said thoughtfully.

Tsunade stretched her arms lazily, a satisfied smile on her face. "Knowing them, they've probably been discussing something serious or causing a scene."

Meanwhile, on the men's side, Naruto, Gaara, Kankuro, and Rasa exited the bathhouse. Naruto shook his hair dry, a grin on his face. "Man, that was refreshing! Hot springs really are amazing."

Gaara nodded quietly. "It's a rare moment of peace."

Kankuro smirked. "Until Naruto decides to shake things up again."

Naruto laughed, rubbing the back of his head. "Hey, you know me—I just roll with what needs to be done."

As the two groups met in the inn's courtyard, Naruto waved at them. "Hey, you're done too? How was it on your side?"

Temari crossed her arms, smirking. "Peaceful, until we started talking about you."

Naruto raised an eyebrow, his grin widening. "Oh? Hope it was all good things."

Tsunade chuckled, stepping forward. "Don't worry, brat. We didn't reveal any of your secrets…this time."

Shizune blushed slightly but managed a small smile. "We were just…discussing how much work you give yourself."

Naruto scratched his cheek, pretending to pout. "You all worry too much. I've got everything under control!"

Rasa, observing the lighthearted banter, cleared his throat. "Well, since everyone seems refreshed, perhaps we can enjoy dinner before retiring for the night."

"Sounds like a plan," Naruto said enthusiastically. "Let's go eat. I'm starving!"

With that, the group headed toward the dining area, their bonds as allies and friends growing stronger with every shared moment.

As everyone sat down at the dining table, Naruto couldn't help but notice the unusually cheerful demeanor of Tsunade, Shizune, and Temari. They exchanged knowing smiles and chuckled occasionally.

"Alright, what's going on?" Naruto asked, narrowing his eyes playfully. "Did something happen in the hot springs? You three look like you've been plotting something."

Tsunade smirked, resting her chin on her hand. "Oh, nothing much. Just some girl talk, Naruto. You wouldn't understand."

Temari leaned forward with a sly grin. "Yeah, nothing to worry about. Just… discussing you, is all."

Naruto blinked, his expression shifting from confusion to mild alarm. "Wait, me? What about me?"

Shizune, still blushing slightly but smiling warmly, shook her head. "Nothing bad, Naruto. We were just talking about how much you take on yourself."

Naruto relaxed a little, though he still seemed suspicious. "You're sure that's all? You're acting way too suspicious for it to be just that."

Tsunade chuckled, waving him off. "Relax, brat. Focus on your food. You're going to need all your strength soon enough."

Naruto sighed and shook his head, muttering, "Women are so mysterious," before digging into his meal.

The rest of the group laughed at his remark, and the atmosphere around the table was lighthearted as everyone enjoyed the delicious spread of food.