Chapter 35

Parent and Child Day

Kotomi woke up in a familiar bed. Her surroundings were nostalgic, even if she hasn't been here for years. She looked down at herself, seeing that she was in a tiny body.

Going over to a mirror nearby, Kotomi saw that she was her four year old self. "What..? How am I..?"

She heard the door opening, seeing a familiar woman at the door. "Kotomi-" The woman paused for a moment. "Oh. You're already up. Breakfast is ready."

Kotomi's eyes wavered. "Mother..."

Mikoto gave her a smile. "Would you like to help me set up the table?"

Realizing that she was in a dream, Kotomi decided to go along with it. She nodded in response. "Yes, mother!"

Setting the food on the table, Kotomi was trying her best not to accidentally drop anything. Her four year old body could barely hold one plate full of food without her getting out of breath.

"Oh, Kotomi! I see you're working hard as ever!" She looked up, seeing a familiar man smiling at her.

Setting the plate of food down at the table, Kotomi ran up to the man. "Father!" She tightly hugged his leg. "Good morning!"

Fugaku scooped her up in his arms. "Did you sleep well?"

Kotomi nodded. "I did!" She saw a couple of boys entering the room. Her eyes started sparkling. "Nii-san! Onii-san!"

Her father put her down as she ran towards her brothers. She ran towards Itachi first, seeing her eldest brother giving her a smile. "Good morning, Kotomi."

"Good morning, Nii-san! Guess what?! Mother made egg omelettes, and helped set the table!"

"Good job, imoto. You are quite the helper."

Kotomi blushed at her brother's complaint. Turning towards Sasuke, she started to smile widely. "Onii-san! You're small again!"

Sasuke looked annoyed. "What do you mean I'm small again? What are you dumb or something?"

"Sasuke." Itachi said in a scolding tone. In response, Sasuke looked away pouting.

Kotomi giggled. "I was just making a joke! You don't have to get mad about it!"

Sasuke started grumbling, letting out a sigh. He didn't say anything in response as he made his way to the table.

Kotomi started pouting, not used to Sasuke acting this cold towards her since it's been a while. Even if this was a dream, it still hurt a little.

Feeling a hand touch her shoulder, Kotomi looked up to see Itachi. "Let's eat, imoto."

Smiling in response, Kotomi nodded. Walking towards the table with her brother, the family of five were all enjoying breakfast together.

Kotomi felt so at peace, enjoying being in the past back when her family was still alive. Her parents, brothers, and herself were so happy. She didn't want this dream to end anytime soon, wanting to enjoy it for a little longer.

But all dreams must come to an end when you hear the alarm going off.

***

Today's the day of our new holiday! Parent and Child day! Have a great time everyone, dattebayo!

Kotomi was making breakfast, seeing that her two year old kept hitting rewind, playing the commercial over and over again. She started laughing at his amused expression. "Kojiro, you played that over 20 times already."

Kojiro's eyes were sparkling. "But it's Uncle Naruto! He looks so cool!"

"I can't argue with that, I guess."

"Mommy, are we going to do something for Parent and Child day?"

Feeling her heart drop, Kotomi smiled. "Mommy has to go to work." She saw his expression drop. "But don't worry! I'm getting off early today, so you can spend the beginning of the day with daddy and Nii-chan."

Kojiro smiled brightly. "Ok!"

During breakfast, the four were eating their food. Three out of four since Mitsuki still isn't used to eating. Kotomi wasn't sure if he would ever get used to it, but she wouldn't stop cooking for him if any day will be the day where Mitsuki eats something.

"Kotomi." Konohamaru said with food in his mouth.

"Don't talk with your mouth full." Kotomi kept eyeing Kojiro, gesturing Konohamaru to not set a bad example to their two year old.

Konohamaru swallowed his food before speaking up. "My bad, kore. I was going to ask what time you get off of work today so you join us for Parent and Child day."

"I get off around lunchtime. I have to look over some reports."

"Ok. We'll still be at the festival that time. I already know Kojiro would like to play the games there."

"He'll have a blast, I know it." Kotomi turned to Mitsuki. "Do you want to do anything specifically for Parent and Child day, Mitsuki?"

Mitsuki shook his head. "I will just accompany all of you for the day."

"If that's what you want to do. This is a great chance for you two to spend time with each other not as teacher and student, but as father and son."

"I look forward to it, father."

Konohamaru rubbed the back of his head. "I'm still trying to get used to that, but just call me whatever best works for you, Mitsuki."

After breakfast, the three boys were about to head out the door. Kojiro was sitting on top of Konohamaru's shoulders, holding a ladybug heroine plushie Mitsuki had gotten him as a souvenir from the Land of Water.

"Alright, boys. Say goodbye to your mom." Konohamaru said.

Kojiro started waving happily. "Bye-bye!"

"See you later, mother." Mitsuki said.

Kotomi fondly smiled, giving them a wave. "See you later. Have fun." With that, the three headed out, closing the door behind them. At the same time, Kotomi was preparing to go to work.

***

In her office, Kotomi was reading over some paperwork. Hearing a knock on the door, she perked up her head. "Come in."

The door opened, revealing it to be Kotaro. "M'am, the hokage is here and would like to see you." Kotomi arched an eyebrow in response.

Walking out to the main lobby, Kotomi saw Naruto with his small daughter, Himawari. She walked up to him looking confused. "What are you doing here, Naruto?"

Naruto rubbed the back of his head. "I'm trying to look for a Kurama doll for Himawari."

"And coming to the Konoha Police Force thought you would have any luck?"

Dark swirls surrounded Naruto, looking hopeless. "It feels like I've been going everywhere today..."

"Go to any place that sells toys." Kotomi averted her eyes to the little girl, giving her a smile. "Himawari, you've gotten so big the last time I saw you!"

Himawari shyly smiled. "Hello..."

"Hello to you too. Hold on a minute, I got something for you." Kotomi was digging in her uniform pockets, finding a toy police badge. "Kids love these, so I thought you would like it too."

Himawari's eyes sparkled. "It's so pretty and shiny!" She took it from Kotomi, pinning it to her shirt.

Kotomi started blushing, putting her hands to her face. "You're so adorable, I can't! I want a daughter!" She paused for a moment, squeezing her lips. "Now I'm starting to sound like my mother..." She remembered Sasuke mentioning that their mother wanted a daughter, feeling like she was the only female in the household. Now Kotomi understood how her mother felt that time.

Naruto nervously laughed. "Sorry for interrupting your work, Kotomi-chan. I know you want to clock out early, and spend time with your family soon."

"I do! I'm almost done anyway, so..."

"That's good. We're going to continue finding the Kurama doll."

"Alright, good luck with that!" Kotomi waved at Naruto and Himawari who were leaving the building. A smile appeared on her face as she headed back to her office.

***

Finally finished with work, Kotomi walked out of the building. From a distance, she saw food stalls. "He said they would be at the festival part... I wonder which part though?" As she was walking, she noticed her brother leaning his back against the wall, looking somewhat gloomy. Arching an eyebrow, Kotomi walked up to Sasuke. "Onii-san? You're back in the village?"

Sasuke looked at her, looking upset. "Yeah..."

"What's the matter?"

Lowering his head, he let out a sigh. "It's Sarada."

Now realizing, Kotomi started patting his shoulder. "Having trouble bonding with your daughter?" Sasuke nodded in response. "Let's sit somewhere and talk about it."

"Promise me that you won't laugh."

"Why would I laugh?"

Sasuke was silent for a moment. "Just... Don't laugh. Please."

Looking confused, Kotomi nodded once. "Alright then."

The two siblings were sitting on a bench. Kotomi was listening to Sasuke's catastrophe that occurred with Sarada. He ended up taking Kakashi's advice with the Make-Out Tactics book to help bond with his daughter, but they all failed miserably. "...And then, she called me annoying."

Kotomi was trying her absolute best to hold in her laughter. "I never thought I would ever hear that you of all people would take advice from that book."

Sasuke knew that his sister was on the edge of bursting out laughing, letting out a sigh. "If you want to laugh about it, I don't care anymore."

Kotomi was looking around her surroundings. "I see that my two year old isn't around, so..." The next second, she started dying laughing on the spot. "Oh my god that's priceless! I wish I was there to see that! That is too funny! You just got owned by your daughter, Onii-san! How does it feel for karma to come bite you later after calling Sakura annoying all those times in the past?!"

Hearing Kotomi out of breath from laughing so hard, Sasuke closed his eyes to not let it get to him. He knew that he was a fool for following Kakashi's advice. In his mind, he swears to never do something like that again.

Kotomi wiped a tear from the corner of her eye, coughing from laughing so much. "That was a good laugh..." Letting out a sigh, Kotomi cleared her throat. "You know, Onii-san, you should really ask Sarada what she would like to do. If she didn't want to anything at the festival, then she most likely wants to do something else."

"You think so?"

"It's a strong possibility. She's at that age where this kind of thing feels childish to her."

"How am I supposed to bond with her if I don't know what she likes?"

Kotomi was thinking to herself. "Well... Do you remember back in the day when you wanted father and Nii-san's attention? It's pretty similar to this. In her own way, Sarada is just trying to get your attention. But you weren't reading the signs, that's why she got so annoyed with you."

Sasuke let out a sigh. "You're right, imoto. I need to find her and try to understand what she wants."

Kotomi nodded. "Exactly." She patted him on the back. "I'm so proud of you. I can tell you're really trying your best."

Sasuke gave her a small smile. "I could say the same to you."

At the same time, the two stood up from the bench. Kotomi turned towards Sasuke. "Tell me how it goes. I'm going to find my boys in the festival."

"I will. Thank you for the advice, imoto."

"No problem! You know that I'm always going to be here for you, Onii-san."

Not expecting it, Sasuke poked Kotomi on the forehead. "See you next time."

Feeling the spot where her brother poked her, Kotomi gave him a soft smile. "See you next time. Good luck."

"Thanks." The siblings walked opposite directions, both going to their families. They both knew that even though they have their own lives and families now, they would always be there for each other like old times.

***

Kotomi was looking for her three boys in the ocean of people. Standing on her tiptoes, she could see her two year old sitting on top of her husband's shoulders.

Rushing her way over there, Kotomi successfully made it through the crowd. "I'm here!"

"Mommy!" Kojiro cheerfully exclaimed. "Look what I won!"

Kotomi saw Kojiro wearing sunglasses that were flashing neon colors on the frames. "Oh my god..."

Konohamaru sweatdropped. "He wanted them."

"I could tell." She turned over to Mitsuki who was holding colorful cotton candy. "Did you win those?"

Mitsuki nodded. "Yes, mother. These are for my little brother. He kept asking to eat it."

"It's a good thing you didn't give in since it would spoil his appetite."

"Mommy, mommy! Daddy said that we we're going to play that game when you found us!" Kojiro pointed over to a giant dunk tank.

Kotomi snorted. "He wants that giant teddy bear, doesn't he?"

Konohamaru nodded. "Yeah... And he wanted me to go in there so he can dunk me in the water."

"We don't want to keep him waiting." Kotomi had a devious smile, rubbing her hands together eagerly.

Letting out a sigh, Konohamaru had a bad feeling about this. "You just want me to get dunked, don't you?"

"I would be lying if I said no." Kotomi looked towards Mitsuki, grabbing his hand. "Let's go win this giant teddy bear for Kojiro!"

The family of four started making their way towards the dunk tank. While walking with them, a genuine smile appeared on Mitsuki's face, feeling like he truly belonged in this family.

Konohamaru was inside of the dunk tank. His feet were just above the water. Having three balls, Kotomi was passing it to Kojiro one at a time.

Kojiro started to look disheartened at the two balls he just thrown. "I can't hit the target..."

Knowing that Kojiro wanted the giant teddy bear plus being good for the entire week, Kotomi smirked. "Can mommy throw the last ball?"

Kojiro nodded happily. "Yeah! I know mommy is good at aiming!"

"Alright! Stand back, boys! I'm about to dunk your father!" Standing in the perfect pitcher position, Kotomi threw the ball flawlessly, managing to hit the bull's eye straight on.

The seat disappeared underneath Konohamaru, making him splash into the water. Kotomi pumped her fists in the air cheering. "I did it!" Instinctively, Kotomi hugged Mitsuki happily.

Kojiro copied his mother, hugging Mitsuki's leg since that's all he could reach. "Mommy did it!"

Seeing his mother and little brother so happy and laughing, it brought a smile on his face. For the first time, Mitsuki found himself laughing along with them.

In the end, they ended up winning the giant teddy bear for Kojiro.

***

After Konohamaru dried off, the family of four were heading towards a restaurant. Mitsuki had offered to hold the giant teddy bear for them. He was holding it like it was nothing.

Kojiro was sitting on Konohamaru's shoulders once more. "Can I eat the cotton candy after dinner, mommy?"

Kotomi giggled. "Only if you have room for it."

"I always have room for dessert!"

Konohamaru started laughing. "Your stomach will burst like a balloon if you eat too much, Kojiro."

"I want my stomach to be a balloon!"

Kotomi shook her head with a smile. "You silly boy." She turned to Mitsuki. "We're going to eat at a sit-in restaurant. I know you don't eat much, so-"

"I will try to eat something."

Feeling shocked, Kotomi raised her eyebrows. "Really? You'll try some food?"

Mitsuki nodded. "I will try."

"Well... We'll just start off light and see what you like. I don't want to overwhelm you with a lot of food."

All hearing a stomach growl, Kotomi was trying to figure out where it came from. "Kojiro, you could've told me that you were hungry earlier."

"It wasn't me, mommy."

Then the only one that it could've been was... "Konohamaru, was that you?"

Konohamaru started blushing in embarrassment. "Yeah... I'm kind of starving, kore."

Kotomi started laughing. "We're almost to the restaurant. Just hang in there for a bit, dear."

The family of four were enjoying spending the day with each other. Konohomaru and Kojiro were both laughing, having the exact same smile. Kotomi was holding onto Mitsuki's available hand, wanting to make him feel involved. Mitsuki was just smiling the entire time, feeling happiness inside of his heart. With both his family and friends in the village, he truly felt like he was home.

***

Later that night, Kotomi was in her room, putting pictures together in a book. With the many pictures that she took today, Kotomi couldn't resist putting it in an album.

She had quite a few picture books from her past. From her early childhood to now, Kotomi felt like she had captured her life in photographic memories, feeling happy that she could always look back at them anytime she wanted.

After putting together the picture book, Kotomi stepped into the living room. She didn't expect to see the boys had fallen asleep on the couch.

Feeling like it was a great opportunity, Kotomi rushed back into her room to grab a couple things: A camera and a blanket.

Being careful on not waking them up, Kotomi raised the camera like she was going to take a selfie. She was adjusting the frame to have everyone fit in. Clicking the button, the camera had taken yet another memorable memory.

Looking at the picture in the camera, Kotomi smiled to herself. She felt like the luckiest woman in the world right now. She had a family to call her own. One to cherish and treasure, forever and always.

Putting a blanket over her husband and two sons, Kotomi fondly smiled at them for a bit, wanting to capture this memory in her mind.

The path of life for her took a dark turn when she was younger. Though her past had many traumatic events, her future was happy and bright. Honestly, Kotomi didn't know how she did it. Back then, she always seemed so happy when deep down, she always felt depressed as a child. Now as an adult, it felt like her life was at peace. The path of life had lead her to a life of happiness.

The End

A/N: Aaaaaand that's a wrap! This was so much fun to write! I really enjoyed the Parent and Child day episodes with Naruto and Himawari and Sasuke and Sarada. Those episodes were so adorable! Writing this story was an emotional rollercoaster for me, I even started watching some episodes while writing this. I know there's more in Boruto, but I wanted to end this story on a peaceful note. If you read this story from start to finish, thank you so much for reading! I hoped you enjoyed Kotomi's journey!