Thanks to Kushina's relentless effort—alongside her kagebunshin, and countless sacrifices of her time, energy, and both her and Minato's personal savings—Konoha finally began to breathe again, one year after Naruto's birth.
The ruins that once sprawled across the village like open wounds had been completely cleared. The streets were walkable again, the once-collapsed homes now stood with new walls, and the dusty air felt lighter. On the surface, Konoha appeared healed.
But Kushina knew better: true recovery wasn't about buildings standing, but hearts at peace.
Even so, the next burden of responsibility was no longer hers to bear. That weight now rested on the shoulders of the Third Hokage, the village elders, and of course, the Fire Daimyo funding the reconstruction.
Today was a special moment. Exactly one year ago, on a night filled with sorrow and blood, Naruto was born into the world. And now, inside a warm, modest home, little Naruto had grown into a lively boy—tirelessly exploring the world around him.
Konoha, October 10th.
The skies over Konoha were clear. Autumn leaves fell gently, carried by the soft seasonal breeze. At the Uzumaki residence, the sweet scent of cake filled the air. Orange and red balloons floated from the ceiling, paper ribbons curled around the house pillars, and at the center of the room... sat a chubby-cheeked blonde toddler, staring curiously at the tiny candle atop a birthday cake.
Naruto Uzumaki. Age: 1 year.
With enough love, balanced nutrition, and the gentle guidance of his mother, Kushina, Naruto had grown faster than most children his age.
"Naruto, come on, blow the candle!" Kushina urged softly, leaning toward her son.
Naruto's eyes sparkled. He stared at the small flame curiously, then blew hard—so hard that the candle toppled and nearly knocked the cake over.
"Wahhh! Hahaha!" Jiraiya laughed loudly, "This kid's got power! One blow and it's down!"
Naruto raised both arms proudly.
Kushina had to hold back sudden tears. She covered her mouth, smiling widely.
Seeing his mom cry, Naruto frowned and looked at her in worry. "Mama... hurt?"
Kushina shook her head quickly and wiped her cheeks. "No, sweetheart... Mama's happy. So happy that you're growing strong and surrounded by people who love you."
Behind her stood three rare figures all in one place: Kakashi, Jiraiya, and Hiruzen Sarutobi—each holding a present.
"Alright, time for presents!" Jiraiya cheered.
He crouched and pulled something from inside his robe—a small, green frog-shaped wallet with a goofy expression.
"This is from Uncle Jiraiya," he said, handing it to Naruto. "So you can start saving money young!"
Naruto accepted the wallet excitedly. "Frog! I like frogs!"
Kushina chuckled softly. In her heart, she instantly recognized it—that was the prototype of Naruto's future Gama-chan wallet. But she kept that thought to herself and stroked Naruto's hair gently.
"Say thank you to Uncle Jiraiya," she whispered.
Naruto nodded and looked up at Jiraiya. "Thank you, Uncle Jiraiya!"
"Haha! Smart boy!" Jiraiya grinned.
Next was Kakashi. He crouched down quietly and handed Naruto a small plush doll shaped like Pakkun—the flat-faced dog with a sticking-out tongue.
"This one's called Pakkun," he said plainly.
But before Naruto could touch it, Kushina had already leapt and snatched it.
"KYAA! It's so cute!" she squealed, eyes sparkling. "Naruto, can Mama keep this one? Please? Pretty please~?"
Naruto tilted his head, then pointed to the frog wallet. "I like this one! Mama can take the dog!"
The room burst into laughter. Even Hiruzen, usually stoic, shrugged and chuckled.
Kakashi turned his face away... a faint blush behind his mask. But his mind was in turmoil.
'K-Kushina-san… likes Pakkun? Is this my chance? Should I invite her over to meet my dogs? No—that's improper! Completely disgraceful! I can't—But… my dogs would love her… aaargh, why am I thinking like this?!'
"Hmm?" Kushina glanced at Kakashi, who looked frozen stiff. "Something wrong, Kakashi?"
"Eh—no! Not at all! I'm glad... you like the doll," Kakashi stammered, avoiding eye contact.
Lastly, Hiruzen stepped forward and handed over a small hand-carved wooden figurine of a ninja, complete with a tiny thread headband.
"This one's handmade," he said warmly. "May you grow into a great shinobi, just like your parents, Naruto."
Naruto held the toy carefully. "This... ninja? I wanna be a great ninja too!"
"And you'll become greater than anyone, Naruto," Hiruzen said, patting his head.
Finally, Kushina stood and pulled out a small flower-patterned box. From it, she revealed a long, warm red scarf—hand-sewn by herself.
"This... is from Mama," she said softly, voice trembling slightly. "This scarf will follow you wherever you go, so you'll always feel warm... like Mama's hug."
Naruto's eyes sparkled. He toddled forward and hugged her tightly. "Mamaaa... I wuv Mama!"
Kushina couldn't hold her tears anymore. She hugged him back, laughing through her cries.
Around them, Jiraiya crossed his arms and smiled proudly. Kakashi looked away to hide a warm smile. And Hiruzen simply watched them all in silence—feeling a little more at ease, knowing that even in a shinobi world full of danger... Naruto was surrounded by love today.
That day wasn't just Naruto's first birthday. It was a celebration of life, shared with a small family that loved him dearly.
And for Kushina, there was no greater gift than seeing her son grow up happy.