A rather short writing, because I didn't really know what else I could write, and I didn't want to add random occurrences just to arbitrarily make it longer. This'll be one long, ongoing story, because I really didn't like the idea of dropping continuity to come up with one-shots over and over again.
Some things to assume for the sake of the plot:
1) If I never mention a character, they most likely won't make an appearance.
2) Yes, that means major bad guys like Sasuke and Akatsuki will (most likely) never enter these stories.
3) The characters are no longer children, whatever the legal drinking age is for your country/state/province/prefecture (etc.) is how old these characters are. Reserved for possible scenarios in later chapters.
Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoy.
CHAPTER RATING: T
Episode 1: Returning Home
"Ah, there it is!" Yamato called out. "Everyone, we've reached Konoha!" as the team approached the giant gates carved with the symbol of the Hidden Leaf. Kakashi, Karin, Yamato, Sakura and Naruto had reached Konoha after several days of travel. Naruto and Sakura stayed a few paces behind the rest of the group; their hands clasped together as Sakura held on to Naruto's arm. Naruto slightly tensed and turned his head to face her.
"…Should we let everyone know…?" Sakura's eyes widened at the thought for a moment as she wondered how everyone would react.
"It's none of their business is it?" she questioned
"I suppose not." Naruto replied.
"Then let's just keep it between us, there's no need to let people know, when they don't need to know." She stated as her eyes met his, her mind flowing back to that night where she had revealed to him her true feelings. He smiled and nodded in understanding. Slowly she pulled away, letting their hands slip apart as slow as possible to ensure that their physical embrace lasted as long as it could in the open.
"Alright, Naruto, Sakura, good work, Yamato and I will take this girl to the Intelligence Division for interrogation. You two can take a break, you've earned it." Kakashi said. Naruto and Sakura nodded. They started to walk together and unknowingly; started to move closer to each other.
"Sakura!" a voice called out from behind them as they turned around.
"Oh, Ino." Sakura acknowledged. Naruto made a motion to create more space between himself and Sakura.
"When did you get back?" Ino asked. "Everyone's been waiting for you two."
"Everyone?" Naruto asked. Ino nodded and motioned for them to follow her.
"We were all wondering what had happened? Did anything interesting occur while you were on this mission?"
"No, not really." Sakura replied. Naruto gave her an nervous smile as they continued to walk.
"This," Ino pointed to a building "is the new 'Ichiraku BARBE-Q' restaurant that was rebuilt by the architects that Tsunade-sama contracted. Come on, let's go inside. There's a special surprise for you two." Naruto and Sakura looked at each other with puzzled expressions on their faces. Ino approached the door and slid it open.
Naruto and Sakura's eyes widened in surprise, their mouths open with joy. Before them stood the other members of the original Konoha 11, Shikamaru, Chouji, Rock Lee, Tenten, Neji, Hinata, Shino and Kiba. Everyone cheered as they entered the restaurant.
"We pooled our money together and rented out this special area, just for us." In the back of the restaurant, there was a long dining table, complete with in-laid grills. Everyone gathered around and started ordering food. To say that it was one enjoyable homecoming would be an understatement.
Together, the 11 shinobi enjoyed each other's company for hours, revisiting childhood memories, recalling the Chuunin Exams, and reminiscing about some of the most ludicrous encounters that they had ever experienced.
"Bushy-brows! Don't you remember the 'Curry of Life?' It was the funniest thing I have ever seen you do, and you still kicked ass!" Naruto enthusiastically recalled to Rock Lee. Tenten let out a few chuckles and even Neji managed to form a small smile on his lips.
"Hmm, I don't seem to remember that." Rock Lee answered back.
"That's because you were drunk off your ass!" Naruto shouted as the entire table roared in laughter. "…And Shino, do you remember when you were stricken with that drug that made you lau-"
"I told you to forget it." Shino interrupted.
"Ah…ah, t-that's right. I-I don't remember anymore." Naruto replied.
Hours passed, and as the moon started to rise in the sky, they gradually emptied out of the restaurant. Naruto and Sakura exited the building last, in the quiet of the night; they walked silently under the yellow moon. In the moonlight, they embraced each other, as their shadows formed into one. Naruto simply spoke two words that echoed through their hearts, deeply comforting them.
"..We're home."