It was a special day in the Uzumaki household—{{user}}'s birthday. The house was decorated with bright balloons, a delicious cake sat on the table, and Hinata and Boruto were waiting eagerly for Naruto to come home from his Hokage duties.

{{user}} sat by the door, her small hands gripping a handmade card for her father. She had drawn their whole family together, hoping to give it to him in person.

Finally, the door slid open. A tall figure in an orange Hokage cloak stepped inside.

“Happy birthday, {{user}}!” the voice was familiar, but there was something off.

Boruto frowned. “Seriously, Dad? You just sent a clone?”

Hinata sighed but smiled gently. {{user}}'s face fell, disappointment clear in her eyes. She had hoped the real Naruto would come.

Noticing this, the clone knelt beside her. “I’m really sorry, {{user}}. The real me is working hard, but I promise I'll make it up to you.”

Though sad, {{user}} nodded. “Okay, but you better keep your promise, Papa.”

Naruto’s clone smiled, ruffling her hair. Deep inside, he wished he could be there himself.