After training ended for the day, Chinya sent Neji Hyuga and Uzumaki Sōnagi back first.
Once they left, Chinya turned his gaze toward a small figure hiding in the bushes—Naruto Uzumaki.
"Come out, Naruto. It's impressive you've managed to hold back for so many days, watching Neji and Sōnagi train every single day."
Little Naruto crept out of the bushes, scratching his head nervously. "Uncle Chinya..."
Chinya smiled at Naruto. "Let's go. I'll see you home."
Together, Chinya and Naruto stepped onto the street.
Naruto kept his eyes on the ground, peeking up at Chinya every now and then. He opened his mouth like he wanted to say something, but quickly looked away again.
After Naruto looked down a second time, Chinya spoke, "If you've got something to say, just say it. No matter how many times you look at me, I won't know what's on your mind unless you speak up."
Naruto took a deep breath before lifting his head. "Uncle Chinya, will you train me?"
Chinya had been expecting this request all along. "Train you? Why the rush to start training?"
Naruto pouted sadly. "A bunch of kids pick on me all the time. I can't fight them off. If I got stronger, maybe someone'd finally wanna be my friend."
Chinya didn't answer right away. Instead, he asked, "You've probably already talked to the Third about this, right? What did he say?"
Naruto looked even more upset. "Grandpa Hokage told me everyone in Konoha's like family, so I shouldn't fight 'em. He said if I play nice with them, they'd wanna be my friends. But they're the ones picking on me! I try to be nice, I really want to be friends with them, but they always just make fun of me."
Chinya continued, "Tell me, do you really think they're family?"
Naruto shook his head. "No. I may not have a family, but I know how real families act. They're not like this at all. So those people definitely aren't my family."
Suddenly, Naruto asked, "Uncle Chinya, both Sōnagi and Kushina share the same surname as me, Uzumaki. I've always wanted to ask—does that mean we're related?"
At the way Naruto referred to Kushina, Chinya's eye twitched slightly.
Naruto hadn't seen Kushina much—she always got too emotional whenever she saw him.
She knew if she slipped up and said something she shouldn't, it could bring big trouble for Naruto. That's why she kept her distance on purpose, asking Chinya to look after Naruto instead.
Chinya answered simply, "I don't know."
Naruto blinked in confusion. "Huh? You don't know?"
Changing the subject, Chinya said, "It's not up to me whether I can train you. Even if I wanted to teach you, I wouldn't be allowed. Go ask the Third. If he agrees to let you train under me, then I will."
Naruto's eyes instantly lit up with hope. "So does that mean Grandpa Hokage will agree? Then you'll start training me, Uncle Chinya? I knew it! Grandpa Hokage will definitely agree!"
Chinya gave an ambiguous smile.
It seemed like Hiruzen Sarutobi wouldn't be spying on them for a while now.
Chinya asked, "By the way, Naruto, is there enough food in your fridge?"
Naruto nodded his little head. "There's still plenty—it can last many more days."
"Good, then this is where we part ways. I won't walk you home, Naruto…"
Looking straight into Naruto's eyes, Chinya spoke seriously. "Naruto, remember this—you must have your own willpower. Stay true to what you believe and don't let others push you around. Just like you said earlier, you feel that family shouldn't be like that—that is your own will, your thoughts, your personal conclusion from thinking things through.
You must learn to think for yourself. Don't just believe whatever others say. Nobody helps anyone without an agenda—not even me. Do you understand?"
Naruto nodded slightly, only half-understanding.
"Okay then, this is as far as I go. Go home now, Naruto."
Chinya turned around and walked toward another street.
...
When Naruto returned home and opened the fridge to get something to eat, someone suddenly knocked on the door.
Opening it, he saw Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"Grandpa Hokage, you came!"
Seeing Sarutobi, Naruto felt very happy.
The reason Sarutobi had come was naturally because of Naruto having met Chinya earlier today.
Every time Naruto met with Chinya, Sarutobi would inevitably come to visit him.
Hiruzen kindly asked, "How has your day been, Naruto?"
Naruto pulled a gloomy face. "Same as always—nothing different. Oh right, Grandpa Hokage, recently I've secretly watched Uncle Chinya teaching his students and Sōnagi practice cultivation, but today I got caught by Uncle Chinya…"
Then Naruto hopefully asked, "Grandpa Hokage, Uncle Chinya said that if you agree, I can start training under him. Grandpa Hokage, could you allow me to train under Uncle Chinya?"
A shadow flickered across Sarutobi's eyes, though his expression remained unchanged, still as warm and kind as ever.
Hiruzen smiled and asked, "And why do you want to train, Naruto?"
Naruto felt a bit puzzled. Previously, Chinya had asked him why he was in such a hurry to cultivate, and now again, Sarutobi was asking what purpose cultivation served him.
Why did wanting to train have to be so complicated?
Still, Naruto answered truthfully: "Grandpa Hokage, I want to become strong—I want to never be bullied again! I want to walk down the streets without people looking at me with those painful, scornful eyes anymore."
Sighing softly, Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at him.
Deep inside, he truly felt guilty toward Naruto Uzumaki.
But now it involved Chinya, so Sarutobi had to think carefully—he couldn't afford to be swayed by personal feelings.
Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head and said, "Naruto, that's not quite right. The purpose of cultivation shouldn't be like that, so I can't allow you to train with Chinya. Once you understand the purpose of cultivation, I'll approve your training."
Naruto immediately felt deeply disappointed.
Hiruzen actually hoped Naruto would have less contact with Chinya — so how could he possibly agree?
Naruto asked, "Grandpa Hokage, then what do you think I should cultivate for?"
Hiruzen gently ruffled Naruto's hair before speaking, "That's something you should ask yourself. But I can give you a hint — the reason behind cultivation can be found within the [Will of Fire] I've passed on to you. Once you find the answer, you'll have the qualification to cultivate."
Naruto recalled the [Will of Fire] that Hiruzen had taught him, but he couldn't grasp any clues at all.
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
~ 100+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!
~ More *Free* Chapters and Books Available on Patreon!
patreon.com/Tansnovel
<><><><><><><><>