Morning light began to pierce the thin curtains at the window, casting bright streaks across the worn wooden floor. Naruto's home was still quiet, the only sound was the soft bubbling of water in the kitchen.
Raftra stood before a small stove, pouring hot water into a pot that held two packs of his instant noodles. His expression was calm—slightly sleepy, yet relieved.
Last night had felt so long… and too important. But this morning, at least, he could begin with something simpler.
The aroma of the noodle seasoning spread throughout the room. A few minutes later, small footsteps sounded from the direction of the bedroom.
Naruto stepped out with tousled hair and half-closed eyes. He sniffed the air like a kitten searching for food, and his eyes widened slightly when he saw Raftra's back in the kitchen.
For a moment Naruto simply stood still. He observed the scene—someone standing in the kitchen, cooking, filling a space that was usually only quiet.
And for some reason… a warmth rose in his chest. A strange feeling, yet pleasant.
When Raftra turned and saw Naruto, he smiled warmly. "You're awake? Good! Breakfast will be ready in a moment."
Naruto did not answer immediately. He only nodded slowly, suppressing the small smile that surfaced unconsciously.
After washing his face, Naruto returned to the living area looking a little more refreshed. He sat down in front of the steaming bowl of noodles set on the table, and without delay, they began to eat heartily.
"This is so good…" he murmured, sipping the still-steaming broth.
Raftra sat down as well and began to eat. Although it was only instant noodles, the warmth of the meal and the shared morning made it feel far more meaningful.
Midway through the meal, Raftra glanced at Naruto. "What will you be doing today?"
Naruto swallowed a mouthful of noodles, then answered with his mouth half full, "I'm going to the academy. Classes start early today, and we finish around noon."
Raftra nodded slowly. "Oh, so you really are an academy student. I thought you were lying."
"I'm not lying!" Naruto raised his head proudly. "I'm a first-year!"
After that, Naruto asked in return, "What about you? What will you do today?"
Leaning his back against the wall, Raftra still stirring his noodles, replied, "I'm going to the Hokage's office. I have some matters to settle."
Naruto immediately stopped chewing. His eyes widened, it was clear he was surprised.
"Seriously?! You're going to the Hokage's office?!"
Raftra turned, slightly puzzled by the reaction. "Yes, I'm serious. Why?"
Naruto chuckled softly, "I've never even been inside the Hokage's office! And yet I know Grandpa really well!"
"Grandpa?"
"Yep!" Naruto then pointed to himself.
"I know the Hokage very well. He sometimes gives me pocket money, noodles, or candy."
Raftra laughed quietly, then asked with a smile, "Oh… I see. So why were you so enthusiastic when I said I was going to the Hokage's office?"
Naruto put down his chopsticks and looked straight at Raftra with bright eyes.
"Because… I want to become a great Hokage someday! So everyone will acknowledge me!"
Raftra was silent for a moment, looking at the child with a faint smile. Inside him there was warmth… admiration… and sadness.
'He has no idea how great he will become.'
'But… he said it's to be acknowledged…'
Raftra nodded slightly with a smile. "I'm sure you can achieve that, Naruto. You can become Hokage."
"Thanks!" Naruto laughed softly and continued eating.
After stacking the empty bowls in the corner of the kitchen, Naruto stood and patted his pants, preparing to leave for the academy.
"I'm going now!"
Raftra looked up from the kitchen. "Be careful on the way, and don't forget to bring your spirit."
Naruto chuckled and gave a thumbs-up. "I will!"
He opened the door and jogged out of the house. The sound of his footsteps gradually faded into the distance.
Once the door closed, Raftra took a deep breath and surveyed the room.
The apartment was small, not particularly tidy, and appeared to have been left as it was for a long time. Dust gathered in several corners, there were old stains on the floor, and a pile of clothes lay scattered in one corner.
"Well… if I'm going to live here, at least make it comfortable."
He began cleaning the house slowly: sweeping the floor, wiping the table, tidying scattered items, and opening the windows to let fresh air in.
Although simple, the work brought him a sense of calm. Perhaps because he had been accustomed to living independently in his original world.
After that, Raftra carried a heap of dirty clothes to the bathroom. Near the old faucet and bucket, he washed all the clothes that he and Naruto had worn the previous night. The water was cold and the soap minimal, but it was enough to make everything clean again.
Two hours later.
Raftra changed into a neater outfit—still his school uniform, but now roughly ironed. He also put his phone in his pocket and stowed his bag in the wardrobe.
He stood in the center of the room once more and inspected the place. The house now looked cleaner and felt a little more alive.
Raftra drew a breath and then exhaled slowly. "Okay… time to go meet the Hokage."
With steady steps he opened the door and stepped out toward the Hokage's office—the place where his future in this village would begin to be determined.
...
Raftra walked along the village paths calmly, and the Hokage building was already visible in the distance, standing grandly in the heart of Konoha.
But before he reached it, something prevented Raftra from being completely at ease.
It was the stares.
People passing through the market—vegetable sellers, shopkeepers, even mothers carrying babies—all glanced in his direction. Some only looked briefly, while others stared longer, as if trying to understand who he was.
And Raftra knew why.
It was because of the clothes he wore, the school uniform from his world looked completely out of place among the villagers dressed in the traditional shinobi style or simple yukata.
His shoes were different too—fully closed and without the open-toed design common to ninja sandals.
'In their eyes… I must look like a lost cosplayer.'
Although he was aware of it inwardly, Raftra's face remained calm. He looked straight ahead, did not return anyone's gaze, and walked with steady steps, as if other people's judgments did not matter.
Still, occasionally he stole a glance around—observing the village buildings, shops, and the architecture he had only ever seen on a screen. Everything was real now: the details, the smells, the sounds.
'This world… truly feels alive.'
Yet behind his wonder, he was also fully aware that he was being watched—not only by curious residents, but also by hidden eyes.
The Anbu.
He knew that every step he took would be monitored ever since his meeting with Hiruzen. That meant he could not show the slightest weakness. He would not even be able to use his laptop or phone carelessly… perhaps never again.
He continued walking, letting the stares pass by, until he reached the area of the Hokage building.
Raftra paused briefly at the gate leading to the main entrance.
'Come on, don't be nervous. This is just the first step.'
He inhaled deeply and entered the grounds. But before he could reach the entrance, two shinobi guards standing at the gate blocked his way.
"Hold on," one of them said. His voice was firm but not harsh.
Raftra stopped and turned politely. "I have an appointment with the Hokage."
The guard narrowed his eyes. "All right, what is your name?"
"Raftra."
The other guard exchanged a glance with him, then nodded slightly. "We were informed about you. Wait here."
One of them went inside while the other remained at his post, keeping a respectful distance from Raftra.
Although the situation felt somewhat tense, Raftra remained calm. He stood politely, waiting to be allowed in.
After a while, one of the guards came back out and signaled him.
"You may enter. The Hokage is awaiting you."
Raftra nodded gently and followed the indicated path. He walked down a fairly wide corridor whose walls were lined with paintings and ancient scrolls. At the end of the corridor stood a large, dark wooden door. Above it hung a sign that read: Hokage's Office.
Raftra stopped directly in front of it.
His hand did not yet touch the door. He simply stood there, staring at the wooden surface for a moment.
'Okay, here we go...'
In an instant his mind began to race.
'If he asks about my belongings? I'll say they are study tools from my village. If he asks about my family? I've prepared a story. If he offers cooperation, or sets a trap… I must be able to answer neutrally.'
His heartbeat quickened slightly. There was no panic, but pressure still pressed across his body.
'Or… maybe he will test me. Offer something and watch my reaction. Maybe he will ask about Naruto again. Or perhaps he will immediately propose something strange.'
Raftra inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly.
'Calm down, I've come this far. Don't falter now.'
He clenched his fist briefly and then relaxed it. His face returned to its composed expression, his eyes were focused. He raised his hand and knocked on the door three times—light but clear.
A few seconds later, a deep calm voice came from within.
"Enter."
Raftra opened the door slowly and stepped inside. The room felt spacious and tranquil, sunlight streaming through a large window behind the Hokage's desk.
At the center of the room, Hiruzen sat calmly behind his desk, wearing white robes and his distinctive hat placed beside him on the table.
Hiruzen's gaze fixed on him immediately, assessing him from head to toe.
Raftra closed the door gently and stepped forward. His face was neutral, composed, but inside he felt a pulse of nervousness he tried to suppress.
"Please sit," Hiruzen said without expression.
Raftra took the offered chair and maintained an upright posture.
Hiruzen folded his fingers on the desk. "I have arranged a place for you. A small shop that has been vacant for a long time on the east side of the commercial district. The location is fairly strategic—close to the pedestrian route and not too far from the academy."
Raftra only nodded slowly.
After a brief pause, Hiruzen continued, "Before we begin… I want to know. Have you decided what you will do with that place?"
Raftra looked directly into Hiruzen's eyes, his voice was calm and unwavering.
"Yes. I will open a small eatery."
Hiruzen raised an eyebrow slightly. "An eatery?"
"Yes," Raftra replied.
"The menu I will prepare is based on my original recipes. Quick meals, practical to serve, yet strong in flavor and different from anything that exists here."
He leaned back slightly in his chair and continued confidently.
"I am certain my food will sell—not because I am exaggerating, but because this cuisine truly does not yet exist in this village."
Hiruzen fell silent for a few seconds, then nodded slowly. "Are you sure you can manage it on your own?"
Raftra nodded. "I am used to working alone. And when it comes to cooking… I trust my own hands."
Hiruzen studied him for a longer moment. In his mind he weighed and considered. This boy was indeed mysterious, but the calm and conviction he displayed felt genuine.
"All right," Hiruzen finally said.
"The key to the shop will be handed to you by the Anbu standing outside. But remember—this is a loan. You will have to prove that the place merits being kept."
Raftra bowed slightly. "I understand, and I will prove it."
Hiruzen slid a brown envelope across the desk.
"This is the loan you requested," he said quietly. "It is sufficient to start, but no more. Use it wisely."
Raftra accepted the envelope with both hands and bowed politely. "Thank you."
Hiruzen's gaze sharpened. "Remember, this is not a gift, it is a responsibility."
Raftra nodded. "I know that. I will return it… within one month."
Hiruzen's eyes narrowed a little. "One month?"
"Yes."
"Are you sure? That is a very short time for the amount you borrowed."
Raftra took a slow breath and looked straight into the Third Hokage's eyes. "I am both sure… and unsure. But I will make it happen as best I can."
Hiruzen fell silent for a moment, then unexpectedly gave a faint smile—not a warm smile, but one that showed interest and appreciation.
"Hmm… I like people like you," he said at last. "Bold in speech…and seeming ready to bear the consequences."
Raftra did not return the smile, but his eyes conveyed gratitude. He understood this was not only about money or permission, it was about trust. And at that moment, he had managed to earn a little of it.
...
Afterward, Raftra left the room. The air outside felt fresher, yet his mind remained busy with plans he had to realize within a month.
'A month is a short time and honestly it will be difficult, but this is a good step if I can succeed.'
Not long after, as Raftra turned toward the stairs, his steps suddenly stopped.
From the opposite direction, two figures he recognized approached.
A blonde woman with long hair, wearing green and gray attire familiar to Raftra—Tsunade Senju.
Beside her walked a short-haired woman with a gentle face—Shizune.
Raftra's eyes widened for a fraction of a second, but he immediately bowed his head, restraining his reaction.
'I must not have misseen… that really is Tsunade and Shizune.'
His heart beat faster, he could hardly believe it. A female character he had only seen on a screen or in manga pages now stood before him—so real and alive.
'Stay calm, don't act like a fan just because a two-dimensional character became three-dimensional.'
Raftra held his breath and bowed respectfully. He pretended not to know them—no smile, no greeting.
However, as he walked past Tsunade, he felt a sharp, piercing gaze from his left.
Tsunade said nothing. She paused briefly and watched Raftra's retreating back. Her eyes narrowed slightly, as if weighing something.
"Who is that?" Shizune whispered from beside her.
Tsunade did not answer immediately. After a few seconds she resumed walking.
"I don't know… but it seems he has business with Hiruzen."
Shizune glanced, slightly puzzled, but did not ask further. They both entered the Hokage's office while Raftra disappeared around the corridor's corner.
...
After that, the Hokage's office door opened quietly.
Tsunade entered with a firm demeanor, followed by Shizune carrying a file.
Hiruzen, who had just sat back in his chair, looked up when they entered.
"Good morning," Tsunade said matter-of-factly. She placed the documents on the desk without preamble.
"This is the report you requested on the western border area. Nothing significant—only minor movement by some trade groups."
Hiruzen nodded as he took the folder. "Thank you."
But before he could open the folder, Tsunade spoke again.
"I will also resume my travels this afternoon."
Hiruzen looked up, mildly surprised. "So soon? You've only been in the village a day, why not stay longer? Relax and see some old acquaintances…"
Tsunade looked steadily at Hiruzen,p her tone remained cold. "I cannot relax here. This village does not yet feel like home. I returned only for business, not to stay."
Hiruzen drew a slow breath and nodded. "Very well… I understand."
A few seconds of silence passed before Tsunade added, "By the way… before I came in here, I passed a young man."
Hiruzen raised an eyebrow. "A young man?"
Tsunade explained, "About fourteen to sixteen years old, wearing strange clothing, clearly not from this village. He's rather handsome, but his gaze… sharp, cold, and as if he is evaluating something."
"He only bowed slightly and walked on without greeting. That child is too composed for someone his age," Tsunade said, folding her arms.
Shizune, standing behind, only glanced briefly, she too was curious about the boy.
Hiruzen was silent for a moment, then leaned back. His expression turned somewhat serious.
"…The boy's name is Raftra."
"Raftra?" Tsunade narrowed her eyes.
Hiruzen stared at the window for a moment before returning his gaze to Tsunade. "He appeared in the village suddenly yesterday afternoon. He has no chakra, no official identity. His clothing and belongings are foreign… very foreign."
"So he is not a civilian?" Tsunade asked.
"No," Hiruzen replied quietly.
"He claims to come from a village called Bandung. I have never heard of that place before. He says he does not know how he ended up here."
Tsunade looked puzzled. "You believed him so readily?"
Hiruzen looked at the desk, then said, "His honesty cannot be fully confirmed… but if he is lying, he is doing it exceedingly well. There is no tremor in his voice, no faltering expression. He is far too composed."
Tsunade scoffed softly. "And you let him stay here?"
"I have assigned the Anbu to watch him. But more than that, I want to see what he intends to do," Hiruzen said.
Tsunade sat down, this time appearing more serious. "You said he has no chakra? What do you mean?"
"I mean not a single trace can be detected—not even by the Byakugan.
Yet he does not appear weak. His mind is sharp… and he has just proposed opening an eatery in the eastern district."
Shizune looked surprised. "An eatery?"
Hiruzen nodded. "He requested startup funds, claiming he intends to survive by working as a cook using his original recipes."
Tsunade fell silent for a few moments, then offered a small, very thin smile. "That boy is interesting."
"Yes," Hiruzen said, looking forward. "He is indeed very interesting."
"And one more thing… Raftra is currently living with Naruto."
Instantly, Tsunade's expression shifted—from relaxed and mildly intrigued to sharply alert.
Her brows lowered, her eyes narrowed, and the atmosphere around her changed. Shizune behind her reflexively glanced at her, sensing the sudden tension.
"What did you just say?" Tsunade asked in a lower, more serious voice.
Hiruzen nodded slowly. "Naruto brought him home, and Raftra did not refuse. I know this is a big decision, but I—"
"That was reckless," Tsunade cut in more forcefully this time.
"Naruto is not an ordinary child. You know who he is. And you allowed a mysterious boy—no chakra, no identity—to live with him?"
Hiruzen remained calm in the face of her anger. "I know the risk. That is why he is under strict Anbu surveillance."
Tsunade stared at him sharply. "If he is pretending… if all that composure is only an act… and he has hidden intentions… then Naruto is in danger."
Shizune bowed her head, not daring to speak. The atmosphere in the room grew heavy.
"I know," Hiruzen replied calmly.
"But I also know that restricting someone out of suspicion does not always yield the right answer. We will continue to monitor, but we will also give him space."
"If he is dangerous, we will discover it sooner if he feels safe."
Tsunade did not answer immediately. She sat silently for several seconds, considering his words.
Finally, in a softer yet still sharp voice, she said, "If anything happens to that boy, I will not remain silent."
Hiruzen looked at her steadily. "I do not expect you to be silent. I only ask that you give him time… before making a judgment."
Tsunade met his gaze for a few moments, then turned her attention to the window.
"Time, huh…"
Suddenly, the Hokage's office door opened again without a prior knock.
An elderly man with a scarred face and one eye covered by a white cloth stepped in—Danzo Shimura. Behind him the two other village elders followed: Homura and Koharu.
Their faces were serious, almost strained.
"Is that true, Hiruzen?" Danzo spoke immediately, without preamble.
"You provided funds to an unknown foreign child…and allowed him to live with the jinchūriki?"
The room immediately tensed.
Hiruzen looked at Danzo calmly, while Tsunade and Shizune in the room turned their heads to watch, silent but alert.
"Your information travels quickly, as usual," Hiruzen replied evenly. "And yes, it is true."
Homura stepped forward. "This is not a trivial decision, Hiruzen. We are discussing the village's safety."
"Especially if the child comes from another country," Koharu added.
"Have you not considered the possibility that this could be part of an enemy plan?" Danzo pressed.
He crossed his arms, his tone heavy. "He has no chakra. You do not know who he is. Even the name of his village is not on any map of the Land of Fire. That alone is reason enough to suspect him."
Yet Hiruzen remained seated, his hands clasped on the desk.
"I know the risks I take," he said.
"And because of that, he is not walking around unmonitored. But as long as there is no proof that he is dangerous… I will not treat him as an enemy."
Tsunade remained silent but watched Danzo's face closely—there was a trace of dislike visible in her eyes.
"Your compassion will be the village's weakness, Hiruzen," Danzo urged.
"If he truly is dangerous, then you have placed a dangerous weapon beside Naruto."
Hiruzen replied coldly. "If he is a weapon, the only way to know is to let him move, not to corner him."
Koharu and Homura exchanged looks, clearly dissatisfied but without further comment.
Danzo glared at Hiruzen and offered one final sentence before leaving.
"If anything happens because of him, his blood will be on your hands."
With that, Danzo and the two elders left the room. The door closed heavily.
...
Silence returned to the Hokage's office.
Tsunade exhaled slowly. "As irritating as he is, Danzo is right this time. You are always too kind to strangers."
Hiruzen stared at the desk without speaking.
After a moment of silence, Tsunade rose slowly.
Her gaze was still cold, but there was resolve behind it. She turned to Hiruzen, who remained seated.
"In that case… before I leave this village, I want to meet that boy in person."
Hiruzen looked at her, still silent.
"I want to see for myself what this boy named Raftra is like. I will speak to him, observe him, and if he is suspicious… I will not remain silent—even if I must kill him."
The atmosphere in the room felt heavy again—not from tension, but from the seriousness of Tsunade's decision.
"And if it turns out he is not dangerous, I will leave the village as I originally planned."
Shizune glanced over, slightly worried. "Tsunade-sama…"
Tsunade merely raised a hand briefly, signaling Shizune to remain calm.
Hiruzen drew a slow breath before speaking. "Are you sure you want to do this yourself?"
"Yes. I only want to meet him. I will not attack the boy without cause. But I will not wait if he proves to be hiding something."
They looked at each other for several seconds. Then Hiruzen slowly nodded.
"All right… I know you can judge character faster than anyone, but do not take extreme action too quickly."
Tsunade narrowed her eyes. "That depends on the boy." She then turned and began to walk out of the room, Shizune following behind.
Before leaving, Tsunade said without turning, "You always drag me into matters I should not care about, Sensei…"
The door closed slowly. Hiruzen smiled.
"…and you always care, even when you say you do not, Tsunade."