As expected, Sakura and Naruto's relationship was just as bad as in the original story.
"Hey! Is Sakura here?" A woman in her thirties walked in. "Oh, Third Hokage, you're here too. Actually, I came for Sakura; it's time we head back home."
Third immediately replied politely, "Ah, Mebuki, what a pleasant surprise. It's been a long time. And Sakura has grown into quite the remarkable child."
After thanking Third, Mebuki Haruno, Sakura's mother, took Sakura and left.
Naruto had originally wanted to follow them, but Third tightly held him back.
"Come on, you weird old man! Sakura's about to leave!" Naruto protested.
Helplessly, Third said, "At the very least, shouldn't you meet your new roommate first before running off?"
Hearing this, Naruto finally stopped struggling and stepped closely toward Shiki, squinting carefully at him.
Then he raised his head high and proudly declared, "Hmph, I'm Naruto Uzumaki. Since you seem so weak, I'll reluctantly tolerate you living with me. You must call me Brother from now on. With me around, nobody will dare bully you! I'm gonna be the Hokage someday!"
Third turned away shamefully, thinking how could such an embarrassing kid even exist.
Meanwhile, seeing Naruto's playful expression—particularly those fox-like whiskers twitching on his face—Shiki felt an unexpected sense of familiarity and warmth rising within.
He really is still that same sunny airhead!
Looking at Naruto, Shiki smiled and narrowed his eyes, saying, "Hello, my name is Shiki Uzumaki."
Chapter 4: Taunt
Upon hearing these words, Naruto froze in place, somewhat stuttering as he spoke, "You... you said your name is Shiki Uzumaki?"
Shiki nodded. Actually, he wasn't surprised by Naruto's reaction because he was certain Naruto didn't know anything about his true heritage.
Surprised, Naruto suddenly pointed straight at Shiki's nose shouting, "So then... are you perhaps my long-lost brother?!"
What ridiculous logic.
Shiki helplessly shook his head and asked, "But why do you bear the Uzumaki name? You don't even have the same red hair as mine."
Actually, Shiki made that comment specifically for Third's benefit. Otherwise, if they weren't careful, Third might think Shiki was a spy sent from another village.
Naruto, however, seemed genuinely confused, scratching his own hair asking, "Wait, does everyone in the Uzumaki clan need to have red hair?"
That was that.
Third and Naruto led Shiki to Naruto's home—a very shabby house. Shiki was shocked by how messy and dirty it was inside.
Yet, considering that a six-year-old kid was living alone here, it was already impressive how he managed to survive.
Shiki remembered a scene from the anime where Kakashi pulled expired milk out of Naruto's fridge. A child this young, left completely on his own, constantly called a 'monster'—yet he kept going, always cheerful. Shiki realized he was starting to truly admire Naruto more and more.
"Shiki, can you manage staying here with Naruto?" Third asked.
Of course, Shiki had no intention of declining. "Third Hokage, I really like it here."
"Hmm, good."
"Third couldn't help but rub his temples as he spoke, 'Alright, Naruto, from now on you two will receive three times your original allowance.'
'Triple!' Naruto exclaimed happily at the news. But soon after, realization dawned upon him and he shouted, 'You old fart! Why are you giving triple just because Shiki arrived? Are you saying Shiki's twice as important as me? Bastard! Bastard!'
By this time, Third had already walked away. Recalling the previous scene, he muttered to himself, 'Of course not. As Minato's son, you'll always be more important to me. It's just that with two people now, it won't seem unusual even if I give a bit more money. Besides, with Shiki around, no shop will have reason to deny you entry anymore.'
As he said this, Third found his voice had become somewhat choked. Looking at Naruto's house reminded him of Minato, and the corners of his eyes couldn't help but moisten.
After Third left, Shiki and Naruto stood inside the house looking at each other awkwardly. They didn't know what to say. Although normally he saw Naruto as an open and carefree person, this was the first time they were alone together.
Shiki wanted desperately to say countless things to Naruto but didn't know where to start.
He even thought about taking Naruto's hand and saying, "Thank goodness, finally I get to meet you face-to-face."
But they just stood there staring at each other in awkward silence. Until finally Naruto opened his mouth and said, 'Shiki, since this is your first time in Konoha, let me treat you to the world's best Ichiraku Ramen.'
Ichiraku Ramen?
Excitement welled up inside Shiki again. Finally, he'd have a chance to taste the greatest delicacy throughout the Naruto series.
After getting Mengbai's approval, Naruto eagerly headed outside with him.
Mengbai followed along, admiring the scenery of Konoha on the way. Konoha really was a beautiful place.
Everything appeared prosperous and flourishing, as if peace had finally come to this war-torn land.
However, as they walked, everyone who saw Naruto quickly moved away.
'Look, there's that brat again!'
'Demon! Get out of here!'
'Why is there a child following him?'
'He must've tricked another kid who doesn't know him.'
'Hey! You with the red hair! Stay away from that demon!'
How could this be happening?
Shiki couldn't believe such things could occur in a village like this.
Shiki noticed Naruto's once cheerful steps gradually slowing down. He also kept his head bowed.
Suddenly, Naruto turned to face Shiki, his eyes slightly glistening. 'Shiki, I'm not a demon, really!'
Shiki was shocked by this scene; he hadn't expected things to reach this point.
But Naruto mistook Shiki's hesitation for seeing him as a demon, so he turned his head away again, dejectedly letting go of Shiki's right arm.
At that moment, Shiki knew he had to say something.
Why did people treat Naruto with such cruelty?
In peaceful Konoha, why did such darkness exist?
'Do you really think this is justice?'
"You think *this* is how you protect the village?"
"Why didn't you die fighting back then? Now you pick on a kid?"
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