"Ah—Yashiro-kun~"
Seeing Yashiro suddenly sit down beside her,Hinata immediately lowered her head in embarrassment,fiddling nervously with her fingers as she avoided his gaze.
As for Hinata…
Since he had already transmigrated into this world,there was no way Yashiro would simply ignore her.
That was why—on a snowy day in the past,Yashiro had brought several servants from his householdand successfully found Hinata while she was being bullied.
In saving her,he had also activated his golden cheat.
What Yashiro couldn't quite understand, however,was how bold these civilians were.
It wasn't just Hinata—even Konohamaru had been bullied and mocked in the original timeline.
Honestly, it was like wiping your ass with sandpaper—they really knew how to slap someone in the face.
Looking at Hinata's shy reaction,Yashiro knew he couldn't push too hard.
If she fainted from embarrassment all at once, that would be troublesome.
Things like this had to be done slowly—step by step,until Hinata could gradually accept his presence.
Meanwhile, not far away,Naruto was staring curiously in Yashiro's direction.
At this point in time, Naruto was still at the very bottom of the village's social hierarchy.
He wasn't even close with Shikamaru or Chōji yet—a universally disliked "demon fox" with not a single friend.
For some reason, he had always wanted to oppose Sasuke,and so Yashiro—who had effortlessly suppressed Sasuke—left a strong impression on him.
Soon, the first class came to an end.
Just as a group of girls began swarming toward Yashiro,Naruto beat them to it and stepped forward first.
With obvious nervousness, he spoke up.
"H-Hi, Yashiro!"
"My name's Uzumaki Naruto!"
Seeing Naruto standing there so cautiously,Yashiro felt a complicated sense of resignation.
This kid would one day become the savior of the ninja world—Konoha really must have been burning some serious incense.
To be treated like this and still not turn evil…that was honestly absurd.
Just as Yashiro was about to respond,the rushing girls immediately shoved Naruto aside.
"This idiot is blocking Yashiro-sama!"
"Yeah! Who wants to be friends with you?!"
"Yashiro-sama absolutely can't be friends with that demon fox!"
"That's right!"
As waves of rejection echoed around him,Naruto slowly lowered the hand he had extended.
Embarrassed, he turned, preparing to return to his seat.
At that moment,it felt as though he truly belonged in that dark corner—like a nameless mouse no one would ever notice.
"I remember you."
"My grandfather talks about you often."
Just as Naruto was about to escape,a voice like heavenly music reached his ears.
Naruto froze, then lifted his head in disbelief,looking toward the most dazzling figure in the crowd.
His eyes met Yashiro's.
The noisy group instantly parted, creating a clear path.
"You mean… the Third Grandpa?"
"Mhm."
At Yashiro's confirmation,Naruto was so happy he could barely contain himself.
Over the years, in Naruto's world,only Hiruzen Sarutobi had ever truly cared about him.
Now—
To Naruto,Yashiro responding to him without even a hint of disgust in his eyesmade him happier than he could put into words.
Looking at the surrounding crowd,Yashiro felt a surge of irritation.
"Come on, Naruto. Come with me for a bit."
"Huh? Aren't we going to class?"
By the time Naruto reacted,Yashiro had already walked out.
Naruto didn't hesitate anymore and hurried after him.
Their departure left the classroom in stunned silence.
"Hey… did Yashiro-sama really become friends with that demon fox?"
"Why?"
"Why would Yashiro-sama take a liking to him?"
Whispers filled the room.
Meanwhile, the two of them had already reached Konoha's streets—unaware that everything they did was being observed from the Hokage Tower.
Inside the Hokage's office—
"That brat Yashiro… why did he suddenly start hanging around Naruto?"
Staring into the crystal ball,Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned deeply.
If it were anyone else,the Third Hokage would have already ordered ANBU to intervene.
But the one who took Naruto awaywas his own grandson.
Thinking of Yashiro's outrageous personality,Hiruzen's face darkened.
If Naruto ended up becoming that kind of person too…Konoha could be in serious danger.
One mistake—and if the Nine-Tails were released,there'd be no one in the village who could seal it again.
As Hiruzen pondered how to handle the situation,the door to the Hokage's office opened.
Danzo Shimura walked in.
Seeing Hiruzen deep in thought, Danzo spoke calmly.
"Don't you understand Yashiro by now?"
"He never does anything without a reason."
"Don't forget—half of Konoha's commercial district belongs to our two families now. That was all Yashiro's idea."
"Having the jinchūriki at his side would make him a perfectly usable blade."
With Danzo's words,Hiruzen finally relaxed.
Still, he glanced at Danzo suspiciously.
"You didn't come here just for that, did you?"
"Speak."
After decades of friendship,Hiruzen knew Danzo too well.
Sure enough—
Danzo smiled faintly.
"What do you think about the ability Yashiro displayed yesterday?"
Hiruzen narrowed his eyes.
"You're not seriously plotting against your own grandson, are you?"
"Hmph. I'm not that despicable."
"Don't forget—Yashiro has no chakra. And the ninja world isn't limited to Konoha alone."
Danzo explained bluntly.
Hiruzen silently took the warning to heart.
The world might seem peaceful now,but Kumogakure and Iwagakure had always been watching Konoha closely.
"Fine. I'll increase Yashiro's protection."
"That's good enough."
Danzo didn't say another word and turned to leave.
After returning,he quietly arranged additional protection as well.
As for Hiruzen, after a moment of silence,he spoke toward the empty room.
"Go summon Kakashi."
"I have a mission for him."
The moment the words left his mouth,a shadow vanished beyond the window.
Hiruzen's gaze returned to the crystal ball.
On its surface,Yashiro and Naruto had already arrived at the commercial district.
"Good day, Yashiro-sama!"
"Yashiro-sama, what brings you here today?"