Chapter 1: First Meeting in the Wind and SnowUzumaki Naruto trudged through the deep snow, leaving a trail of small footprints behind him. Passing villagers quickly stepped aside, their gazes like frozen pebbles—cold and filled with an unspoken rejection. He tugged at his thin collar and gave a polite nod to an old woman selling vegetables who was staring at him.The old woman looked away as if she had been scalded by boiling water."Tsk, with acting skills like that, she wouldn't even cut it as an extra in my past life."Uzumaki Naruto maintained that gentle yet distant smile on his face as he continued walking. Snowflakes landed on his golden hair, quickly melting into tiny water droplets. He pulled his thin, old jacket tighter and kept moving forward. The snow fell harder and harder until the whole world was a blanket of white.The moment he closed his eyes, the world changed.With his eyes closed, Uzumaki Naruto leaned against the massive Sealing Space gates. Behind the gates came the heavy breathing of the Nine-Tailed, its nine tails swaying slowly in the darkness."You again," a low voice seeped through the gap in the gates, carrying undisguised annoyance. "What boring things do you want to say today, brat?""I just came to see you, Kurama," Uzumaki Narutoopened his eyes, his voice light. "If you stay cooped up at home every day without going out, your temper will get worse."Boom!A massive claw slammed against the gate, but it was useless. The Sealing Space gate didn't budge, not even a single vibration."Do you want to die?!" The Nine-Tailed's eyes glowed a crimson red in the darkness. "No matter where you learned my name, on the day I get out, your face will be the first thing I tear to shreds!""You've been saying that for almost a year now," Uzumaki Naruto said, picking at his ear. He stood up and patted his pants."See you later. Remember to move around more to prevent senile dementia."Before his consciousness withdrew, he heard the Nine-Tailed squeeze out a sentence through its teeth: "...Annoying brat."Uzumaki Naruto opened his eyes just in time to see some movement near the woods not far away. Three boys, looking to be seven or eight years old, were gathered in a circle. In the middle was a small figure wearing a light purple kimono.The little girl stumbled and fell into a snowdrift, her scarf falling to the ground. She hunched her shoulders, her pale white eyes filling with tears, her lips trembling but unable to make a sound."White-eyed monster!" one boy shoved the figure.The official pairing, the Crown Princess.Uzumaki Naruto sighed.Uzumaki Naruto walked over, his footsteps making a soft crunching sound on the snow. The boys noticed him, their expressions turning from surprise to undisguised disgust."It's that guy...""The Demon Fox...""Bad luck, let's get out of here."They said that, but their feet didn't move. Instead, the leader took a step forward, looking down at the little girl who had just scrambled up from the snow.Uzumaki Naruto stopped three or five steps away from them, the same polite smile on his face as before. "Gentlemen, isn't it a bit unkind to use your numbers to bully someone?"The fat boy swallowed hard and raised a branch with feigned bravado. "W-what's it to you! You're a monster too!"Uzumaki Naruto didn't look at the boys. Instead, he knelt down and picked up the snow-covered scarf. His movements were light and slow, and the way he brushed off the snowflakes was almost gentle.Then he looked up and smiled at the lead boy."I've heard," Uzumaki Naruto began, his voice still gentle, "that there are wolves in the forest. When they get hungry enough in the winter, they'll snatch away children who are all alone."The boys were stunned.The wind whistled through the treetops. Deep in the snowy woods, it seemed as if shadows were truly moving. The tall boy took a step back, his Adam's apple bobbing."Y-you, stop trying to scare us!""I'm not trying to scare you," Uzumaki Narutoblinked. "I'm just stating facts. See, it's getting dark, and the snow is so heavy..." He paused and added softly, "If you happen to get lost, no one will hear you even if you scream your head off."Uzumaki Naruto pointed toward the pitch-black forest in the distance."Guess what—" He smiled. "Will the wolf bite your neck first, or rip open your stomach?"As the last few words fell, a crisp snap of a breaking branch came from the woods.The boys' breathing hitched simultaneously."Mommy!"Someone was the first to cry out, and the boys turned and ran, scrambling and crawling until they disappeared at the end of the path. Only messy footprints and trampled slush remained on the snow.Uzumaki Naruto stood where he was and shrugged."With that little courage, they still try to be bullies."Uzumaki Naruto walked over and knelt down. He gently wrapped the scarf around her neck, moving slowly to ensure he wouldn't startle her. Then he reached out and brushed the snow off her hair and shoulders.Hyuga Hinata timidly looked up.Those Byakugan eyes were still misty with tears, and her eyes were red. She stared at Uzumaki Naruto for several seconds before squeezing out a small, "Th-thank you...""You're welcome." Uzumaki Naruto stood up and held out his hand. "Can you walk? I'll take you home."Hyuga Hinata hesitated for a moment before reaching out. Her hand was small, ice-cold, and still trembling.The two of them walked side by side through the snow.Uzumaki Naruto slowed his pace to match Hyuga Hinata's short legs. The snow was still falling, but the wind had died down a bit. The only sounds left in the world were the crunching of snow under their feet and the sound of their breathing."I... my name is... Hyuga Hinata?" she suddenly said."?""Naruto, Uzumaki Naruto. That's my name," Uzumaki Naruto replied casually."Wh-why did they... say those things?" Hyuga Hinata asked, her voice filled with confusion and grievance.Uzumaki Naruto glanced at her."Because they're afraid," he said. "People are always afraid of things that are different from themselves.""But... my eyes...""Your eyes are very beautiful," Uzumaki Narutointerrupted her, his tone as flat as if he were stating a fact. "White pupils, clean as snow. They just don't know how to appreciate them."Hyuga Hinata was stunned.Her cheeks turned red at a visible rate, and her whole body stiffened, even her walking became uncoordinated.Uzumaki Naruto suddenly thought of the girl from the original story who chased after him for over a decade and eventually became his wife.Right now, she looked like a little quail caught in the rain.But... she was quite cute.As they passed a crossroads overgrown with withered vines, Uzumaki Naruto's footsteps suddenly faltered.The wind suddenly picked up, swirling the snowflakes into a vortex that danced wildly before his eyes. For a split second, amidst the white, he seemed to see a flash of brilliant red hair."Don't be a picky eater, eat plenty...""Grow up quickly...""And...""What's wrong?" Hyuga Hinata asked cautiously.The voice stopped abruptly."...It's nothing," Uzumaki Naruto started walking again, his voice steady as ever. "I just thought of... someone I haven't seen in a long time."The Hyuga Clan estate was just ahead.It was grand and imposing, with a stone monument carved with the clan crest standing at the entrance. Hyuga Hinata stopped in front of the gate and turned to bow deeply to Uzumaki Naruto. "Th-thank you very much for walking me back!""Um... w-would you like to come in for a cup of hot tea?" she asked, plucking up her courage.Uzumaki Naruto looked at the gate, then at Hyuga Hinata's small face, which was full of expectation yet tinged with nervousness.He smiled, a hint of sincerity overflowing in that expression."No thanks," he said. "Maybe next time. It's getting dark, I should head back.""O-okay! Then next time...""Yeah, next time."Hyuga Hinata walked through the gate, looking back every few steps. Uzumaki Naruto stood in place, watching her small figure disappear behind the gate, then turned around.His figure slowly faded into the thickening curtain of snow, until only a trail of lonely footprints remained, winding into the distance.Inside the Sealing Space, the Nine-Tailed let out a sneer."You're putting on quite a show."
Chapter 2: The Breaking Point of the Big FoxAt night, Naruto was lying on his bed in the apartment, but his consciousness had already entered the Sealing Space.The Sealing Space was the same as ever, with only that massive sealing gate and the heavy breathing sounds coming from behind it."Yo, Kurama, good evening!"Behind the gate, a pair of giant, crimson eyes burning with malice slowly opened."Scram."The low voice carried undisguised annoyance, and the dull thud of a claw striking the sealing gate echoed through the space, though it was ultimately useless."What boring things do you want to say today, brat?""Don't be so cold; we're neighbors, after all.""Who's your neighbor?!" Sparks flew from the Nine-Tailed's nose. "Brat, you come to talk to this old man every day for no other reason than to covet my power!"It paused, its tone mocking."What difference is there between you and that bunch of selfish Ninjas?""I don't deny that point."Naruto rested his chin on his hand, his gaze candid."I do indeed need you to get through my period of weakness; there's no shame in that." He paused."But after I become strong, I will give you freedom—true freedom, not the kind where you just change cages."He lifted his face, those blue eyes shining startlingly bright in the dimness.The air went quiet for a few seconds."Heh." A bit more mockery entered the Nine-Tailed's voice. "Anyone can say pretty words. Humans are best at deception and betrayal! Do you know how many times this old man has experienced...""Do you know how much a piece of bread costs... uh... sorry, wrong script.""..."A flash of confusion crossed the Nine-Tailed's giant vertical pupils."Ahem..." Naruto cleared his throat and started over. "No, what I mean is, do you know how many times more casualties humans cause by killing each other compared to Tailed Beasts? You Tailed Beasts are at most life forms with great power, but they... they choose evil actively.""Ninjas exterminate entire families for missions, and great nations slaughter villages and towns for profit." Naruto's tone was flat. "So on what grounds are Tailed Beasts the incarnation of malice? And humans represent justice?"The Nine-Tailed fell silent."You Tailed Beasts are intelligent beings capable of communication. Why has no one ever thought of communicating with you? Is it because of fear?"He lightly tapped on the sealing gate."Or... is it just more convenient this way? To treat you as weapons, lock you up when finished, and push all the blame onto the Tailed Beasts and Jinchuriki?"Inside the Sealing Space, the Nine-Tailed's claws made a piercing scraping sound against the gate."...What do you know?" The voice was squeezed out from between its teeth, carrying the fury of being sealed for decades. "Senju Hashirama, Uzumaki Mito... those self-righteous Ninjas, what did they take this old man for?!""Oh, Hashirama, huh."Naruto rested his chin on his hand, looking like he was reminiscing."I know about this. Back when he caught you—" He paused, intentionally dragging out his words, "didn't he 'let you have one hand'?"Silence.A deathly silence.And then—BOOM!!!A roar so loud it made the entire Sealing Spacetremble."BULLSHIT!!!"The roar of the mighty Nine-Tailed King nearly shattered his eardrums.Naruto took half a step back, covering his ears."This old man was only going easy on him because he was the reincarnation of Ashura's Chakra! But he showed no martial virtue!""To deceive! To sneak attack an old man like me who's over a thousand years old!"The more it spoke, the angrier it got, its voice even cracking."Is that 'True Several Thousand Hands' thing something a normal person could come up with?! Huh?! He grabbed this old man like a little chick and slammed me into the ground! He slammed me for an entire afternoon!!"It became more and more agitated, its claws scratching the gate with a creaking sound."And then there's Uzumaki Mito! That woman looks all gentle, but she's more ruthless than anyone when using Sealing Jutsu! If this old man moved even slightly, she'd start chanting scriptures. Every day she'd drone on in my ear about love and peace. She'd chant for three days straight; my ears were about to grow callouses!!!"Naruto suppressed a laugh, his shoulders shaking slightly.Haha, this big fox's face-breaking reaction was just too funny."So you're admitting you couldn't beat them?""This old man didn't lose!!" The Nine-Tailed's body shook with rage. "That was because this old man was careless and didn't dodge!""Ah, right, right, right. Everything you say is right."Naruto raised both hands in a gesture of surrender.This tsundere fox—the only thing tough about it was its mouth.The Nine-Tailed panted heavily, its crimson eyes staring fixedly at the little sprout outside the gate.After several seconds, it squeezed a sentence out from between its teeth."...You are even more annoying than those two women, Mito and Kushina."The Nine-Tailed's anger gradually subsided, but the vigilance in its eyes grew stronger."Even if everything you say is right," the Nine-Tailed's voice suddenly turned cold, "you've forgotten one thing—""I was the one who killed your parents."Its claw slowly rose, pointing at Naruto.The atmosphere froze instantly.It was waiting—waiting to see this brat break down and cry before it.But Naruto just nodded."I know."Two simple words, yet they made the Nine-Tailed's pupils contract instantly.A few seconds later, the Nine-Tailed's voice was frighteningly low."...You know?""I know." Naruto nodded. "You were a prisoner imprisoned for no reason, and they were the guards. From their respective positions, neither of you was wrong.""Besides... the Rinnegan... can resurrect the dead."The Nine-Tailed's massive vertical pupils stared intently at the Naruto before it, as if re-evaluating this little sprout."...You even know about the Rinnegan?""Not just the Rinnegan—the Six Paths Sage, the Ten-Tails, and even that woman on the moon..."The Nine-Tailed stared at him for a full ten seconds."Tear off that seal, and this old man will believe you.""Are you sure?""Heh, do you dare?" The Nine-Tailed's voice carried a provocation. "If you don't dare, then scram."Naruto stood up and looked up at the talisman on the gate.He reached out his small hand, measured the distance, and his body slowly levitated, drifting leisurely toward the sealing gate."Wait."Naruto stopped half a meter away from the talisman."You have to restrain your Chakra first.""Too much commotion will attract the Anbu, and I don't want to be invited to the Hokage Office for tea tonight.""Are you serious?"The Nine-Tailed's body stiffened for a moment. It stared at Naruto for a long time, so long that Naruto thought it was going to back out."...Deal."Naruto reached out his hand, his fingertips getting closer and closer to the talisman—ten centimeters, five centimeters, three centimeters—The Nine-Tailed held its breath behind the gate.Time seemed to have been put on pause.Just as Naruto's fingertips were about to touch the edge of the seal paper.A warm yet exceptionally powerful hand gently grasped Naruto's wrist.Naruto's body froze in mid-air as he slowly turned his head.Blonde hair, a Hokage Cloak, and a pair of blue eyes exactly like his own, filled with tender yet complex emotions."Naruto.""Don't be bewitched by it."
Chapter 3: Misplaced Heroes and Belated Tenderness"Father."Minato Namikaze's fingers, which were gripping Naruto's wrist, trembled slightly.Behind the gates, Kurama let out a disdainful snort."You...""Let go of me," Naruto said softly. "I won't tear off the seal."Minato's hand loosened.Naruto took the opportunity to land on the ground, and then—before either the man or the beast could react—he slipped through the gap in the sealing gates like a loach."Naruto!"Minato's expression changed drastically, but it was already too late.The space inside the seal was much wider than outside. Damp water submerged his ankles, reflecting Kurama's mountain-like body. Its crimson fur looked like burning flames in the dim light, and those vertical pupils were currently staring straight at the little guy at its feet.Naruto looked up at it."You certainly have guts," Kurama snorted a cloud of sparks from its nostrils.Naruto didn't answer. Instead, he turned to look at Minato, who had chased after him. His body floated up slightly as he walked up the bridge of Kurama's nose. His movements were steady, step by step, until he finally stopped on top of Kurama's head."Hey! Brat, what are you doing!""Don't move," Naruto climbed steadily. "I'll fall to my death if I slip."Kurama's tail froze in mid-air.By the time Naruto reached the top of its head, the entire Sealing Space was so quiet that the echoes of dripping water could be heard.Naruto looked at the pale-faced Minato Namikaze, who had followed him in."Father," he began. "Let's talk."Minato took a deep breath. "Come down first.""I'm fine here." Naruto sat down cross-legged and even patted Kurama's head. "Kurama, are you going to suddenly shake your head and throw me off?""...This old man isn't that bored."Kurama's voice was muffled, but those vertical pupils subconsciously glanced downward to confirm that the water surface below was soft enough.Minato saw all of this.His fingers tightened slightly."Do you know what you are doing?" Minato's voice carried the authority of a Hokage. "That is the Nine-Tailed, it once—""It's the monster that once destroyed half of Konoha," Naruto finished for him. "I know."He paused."But Father, how do you think a monster is defined?"Minato was stunned."When humans hunt animals, it's called hunting; when animals attack humans, they're called ferocious beasts." Naruto's voice echoed in the empty space. "When a Ninja wipes out a whole clan, it's called a mission; when a Tailed Beastresists its seal, it's called tyranny."He tilted his head."Justice is the epitaph of the victor, while the loser can only be branded with evil—who said that? Oh, I made it up."Kurama's breathing hitched for a beat.Minato's face gradually turned pale."Are you making excuses for it?""No." Naruto shook his head. "I'm just stating facts. Father, when you sealed the Nine-Tailed back then—did you really think that stuffing such an intelligent, emotional life into an infant's body was the right thing to do?"He paused."Or rather, in that situation, did you even have time to think about whether it was right or wrong?"Ripples spread across the water's surface.Minato opened his mouth but couldn't make a sound.Just then.A golden chain burst out from beneath the water!The chain's speed was astonishing. Before Kuramacould react, it had already wrapped around its limbs, neck, and tails—like a golden net, pinning its massive body down."Nine-Tails—!!!"A woman's roar made the entire space tremble.Uzumaki Kushina's figure rushed out from the darkness. Her red hair flew like flames, and the golden chains in her hands seemed like living things. Her eyes burned with the fury of a lioness, but her eyes were bloodshot."What do you think you're doing to my precious son?!"She punched Kurama in the face.Boom!Kurama's head was knocked to the side, and it let out a pained groan.Naruto almost slipped off its head."Wait! Mom—!"Naruto scrambled to steady himself, then jumped straight down from Kurama's head. He landed on the water, sending up a splash, and then stumbled toward Kushina, grabbing her leg."It's not Kurama's fault!"Kushina's movements froze.She looked down at the small figure by her leg, seeing a face that was seventy percent similar to her own and the urgency in those blue eyes."It... it was my own choice to go inside..." Narutolooked up. "Kurama... it didn't mean to hurt me...""Nonsense!" Kushina's voice trembled. "It is—""It's just been locked up for too long."Naruto's voice was very soft."Mom, if you were locked in a pitch-black place for decades, wouldn't you go crazy?"Kushina's lips began to tremble."But it killed...""That's because it was being controlled." Narutoshook his head. "Like a manipulated puppet—if a puppet kills someone, should the blame lie with the puppeteer or the puppet?"He let go of her and took a step back.Water rippled around his feet."Besides..." Naruto smiled, "If Kurama really wanted to kill me, I would have been dead long ago. It could have used its Chakra to attack my consciousness every time I came in—but it didn't."He turned and looked at Kurama, who was tied up like a rice dumpling."Right?"Kurama turned its head away and snorted through its nose."...So annoying.""..."Kushina was a bit at a loss, but the chains binding Kurama quietly vanished.Minato walked to Kushina's side and gently took her hand.The two looked at Naruto with expressions as complex as if they were truly getting to know their son for the first time."Naruto," Minato began. "All these years...""I've been doing quite well."Naruto beat him to the answer."Since this brat could walk, he's never had a full stomach. He could only drink expired milk, had stones thrown at him, and was called a 'Demon Fox' to his face." Kurama's voice was tinged with undisguised sarcasm."Heh. This is how the son of Konoha's hero is treated?"Kurama let out a sneer.With every word it spoke, Minato and Kushina's faces turned a shade paler.By the end, Kushina's fingernails were dug deep into her palms.She opened her mouth, wanting to argue."...I'm sorry."Minato's voice was very soft, almost inaudible.He lowered his head, his shoulders trembling slightly. That dazzling blond hair now looked dull and lifeless, as if he had been drained of all strength."Dad didn't protect you well.""We... didn't know."Kushina's tears finally fell.She crouched down, reaching out to touch Naruto's face, but stopped halfway—Naruto leaned his face in on his own."Mom's hand is very warm."He said softly.Kushina gently cupped his face. Her tears dripped onto the water, creating small ripples."I'm sorry..." her voice was broken and mangled. "Mom... couldn't be by your side...""It's okay."Naruto reached out and wiped the tears from her face."I remember everything you taught me, Mom."He cleared his throat and recited word for word in the tone of a child reciting a textbook:"Don't be a picky eater, eat plenty of food, and grow up quickly.""Take a bath every day to keep your body warm.""And—""Make lots of friends... not too many, just a few truly important ones will do.""Study hard and learn Ninjutsu... but everyone has things they are good and bad at, so even if you don't learn well, don't worry too much.""Listen to your teachers and elders."Kushina covered her mouth as her tears gushed out like a broken dam.Minato turned his face away, his shoulders heaving violently."And the last sentence." Naruto paused and looked at Minato. "What Dad said—believe in yourself.""I remember it all."After saying the last sentence, Naruto gave him a brilliant smile."So Dad, there's no need to apologize."Minato turned his head back abruptly.His lips moved, but he couldn't make any sound.A long silence fell over the Sealing Space.There was only the sound of dripping water and Kushina's suppressed sobbing.After a long time, Kurama's voice broke the silence."...Hey."It shifted its bound body."Your Chakra is about to run out, isn't it?"Minato and Kushina were both startled."This level of consciousness retention relies on the residual Chakra in the sealing formula." Kurama's vertical pupils swept over their gradually transparent figures. "It'll last a few more minutes at most."Minato took a deep breath, as if he had made some kind of decision."Naruto."He spoke, his voice returning to its usual steadiness, but with an unprecedented solemnity in his eyes."The time Dad and Mom can stay here is running out."Kushina nodded beside him, her eyes still red, but her expression had become firm."But before that—" Minato took Naruto's hand, "Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, Genjutsu, Sealing Jutsu, we will leave all of these to you.""Naruto, you must take good care of yourself." Kushina took Naruto's other hand.The three Chakras connected, and a massive amount of information flooded into Naruto's consciousness like a bursting dam.There was no pain.Only a fulfillment so warm it made one want to cry.Naruto closed his eyes, letting the information be imprinted in his mind.He could feel his parents' figures becoming thin—a precursor to the exhaustion of their Chakra.Minato and Kushina's figures had become semi-transparent, as if they would dissipate into the air at any moment.Naruto opened his eyes.He looked at the two of them and suddenly asked, "Can you stay with me a little longer?""But the Chakra...""Kurama."Kurama clicked its tongue behind him, but a wisp of golden Chakra still drifted over silently, merging into the three of them.The Sealing Space changed at this moment.The damp water receded, replaced by a sunny meadow. In the distance was the outline of Konoha Village, and nearby was a small house—completely different from the dilapidated apartment Naruto lived in in reality. This house had a warm orange roof and wind chimes hanging from the windows.Minato and Kushina's figures solidified again.They looked around blankly."This is...""An illusion constructed by my consciousness." Naruto let go of their hands and took two steps forward. "Maintained with Kurama's Chakra—though it can only last for a very short time, but..."He turned his head, revealing a slightly embarrassed smile."I wanted to show Dad and Mom what my 'home' should look like."Kushina's tears welled up again.She rushed over and pulled Naruto into her arms."Silly child... silly child..."On the other side, Kurama felt its body shrinking, from a mountain-like behemoth to... a fluffy red fox about the height of an orange cat."You—""Don't talk."Naruto walked over, leaned down, and hugged Kurama's neck.Fluffy and warm.Kurama froze in place, its ears standing straight up. The entire fox was dazed.Fluffy, orange-red, with nine tails swaying behind it. Those crimson vertical pupils were currently staring blankly at its own shrunken paws."Wha... what's going on?!" Its voice had also become high-pitched, and it actually sounded a bit... cute?Kushina burst out laughing.She walked over, crouched beside Naruto, and also reached out to pat Kurama's head—this time her movements were gentle and tentative.Kurama's body stiffened, but its tail wagged unconsciously."Sorry." Kushina said softly. "I was... too rough with you before."Kurama turned its head away and snorted."Tsundere," Naruto whispered."Who are you calling a tsundere!""Whoever answers is the one I'm talking about."Minato stood to the side, watching his son and Kurama bicker, and seeing the light return to his wife's eyes. A relaxed smile slowly spread across his face."Naruto."Minato walked to Naruto's side and crouched down."If it's you..." he said softly, "perhaps you really can see that... future we never saw."Naruto looked up, his blue eyes shining in the sunlight."I will."He reached out and held their gradually transparent hands."Dad, Mom.""Goodbye."The sunlight spilled onto his blond hair. His blue eyes reflected his parents' figures, as well as the red fox in the corner pretending to look at the scenery.Kurama curled its lip."...So cheesy."
Chapter 4: The Fox, the Old Fox, and the Little FoxMinato and Kushina's Chakra had completely dissipated. The last smile they left before their Chakra was exhausted was still imprinted in Naruto's mind. He stood there, looking up at Kurama."Hey," Kurama spoke. "They're gone.""I know," Naruto replied.He stepped forward and raised his hand, placing his palm on Kurama's massive claw."What are you trying to do?""I'm showing you something," Naruto said calmly. "Just treat it as something I 'dreamed' about."A massive stream of information flowed through the Chakra threads into Kurama's consciousness.Fragmented image snippets, like a torn photo album, every piece was burning.The man wearing the spiral mask revealing the Sharingan beneath it when he released Kurama on that rainy night.On the battlefield, Uchiha Madara stood atop the Ten-Tails' head, below him were fallen Ninja from various Villages, and Naruto in his golden Nine-Tails Chakra Mode.The sudden appearance of the Six Paths Sageand... that woman with white hair, white skin, two horns on her head, and a pair of Byakugan.Kurama's body began to tremble violently.It let out a low growl, its claws sinking deep into the water's surface as crimson Chakra surged uncontrollably from its body, forming waves of scorching heat in the surroundings."...Madara is still alive?"Its voice was terrifyingly low."In a sense, yes." Naruto withdrew the Chakrathreads. "But his plan needs you—it needs all the Tailed Beasts.""So the one who controlled this old man back then was—""It was Genji..." Naruto nodded. "Uh... Uchiha Obito, Madara's pawn."Kurama's breathing was as heavy as a bellows."Where did you..." Kurama's voice was hoarse."I told you I dreamed it," Naruto shrugged, withdrawing his palm. "Just think of me as an Otaku from my past life who loved reading manga.""..."Kurama remained silent for a long time.So long that Naruto thought it was going to shut down emotionally, before it finally spoke in a voice so low it was almost inaudible:"...Why tell this old man all this?"Naruto tilted his head.His body floated toward Kurama, landing on the bridge of Kurama's giant nose.Those blue eyes stared at his own reflection within Kurama's crimson vertical pupils."Because I don't want to make you submit through threats, Kurama." Naruto looked up, his blue eyes startlingly bright in the gloom."I want you to become my true companion."Kurama's breath puffed against Naruto's face, carrying a scorching heat."...Naive."Naruto paused, his tone suddenly becoming lighthearted."Besides—don't you want to see for yourself the expressions on those masterminds' faces when they find out their plans have been ruined?"Kurama's tail flicked unconsciously."...Interesting.""Then it's a deal." Naruto patted its nose."...Deal." Kurama squeezed the word through its teeth, but the previous mockery was gone from its voice, replaced by a complex emotion even it couldn't describe.Naruto grinned.Like a happy child who had just received his favorite toy."What do you plan to do next?" Kurama asked somewhat awkwardly. Realizing Naruto was looking, its eyes shyly darted elsewhere."...I'll put on an act first and get some money.""Huh?""Well, I don't know how to write those smutty novels that make quick money—I've never read things like 'A-bin', 'Bai Jie', or 'Bian Bufu'. I'll just have to go swindle some sponsorship first."Naruto explained somewhat guiltily.On the other side, in the Hokage Office.Sunlight cut through the blinds, creating streaks of light across the document-laden desk. The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, puffed on his pipe, smoke slowly rising and swirling before his aged face."So..."He raised his eyelids and looked at the Anbukneeling before the desk."The daughter of the Hyuga Clan's main house was escorted back by Naruto?""Yes."The Anbu's voice was flat and devoid of emotion."And the process?""The Jinchuriki used the excuse that 'there are wolves in the forest' to scare off those children, and then personally escorted Hinata Hyuga back to the Hyuga residence."The Third Hokage nodded, twirling his pipe between his fingers."Continue observing, but don't get too close." He waved his hand. "You're dismissed."The moment the Anbu's figure vanished, there was a knock on the office door.It was very light, carrying the characteristic caution of a child."Come in."The door opened a crack, and a golden head peeked in."Grandpa Hokage!"Hiruzen put down his pipe, a kind smile spreading across his face."It's Naruto. What brings you to see Grandpa?""I had a really amazing dream!" Naruto trotted over to the desk, his hands gripping the edge as his eyes sparkled. "There was a big sister with red hair in the dream, and she was so scary!"Hiruzen's heart skipped a beat."...Red hair?""Yeah!" Naruto nodded vigorously. "She was pulling a stinky fox's ear, hitting and scolding it, saying 'How dare you scare my son, I'll tear you apart!'"The pipe in Hiruzen's hand almost fell onto the desk.He coughed twice to steady his expression."And then?""She also taught me a lot of things." Narutocounted on his fingers. "Shadow Clone, Rasengan, and... um... Adamantine Sealing Chains? I think that was the name. Oh right, and one called Kagura Shingan..."With every word, Hiruzen's gaze deepened.By the time Naruto finished, the man known as the "Professor of Ninjutsu" had completely withdrawn his smile."Naruto," he spoke slowly. "Are you sure... that was a dream?"Naruto blinked."What else could it be?" He tilted his head with an innocent look. "I was in bed when I woke up, but my head was filled with so many things, like someone had stuffed a book in there."Naruto suddenly leaned forward, lowering his voice with a mysterious expression."Grandpa Hokage, that big sister also said... my parents left me 'billions in inheritance' and told me to go get it when I'm out of money.""Pfft—Cough cough cough!!!"Hiruzen was choked by the smoke, his face turning bright red.Billions? The sealing knowledge of the Uzumaki Clan? Just how much information did that girl Kushina leave in her Chakra?!Naruto quickly circled behind the desk, standing on his tiptoes to pat Hiruzen's back."Grandpa Hokage, you're not 'dead', are you?~""I'm... I'm fine..." Hiruzen finally caught his breath and sat up straight again, looking at the innocent child before him with a complex gaze. "Naruto, have you... told anyone else about this?""No."Naruto shook his head with a serious expression."The big sister said these things can only be told to the person I trust most—Grandpa Hokage is the best to me, so I came to tell you.""Then... can you demonstrate the techniques you learned in the dream?" Hiruzen asked after taking a deep breath.Naruto nodded, stepped back two paces, and formed hand seals—A few seconds later.A golden chain slowly extended from his abdomen.It was less than ten centimeters long.It was as thin as a chopstick, wobbling in the air before dissipating with a "poof."Naruto panted heavily, his small face pale and his forehead covered in sweat as he slumped onto the floor."That... that's all I can do..." His voice was incredibly weak. "Chakra... not enough..."Seeing his exhausted state, the last bit of doubt in Hiruzen's heart vanished.Indeed, a five-year-old child, even with bloodline talent, how strong could he be? That chain just now could barely tie up a cat.He breathed a sigh of relief, his expression becoming kind once more."...That's already very impressive." Hiruzen walked over and helped Naruto up. "Naruto, have you told anyone else about this?""No!" Naruto scrambled up, shaking his head like a rattle. "I only told Grandpa Hokage!"Hiruzen smiled.A smile like that of a truly kind grandfather."Good boy." He reached out and rubbed Naruto's blond hair. "Keep these things a secret, okay? This is the treasure your parents left you; we can't let bad people target it.""Mm-hmm!"Naruto nodded vigorously, then as if suddenly remembering something, he tugged at the corner of his shirt."I want to buy new clothes, and I want to eat barbecue... and the big sister also said I'm the only one left in the Uzumaki Clan, so I have to Revivethe Uzumaki Clan." Naruto looked up, his eyes shining. "Also, I met a girl named Hinata, she's so cute, I want to go on a date with her...""So... about the inheritance... is it real?"Hiss, Hiruzen took a deep breath.He quickly ran through the facts in his mind—the Uzumaki Clan did have assets in Konoha, but most were absorbed by the Village after their nation was destroyed. The rest was just the inheritance of the Fourth Hokage couple... Billions? Nonsense, that woman would say anything in a dream, wouldn't she?But he couldn't say that out loud.He stared at Naruto for three seconds, then suddenly burst into laughter."You kid!" He patted Naruto's shoulder. "Fine, starting next month, your living allowance will be raised to 100,000 a month—is that enough for 'reviving your clan' and dating?""This is 50,000 yen, consider it compensation for this month."Hiruzen took 50,000 yen from a drawer and handed it to Naruto."Thank you, Grandpa Hokage!"Naruto immediately beamed with joy. His little money-grubber act made Hiruzen chuckle again.He's just a kid after all, so easy to coax. Finally managed to gloss over that damn "billions" nonsense."Go on," Hiruzen waved. "Go buy some good food on the street, and remember to go home on time.""Okay!"Naruto skipped out of the office, being careful to close the door gently.The moment the door closed, the smile on Hiruzen's face slowly faded.Hiruzen stood there, listening to the receding footsteps as the smile on his face slowly vanished.He walked to the window and lifted a corner of the blinds, watching the small golden figure skip across the street toward the barbecue restaurant.'Truly... a simple child.'Hiruzen thought.Going to eat barbecue the moment he got money was purely a child's way of thinking. It seemed he had overthought things—no matter how clever Naruto was, he was still just a child."From today on," Hiruzen said in a deep voice, "withdraw the close-range surveillance on Uzumaki Naruto. Long-distance observation will suffice.""But Hokage-sama—""Execute the order.""Yes!"The Anbu vanished.Hiruzen put his pipe back in his mouth, lit it, and took a deep puff.Didn't they hear Naruto mention the Kagura Shingan? These Anbu really are... getting worse with each generation...In the swirling smoke, his gaze became somewhat dazed.Minato, Kushina... your son, I will take good care of him.He will surely become Sarutobi... er... Konoha's strongest future protector.Thinking of this, a gratified smile appeared on the corner of Hiruzen's mouth.No one knew—A little fox, an old fox, and a Red-haired Fox had just completed a tacit, misplaced transaction.
Chapter 5: Chance Encounter at the BBQ RestaurantWhen Naruto pushed open the door to the Akimichi BBQ Restaurant, the lively bustle of the crowd mixed with the charred aroma of fat hit him in the face.Charcoal crackled on the iron mesh, beef curled and changed color under the high heat, and oil droplets fell into the fire, making a crisp "sizzle." The restaurant was packed—there were Ninjateams together, families of three, and even a few Ninjas in the corner clinking glasses, looking like they had just finished a mission.He found a seat by the window and sat down."Little guy, all by yourself?" the waiter came over, looking a bit surprised."Yep!" Naruto looked up, smiling like a sunflower, "I'll have the Ox Tongue Set, plus two portions of premium Wagyu!"The waiter took down the order, his eyes glancing around as he turned to leave.The smile on Naruto's face didn't change, but his perception had already spread out silently like a spider web.Kagura Shingan—even if he couldn't fully utilize it now, the instinct born from his bloodline was enough for him to sense the gazes falling upon him.On the right, against the wall, were two Jonin—one had a Konoha forehead protector tied around his head, while the other didn't, likely on break. Their gazes lingered a bit longer than usual but soon moved away.There was no malice in his perception, only a very subtle... indifference?No malice, but no closeness either.Over to the front-left, those few Chunin and Geninwere much more direct; their gazes were like needles stabbing his back, filled with undisguised loathing.They're all acting.Naruto picked up his chopsticks, grabbed a piece of freshly grilled ox tongue, and put it in his mouth to chew slowly.The fat melted on the tip of his tongue, a savory flavor mixed with the scent of charcoal.His eyes calmly swept across every face in the restaurant.So that's how it is.He understood the gazes of those Ninjas—they had guessed whose child he was. The Fourth Hokage's face was a brand in Konoha; the combination of golden hair and blue eyes was too conspicuous. Any veteran who had stayed in the Village for a few years could recognize it.The Jonin, those with clan inheritances, and a few of the more clever Chunin all knew the truth in their hearts.But the Third Hokage hadn't made it public.So everyone was acting.Acting out a play called "We don't know this child's background, he's just an ordinary orphan." If they performed well, the Third Hokage would be satisfied; if they performed poorly... no one would say it outright, but some "tight shoes" would silently be handed out during mission assignments.Naruto picked up another piece of meat.The Third Hokage kept his word and removed the close-range surveillance.As for the subtle gazes of those other Jonin...Naruto sneered inwardly."Watching from the sidelines? Heh,""Knowing this is the Fourth's offspring, but no one dares to come forward to acknowledge it? Afraid of picking the wrong side? Afraid of the Third's suspicion? Or afraid of being targeted by that old schemer, the Shadow of the Pot?"The heat from the charcoal made his cheeks slightly flushed, and his blue eyes appeared exceptionally deep behind the smoke.He picked up his teacup and took a sip.The water temperature was just right.The Uchiha matter... must be the same thing.He thought back to that night in the original story.Uchiha Itachi, the boy known as a genius, personally slaughtered his entire clan for the sake of so-called "righteousness."What did the villagers say later?"The Uchiha Clan attempted a coup and was suppressed by the Konoha Anbu.""Uchiha Itachi is a rogue Ninja, a criminal."Bullshit.Naruto swallowed the meat and took a sip of water from his cup.What was the Uchiha? They were one of the founding clans of Konoha, the family that joined forces with the Senju to establish this Village. Even if they were later marginalized to the Police Force, even if they were feared by the high-ranking officials, that was still internal political struggle within Konoha.Extermination?That was a nuclear-level method of handling things.Once that precedent was set, what would the other Ninja clans think?Oh, if you can wipe out the Uchiha today, can you wipe out the Hyuga tomorrow? Will it be the Ino–Shika–Chō's turn the day after?The logic of "if the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold"—if a twelve-year-old brat like Itachi didn't get it, could old schemers like the Third Hokage and Danzo not get it? Or did they think that by slapping on the label of "rebellion," they could shut everyone's mouths?Naive.Politics isn't played that way.A true ruler, even if they wanted to exterminate a clan, would first divide and win them over, picking a few who "knew the times" to stay as figureheads, pinning the blame on a few "radicals," and then announcing "the Uchiha have cleaned their own house, and the Village provides its support."This way, they'd remove the thorn in their side without causing panic among the other families.Did the Third Hokage and the others not understand this?No, they understood it all too well.So the Uchiha had to "be staged for a coup," had to "be suppressed," and there had to be a rogue Ninjaof sufficient weight to take the blame.The Weasel was the chosen sacrifice, and he was brain-dead enough to be chosen.A thirteen-year-old boy, brainwashed by the high-ranking officials with nonsense about "protecting his brother" and "maintaining Konoha's peace," personally cut down his own parents, slaughtered his clansmen, and then fled with the title of rogue Ninja.Stupid.Naruto sneered in his heart.This isn't righteousness; it's the self-indulgence of a fool.A truly smart person would have maneuvered between the Uchiha and the Konoha high-ranking officials, using the Uchiha's power to balance Danzo, slowly diluting and transferring the power of the Police Force, and using ten or twenty years to let the Uchiha naturally integrate into the Konoha system, or... naturally decline.Rather than using a massacre to plant a thorn in the hearts of all the Ninja clans."Man..." Naruto muttered softly, "This operation is so bad it would make a tortoise shake its head in disbelief."On the other side, Ino Yamanaka had just walked into the BBQ restaurant with her parents when her gaze was drawn to the figure by the window.His short golden hair shimmered with a soft luster in the afternoon sun, and his skin was so fair he didn't look like a boy.His features were as delicate as if they had been meticulously carved; his blue eyes were focused intently on the meat on the grill, his eyelashes casting shallow shadows beneath them.Even though he was just sitting there quietly grilling meat, there was an... indescribable aura about him.Like a piece of polished fine jade—warm on the surface, yet revealing a certain bottomless light within.Ino's footsteps faltered."Ino?" Inoichi Yamanaka looked back, "What's wrong?""No, it's nothing..." Ino's face turned a bit red, but she couldn't help glancing over there again.As a girl who had been concerned with appearance since she was little and whose future dream was to open a flower shop and dress herself up beautifully, Ino's sensitivity to "looks" far exceeded that of her peers.She had seen many good-looking boys—like Uchiha Sasuke, that cool guy who always had a cold face.But the blonde boy in front of her was different.His beauty wasn't the sharp, aggressive kind, but rather... a gentle yet distant sense of brokenness.Especially those eyes.When they looked over, it felt as if they could see right through you, yet without making you feel offended."Oh my..." Ino muttered softly, "Whose child is that..."Before she could decide whether to go over and strike up a conversation, the blonde boy looked up.Their eyes met.Ino's heart gave a sudden leap.And then—He smiled.It wasn't the silly grin of a child, nor was it the cold, fake-cool smile of Uchiha Sasuke.It was a very natural, very warm smile, the corners of his mouth curving slightly, his eyes looking as if they held a sea under the sunlight.He waved at her.Ino's brain stalled for three seconds.By the time she reacted, she found herself walking over involuntarily."Eating alone is so boring." Naruto pointed to the seat opposite him, "Want to join me? I just ordered two portions of Wagyu and can't finish it all."His voice was very soft, with the slight tenderness characteristic of a child, but his tone was as composed as an adult's.Ino sat down blankly."Try it, the ox tongue here is the specialty." Narutopushed a plate of freshly grilled meat in front of her.Ino picked up her chopsticks but couldn't quite grab it for a while, so Naruto simply used his own chopsticks to pick up a piece and held it directly to her lips."Open up."Ino's face instantly turned red like a ripe tomato.She mechanically opened her mouth, bit the slice of meat, and chewed twice, her eyes still staring straight at Naruto.The aroma of the fat exploded in her mouth."It's delicious...""Right?" Naruto laughed happily, "Delicious food is one of the few things in life that won't betray you."Ino blinked.Hearing those words... coming from a child who looked about the same age as her, it felt a bit strange.But she didn't think much more about it, because Naruto spoke again.AI Model: gemini-2.5-flashNaruto looked at her—or rather, through her eyes, at himself reflected in them.He didn't have the six whisker marks from the original story; his skin, nourished by his Uzumakiphysique and Nine-Tailed Chakra, was fair and clean. His short golden hair shimmered softly in the sunlight from the window.The most striking thing was his gaze.Those blue eyes now held a complex emotion, somewhere between tenderness and detachment, so deep they seemed to draw one in."You..." Ino opened her mouth, her face suddenly flushing, "You're... so handsome."She inexplicably reached out her hand."My name is Ino Yamanaka," she said.Naruto took her hand.Her fingers were soft, her palm warm."Pleasure to meet you, my name is NarutoUzumaki," he said with a smile, then, as if remembering something, he didn't let go. Instead, he cradled her hand in his palm and looked down at it."Eh?"Naruto's fingers were long, his palm warm, gently supporting the back of her hand.His movements were light.Yet they carried a certain... maturity beyond his age?Ino's face instantly turned crimson."You, what are you doing~ Oh~""Let me see," Naruto said earnestly, "Your palm lines... Hmm, a happy family, loving parents. Your father must be a very handsome man, and your mother gentle and virtuous, right?""How do you know?!" Ino's eyes widened."I can tell from your palm," Naruto chuckled, then picked up his teacup with his other hand and took a sip, "And you smell of flowers—does your family own a flower shop?""Ye-yeah!"Ino's shyness was instantly replaced by curiosity.She leaned forward, her eyes sparkling: "You can really read fortunes? Can you tell what I'll be like in the future?""In the future, huh..."Naruto stroked his chin, feigning deep thought.But inwardly, he was thinking: In the future, you'll be a Sasuke-obsessed fangirl who constantly grabs his collar and almost breaks off your friendship with Sakura over a boy... Of course, he couldn't say that."You'll become a very powerful female Ninja," he finally chose a safe answer, "And you'll make many friends.""Really?!""Mhm."Naruto nodded and placed another slice of meat onto her plate."Eat more, you're growing.""...Thank you."Ino's face grew even redder.She lowered her head to eat the meat, her heart pounding wildly—this boy named Naruto was not only handsome, spoke gently, but also treated her to barbecue...Oh, who could resist that?She completely failed to notice that her hand was still gently held by Naruto.Nor did she notice that her father, Inoichi Yamanaka, in the booth, had a face as black as the bottom of a pot."Inoichi, calm down." Nara Shikaku pressed his hand on his friend's shoulder, a helpless smile in his tone, "That kid is just playing with your daughter.""He's touching my daughter's hand!" Inoichi gritted his teeth."But everything he said was right," Shikakushrugged, "And your Ino looks quite happy."Inoichi turned his head to look.His daughter was blushing, her eyes sparkling as she stared at the blonde boy, a silly grin on her face.Inoichi Yamanaka clutched his chest, feeling as if a knife had been plunged into his heart."Shikaku... my little cabbage...""Alright, alright." Shikaku patted his back and lowered his voice, "That child is Naruto Uzumaki, Uzumaki... It might not be a bad thing for your daughter to be close to him."Inoichi was stunned for a moment."Uzumaki... Jinchuriki?""I just heard from the Hokage Office that Lord Third has revoked his close-range surveillance," Shikakuwhispered, "You know what that means."Inoichi fell silent.He looked back at that corner.The blonde boy was smiling as he placed meat for Ino, his actions as natural as an older brother caring for his sister. And Ino's rosy little face clearly showed signs of budding romance.Inoichi sighed."...Let her be."On the other side, Shikamaru, with his hands in his pockets, slowly ambled over."Ino, your dad over there is about to snap his chopsticks.""Dad, Father!"Ino instinctively looked towards the booth.Then she saw her father's face, as black as the bottom of a pot.Inoichi Yamanaka was glaring fixedly in their direction, his fists clenched, looking ready to rush over and pick up the blonde brat and throw him out at any moment.Nara Shikaku next to him was desperately trying to restrain him, his face screaming, "Calm down, Inoichi, it's just kids playing."Ino: "..."Naruto also saw it.Not only did he see it, but he also flashed an innocent smile in Inoichi's direction and waved.Inoichi's fists clenched even tighter.Shikaku rubbed his forehead and sighed."That's my dad..." Ino said softly, a little embarrassed, "He seems angry.""Normal."Naruto was very calm.Any father would explode if a strange boy held his five-year-old daughter's hand.However...His gaze passed over Ino and landed on another child slowly walking over.Pineapple-shaped hair, dead fish eyes, hands clasped behind his head, walking with a slouch as if still half-asleep.Nara Shikamaru.Shikamaru reached the table, first glanced at Ino, then at Naruto, and finally sighed."I knew it."His voice carried a weariness beyond his age."What?" Ino looked up."Nara Shikamaru." Shikamaru sat down next to Inoand yawned, "That whole routine just now... pretty smooth, huh?"Ino's face flushed again.Naruto, however, smiled."Can't help it, natural talent." He shrugged, pushing another plate of meat towards Shikamaru, "Want some?"Shikamaru stared at him for three seconds.Then he picked up his chopsticks."...Alright."He picked up a slice of meat, slowly chewed it, his eyes never leaving Naruto.This blonde kid... interesting.He was clearly about the same age as himself, yet he spoke and acted like a miniature adult, and that composed demeanor was nothing like a child's.More importantly—He saw through Naruto's trickery with Ino, but Inowas clearly enjoying it, and Uncle Inoichi was furious but dared not act...Troublesome, but amusing.Shikamaru thought this, and picked up another slice of meat."Shikamaru! Why did you sit over there too!" Choji's voice came from afar; the chubby boy was holding a plate of freshly grilled meat, looking eagerly in their direction, "That's my spot...""Come sit here," Naruto patted the empty seat beside him, "The table's big enough anyway."Choji's eyes lit up, and he immediately trotted over and sat down, then pushed the plate of meat to the center."Let's all eat together!"The four children gathered around a grilling table, charcoal crackling, and the aroma of roasted meat filling the air.Ino's face was still red, but she could speak normally now; Shikamaru looked lazy, but his eyes occasionally darted towards Naruto; Choji focused on grilling, occasionally looking up with a silly grin.Naruto naturally controlled the conversation."Choji, what's your favorite food?""Barbecue! And potato chips!""How about Ino?""Hmm... Three-colored Dango, I guess.""Shikamaru?""Whatever, as long as it fills my stomach.""Then next time I'll treat you all to Ichiraku Ramen. Their Miso Char Siu Ramen is exquisite."When he said this, his tone was as natural as saying, "The weather is nice today."Ino's eyes sparkled: "Really?"Choji nodded vigorously: "Ramen is delicious too!"Shikamaru glanced at Naruto: "...Where do you get the money?""Grandpa Third increased my living allowance," Naruto smiled brightly, "He said it was for me to... well, revive the Uzumaki Clan."Shikamaru: "..."He looked at Naruto's innocent face, then remembered the smooth "palm reading" routine from earlier, and a thought suddenly popped into his head—Could this guy be deliberately flirting with Ino?But the next second, he dismissed the idea.They were all five-year-old kids; how would they know anything about flirting? He must be overthinking it.It was probably just... talent?
Chapter 6: Tracking and RamenThey were almost finished with the barbecue.Ino wiped her mouth, her eyes still glued to Naruto's face—even his way of wiping his mouth looked good. His fingers were long and slender, and his movements were refined, completely unlike Choji's greasy appearance."Naruto," she suddenly remembered something and leaned forward, her voice filled with anticipation, "where do you live? Can I come over to play when I'm free?"Naruto put down his chopsticks with a gentle smile."An apartment in the southwest of Konoha," Naruto said with a smile, giving a general location. "But it's a bit remote and not very easy to find.""It's fine! I have a great memory!"Ino nodded vigorously, her serious expression making Naruto want to laugh.Just as she finished speaking—A crisp "crack" came from a booth in the distance.The chopsticks in Inoichi Yamanaka's hand snapped in two.His face was as dark as the bottom of a burnt pot, his brows furrowed, and his eyes were fixed on the two small figures huddled close together at the door. When Ino grabbed Naruto's sleeve, he almost crushed his teacup."Inoichi." Nara Shikaku reached out and pressed his shoulder, lowering his voice, "Calm down... the kids are just making friends.""Is that making friends?!"Inoichi squeezed the words through his teeth: "Inois only five years old this year! Five!"His voice trembled more as he spoke, and Akimichi Choza silently handed over a plate of grilled meat."Eat some, cool off."Choza smiled gently, but his small eyes were keenly observing the situation outside the door—this kid named Naruto indeed behaved differently from ordinary children.Outside the shop, Ino had already let go of Naruto's sleeve and ran back to her parents with a flushed face. Naruto waved towards the booth, showing a smile so bright it was dazzling, then turned and skipped away.Inoichi watched that golden silhouette disappear around the corner, his fists clenching until they creaked.He looked at his daughter's blushing little face, his heart full of mixed emotions.That night, inside the Sealing Space.Naruto sat cross-legged on the water, arms crossed, eyes closed.The scenes from today replayed quickly in his mind—the Third Hokage's "kind grandfather" performance, the Ninjas' unspoken neglect in the barbecue shop, Ino's blushing face, Inoichi's dark face...The surroundings were pitch black, with only the water surface reflecting a faint blue light, and Kurama's steady breathing could be heard in the distance."Hmph."The Nine-Tailed lay not far away, its huge head resting on its paws, its crimson vertical pupils squinting at him."You were quite committed to that act during the day, brat."Naruto opened his eyes, the corners of his mouth curling up."Life is like a play, it all depends on acting," he shrugged. "Besides, Ino is quite cute. There's nothing wrong with teasing her.""Boring."The Nine-Tailed's tail slapped the water surface, splashing water everywhere."What's the point of tangling with these weaklings? Back in my day—""Back in your day, you were hammered by Madara and controlled as a tool by that fool," Narutointerrupted lightly. "Kurama, times have changed."After three seconds of silence, it snorted a blast of hot air from its nose."Suit yourself, but I'm warning you, what's the use of going to such lengths to please those brats? You'd be better off spending more time training.""I know."Naruto smiled."You've lived for over a thousand years, so you should understand one thing—power is important, but power alone can't get things done," he said softly.The Nine-Tailed's tail flicked unconsciously."In the future, many things will require some 'underlings' to help handle." Naruto stood up and brushed off non-existent dust."Whatever," Kurama finally snorted coldly and closed its eyes again. "Just don't come crying to me when you get sold out and still help them count the money."Naruto smiled and withdrew his consciousness from the Sealing Space.The next morning.The apartment area in the southwest that Narutomentioned was indeed remote.The streets were deserted, and most of the houses on both sides were old, some even vacant. Ino had dragged Shikamaru and Choji around this area three times, and fine sweat had already appeared on her forehead."Where on earth is it..." She stomped her foot, her tone starting to get impatient. "Didn't Naruto say it was in this area?"},{"It should be nearby." Shikamaru had his hands in his pockets and yawned lazily.He sighed in his heart—what a drag. If he had known, he wouldn't have come, but his father had specifically instructed him last night to "observe Naruto more," so he had no choice but to follow along.He actually knew what was going on.There was a reason why this area was sparsely populated—the Konoha villagers' fear and rejection of the "Demon Fox" led the Jinchuriki to be arranged to live in the quietest place. Far from the crowd, to avoid conflict and facilitate monitoring.Shikamaru glanced at the still-naive Ino and Chojibeside him, and finally just said flatly, "Let's keep looking."Such a drag.He thought so, but his feet continued forward.After walking for a few more minutes, Chojisuddenly pointed ahead: "Ah! Over there!"At the entrance of an alley not far ahead, Narutowas standing there, talking to a girl.The girl was wearing a white kimono, with a lock of long hair on both sides of her dark blue short hair, and her eyes were the Byakugan unique to the Hyuga Clan.At this moment, she was looking down, her hands tightly clutching the hem of her clothes, her cheeks as red as ripe apples.It was Hinata."...The weather is so cold."Naruto's voice drifted over with the wind, carrying the soft sweetness unique to a child, yet with an indescribable composure."Do you want to go to Ichiraku Ramen for lunch? Their Miso Chashu Ramen is delicious."Hinata's head lowered even further.Her index fingers touched lightly as if she were encouraging herself, her fingertips repeatedly tapping against each other. After several seconds, she responded in a voice as faint as a mosquito's buzz:"O-Okay..."The voice was so small it was almost inaudible.Naruto smiled.He reached out and naturally took Hinata's hand."Then let's go. The weather is too cold, your hands are all red from freezing."The movement was decisive, yet carried a child-like tenderness.Hinata froze completely.Her eyes widened, and her pupils could even be seen trembling slightly in her Byakugan. The blush on her cheeks quickly spread to the tips of her ears, and her whole body felt dizzy as she followed Naruto forward with floating steps.She had completely lost the ability to think.On the other side of the alley, Ino and the other two were hiding behind a wall, peeking at this scene."Eh? Who's that?" Choji asked in a low voice."From the Hyuga Clan," Shikamaru squinted his eyes. "The eldest daughter of the Main Branch, Hinata Hyuga."As soon as he finished speaking, he saw Ino's expression change.The little girl bit her lower lip, her fists slightly clenched, a flicker of grievance flashed in her eyes, but she quickly masked it and deliberately turned her head away.Shikamaru sighed in his heart.Tsk.Women are such a drag.They're only five years old, and it's already starting?And that kid Naruto... he already knows how to hold a girl's hand at five? Isn't he putting points into his talent tree a bit too early?While he was complaining, Choji poked him again: "Shikamaru, what are you muttering about? Weren't we going to find Naruto to play?""Shh!" Ino quickly covered his mouth.But it was too late.Ahead, Naruto, who was leading Hinata forward, his ears twitched slightly."...It's nothing." Shikamaru rubbed his temples. "Let's go, be careful, and follow them to see.""Hinata." Naruto suddenly stopped and turned to look at the girl beside him."Eh?" Hinata looked up blankly.Naruto reached out his other hand and gently touched her cheek."There's a bit of dust on your face." He said with a smile, his movement as natural as brushing away a fallen leaf. "alright, now it's clean."The warmth of his fingertips was felt through her skin.Hinata's brain crashed on the spot.She opened her mouth but couldn't make a sound. She could only stare blankly at Naruto, her whole body turning as red as a cooked shrimp.And behind the wall—Ino bit her lower lip even harder.She watched the hand Naruto used to touch Hinata's face, and the sour feeling in her heart kept bubbling up like gas. Her eyes felt a bit stinging, and she deliberately turned her head to look elsewhere, pretending to look at the shops on the street.But her gaze still drifted back uncontrollably."They're just friends..."She whispered to herself, her fingers unconsciously rubbing the hem of her clothes."Why am I angry..."But the more she thought like this, the more chaotic her heart became.The boy who smiled gently and gave her meat in the barbecue shop yesterday was holding another girl's hand and touching her face today...Ino blinked hard, suppressing that inexplicable grievance.But her peripheral vision couldn't help but glance over there.Shikamaru saw all her little movements.He sighed in his heart.Women are such a drag... getting conflicted over this kind of thing at five years old, isn't this life a bit too precocious?And that Naruto—Shikamaru stared at the golden-haired boy's back.This isn't just precocious; he's practically a monster, isn't he?Ichiraku Ramen.Warm yellow light shone from the shop, mixing with the rich aroma of bone broth, creating an inviting warmth on the cold winter street.Naruto led Hinata to the shop entrance.He stopped.Then he suddenly turned around and showed a smile so bright it was dazzling toward the empty street behind him."Ino, Shikamaru, Choji—""You've been following for so long, you must be hungry, right?"The three: "!!!"Ino's face instantly turned red.A flash of surprise crossed Shikamaru's dead-fish eyes—this kid discovered them long ago?Choji scratched his head and smiled sheepishly: "Ah, we've been found..."Then Ino walked out with a red face, followed by Shikamaru with an "I knew it" look, and Choji, who was still chewing on potato chips."Who—who's following you!" Ino stiffened her neck, though her voice was a bit weak. "We just... happened to be passing by!""Oh~ happened to be, huh."Naruto smiled and pulled back the door curtain."Then happen to come in and have some ramen together?"The five sat at the long table in the ramen shop.The atmosphere was... a bit subtle."Order whatever you want." Naruto pushed the menu to the middle, his tone as natural as if he were greeting old friends. "The Miso Chashu Ramen here is top-notch, and the Tonkotsu Ramenis also good."Hinata sat to Naruto's left, her head lowered the whole time, hands on her knees, fingers nervously twisted together. She would occasionally peek at Naruto and then quickly look away.Ino sat to Naruto's right.She deliberately straightened her back, picked up the menu, and spoke three times louder than usual: "I want Tonkotsu Ramen! With two extra servings of Chashu!""Okay." Naruto smiled and noted it down, then looked at Shikamaru and Choji. "What about you guys?""Miso, I guess." Shikamaru yawned. "What a drag, let's just eat quickly and go home to sleep.""I want an extra-large bowl!" Choji's eyes lit up.Uncle Teuchi smiled from behind the counter and started working.During the wait, the air was awkwardly quiet."Um..." Hinata suddenly spoke in a low voice, as faint as a mosquito's buzz, "Naruto-kun... thank you... for... walking me home that day...""It was nothing." Naruto turned to look at her, his smile gentle. "If anyone bullies you again in the future, remember to tell me."Hinata's face turned red again.Ino: "..."She grabbed the teacup on the table and took a large gulp of water.Shikamaru glanced at her and silently complained in his heart: This smell of jealousy can be smelled from three tables away."Naruto." Ino suddenly put down her cup and stared straight at him. "You were serious when you said you'd treat us to ramen yesterday, right?""Of course." Naruto nodded. "I keep my word.""Then..." Ino bit her lip, "next time I want to eat Three-color Dango, will you treat me too?"The question was a bit abrupt.But Naruto just smiled: "Sure, but I'll have to wait for my living allowance to arrive next month.""Hmph." Ino turned her face away. "Who knows if you'll treat someone else instead..."Halfway through, she suddenly realized something and quickly shut up.Shikamaru facepalmed.Choji looked up, confused: "Ino, what's wrong with you?""N-Nothing!"Ino's face was as red as a ripe tomato.Hinata sensed something was wrong with the atmosphere. She looked at Ino, then at Naruto, and finally whispered: "Naruto-kun... is a... very gentle person..."Choji looked up, completely bewildered: "Ino, are you angry?""No!""But your face is so red...""It's from the heat!"Shikamaru facepalmed.He looked at Naruto and found that the kid was looking on with a smile, looking innocent as if to say, "I don't know anything."Pack, Continue installing.Shikamaru complained in his heart.Fortunately, at this time, Uncle Teuchi came over with the ramen."Thanks for waiting—Special Tonkotsu Ramen, Miso Ramen, extra-large Tonkotsu, and Miso Chashu Ramen for the little lady—"The steaming ramen was placed in front of them, and the rich aroma instantly dispersed the previous awkwardness."I'm digging in!" Choji was the first to pick up his chopsticks."Dig in." Naruto smiled at Hinata. "Eat while it's hot."Hinata carefully picked up a noodle and ate it in small bites.Ino glanced at her, then at Naruto, and finally started eating her ramen huffily.Shikamaru ate slowly, his eyes darting between the three, and finally sighed.What a drag.But... it also seems quite interesting.He thought so and took another bite of noodles.Naruto sat in the middle, with the shy Hyuga Main Branch daughter on his left, the sulking little princess of the Yamanaka family on his right, and across from him were the focused little fatty of the Akimichi family and the pineapple-head of the Nara family who looked like he was tired of everything.Amidst the rising steam, the smile on the corners of his mouth never faded.This is more like it.The daily life of five-year-olds should be like this.