In the early morning, as the first rays of sunlight streamed into the room, young Naruto rubbed his eyes, slowly opened them, and gazed at the unfamiliar ceiling. After a while, it finally dawned on Naruto... he was no longer in Konoha.
Yesterday, after discreetly neutralizing all the ninjas tailing him, he slipped out of the village. Grandpa Yoshinori then brought him to this place. then brought him here. Actually, before this, Naruto was unaware that someone had been tracking him. It was only after Elder Yoshinori scolded the Third Hokage that Naruto secretly discovered it.
From a young age, Naruto understood that he didn't have parents, but he couldn't comprehend why everyone in the village disliked him. Each time he ventured out, people would cast disdainful looks his way. The Third Hokage, in his monthly visits, provided some comfort and a living allowance. However, these visits were brief, as the Third Hokage, being the revered protector of the village, had limited time to spare with Naruto.
Yet, on every birthday, Elder Yoshinori would bring numerous people to the village. Those were the happiest moments for Naruto, as many who didn't harbor ill feelings towards him would arrive. Elder Yoshinori, during these times, would offer birthday gifts, claiming that Naruto had numerous caring relatives who missed him and would assure him not to be afraid of anyone.
Furthermore, during that period, the Third Hokage would have more leisure, spending time with Naruto alongside Elder Yoshinori. However, Naruto couldn't help but also notice the Third Hokage would always keep a constant gaze toward Elder Yoshinori.
Yet, Elder Yoshinori and others weren't residents of Konoha, they would visit only once a year, staying for a few brief days before departing. During those periods, Naruto couldn't help but feel a deep sense of loneliness.
The four-year-old Naruto, already filled with questions, wondered why his relatives didn't reside in Konoha. Driven by a desire to meet those who supposedly didn't harbor disdain for him, he secretly followed Elder Yoshinori out of the village.
To his surprise, upon arriving here, he encountered many individuals who didn't treat him with disdain. There was a little sister who referred to him as 'big brother,' and a woman who claimed to be his mother.
Speaking of which, Was she truly his mother? Though, There was indeed a familiar feeling. However, when he first saw her, she was very gentle. But after a while, Mom's demeanor changed... how should he put it? Because he didn't call her 'Mom,' she punched him on the head.
The abrupt change left Naruto bewildered. Despite the initial gentleness, the sudden shift in behavior, coupled with the painful punch, left him with mixed feelings. Nevertheless, he now seemed to have a mother.
Yet, questions lingered. Why did Mom live here while he resided in Konoha? Why did she express the intention to beat the Third Hokage? And Where was Dad? What led the people in Konoha to dislike him? The young Naruto... had numerous questions awaiting answers.
"Naruto, are you awake?" At that moment, a familiar voice echoed from outside the door. Despite its loudness, it brought a sense of comfort to Naruto. The voice continued, "Your Aunt Fuso has prepared breakfast. After eating, Mom will take you to play. Hahaha~, there are many interesting places here. You'll definitely like it."
Hearing this, Naruto's small face reflected surprise, and he quickly got up from the bed. Although Mom had offered to sleep with him last night, he declined. It was an unfamiliar place, and despite his mischievous nature in Konoha, suddenly finding himself in a different environment made him a little scared. After a moment, Naruto walked out of the room.
"Look at how skinny my child has become. He must not have eaten well in Konoha." Kushina observed Naruto, approached him, pinched his cheek, and spoke with indignation, "That old man, the Third Hokage, actually didn't keep his promise. It's really hateful. If he is caught..."
However, she abruptly halted her words and didn't proceed. Lowering her head to look at Naruto before her, she shifted to a cheerful tone, "Come on! Wash up first, then have breakfast. Your Aunt Fuso's cooking is very delicious."
Soon after, under the guidance of his self-proclaimed mother, Naruto, having finished washing up, arrived at the dining room. There, he found Aunt Fuso and the little sister from last night, who appeared a bit sleepy. However, upon seeing him, she still cheerfully exclaimed, "Big Brother Naruto!"
For some reason, her eyes blinked rapidly, constantly fixated on him, making him feel a bit awkward.
"Nice to meet you," Naruto said with a hint of awkwardness. "I'm Naruto Uzumaki."
"I'm Karin Kusano!" Karin responded enthusiastically as she also introduced herself.
"Huh, it's not Uzumaki?" Naruto questioned upon hearing this, as he assumed that if she was calling him 'Big Brother,' she should be related to him and also bear the Uzumaki name.
Karin appeared puzzled by Naruto's reaction. She cutely tilted her head, but recalling what her dad had mentioned, her little face turned expectant as she looked at Naruto, "Big Brother Naruto, do you have a cat that can breathe fire?"
A cat? Naruto was bewildered; he didn't have one. On the sidelines, Fuso and Kushina, upon hearing this innocent question, couldn't help but smile helplessly.
They were aware that this was a tale concocted by Akihiko to amuse his daughter—the legend of the Sacred Fire Cat. In reality, there were many other imaginative creatures in the story, such as a tsundere fox that liked playing with balls and a mischievous monkey, and so on.
However, Karin developed a particular fondness for the fire-breathing cat and consistently expressed her desire to have one as a pet. Akihiko, in retrospect, regretted sharing such a fantastical story. But the challenge was apparent—where could they find a cat capable of breathing fire? two-tails? Eventually, Akihiko had to come up with a random excuse.
Fuso chuckled helplessly, gently setting Karin down, and remarked, "Alright! Let's dig into breakfast. And... Akihiko and Kana actually let their daughter sneak over here last night."
"Kana is such a kind and gentle mother." Kushina smiled, nodding in agreement, "And it's all because they trust Fuso so much."
The lively conversation continued as they all began to enjoy their breakfast. Observing this heartwarming scene, Naruto couldn't help but smile. Typically, except for occasional visits from the Third Hokage, he would have breakfast alone. But today, he had so many people around him, sharing a meal.
With his mom serving him and Karin cheerfully offering him vegetables, Naruto felt a sense of warmth. Having a mom and so many caring individuals meant a lot to him.
Yet, one question lingered in his mind—where was Dad? Why hadn't he seen him yet? Naruto cast an envious glance at Karin, who was happily eating, and recalled the black-haired uncle who had patted his head the day before.
Where could Dad be? Was he also here? The thought lit up Naruto's eyes. After all, if Mom was here, maybe Dad was too?
…
"Ugh~" Akihiko lazily stretched, then shook his head in a somewhat helpless manner. He took a sip of the tea that Kana handed him and looked at her, who seemed a bit concerned. "If you're worried, just go check."
"No, I'm just concerned that Karin might disrupt Kushina and Naruto. Today is a significant day for them as mother and son." Kana sighed with a sense of helplessness, shaking her head. She then directed a slightly accusatory gaze at Akihiko. "It's all your fault, saying that Kushina's family keeps a cat that can breathe fire!"
"Hehe~" Akihiko grinned awkwardly. His intention was merely to comfort the child back then, not expecting Karin to remember it so vividly. Today, he had no plans to disturb them, but unexpectedly, Fuso didn't send Karin back.
It's fine. With Fuso taking care of them, there's no need to worry. Besides, Karin's presence might help Kushina and Naruto relax more, don't you think?" Akihiko reassured with a smile.
"I didn't think it would be this challenging for a child." Kana sighed, her expression reflecting a mix of emotions. "I didn't expect even dignified Konoha to treat a child like this, especially the child of the Fourth Hokage!"
"Let's not discuss this now. It's still early, and it's time to recharge our energy." Akihiko checked the time, approached Kana, and smiled. "We might get busy again soon."
However, as soon as he finished speaking, "Ding dong, ding dong!" The doorbell rang, and outside came an excited and familiar voice. "Leader Akihiko, I heard there's an esteemed guest? I specially took the train early in the morning to come. Moreover, really, as the leader, you're still not working at this hour? Leader Akihiko, open the door! Huh... Are you not here? Are you next door?"