(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 20 chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)
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"998!"
"999!"
"1000!"
"Whew! Finally finished!"
Setting down his specialized training equipment, Colt plopped down on the ground and exhaled deeply.
It was the cold of winter, yet sweat still beaded his brow.
One could only imagine the intensity of his training regimen.
Over half a month had passed since Colt obtained the Healer's Benevolence System.
Rather than rushing to cure ailments and extract abilities from others, Colt insisted on his usual physical conditioning routine.
Just dialed up to an even more extreme degree.
With the system's healing technique, though unable to extract from himself anymore, he no longer feared excessive strain from overexertion.
Any aches, bruises, or minor injuries could be instantly mended.
In this ideal training environment, Colt had been pushing his limits recklessly for over two weeks, resulting in drastic attribute growth:
[Name: Colt]
[Age: 4 years old]
[Constitution: 14.5 (Senju Bloodline Awakened)]
[Spirit: 12.5]
[Chakra: 15.5 (Note: Standard Genin levels are 10)]
[Skills: Chakra Control Level 1 (16/100)]
[Chakra Natures: Wind, Lightning]
[Points: 0]
[Comments: Low Genin level, with Bloodline advantage, can surpass newly graduated Sakura Haruno.]
Colt nodded in satisfaction, itching to measure up against the pink-haired bookworm. After all, he was so young right now.
Such accelerated growth would terrify most observers, yet carried no hidden risks whatsoever.
Moreover, at a mere four years old, his physical prime remained years away.
This was just the starting point.
The past two weeks of intensified training did empty Colt's reserves considerably though.
Were it not for his monthly orphan's stipend, he would have run out of food money already.
Speaking of which, the Third Hokage had been extraordinarily generous to him, providing even more funds than typical orphans.
Not only keeping him in his family home rather than an orphanage like most.
Only Naruto received that level of special treatment in the original story.
Colt estimated his birth parents must have had some connection to the village leader.
Lost in thought, Colt changed into his outdoor attire and prepared to restock supplies.
May as well settle the food situation while out.
Leaving his modest home, Colt made his way toward the commercial district, soon arriving at his intended destination:
Ichiraku Ramen!
The most famous restaurant in all the Hidden Leaf, there was no way Colt could neglect it.
In truth, Ichiraku ramen was renowned for its excellent taste and affordable prices as much as its legendary status.
Many tourists visiting Konoha made a point to eat there at least once.
Eyeing the lengthy queue out front, Colt smiled slyly before bypassing the line entirely.
"Hiya Old Man!" He announced brazenly upon entering, shamelessly milking his childish charm.
The ramen chef, head buried in kneading dough, glanced up at the familiar voice calling out.
"Well if it isn't young Colt! Been a while since your last visit, eh?" (Colto-ka, hisashiburidana!)
"I'll have the usual!"
Colt nodded, then shook his head.
"Actually, make that a double order this time. With all the training I've been doing lately it's okay to do it."
The chef smirked knowingly.
"You got it kid - two large pork bone ramen specials, on the house! Keep growing good and strong!"
"Thanks so much, Old Man Teuchi!" Colt replied gratefully, unashamed to accept the kind generosity.
The two were quite familiar by now - Teuchi would scold him for waiting in that massive line like a nobody.
After all, didn't Colt deserve VIP treatment as one of Ichiraku's best regulars?
In the eyes of young Colt, the humble ramen chef held legendary "Ichiraku Otsutsuki" status, not to be underestimated.
Perhaps an existence akin to Konoha's fabled Celestial Gates Guard as a hidden boss lurking behind the scenes.
True to his esteemed skill, Teuchi's movements were lightning fast - within mere minutes, two steaming bowls of hearty ramen were set before Colt.
"Let's dig in!"
With a vigorous shout, Colt began devouring the delectable noodles with relish.
In truth, he hadn't meant to be so boisterous, but old habits from another life proved difficult to shake off at times.
Teuchi rested his chin in one hand, smiling fondly as he watched the young boy ravenously enjoy his signature cooking.
"Slow down there, Colt - no need to rush. I'll whip up another bowl if this isn't enough."
Sliding a cup of hot tea over, the chef continued indulging his favorite tiny customer.
For this polite and respectful child, Teuchi held a special fondness akin to his own son.
The immersed Colt could only mumble out a few appreciative noises, slowing his furious pace.
No wonder he devoured the meal so intensely - he worked up quite the appetite from his brutal morning workout regimen.
Coupled with Teuchi's masterful culinary skills, even the simplest ramen and pork toppings gained depths of savory deliciousness Colt couldn't resist.
As Colt prepared to take his leave after finishing, Teuchi made one final comment:
"Say, there's another regular customer around your age who's an even bigger fan of my ramen than you are. I'll have to introduce you two next time."
Colt paused momentarily, the gears turning as he swiftly deduced who the chef referred to.
Uzumaki Naruto?
It had to be - when it came to an obsessive love for Ichiraku ramen, not even three of Colt could match a single Naruto.
After all, this humble ramen stand represented far more than just a place to eat for the jinchuuriki outcast.
It was one of the precious few locations in the whole village where Naruto never faced cold prejudice.
Colt accepted Teuchi's suggestion about meeting this other ramen fanatic with grace.
Though ninja operatives were undoubtedly monitoring Naruto constantly, Colt held no trepidation whatsoever.
His own background and status as an innocent child allowed him to intersect with the jinchuuriki's life unimpeded.
Didn't the Ino-Shika-Cho trio and Inuzuka clan treat Naruto as a good friend despite his status?
The ignorance of some civilians didn't mean all shinobi were fools regarding Naruto's circumstances.
Jinchuuriki, Demon Fox, October 10th birthday - all too obvious once pieced together.
Even without the Third's explicit disclosure, Konoha's ninja could deduce the truth behind the supposed "orphan."
This mischievous kid was royalty among their ranks.