"Hinata's affection for you has reached recognition level. You have gained a pair of 'winter cold gloves.' The girl you helped hopes her friend's hands will no longer be cold."
Hearing the mysterious voice in his head, Naruto froze for a moment.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a pair of thick, woolen gloves. They felt soft and warm. Sliding them on, Naruto instantly felt the chill vanish from his hands.
"Is this... my golden finger?"
Naruto picked up the fish basket on the ground, pondering the peculiar ability he'd just discovered.
Apparently, he'd unlocked something called the Recognition System. The system allowed him to gain abilities or items from others once their favorability towards him reached certain thresholds. The higher their favorability, the better the rewards—abilities, memories, even ninjutsu or bloodline powers.
This pair of gloves? A result of Hinata's favor after he helped her earlier.
"Asura's chakra and the Nine-Tails weren't enough—now I've got this extra cheat code?" Naruto thought with a wry smile.
It seemed laughably simple: gain recognition, earn rewards. But the irony wasn't lost on him. Until now, nobody truly acknowledged his existence—not the old allies of his parents, not even the Third Hokage, who only visited him sporadically.
The system's activation served as a harsh reminder of his isolation.
---
The snow crunched under Naruto's sandals as he trudged home.
Inside, he shut the door against the wind and flopped onto the sofa, replaying the day's events in his mind.
He'd bought food, caught an impressive fish by the river, helped Hinata, and even unlocked his golden finger. Things were finally looking up.
But as he considered his next steps, a question lingered in his mind: Why should I have to wear a fake smile to win approval, play the role of the Son of Prophecy, or save the world for those who despise me?
Naruto clenched his fists. Even without the system, his Uzumaki bloodline and the Nine-Tails would eventually make him a powerhouse. Did he really need their recognition to thrive?
His growling stomach interrupted his thoughts. Shrugging off his frustration, he moved to the kitchen.
Tonight's dinner was simple yet satisfying—fish stew. He browned the fish until it was golden on both sides, added water, and tossed in some mushrooms and vegetables. For the staple, he cooked rice.
Unlike the ramen-obsessed Naruto from the original timeline, this reincarnated version prioritized balanced meals. He refused to let malnutrition stunt his growth.
Thirty minutes later, the fish soup was ready. Its aroma filled the room as Naruto prepared to dig in.
Just as he clasped his hands together in gratitude, there was a knock at the door.
Naruto frowned but got up to answer it. Standing outside was the Third Hokage, dressed in his ceremonial robe.
"Grandpa Hokage!" Naruto's face lit up with a rare, childlike grin.
The elderly man returned the smile warmly. "I haven't seen you in a while, so I thought I'd stop by."
He stepped inside, his eyes sweeping the tidy room. Everything from the bedding to the kitchen utensils was meticulously arranged. For an orphan with no guidance, Naruto's home was impressively clean.
Naruto gestured to the table. "Grandpa Hokage, I made fish soup! Want to join me for dinner?"
The Third Hokage chuckled. "Well, if you insist, I can't say no."
---
As they ate, the Third Hokage couldn't help but savor the meal. The fish was tender, the soup fragrant with mushrooms, and every bite left him more impressed.
"Naruto, your cooking could rival any chef at an izakaya!"
Naruto beamed at the compliment. "Really? If you like it, eat as much as you want. No one else ever visits me, anyway."
The Hokage hesitated, slightly embarrassed by the remark. Still, it reassured him that Naruto seemed to be taking care of himself.
However, the Hokage's mood darkened as he recalled complaints from the villagers about Naruto's pranks. Gently, he said, "Naruto, I've been hearing some concerns from the villagers. They say your pranks are disruptive. That's not a good thing, you know."
Naruto smirked inwardly but kept his tone light. "Grandpa Hokage, I'm just a kid without parents. They can say whatever they want about me. It's not like they're you, Grandpa Hokage."
The Hokage fell silent, unsure how to respond.
Sensing the hesitation, Naruto added, "Besides, they call me a demon fox behind my back and wish I'd just die. I can't exactly go around making friends after that, can I?"
The Hokage's eyes sharpened. "Demon fox? Who's been saying such things?"
Naruto shrugged, his voice softening. "Everyone, I guess. I'm used to it now. Maybe I really am a fox. Why else would I have no parents and no friends?"
The Third Hokage clenched his fists under the table. He'd kept Naruto's identity as the Nine-Tails' Jinchuriki a secret. How had such rumors spread?
He took a deep breath, suppressing his anger. "Naruto, I'll make sure no one calls you that again. You have my word."
Naruto gave a faint smile. "Thanks, Grandpa Hokage."
---
After finishing the meal, the Third Hokage left, his mind heavy with thoughts.
Naruto watched him go from the window, a smirk playing on his lips.
The Third Hokage thinks he's in control, but I know better.
Naruto was fully aware of the Hokage's surveillance jutsu and the political games of Konoha. But for now, he chose to play along.
Sarutobi Hiruzen was a skilled leader, but a politician at heart. And Naruto? He was no longer the naive kid from the original timeline.
If he was to survive and thrive, he needed to outmaneuver everyone—including the so-called "strongest Hokage."