Naruto had no idea about the conversations that took place in the Ichiraku Ramen shop. Even if he did, he likely wouldn't have cared.
In the village of Konoha, there were only a handful of people who truly knew his identity. Among them, the only one who interacted with him directly was the Third Hokage.
On his way home to rest, Naruto was suddenly stopped by two boys his age.
One was holding a bag of potato chips, munching on them continuously, while the other stepped forward and extended his hand.
"Hey, my name is Shikamaru Nara, and this is Choji Akimichi. We want to be your friends."
Shikamaru Nara and Choji Akimichi?!
Naruto instantly recognized the names. These two were part of the legendary Ino-Shika-Cho formation and important members of the future Twelve Konoha Ninja.
But wasn't this approach a little too straightforward? Couldn't they come up with a better excuse to initiate friendship?
Even Kurama chuckled inside him, "Kid, these two must have a hidden agenda."
Naruto, after a brief pause, extended his hand as well. "I'm Uzumaki Naruto. Sure, let's be friends. From now on, we're buddies!"
In just a few sentences, the trio seemingly became close friends. They even agreed to meet the next day in the grove.
But Naruto's eyes lingered on Shikamaru for a moment longer. He knew this lazy yet brilliant mind was likely up to something.
The Nara clan. Masters of strategy.
---
After parting ways, Choji turned to Shikamaru with a puzzled look.
"Shikamaru, don't you think you were too obvious? It's like you're telling Naruto outright that we're here with an agenda."
Shikamaru, hands stuffed in his pockets, watched Naruto's retreating figure.
"I considered more subtle ways, but they all seemed forced. Being direct was the best approach. Besides, our dads already gave us the green light."
Choji stuffed more chips into his mouth but didn't argue further.
What Shikamaru didn't say was that he genuinely wanted to be friends with Naruto after observing him. Despite the malice of the villagers, Naruto endured it all with unwavering spirit. A person like that wasn't ordinary.
---
The next day, Naruto met Shikamaru and Choji at the grove.
Naruto suspected the two had been encouraged by their parents—key figures in the village who knew his true identity. Their actions likely reflected the village's shifting attitude toward him.
As they gathered, Naruto suggested a game of ninja playhouse, reenacting missions and battles.
Choji frowned. "Play fighting? I thought we were just hanging out. Why do we have to spar?"
Shikamaru sighed. "It's troublesome, but… I don't see a reason to refuse."
Reluctantly, the two agreed. What began as casual play soon escalated into an energetic sparring session, revealing each boy's budding potential.
---
Inside the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage smiled as he observed the trio through his crystal ball.
He wasn't surprised by how quickly Naruto bonded with Shikamaru and Choji. Their fathers, Nara Shikaku and Akimichi Choza, had been teammates of Naruto's father, Minato. They had readily agreed to the arrangement.
The Hokage was, however, impressed by Naruto's progress.
In just two months, Naruto had not only learned to extract chakra but also demonstrated remarkable aptitude in physical combat. With a bit more training, he could easily graduate from the academy.
Naruto's potential reminded him of prodigies like Kakashi and Uchiha Itachi.
But there was still work to be done. While Naruto's abilities were undeniable, the emotional bond between them wasn't yet strong enough.
---
As the Hokage reflected, the door to his office opened. In walked Danzo, his ever-controversial advisor, wrapped in bandages with only one eye visible.
The smell of tobacco filled the room, causing Danzo to frown.
"Sarutobi, your bad habit of smoking is unbecoming of a leader. It clouds your judgment."
The Third Hokage chuckled. "Danzo, I've been off the front lines for a while. The scent helps me think. Besides, we must let the younger generation take charge."
Danzo's sharp gaze landed on the crystal ball.
"That's the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki? He seems to be progressing well. But I still believe he would grow best under my care."
The Hokage's expression darkened. "You mean turning him into a mindless weapon under Root's training?"
Danzo's tone was indifferent. "A Jinchuriki is a weapon, Sarutobi. If trained properly, he could prevent tragedies like the one we just endured on the Yunyin battlefield. Our losses were staggering because we lacked a powerful deterrent."
The Third Hokage sighed. "And whose fault is that? The village hasn't recovered since the Nine-Tails' attack."
Danzo's single eye glinted with cold calculation. "Which is why I insist on taking the Jinchuriki. Give me three years, and I'll shape him into a Jonin. He'll be the perfect tool to avenge the Leaf."
The Hokage met Danzo's gaze, his voice steady. "Konoha doesn't need weapons like Iwagakure's Han or Roshi. What we need is someone like Killer Bee—a Jinchuriki with heart and loyalty."
Danzo studied him for a long moment before replying in a low tone.
"Very well. But if you falter, Sarutobi, I will take the Jinchuriki from you."
The Hokage's eyes hardened.
"That day will never come, Danzo."