In the early morning, when the sky was just beginning to lighten, the world was wrapped in a soft, peaceful veil of tranquility.
Behind Konoha, a winding stream flowed like a freehand brushstroke across the green landscape. The mist hung lightly above the water, creating a sense of mystery as it danced in the soft morning breeze. The sun's golden rays filtered through the mist, causing the water to sparkle as if tiny diamonds were scattered across its surface. The water moved slowly and clearly, allowing glimpses of pebbles and plants at the riverbed, while the occasional fish leapt out, only to dive back in with a splash that caused ripples to spread across the water.
The riverbanks were lined with tall trees, droplets of dew clinging to the leaves, reflecting the sunlight. The breeze rustled through the leaves, mingling with the distant chirping of birds, as the dewdrops fell gently into the water, causing more ripples to spread across the calm surface.
Naruto stood in the water, his bare feet grounded in the cool stream. His pants were rolled up, and his upper body was bare, the morning light illuminating his muscles. Despite the flow of water around him, Naruto stood completely still, his eyes squinted slightly, only the faintest hint of blue visible through the narrow slits.
He had been standing there for a while, his clothes damp from the splashes of the stream. The peacefulness of the moment was interrupted when three small fish suddenly leaped out of the water. Naruto's eyes snapped open, widening with focus. The fish seemed frozen in mid-air for a split second before Naruto's hand shot forward, his wooden stick thrusting with speed and precision. In an instant, the fish were skewered.
"Breakfast, solved," Naruto said with a grin, grabbing the fish and heading toward the nearby campfire.
His campsite was simple, a small tent with a bonfire nearby. He had been living here for a few months now, away from the village. The solitude gave him the space to train and focus, far from the judgmental stares and whispers of the villagers.
Naruto's mind drifted back to the day Sarutobi Hiruzen had first come to visit him. The Hokage had been suspicious when he learned that Naruto had started refining chakra without any guidance. But Naruto had quickly deflected any concerns, blaming it all on the Nine-Tails sealed within him.
The fox had appeared to him in a dream, offering its help in exchange for cooperation. The fox promised that by following its advice, Naruto could earn the recognition of the villagers. It had even offered to teach him powerful ninjutsu if the seal was ever broken, but Naruto knew better than to trust the fox completely.
Hiruzen had come to check on the seal, fearing that Naruto might have unlocked the Nine-Tails' power, but upon confirming the seal was intact, the Hokage had breathed a sigh of relief. He'd left, assuring Naruto that if he wanted to learn ninjutsu, he could always come to him.
Since then, the Hokage had made frequent visits to check on Naruto's progress.
Naruto cleaned and skewered the fish, roasting them over the fire. As the fish neared readiness, he heard footsteps approaching from behind. He didn't need to turn around to know who it was. Sure enough, Sarutobi Hiruzen appeared, looking slightly weary but offering Naruto a warm smile.
"Naruto, it's been a while. Grilled fish again this morning?"
Naruto couldn't help but grumble inwardly. *Why is this old man always showing up so early? Does he have no one else to cook for him in the village?*
Despite his internal complaint, Naruto grinned brightly and waved. "Grandpa Hokage! Want some fish?"
Without hesitation, Naruto offered one of the nearly finished fish to the older man, who took it with a grateful smile.
"Thank you, Naruto. You're too kind."
Naruto suppressed a groan. *This old man really takes everything seriously. He doesn't even realize that I needed those three fish for myself.*
The Nine-Tails' voice echoed in his mind. *If you don't want to give him the fish, just say so. Why all the drama?*
Naruto grinned. *What do you know? If I don't give it to him, he'll drag me into an Anbu mission tomorrow and lecture me about the "will of fire" until my ears fall off. This grilled fish might be small, but it carries all my "fire will" in it.*
The Nine-Tails huffed in annoyance. *Humans… always so complicated.*
*That's why you're sealed inside me,* Naruto thought with a smirk.
"Watch out for the bones, Grandpa Hokage," Naruto warned, trying to keep his tone light.
Sarutobi Hiruzen chuckled. "I'll be careful."
The two sat together by the fire, enjoying the warmth and simple pleasure of breakfast. Despite the early hour and the long road ahead, there was a sense of peace between them, a quiet understanding.
After finishing their meal, Sarutobi Hiruzen leaned back and regarded Naruto with a thoughtful expression. "Naruto, do you plan to practice today?"
Naruto nodded eagerly. "Yes. I want to get stronger, so I can protect the village and show everyone that I belong here. I want them to accept me."
Naruto's thoughts briefly returned to the cheat he had received upon arriving in this world. At first, he'd hoped for an instant boost in power, but his chakra mastery system had triggered only once, leaving him frustrated. In the meantime, he had been relying on his other cheat—the Nine Meteor Tears Lama. The fox's chakra combined with his Uzumaki heritage gave him the strength to push through, even if it meant training to the brink of exhaustion.
Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled warmly, his gaze shifting to the boulder nearby, now covered with deep impressions from Naruto's training—a testament to his dedication. "You're a good kid, Naruto. One day, everyone will recognize you. You'll be the hero of Konoha."
Naruto's face lit up with determination. "I'll make it happen, I swear. Just you wait."
Hiruzen's eyes softened as he regarded the young boy before him. "I believe in you, Naruto."
Naruto's expression faltered for a moment, hesitation creeping in as he looked up at the Hokage. "Grandpa Hokage, there's something I want to ask. I've mastered the Shadow Clone Technique and Rasengan. Can you teach me a new jutsu?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes widened slightly, a look of surprise crossing his face. He had observed Naruto's progress from a distance, but hearing it confirmed in person was something else.
"Minato's son truly is remarkable," Hiruzen thought to himself. "You've made great strides, Naruto."
Naruto, sensing the change in Hiruzen's expression, rubbed the back of his head, slightly embarrassed. "I want to be like the Fourth Hokage… a hero who protects the village."
Hiruzen smiled softly, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. "You're well on your way, Naruto. Your potential is greater than even the Fourth Hokage's, and one day, you'll surpass us all."
Naruto's eyes gleamed with newfound determination as he stood tall. "Then teach me, Grandpa Hokage. I'll learn whatever it takes."
The Hokage nodded, his eyes full of pride. "Very well, Naruto. Let's begin today with the basics of chakra nature transformation."