"Hinata Hyuga's affection for you has reached recognition, and you have received a pair of 'Winter Cold Gloves.' The girl who was helped wishes for your hands to never be cold again."
Hearing this mysterious voice, Naruto Uzumaki froze momentarily.
He reached into his pocket and found a thick pair of woolen gloves. As he put them on, he instantly felt warmth spread through his fingers.
"Is this my golden finger?"
Naruto picked up the fish basket lying nearby, his mind racing as he studied this sudden development.
He had unlocked what was called the Recognition System: if someone's favorability towards him reached the recognition level, he would receive an ability or item from them. The greater the favorability, the better the ability he could obtain. Higher levels, such as trust or even unwavering loyalty until death, would grant him skills like battle memories, ninjutsu, and even a kekkei genkai.
Helping Hinata earlier had clearly gained her favor, resulting in the Winter Cold Gloves.
"Asura's chakra and Kurama aren't enough, huh? Now I get this new cheat ability."
Naruto's face remained calm, though he found the whole situation slightly amusing.
The system's activation was straightforward: earning favorability from others. Yet, until Hinata, no one had truly recognized him—not the remnants of his parents' allies, not the villagers, not even the Third Hokage, who only visited him once every few months.
They all acknowledged his existence, but none had recognized him.
It felt like some cruel cosmic joke.
---
Walking back home through the snow, Naruto replayed the day in his mind.
He had successfully bought groceries, caught a fish almost as long as his arm, helped Hinata, and unlocked a potentially life-changing ability. Things seemed to be turning around.
But as he closed his door, blocking the bitter wind, he couldn't help but reflect deeper.
"To walk the path of the Child of Prophecy, save the world, and gain the approval of a village that despises me—do I really have to wear this mask of a hero?"
Naruto shook his head. Even without the Recognition System, his unique circumstances were enough: the Uzumaki's strong physique, his connection to Kurama, and his inherent willpower. Once he mastered these gifts, he could rise to the level of a Kage without anyone's approval.
Naruto's stomach growled, pulling him from his thoughts. Smiling wryly, he headed into the kitchen.
Tonight's meal would be the fish he caught. Since the villagers rarely sold him quality ingredients, this was his best source of protein. He cleaned and prepared the fish, frying it until golden brown, then added mushrooms and vegetables to make a hearty soup. For the staple food, he opted for rice—simple yet filling.
He wasn't the naive Naruto from the manga's early days. As a reincarnator with knowledge of his future, he understood the importance of proper nutrition. After all, malnutrition had left the original Naruto smaller than his peers, despite his Uzumaki heritage.
Half an hour later, Naruto set the steaming meal on the table. As he clasped his hands together, ready to dig in, a sudden knock at the door interrupted him.
Naruto frowned. Setting down his chopsticks, he walked over and opened the door.
Standing there was the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, clad in his ceremonial robes. As Naruto's nominal guardian, the Third Hokage had come to check on him.
"Grandpa Hokage! You finally found time to visit me," Naruto greeted with a grin.
Hiruzen chuckled warmly. "I haven't seen you in a while, so I thought I'd drop by."
The Third Hokage entered the house, casually observing Naruto's living conditions. As Hokage, Hiruzen's primary goal was to ensure Naruto, both as the son of the Fourth Hokage and the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, remained safe and mentally stable.
The inviting aroma of fish soup filled the room. Hiruzen sniffed the air appreciatively. "Smells delicious. Did you make this yourself, Naruto?"
"Yup! I was bored, so I figured I'd teach myself to cook. Do you want to stay for dinner, Grandpa Hokage?"
"Well, if you insist…" Hiruzen said with a smile, sitting down at the table.
Naruto quickly served the meal. Hiruzen was impressed by the tidiness of the house and the quality of the food. As they ate, Hiruzen couldn't help but comment, "Naruto, this soup is as good as what I'd find at an izakaya!"
Naruto grinned. "Really? Then eat up, Grandpa Hokage! You're the only one who visits me, after all."
Hiruzen paused, slightly taken aback. Naruto's words were innocent, but they carried an underlying sadness. However, Hiruzen's duties as Hokage prevented him from being there for Naruto as much as he should.
As they ate, Hiruzen brought up a common issue. "Naruto, the villagers often complain about your pranks. It would be better if you avoided causing trouble."
Naruto's expression darkened slightly. "Grandpa Hokage, I'm just a kid without parents. Why should I care what they think? They're not you."
Hiruzen sighed, unsure how to respond.
Naruto continued, his voice softening. "Besides, they call me a monster behind my back and wish I were dead. What do they expect me to do? Just disappear?"
Hiruzen froze, his eyes narrowing. "Who said that?"
Naruto hesitated before replying, "Everyone. But it's fine, Grandpa Hokage. I'm used to it."
Frowning deeply, Hiruzen promised, "I'll ensure no one calls you that again."
Naruto smiled faintly. "Thanks, Grandpa Hokage."
After dinner, Hiruzen left, but not before instructing Naruto to stay home for a while. Watching the Hokage disappear into the snow, Naruto's expression turned cold.
He knew Hiruzen was likely watching him through his crystal ball. While Naruto trusted the old man as an individual, he didn't trust the Hokage, a position bound by politics and duty.
As Naruto returned to his meal, he resolved to forge his own path—one that didn't rely on the recognition of a village that had never acknowledged him.