So I considered for this chapter who to introduce 1st, and if I was going to change perspective. I decided that we'll probably stay in Kurama's perspective but it's still in the back of my mind of writing someone else.
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Kurama knew objectively that he should probably be more careful, but that was no fun. Of course, he didn't make big mistakes, but he let little things get past him and shown to the outside world. It honestly probably just raised more questions which made him more suspicious.
But how else was he supposed to entertain himself currently?
It had been roughly a week since Kurama met Naruto, and he decided he'll probably make it a weekly thing. That kid needed all the positive attention he could get, and if him getting close to Naruto also got closer to what happened to the bijuu, well that was his business.
Kurama could admit to himself that he was hoping for the silver-haired shinobi (what an odd choice of a word for warrior in this dimension) to appear. So far, he saw other shinobi in passing but nothing really interesting, which was a shame.
Maybe Kurama should become more serious about all of this because his children seemed to be suffering, but Kurama had a feeling it wasn't an immediate fix. And it wasn't as if he was ignoring his children while he was playing around with the locals, he was also gathering more data on the differences of this current dimension and when he was last here.
It honestly hadn't taken him long to learn about the Kyuubi attack on Konoha roughly 10 years ago. But that didn't really make sense to Kurama because the bijuu usually tried to stay away from humans. It wasn't like them to go to civilization to cause havoc. Granted, he hasn't been back in a long time, but that was how they fundamentally were; not hiding from humans, but not really engaging with them either.
Still, an attack didn't really warrant his eldest's soul being ripped in half. He could vaguely understand the imprisonment, it was just a human response; something too powerful and something goes wrong and obviously humans have to contain it immediately.
Having the bijuu souls ripped in half better not be a pattern, because if it is, the bijuu will be the least of the humans concerns.
Though with the pass of another week, Kurama started considering maybe buying a place here. He obviously had the house in the forest, but that was relatively far away and would be a hassle to trek back and forth just for rest.
Apparently, Kurama sleeping in a tree was being more noticed and apparently it made the shinobi twitchy. It would be nice to have his own place, and if he does stay here, it might help Naruto in the long run to know someone was nearby that cared.
That also brought up the name of village at large: Konohagakure, or Village Hidden in the Leaves, or Konoha for short. It was a very apt name with the surrounding forest but still an interesting choice.
Another thing to note though was apparently he was being competition for a local flower shop that was run by one of the clans (what another weird thing to have). Now, growing and selling plants was basically what Kurama was good at, but he also didn't want the clans to notice him.
It was one thing to have that silver-haired shinobi notice him, along with his consistent guards, it was another to provoke an entire clan. (That was a later idea if he got too bored though.)
Back to the main point, Kurama had just sat down at Ramen Ichiraku. He had timed it to be roughly after the academies (for civilians and for shinobi) let out. He figured that Naruto frequented this place around this time, and even if he didn't, Kurama was willing to wait.
It helped immensely that the owners seemed to accept his presence more than just normal customers; probably because of how he treated Naruto.
The ramen was just being set down in front of him when he felt Naruto and his eldest's energy. Seconds later, he could hear Naruto's yelling. Though it seemed as Naruto was bringing someone today; that was a pleasant surprise.
With how the population generally treated Naruto, Kurama didn't think there was anyone who cared for the boy.
Naruto had entered first but was quickly followed by a shinobi. At least that proved to Kurama his theory that Naruto was training to be a shinobi was correct. With just how Naruto acted in general, along with general hatred from the civilians, he probably sought an area that wasn't as full of hatred.
He had noticed that the shinobi were pretty divided on how to look or treat Naruto but they generally left him alone, rather than scorn him. Though there were always outliers; like that silver-haired shinobi that seemed to have a personal connection.
Sounds just like a good mystery to Kurama; it wasn't as fun as word games, but it was something to consider.
The man that entered behind Naruto wasn't really extraordinary. There was a large scar that went across his nose, but he still was normal looking with his dark hair and eyes. He seemed to be wearing the standard uniform (or at least it was the most common he saw worn with the shinobi) with his headband tied around his forehead.
And how weird was that, these hitai-ates, that declared the person a competent warrior and also declaring their allegiance. Apparently, each village had a different symbol, but he hadn't seen any besides Konoha.
Kurama wasn't planning on sticking here completely, sure he would buy a place, but he obviously still had beings to find and only half of one was here. He would have to make sure to ask for a map before he goes, he knew the general lay of the land but not where the borders were.
Kurama carefully didn't react to the both of them coming in, but he still noted that the shinobi following Naruto still cataloged his presence in the shop.
"Iruka-sensei, I'm telling you, ramen is the food of the gods." Naruto proclaimed as he found a seat and immediately ordered.
Oh? This must be a teacher from the academy. Interesting that this is someone who cared for Naruto, though pleasant to know that at least someone at the academy cared. Education was important, especially in the shinobi academy where you learned things that could mean life or death in the field.
Iruka, he was guessing, looked fondly exasperated by Naruto's comment. This seemed to be a common topic then; not really a surprise seeing how much Naruto loved ramen in general.
He sat next to Naruto and also ordered before turning slightly to show he was paying attention to whatever Naruto was going on about.
So it wasn't just a fake fondness to get past Naruto's barriers, it was actual care, interesting. This made Iruka another outlier within the whole village. (And wasn't that a sad thought.)
But with how they were seated, Naruto turning to talk to Iruka instantly noticed Kurama a few seats down. Weariness and uncertainty flashed in Naruto's eyes as he looked at the red-head, as if not sure he would be welcomed anymore.
Iruka had instantly noticed and had tensed just the slightest bit. Kurama quickly defused the situation though by giving Naruto a warm smile and saying, "Hello Naruto-kun, it's good to see you again."
Naruto may have instantly relaxed and was back to smiling happily, but Iruka was now turning to look at Kurama, still slightly tense. Seems that Iruka did know that some people only pretended to be kind to Naruto to further hurt him.
Iruka was becoming Kurama's favorite person in Konoha at this point (well besides Naruto but he was planning on adopting the kid so it didn't count). Actual care for Naruto, was an academy teacher, and weariness when dealing with the rest of the population concerning Naruto in any capacity.
But Kurama's smile didn't falter at all when he made eye contact with the man, still smiling warmly. It was a bold move from Kurama, especially so early in their interactions, but he wanted to see if this man would stay steady in the face of another.
There was caution and weariness in those dark eyes, with maybe a hint of curiosity. But they held eye contact for a solid second, neither quite willing to back down from the other.
Kurama's smile widened at this and called out, "Naruto-kun, why don't you introduce me to your friend?"
"Oh yeah! Iruka-sensei this is Minato-san, Minato-san, this is Iruka-sensei." Naruto loudly declared.
Kurama couldn't, and didn't want to, stop his smile from becoming fond as he glanced at Naruto after that introduction. This small action though seemed to cause Iruka to relax just the tiniest bit; still not fully relaxed, but also not high strung.
"Iruka Umino at your service Minato-san." Iruka offered a smile and his hand.
That was interesting though. Iruka had twitched just a tiny bit when saying his name, meaning he knew about the previous leader that had part of his name. Well, to be fair, as an academy teacher, hopefully he did know this information.
"Kurama Minato, it is a pleasure to meet you. I assume you teach at the academy?" Kurama shook the man's hand and then returned a little bit to his food.
Kurama might have deduced that he was a teacher, but it never hurt to fact check. It wouldn't do to jump to the wrong conclusions because you didn't verify information when you had the chance.
At the mention of the academy though, Iruka seemed to almost fully relax (shinobi were always tense just in case) and gave a warmer smile.
"Yeah I teach. I haven't seen you around before, are you just visiting then?" Iruka began as his own food was served.
Kurama decided that he would rather talk after his meal, especially because he was more than half-way done. Luckily, Iruka had the same idea and turned to his own food. Naruto was still consuming an enormous amount of ramen while making some comments.
Kurama figured that Naruto probably didn't like complete silence, but also understood that he couldn't talk and eat at the same time.
As soon as Kurama finished though, he ordered some green tea.
Kurama was amused to note that even relaxed, shinobi consistently tried to figure out why he was here. He wondered if that was an actual thought or it was just subconscious at this point.
"I was visiting for a bit, but I think I might be planning to buy a place here."
This news apparently managed to stop Naruto from eating, whipping his head to the side to look at Kurama with large eyes. Kurama gave him a gentle smile in slight reassurance that he will still care for Naruto.
Iruka obviously noted the interaction but didn't comment on it. "It is certainly beautiful here, I love the greenery. You wouldn't happen to know of any apartments that are open do you?" Kurama continued, not wanting the conversation to die quite yet.
Before Iruka could even think about it, Naruto burst out, "You can buy an apartment in my building! I know some of the apartments on my floor are vacant right now!"
Iruka immediately grimaced but tried to cover it up. That action could mean a couple of things though. Either the apartments weren't in the best area (would make sense with Naruto's treatment), or it was something more. It was quite possible that Naruto's building was restricted to shinobi only (what a different concept, keeping all your warriors in one place) and Naruto wasn't supposed to offer up the information that there were vacancies.
Probably because of option 1 but option 2 was still a possibility on some level.
Before Iruka could make a comment though, Kurama instantly answered, "I would like that. Maybe you can show me your building soon so I can figure out finances?"
Iruka's eyes hardened a little at that suggestion, but before it could devolve further and make Iruka even more guarded, Kurama continued, "Of course, Umino-san can come with us as I'm sure he could tell me more things about the area."
Iruka's eyes were still hard and they were now assessing Kurama a little bit, but only out of the corner of his eye. So he's suspicious, but not completely yet. But then Iruka turns to face Kurama and plasters a smile on his face while he was now openly assessing Kurama. He might have spoken too soon about the level of suspicion.
And with that look in Iruka's eye, Kurama's threat level probably just went up mentally.
Normally he would be more subtle and actually do research beforehand, but this was an opportune moment, even if Iruka was more weary around him now.
"I would love to accompany you!" Iruka said, still with his smile and sharp eyes.
Naruto, oblivious to what was happening, shouted out in excitement and fist pumped the air. Kurama still had his default polite smile, out of habit, but he purposely didn't look at Naruto with the movement.
At this point Iruka had finished eating and had twisted his body a little to be slightly defensive but still keeping his attention on Kurama.
"Where did you say you came from?" Iruka finally pushed, straightening his back a little.
Not as fun as the silver-haired man, but it seemed like it was time for word games.
"I didn't." Kurama basically chirped.
He probably shouldn't be antagonizing the suspicious shinobi; but he had gotten bored over this last week and he loved his games.
"Oh, then where did you come from? Was it a cool village? Are you a shinobi? Do you know any special jutsu? I'm going to be a ninja! And then be the Hokage, believe it!" Naruto finally burst in.
Kurama didn't stop the chuckle that escaped him at Naruto's declaration. This added another layer to his word game, they had to play it in a way including Naruto without giving away that they were playing.
Iruka had smiled, but now refused to let Kurama out of his eyesight. "I come from a very remote place, this is my first time in Konoha. I am not a shinobi, but I do know how to fight a little. And I'm sure you will make a splendid shinobi and Hokage if your pranking abilities are any indications."
Kurama answered the questions while not giving away too much. Iruka's eyes had narrowed slightly at his admission of this being his first time in Konoha, and had turned his body a little more to face Kurama when he said he could fight a little.
Naruto on the other hand, flushed from the praise and ducked his head. If it wasn't so tense, Kurama would have tried to reach over and ruffle his hair. But alas, he had gone from unimportant to civilian to possible threat within a short amount of time. Kurama was pretty sure if he tried to do it right now, not only would Iruka stop him, but he might stab Kurama.
He didn't look like a stab happy shinobi, but you never know. Especially as it would involve Naruto, who had proven to be important to Iruka in some sense and he was now a possible threat.
Kurama had a feeling the owners knew that something was going down but couldn't quite tell what.
At this point, Naruto was completely finished and was practically vibrating in his seat. "Let's go then!"
Iruka gave Kurama a long hard stare as Kurama smiled politely back. Kurama finished the last of his tea and started to pull out payment. Naruto started teasing the man about paying for him and Iruka started to act out his emotions. But those eyes remained hard and attentive and never let Kurama out of his sight.
Iruka also paid for him and Naruto, with minimal fuss. Naruto shot up, ran to Kurama, grabbed his hand, and started tugging him out of the restaurant chattering about how awesome it would be if Kurama lived in the same building.
No longer in Naruto's sight, even for a second, Iruka's mask dropped immediately and he stared even harder at Kurama. Just daring the man to do or say something out of line.
Luckily for Iruka, and Kurama's continued health probably, Kurama was being genuine in needing an apartment with no ulterior motives.
But those dark eyes promised pain and consequences if Kurama even thought of toeing the line. Kurama would do no such thing! (Well, as far as others needed to know.)