(Five Years Later)
In Naruto Uzumaki's earliest years, the village of Konoha watched him from a distance, treating him with coldness, suspicion, and, at times, outright fear. As the Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails, Naruto was viewed with mistrust by most of the villagers, many of whom could not see past the fox spirit sealed within him. This ostracism was something Naruto was aware of even as a small child, though he could never fully understand why he was treated differently.
From the beginning, Naruto was no ordinary child. He took his first steps much sooner than the caretakers at the orphanage expected, toddling around with a fierce determination to explore every corner of his limited world. He was curious and energetic, a trait that would become a defining part of his personality. His first words, spoken with surprising clarity, were a mix of questions and observations, hinting at a deep intelligence even he didn't yet understand.
The caretakers at the orphanage, while dutiful in their care, were not affectionate. They looked after Naruto's basic needs due to hokage's order and but kept their distance, not wanting to be influenced by the whispered rumors about the "fox child." Naruto sensed their unease, their denial to offer him the same warmth they showed the other children. Still, he remained resilient, finding small ways to entertain himself and taking every chance to learn new things, whether it was from observing others or figuring things out on his own.
Unbeknownst to Naruto, he possessed a gift that set him apart from other children—a unique inheritance of knowledge and skill from his parents. This transfer of knowledge, though he did not know it yet, had gradually become his own over the past five years, shaping his thoughts and instincts. Complex ideas and strategies began to come naturally to him, even if he couldn't fully articulate them. When he saw older children practicing hand signs or talking about ninja techniques, he would mimic their movements, instinctively grasping basic forms and concepts without knowing why.
Despite his young age, Naruto exhibited a level of intelligence. He seemed drawn to puzzles and patterns, even creating his own little games and challenges to keep himself from thinking of villages hatred.
Outside the orphanage, Naruto encountered the cold, hostile stares of the villagers. Even as a toddler, he could sense the hatred in their expressions, the way they would step back when he walked by, or mutter under their breath. While he didn't yet understand the reason, he felt the isolation keenly. He saw other children receive smiles and friendly words, while he was often met with scowls and dismissive glares.
The village's treatment left him with a quiet loneliness that was difficult to ignore. He would often linger at the edge of playgrounds, watching other children play but hesitating to join them. Every time he tried, he would be met with rejection, subtle or overt. Some children, following their parents' cues, would avoid him or refuse to speak to him, leaving Naruto to watch from a distance, pretending not to care.
Despite this treatment, Naruto held onto a fierce determination to find happiness, even in small things. He would spend hours exploring the areas around the orphanage, watching birds, climbing trees, wandering into the forests, sitting on top of fourth hokage's head, and finding solace in the quiet moments of nature. The people around him saw only the vessel of the Nine-Tails, but Naruto, unknowingly armed with his parents' knowledge, already possessed a resilience that would one day drive him to become something greater than they could imagine.
As Naruto grew older, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, kept a watchful eye on him, knowing the challenges he faced. Hiruzen felt a strong sense of responsibility toward Naruto, both because of his role as the Hokage and his connection to Naruto's parents. On a calm morning, Hiruzen decided it was time to introduce himself properly, hoping to provide the boy with some guidance and companionship.
Hiruzen invited Naruto to his office under the guise of a "special visit." When Naruto arrived, he looked around with wide-eyed wonder, never having been in such an impressive place before. Hiruzen greeted him warmly, his kind eyes twinkling as he watched Naruto explore the room, peeking at scrolls and peering at the landscape through the window.
"Well, Naruto," Hiruzen began, sitting down beside him. "Do you know who I am?"
Naruto tilted his head, looking at the older man with curiosity. "The… the Hokage?" he guessed, uncertain but intrigued.
"That's right. And do you know what the Hokage does?"
Naruto shook his head, and Hiruzen explained, "The Hokage protects the village and makes sure everyone here is safe. Someday, this could be your home—where you can be happy, surrounded by friends and allies."
The words struck Naruto deeply. Although he was too young to fully understand the Hokage's duties, something about the way Hiruzen spoke resonated with him. For the first time, Naruto felt seen and valued, as though he was more than just the "fox child" others whispered about.
Before Naruto left, Hiruzen gave him a small charm—an amulet etched with a protective symbol. "This is for you," Hiruzen said, placing it in Naruto's hands. "Whenever you feel lonely, remember that you have people watching over you."
Naruto held the amulet tightly, feeling a sense of warmth and security he had never felt before. With a newfound determination, he left the Hokage's office, ready to go to park once again hoping to find someone whom he can play with instead of playing all alone.
Later that day, Naruto wandered to the park, still clutching the amulet. As he approached, he noticed a father and son sitting on the grass with a small wooden board covered in pieces he had never seen before. The man, Shikaku Nara, and his son, Shikamaru, looked up as Naruto approached.
"Hey there," Shikaku greeted with a friendly nod. "You look curious about shogi. Want to join us?"
Naruto blinked, staring at the game board and the intricate pieces with fascination. "Shogi? What's that?"
Shikaku smiled and explained, "It's a game of strategy. You use these pieces to capture the other player's king." He glanced at his son, who was lying on the grass, lazily gazing at the clouds. "My son, Shikamaru, here is learning too. Aren't you, Shikamaru?"
Shikamaru yawned and mumbled, "Yeah, I guess. It's a drag, though."
Naruto's curiosity got the best of him, and he sat down, watching as Shikaku explained the basic rules. After a few rounds of watching, Naruto asked to play. He was surprisingly quick to pick up the strategy, his mind working through the game with a precision and skill beyond his years.
After a few rounds, Shikaku was impressed. "You're pretty sharp, Naruto," he said. "It's unusual to see a kid pick up shogi so quickly. You've got a good mind for it."
Naruto beamed, pleased with the praise. It felt good to be acknowledged, and he enjoyed the challenge of thinking through the game. He even managed to win a round against Shikamaru, who groaned in defeat, muttering about the trouble of having to actually try.
"Well done, Naruto," Shikaku said with a smile. "You're always welcome to join us. Shikamaru could use a friend his age who can keep up with him."
Naruto's heart swelled at the idea. For the first time, he felt like he had someone he could relate to, someone who saw him as an equal and a friend.
As Naruto played shogi with Shikamaru, a quiet voice interrupted them. "Excuse me," a gentle woman's voice said. Naruto looked up to see a dark-haired lady with soft, caring eyes. Beside her was a small girl with indigo hair and lavender-tinted eyes who shyly clutched her mother's hand.
The woman smiled at them. "I hope we're not intruding," she said kindly. "I am Hitomi Hyuuga, My daughter Hinata wanted to come to the park today, but she's a bit shy."
Shikaku chuckled, waving them over. "Not at all. These boys could use more friends."
Naruto looked at the little girl, who was blushing and glancing at him timidly. He grinned, waving at her. "Hi! I'm Naruto!"
The girl hesitated, then gave a tiny smile, her cheeks flushing. "H-Hinata," she whispered.
Naruto was delighted to meet someone new and quickly set about showing her the game they were playing. Though Hinata was too shy to join in, she watched them with interest, her eyes sparkling as Naruto animatedly explained the rules to her.
Hinata's mother watched with a soft smile, grateful to see her daughter taking a small step toward overcoming her shyness. Naruto's warmth and enthusiasm brought a sense of ease to Hinata, who quietly admired his energy and kindness.
After an exhilarating day, Naruto walked through the streets of Konoha with a full heart and a new sense of belonging. The warmth of his time at the park with Shikamaru and Hinata still lingered in his mind, and he felt especially grateful to the Hokage for the protective amulet that now hung around his neck. As he wandered the streets, a savory aroma pulled him toward a small ramen stand. Peeking inside, he saw a man with a kind face waving him over.
"Hello there, kid!" the man said with a grin. "You look like you could use a good meal. How about a bowl of ramen? It's on the house."
Naruto's eyes sparkled with excitement. He'd never had the chance to try ramen before, and the man's kindness was a rarity in his life. He quickly climbed onto a stool, his face barely peeking over the counter.
This was Teuchi, the owner of Ichiraku Ramen, who had an almost fatherly warmth about him. Without hesitation, he began preparing a bowl of miso chashu ramen for the young boy. In a few moments, a steaming bowl was placed in front of Naruto, filled with noodles, pork, bamboo shoots, and a perfectly boiled egg.
Naruto took one bite, and his face lit up. "This is… amazing!" he exclaimed, practically glowing with joy.
Teuchi chuckled. "Glad you like it! You're always welcome here, Naruto. Just say the word, and I'll make you a bowl."
As Naruto devoured his food, Ayame, Teuchi's daughter, refilled his water. She smiled warmly at him, noticing how his face beamed with each bite. "Looks like you're a ramen fan already!"
For the first time, Naruto felt what it was like to be cared for. The Ichiraku family's kindness warmed his heart, leaving him with a full stomach and a feeling of acceptance he rarely felt anywhere else.
After thanking Teuchi and Ayame, Naruto made his way back to the orphanage. It was already dark, but Naruto didn't mind; he was still glowing with happiness from his evening. However, as he approached the orphanage, he noticed the caretaker standing outside, arms crossed, her face twisted in disdain.
"There he is," she sneered, as if she had been waiting for him.
Naruto's steps slowed. "Good evening," he said softly, hoping she would let him pass.
But instead of moving aside, she took a step forward, her voice cold and filled with contempt. "What makes you think you deserve to live here? You're nothing but a demon in a boy's skin."
Naruto's smile faded, replaced with confusion and hurt. "I… I haven't done anything wrong. I just went out for dinner."
"You think you're special?" she snapped. "You don't deserve to live among us! A creature like you has no place in this orphanage—or in this village. Go find somewhere else to sleep, demon. This is no home for you."
Naruto felt his heart sink. This place, while not filled with warmth, had at least been his shelter. But now, even that small comfort was being taken from him. The caretaker tossed his few belongings—a worn blanket and a small, frayed stuffed animal—onto the ground outside the orphanage door and shut it behind her, leaving him standing alone in the cold night.
Naruto felt a tear slip down his cheek, his small form trembling. It felt as though every bit of happiness he had found today had been shattered. Alone, he clutched his blanket tightly, pulling it around his shoulders as he huddled against the wall beside the orphanage. His thoughts swirled, filled with questions and hurt. Why did they hate him? What had he done to deserve this?
As the night deepened, Naruto remembered the warmth he had felt earlier at Ichiraku Ramen. He thought of Teuchi's kindness, Ayame's smile, and the rich, comforting taste of the ramen. Though he was hurt and alone, he realized that not everyone saw him as a monster. He still had the amulet from the Hokage, the bond he felt with Shikamaru and Hinata, and the memory of that ramen dinner.
Clutching the amulet tightly in his hand, Naruto whispered to himself, "I'll be okay… I have to be. I'll prove to them all that I'm not what they think I am."
The cold night air chilled Naruto to the bone as he wandered the dimly lit streets of Konoha. Having been thrown out of the orphanage, he walked aimlessly, clutching a thin blanket around himself as he looked for any corner or alley where he might be able to rest. Lights flickered from homes and taverns, casting warm glows that reminded him of what he'd just lost—a roof over his head, even if that place had never truly been welcoming.
As he continued, he stumbled upon a small alcove beside a bakery. Naruto considered curling up there for the night, but just as he approached, a dog slipped into the space, curling up comfortably. The dog met his gaze, and Naruto could only offer a soft smile before he moved on, searching further, determined to find a quiet corner somewhere else in the village.
Naruto's search was cut short by the sound of muffled voices behind him. He turned, seeing a group of villagers approaching with grim faces and cold expressions. His heart sank as he recognized a few of the men, all of whom had looked at him with contempt over the years.
"There he is!" one of them growled, voice filled with scorn. "The demon spawn."
Naruto's pulse quickened as he backed against the wall. "Please… I didn't do anything wrong," he murmured, hoping they would leave him alone.
But instead of backing off, the group advanced. They were accompanied by a few Chunin who wore twisted smiles, indifferent to the fear and distress in Naruto's eyes. One of them barked, "What are you doing here, demon? You're not welcome in this village!"
Naruto tried to stand his ground, his fists clenched tightly, but before he could speak, one of the villagers grabbed him and shoved him against the wall. Pain radiated through his shoulder, but he pushed back, refusing to let them see his fear. "I'm not a demon! I'm just… I'm just me!"
The group's hostility surged, their words growing more venomous as they cornered him. Fear and anger warred within Naruto, and with each shove and insult, something inside him began to stir. A dormant energy simmered, rising to the surface with an intensity he had never felt before. The pressure mounted until it burst forth, and in a flash of bright light, chains appeared from his back, extending around him in a radiant, protective arc.
At that moment, one of the villagers, startled by the sight of the chains, hurled a kunai toward Naruto, the blade piercing his shoulder. The pain, sharp and searing, only heightened the surge of energy within him. His chains whipped out in response, striking the three closest villagers with fatal precision and ensnaring the others in their grip.
With a single mental command, Naruto willed the chains to suppress the chakra of those still standing. The remaining assailants collapsed, rendered unconscious by the chains' restraining power.
But Naruto's strength was fleeting. Blood trickled down his arm, and his vision blurred from the wound's pain. As his chains slowly retracted, exhaustion overtook him. He collapsed to his knees, the world fading to darkness as he struggled to keep his eyes open. Just before he slipped into unconsciousness, he saw a familiar figure approaching: the Hokage.
Before Naruto could fall completely, the Hokage's ANBU swept in and caught him, cradling the young boy's body gently.
The Hokage's expression was somber as he surveyed the scene. This wasn't just an isolated act of cruelty—it was a testament to the depths of the village's resentment and ignorance. Turning to the ANBU by his side, he gave his command with a steely resolve. "Erase their memories of tonight," he said, voice low but firm. "None of them are to remember what happened here. And… clean up the mess."
The ANBU, known as Crow, nodded and set to work. They moved swiftly, ensuring that the villagers would remember nothing of the confrontation and that no traces of the fallen villagers remained.
With Naruto safely in his arms, the Hokage left the scene, disappearing into the night looking at his bloodied form as gilt started to build up in him as he failed to keept his promise made by him to his parents, "I will take him to hospital first, and ask him what he was doing at this time outside orphanage." thought hokage as he continued jumping towards the hosital with an injured naruto in his arms.