A/N Okay hear me out. I kinda got carried away in this chapter. I thought I'd do two chapters to cover one season, but turns out that's impossible if you're trying to flesh out a character while at the same time not wanting to make the chapters too long. So yeah, I'm not sure how many chapters it's going to take to finish the 2009/10 season but I can assure you. This doesn't change the fact this story will be done before the 2026 World Cup! Anyway enjoy.
The years seemed to go by with a blur. However with each passing summer, Naruto could never settle down.
The young blond was quickly going up the ranks as his talent was just too much for those who were a few years older than him. He was so good, it felt like a cardinal sin trying to make him play with his peers. It was during his first month after Roma's Scudetto win that his coaches saw a glimpse into the future. The blond had been blessed with all the tools of a complete forward. All he needed was experience and time.
Like a rocket all he could do was go up the age group ranks. Being a few days in as a 10 year old he got experience playing with the under 15s. By 12 he was capable of making matches with the under 17s play out at his tempo. Already he was being monikered as the future Francesco Totti. The Trigoria hadn't seen a player of his pedigree, so gifted at such a young age many wondered just how high his ceiling went. As with each drill, each scrimmage, each match, he only grew, he got sharper, he got better. He was quicker.
Blazing through cones like it was second nature. Smacking in top bin bangers from many yards out without a moment's thought. Going through entire backlines, to just pass it away to a teammate, at the end of it all his face had that grin.
Those following the youth scene in Rome were already raving on and on about him in the cafes and parks that littered the city. His moniker as the future Totti had even slipped out into the wild and one day some old man surprised him by calling him 'Tottinho'.
It seemed to stick after he helped the under 15s win the under-15 Youth Copa Italia, and ever since whenever he was around the streets of Roma, someone seemed to recognize him.
"Ciao, Tottinho!" his local baker would always greet whenever he passed by and not long the name grew on him. He wore it like a badge of honour, and on the pitch it showed that way. When he was a few days from turning 14, he got a call from the Italian Football Associastion Federation.
"We want you to be part of the under-17 Azzurri side that will be travelling to the U-16 World Cup, in Peru. This summer. Are you available?"
Of course he was available and for the first time playing on a different continent. Naruto introduced himself to the world as he aided Italy to win the 2007 Under 16 FIFA World Cup.
Getting the top scorer and player of the tournament awards, his sheer dominance made him wanted at other levels on the national team.
The following year in autumn he played with the won the European Under-17 Championship. Making history and memories as he also set records in scoring and assisting.
However one thing that truly showed was his status as a generational anomaly since come the summer of 2008 he was to join the Azzurri side yet again but this time on the grandest stage of all sports events, the Summer Olympics in Beijing.
While most 15-year-olds were busy enjoying their holidays away from school with video games and beach visits with their gamilies. Italy's under-23 side was shockingly being led by a boy who's talent was too good for his age.
In the group stages the young blond wasted no time showcasing why he deserved a spot with the best the world could offer. Coming in Italy's opening match against the Ivory Coast, the blond needed to burn out some energy he'd stored from anticipatingly waiting for his chance to be subbed on when the clock ticked past the 66th minute.
Surpringly the Ivory Coast was holding it's own against the Italian side as the score was still 0-0. However five minutes, playing as an attacking midfielder, Naruto had the game already bend to his tempo, as he danced through a few players before he curled in a world-class strike from outside the box—a left-footed rocket that kissed the bar and went in.
With it being the only goal scored, the world took notice at the next upcoming star.
In the Quarterfinals the Azzurri manager decided to give Naruto a chance to play in the starting 11 after the many great shifts he put in off the bench in the rest of their group stage matches.
It was a good idea after all as Italy were to face Argentina, who boasted stars like Ángel Di María and Sergio Agüero. People Naruto would have to surpass in the future. However for now the magician went to work. Caring less on how Italy was seen as the underdog.
He played like a demon possessed, providing two assists—a delicate chip over the defense and a perfectly-weighted through ball—leading Italy to a 3-2 win in extra time.
The semis were not as entertaining and as such were easily overshadowed by the final match of the 2008 Olympics.
Italy vs Brazil
A rivalry that stretched all the way back to the beginning of first FIFA World Cup.
Italy faced Brazil had on their side the recent acquisition of Real Madrid Marcelo and new signing of AC Milan in the summer of 2008, Alexandre Pato. But it was Tottinho who shined brightest on the biggest stage.
Scoring quickly in the first half with a brilliant solo run that had him slicing past two defender, before nutmegging the goalkeeper and watching the ball sail into the net.
He showed his elegance off once more he embarrassed Marcelo along the wings, as he left him behind with his pace. Cutting the box with a low cross to his open teammate who banged the ball into the top corner.
Winning 2-0 by ceiling out Brazil's attacking flair. Naruto was a gold medalist. One of the youngest people to be named Player of the Tournament, but most importantly he was one of the youngest to ever win Olympic gold.
"Alright listen up!"
Like clockwork he was now out of the blue of the Azzurri and back in the maroon of the Giallorossi.
A year had passed since the Olympics and since then Naruto had brought his international experience to the Primavera side. All of his hard work had cultimated with him being named the captain after he was able to change the fortunes of the under-17s and lead them to the pinnacle of Italian youth football.
The Final of the Youth Copa Italia
Being inside the locker rooms of the Stadio Olimpico, nerves hung in the air like storm clouds, as the noise died down instantly upon the call out of the captain. Standing tall infront of his teammates, Naruto's demeanor was pulsing with anticipation and drive.
Having learnt from the many generals he followed in the higher age groups. He took a page from their playbooks and faced his football brethren.
"This is it gentlemen," he began "The culmination of months our blood and hardwork. We've come too far to let this slip. I know some of you are nervous. That's okay. I'm also nervous. But I'm not scared. Because how can I, if I'll be playing alongside you. Looking at you all I'm proud, guys."
He looked around at the their faces as a few were nodding their heads with each sentence he uttered.
"Proud of what we've built. Proud of what we've achieved. We got here because of our grit, our determination to surpass all the challenges that came our way. I don't know our opponents story, but I don't think their's deserves a happy ending and ours doesn't. I don't know about you but I've got no use for a runners-up medal, do you?"
"Nah." Many said in unison. "Is it worthy to be resting on your necks after all those dreadful winter training sessions and never ending summer scrimmages?"
"NO!" more added "We know our worth, guys. We didn't get here by luck. We're here because we've earned it with every tackle, every sprint, every goal. No matter what happens tonight, I want you to remember: we did this together. But let's not stop here. Let's finish this story the way we've dreamed it since the beginning. With glory." The room was filled with a powerful silence as nods continued to pass around.
"Hands." The blond stated bringing his hand forth. A familiar tradition that every past Primavera side from Roma did.
"Giallorossi da tre. Uno, due, tre..."
"Giallorossi!
After the powerful war cry slowly stopped echoing in the hallway, it was replaced by the clattering of football boots as players poured out from opposing locker rooms. Coming out last was Naruto and he had been caught by surprise, by Daniele who brought some shocking news.
"You're here with Capello?" the blond said surprised as Daniele nodded. "He said he wanted so see if you're ready. You know what to do, raggazzo. Good luck."
That was all Naruto needed.
Rome, Stadio Olimpico
June 28, 2009
Roma vs Fiorentina
The position that Naruto was playing wasn't that much important. Throughout his academy career the young blond did not keep himself locked at one position. Instead he rotated himself around all three forward positions. Striker, Winger and Attacking Midfielder.
It was this kind of adaptation that allowed him to be a favourite for his coaches since he could always replace any player in the forward line who was having a bad day. No matter what formation the team was playing in 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1. He was on the pitch.
Today his coach wanted him to be the center of creativity so with the team playing in the latter formation. The blond was already making the game play at his own pace.
Minutes passed since the ref blew the first whistle. Under the floodlights of the Olimpico, a moment that felt like a far away dream to the blond many years ago he took this opportunity given to him by Capello by the throat.
Barking orders having already found the gist around Fiorentina's side, like a general he was ready to call out an assault.
In the 13th minute, a cross-field pass arrived high and awkward on his weaker left foot.
Most would've tried to trap it, but not Naruto. Without hesitation.
He cushioned the ball with a delicate flick into space, turning a defender with a swift shoulder feint, getting enough space to cut inside on his right to leave a second opponent frozen.
Already getting into his groove, with each stride he neared the edge of the box.
With one last desperate defender trying to block him from taking a shot, the blond with blitzing feet did a double stepover before pushing the ball to the right, catching the last man off guard.
With no second thought he struck — not with his right, but with his left — a vicious low drive that forced the keeper into a desperate, fingertip save. The crowd gasped. As even the opposing bench stood in disbelief.
"Which foot is his strong one?" one player on Fiorentina's bench murmured.
"He doesn't have one," another replied. "He's ambidextrous."
Roma continued to their assault on Fiorentina's keeper. The chances were coming one after the other as midway through the first half, Roma launched yet another counterattack.
Naruto as the number 10. Collected the loose ball near the center circle. Watching three of his teammates surge ahead.
In one motion, he played a no-look pass through the heart of the opposition — a perfectly weighted through ball that split defenders with surgical precision.
The striker latched onto it and finally after knocking on the door for so long. Roma was front after a calmly made finish. Watching his teammates rush on to celebrate Naruto stayed back to watch the scoreboard change to 1-0.
'It's not over yet.' The blond told himself as he raised his hands out to accept high fives from his teammates.
"The game's not over yet guys. More intensity." He said calmly and everyone agreed with him.
Come the 57th minute. Roma had earned a set piece. Naruto trotted to the corner flag, his eyes sweeping the box.
He raised his hand high, he made a peace sign. Giving a signal to the intended receiver to be at the right place at the right time.
The ref blew his whistle, and as his world went dark, Naruto's eyes saw only one thing, the space between the far post and his charging teammate.
With the signature calmness he developed from the many repetitions he'd done taking this set piece, he delivered an in-swinger with his right foot that bent like poetry — curling just above the keeper's reach and dipping perfectly onto the forehead of his teammate who for a split second had gotten away from his teammate.
"He's too good for this level," the Fiorentina head coach muttered to himself as Roma was now 2-0 down.
But the defining moment came late.
In the 80th minute. Fiorentina had finally broke through Roma's defense and were able to make the score 2–1. With their coach growing desperate due to time winding down he pushed numbers forward.
Roma were starting off their play with a goal kick, and with a pinpoint 35 yard lob. The goalie found Naruto who didn't waste time to be on the hunt. With his thighs beginning to tighten, the familiar woosh sound from the air introduced itself once again.
Pushing upfield with the pace his opponents were used to yet were never going to find an answer for. Like a gazelle galloping in the savannah, he defeated an Fiorentina midfielder, before Naruto looked up to see an opportunity he loved the most.
The Fiorentina goalkeeper was off his line and a shot of adrenaline went straight to Naruto's brain. He'd become addicted to these moments. When no one expected a spectacular.
Time slowed.
With a sharp breath, he brought his right foot down hard. Striking the ball clean and elegant.
The shot soared with a rising arc, slicing through the air, as the keeper backpedaled in vain. Trying a desperate dive, it didn't matter as the ball crashed dead center into the top left corner.
Having caused the net to ripple like a drum.
The Roma tifosi leapt to their feet. His teammates swarmed him, but Naruto just looked up into the stands, knowing Fabio Capello had seen everything.
From his ambidextrous control to his playmaking vision, his dead-ball precision to that long-range screamer — the skills that Naruto worked hard on throughout the years. With each second and each scrimmage, this was the final product.
Naruto had delivered a masterclass.
High up in the VIP box, Fabio Capello remained seated… at first.
A smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. He slowly rose, adjusted his jacket, then turned to Daniele, who was watching beside him.
He didn't cheer. He didn't clap.
He simply said, voice calm and low, "Daniele... I've seen all I needed."
Daniele looked at him, stunned. "So what do you think, is he ready?"
Capello nodded once. "Tell him… next week, he trains with us. First day back for the new season."
Daniele just had an older brother smirk. "I'll tell him, that boss." He said.
With that Capello was ready to leave. Hands in pockets, the manager of Roma disappeared.
Sure, he was now seen as part of the future of Italian football, an uncrowned prince of Roma football. But he had ambition for more. He wanted to be seen as the best. Winning the Olympics and the Youth Copa Italia was nice but it was only a start for his road back to Samui.
July 5th, 2009
Just like how he changed drastically through the years, his room followed his lead. The light blue walls were replaced with deep, gold and maroon—Roma's colours after days of begging his father after the 2001 Scudetto celebration.
His bed was now pushed against the far wall, leaving more space for his training equipment. Beside it there was a large pattern of smudge which had formed from the many kickups he did on the wall to calm his nerves over the years.
Like a Roma lover his old orange blanket was swapped for a simple maroon one with his team's logo stitched in white on his pillow.
A trophy shelf ran along that very wall hung tall, filled with the many medals, awards, and the occasional team pictures, he earned across the years with club and country. His most prized Olympic gold, hung above the shelf glinting due to the rays of the sun escaping into the room.
Like a beacon of hope. It was there to motivate him to keep pushing whenever he had a bad game with Roma.
Along with his reminders of his dedication to the sport was his 'Roma Wall of Fame'. Posters of athletes who had a massive impact on his beloved club now covered the walls. The likes of Cafu, Roberto Pruzzo, Giuseppi Giannini, Totti and the last man to be added, Daniele.
Near his window, a bonsai tree stood by the sill proudly, taking in the radiant Roman sun. Beside it his neatly placed workout bag waited for him.
His desk, once cluttered with schoolbooks, but now it had the three electronics he couldn't live without: his computer, cellphone and trusty Sony product, the PSP.
Looking at himself in the mirror the young boy couldn't help but chuckle. His heart had been pounding at such a fast pace throughout the night, he still couldn't believe that he was finally going to play with Daniele in the first team.
But amidst all the feelings of anticipation, the sports posters and gear, there was something else that felt just as personal—his old BlackBerry Curve 8520.
The small screen lit up every now and then with a message or notification. Currently it was busy playing some lively music, as just like every other football lover in the 2000s it was the theme song of Nike's famous Brazilian Commercial, Joga Bonito.
"~Mas que nada…Sergio play your piano, Sergio play your piano, no, no, no~" the blond sang along proudly. "Guys! Breakfast's ready!" calling out from downstairs, Kushina's message made Naruto quickly act. Pausing Mas que nada by Sergio Mendes and Brazil '66 unlike his peers though the blond listened to the original song and he loved it.
'The moment of truth.' The blond thought as he finally left his room.
The aroma of grilled fish, miso soup, and steamed rice floated gently through the morning air. Sunlight poured into the small kitchen of their apartment, casting a soft golden glow over the modest wooden table where Naruto's parents had laid out a breakfast that looked almost ceremonial.
Kushina, usually bubbly in the mornings, had on a proud little smile as she adjusted the chopsticks on his plate.
Minato who'd already found his seat had just came back from collecting the newspaper. Putting it aside, he looked up to his son giving him an affirmative nod.
"You look good in that." Minato stated as the youngest Namikaze grinned brightly.
"Today is a big day after all," he said, nervously taking his seat between both parents.
Dressed already in his Roma tracksuit, he adjusted it a bit since his collar made it initially a bit hard to swallow his food.
Unzipping it a bit, seemed to not help as his nerves made everything taste like air.
No one said much that morning— the way his parents were, their pride didn't need words.
Just as he was finishing, a familiar knock echoed on the door. Looking at the window beside the door, the blond saw the figure of Daniele.
"I guess that's my ride." He announced turning to his parents, as his dad gave him the go ahead nod. Getting up from the table, he then grabbed his small bag.
His mother getting up called to him "Wait." She urged as the blond had already had his hand on the door handle.
"You need to look neat." She smiled rushing over to zip up his collar and pat his hair.
"Still can't believe how much you've grown. You know there was a time you were just a ballboy right," she grinned. "Now look at you. Off to fulfil your purpose."
Naruto just smiled. "Finding it too hard to see me growing so quickly?"
"I'd be lying if I said no. Why did you have to be so talented?" she joked as Naruto chuckled. "Someone has to make sure you guys retire early." He replied as with that he opened the door, said goodbye to his parents and met up with Daniele.
"This looks good on you." Daniele commented on the Roma tracksuit as Naruto grinned "I made sure to iron every inch of it." He confesed as Daniele chuckled. "Of course you did. Well, let's head out." He concluded.
"Lead the way." Naruto thus followed.
Clutching his small gym bag over his shoulder. The blond's eyes fixed longingly on his old, battered Vespa parked beside the building. The same silver scooter that had taken him to every youth training session, rain or shine.
"Hop in," Daniele pointed at his parked vehicle, a white Porsche 911. Having become one of the stars of the Serie A in the last seven seasons he'd played for Roma. The car was one of the many perks he received from his hardwork, dedication and talent.
"Actually, on second thoughts Daniele. How about we meet up there!" Naruto shouted back, catching Daniele by surprised as he turned to see him already walking over to the Vespa. "It would feel wrong if I didn't ride Beemo."
Daniele blinked. "Naruto. You're going to train with Roma'sfirst team. You're not delivering groceries. Leave the Vespa."
Naruto just kicked up the stand defiantly. "Her name is Beemo. I owe her."
Daniele leaned his head out, mock-serious. "You ride up to Trigoria on that thing and Capello's gonna send you back to the academy."
Naruto froze, his foot still on the stand. "He wouldn't."
Daniele smirked. "You want to fuck around and find out?"
Naruto just stayed quiet for that moment only to then groan. Reluctantly he let go of Beemo's handlebar.
"Sorry, girl. First impressions sadly mean a lot in this new world. But we'll ride again, for the next session I promise." He whispered as he then heard Daniele closing the driver door and starting the Porsche's engine.
*BEEP!*
"What's taking so long, let's go!" Daniele shouted out as Naruto briskly went over to the passenger door. "Yeah, yeah. Hold your horses will ya."
Moments later, he slid into the passenger seat with an over-dramatic sigh. "This feels wrong." He muttered looking past the windshield at Beemo, expecting her to wail for him to come back.
Daniele just rolled his eyes. "Get used to it, superstar. Now shut up and enjoy the AC."
As they pulled away, Beemo sat there alone by the sidewalk like a loyal steed left behind — the silent hero of Naruto's long ride to the top.
The first training session back, always told Fabio Capello what he needed to know about his team this season. It was a type of second nature he had developed throughout his long career. First showing itself when he took over AC Milan from Sacchi. No one had expected his side to win the Scudetto back then, no less winning by going undefeated. Many gave him the praise but to him he knew his players deserved it the most. They were the one's who were hungry for success after all.
Marco Van Basten was the one who'd wanted it the most. It always saddened him how his career ended. He was such a talent but the grit and dedication he showed back in the 1992/93 season made him earn his third Balond'or.
But you might wonder why was Capello thinking about all this. Well he had yet again seen a flash of Marco in a certain player.
Sitting in his high-backed chair, arms folded and his sharp eyes focused on the training notes that summarised the last session. Laying them softly onto his desk, he then looked up to listen to his right hand man and close friend, Luca Baldini
"I'm telling you," the assistant manager said, leaning forward with a touch of excitement, "he's not just talented — the boy's ready. He trains like a pro already. First-team pace didn't shake him at all. He just kept his head down and did what I told him. Plus he undoubtly was the most magnificent one on the field."
"We should remember that the others have just came back from the off-season and Namikaze had not long ago win the Copa Italia, with the Primavera side." Capello pointed out but then his set-piece coach spoke.
"But boss still. I feel like his pace is just one element of his game," added the set-piece coach, flipping open a folder and pointing to diagrams from the morning's drills. "It's his technique. Left, right he whipped in corners from both sides like it was nothing. Believe it or not, he got all the targets I placed." There was silence in the room as the set-piece coach then counted down with his fingers. "He's an accurate kick taker, ambidextrous — like genuinely ambidextrous and most of all he's only 16!"
Baldini just chuckled at that "If you're impressed by that you should've seen him in the scrimmage, boss." He turned to Capello who hummed.
"You saw his vision right?" Baldini questioned only to get a nod. "He was always scanning, always one pass ahead against the first team. Controlled the tempo so much he assisted in both goals that gave them the 2-0 win." He said as there was a hint of impression in his voice, but it was quickly masked as he added with a gravelly low voice.
"He still has to learn the weight of responsibility. A great first day is one thing. Consistency is another."
"No one's saying start him," Baldini replied carefully. "But pre-season? That's where we'll really see. He's beyond the Primavera, that much is clear. I think we should give him a spot on the pre-season squad."
The room was dimly lit, the summer sun filtered by half-closed blinds, casting sharp shadows over the manager's desk.
Capello just leaned back in his chair, letting out a thoughtful hum, fingers steepled under his chin. For a long moment, he said nothing.
Then he broke the silence.
"No, that's too early. We'll keep a pin on him though. If he handles the next few days — the mood of the room, and the pressure. I'll think about it."
He looked out the small window toward the training pitch beyond. "And if he stays sharp like that in pre-season somehow… I might just have to find him a jersey."
And just like that, a quiet fire was lit — not in Naruto's voice, not in his feet, but in the mind of one of Italy's most demanding tacticians. "Onward to the next thing. I saw Daniele today, and I think he's ready to be vice-captain. Can you please go get him." Capello told his set-piece coach who quickly got out of the office.
Steam clouded the tiled walls of the Trigoria showers. As laughter echoed off the marble, Roma's players unwound from the intense first session back from the off-season.
Naruto, standing under a stream of hot water, was in his own world — belting out at full volume Ain't that a kick in the head by Dean Martin, his voice dancing well between the verses:
How lucky can one guy be?
I kissed her and she kissed me
Like the fella once said
"Ain't that a kick in the head?"
He had every reason to sing. After such a triumphant display in his first ever test. The blond was just too excited to just act normal. Nothing could ruin this moment for him absolutely nothing.
"Oi, kid! Knock it off will you! This isn't the opera house!" a grizzling voice belonging to one of the older player's bellowed. That shut the blond right up. 'Sheesh. Tough crowd.' The blond thought as he didn't feel like having his curtain pulled wide open. He would be too exposed seeing there wasn't that much soap covering everything he didn't to be seen.
"Leave the kid alone, Juan. He earned it." The a new voice that had a hint of authority spoke up. "Unless you want him to give you another elastico?"
The veteran Brazilian defender, Juan just seemingly grumbled as the entire shower room burst into chuckles. While all this happened Naruto just continued to sing, this time though under his breath. 'So much for a first impression.' He thought to himself.
The days that followed were a blur of sweat, whistles, and rising expectations. The first-team sessions were no longer overwhelming for Naruto — they were addictive. He soaked in every detail like a sponge: Totti's subtle movements off the ball, the defensive line's shape when under pressure, the barking corrections from Capello during positional drills.
Word had spread.
Players who barely noticed him on day one were now calling for passes during rondos. The staff began treating him less like a guest and more like a prospect. And through it all, Daniele was there — the steady shoulder, the quiet mentor, the older brother in all but name.
Each day, Naruto stayed behind after training, perfecting his left-footed set-pieces, then his right, hitting target cones placed at the near and far posts. The set-piece coach often stood at the edge of the box, arms crossed, silently impressed.
One afternoon, as they cooled down under the sun with bottles of electrolyte water, Daniele turned to him, grinning like a boy who couldn't hold in good news.
"They gave it to me," he said.
Naruto blinked. "What?"
"Vice captain," Daniele nodded, brushing back his sweat-damp hair. "Capello told me this morning."
Naruto dropped his water bottle in surprise, then immediately pulled Daniele into a hug. "You deserve it. They finally saw what we've all known."
"We're going to celebrate," Naruto said with a cheeky wink. "After training. I'm dragging you, no excuses."
But just as the locker room filled with the buzz of conversation and clanging lockers, three coaches stepped inside with a clipboard — the air shifted. Everyone quieted.
"Pre-season squad announcement," one of them said, casually, as if it wasn't the moment every young player held their breath for.
Names began to echo off the walls. Naruto stood still, a towel around his neck, heart pounding with every syllable. The list went on — predictable names, big names, even a few surprises.
Still, no "Naruto."
Then… finally, at the very end, just as the coach looked like he was about to close the clipboard:
"—and Naruto Namikaze."
The room murmured, some players nodding, others clapping, a few with raised brows of impressed approval.
Naruto didn't react right away. He blinked, letting it sink in, then looked to Daniele — who had been watching him the whole time with a grin that said I knew it all along.
"We're celebrating both of us now," Daniele said, pulling him into a headlock with a laugh. "No backing out, superstar."
And Naruto smiled, heart thumping not from nerves, but from the thrilling weight of his next chapter.
As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the small apartment that had witnessed Naruto's rise.
His duffel bag laid zipped and ready by the door, boots freshly polished, headphones charged — every detail meticulously packed for his first pre-season tour with AS Roma's first team.
Stepping out of his room, still in his training top, him and his dad were greeted by the comforting aroma of grilled fish and rice.
"Can't wait to have this framed." His father smiled looking at his camera's screen. They'd decided to catch this moment in order to forever cherish it. "Don't forget to get me a copy for my gallery, dad." Naruto smiled, every syllable wrapped with joy. "You got it, son."
His mother was currently stirring the miso soup at the stove, getting ready to plate up dinner.
"Did you pack everything?" his mother asked, glancing over her shoulder with a proud smile.
"Yeah, mom." Naruto replied, flopping down onto the sofa. "But I still feel like I'm dreaming."
Kushina just exchanged a glance with his father, her eyes sparkling. She dried her hands and sat beside Naruto, gently smoothing down his fringe.
"There's something we've been waiting to tell you," she said softly.
Naruto looked up, sensing the shift in tone. "What is it?"
His father turned off the stove, joined them, and placed a small wrapped box on the table in front of him.
"Open it," Kushina urged.
Inside the box was a small, handmade baby bib — stitched neatly with tiny sakura petals and Naruto's brows just furrowed in disbelief.
"You're gonna be an older brother," his father said, the words being warm and thick with emotion.
Naruto just froze, starred at the bib and not long his eyes were wide. "Wait… really?"
His mother nodded, eyes misty. "It's still early, but we couldn't wait anymore. We wanted you to leave for tour with this in your heart."
Naruto just sat back, stunned. "I… I don't even know what to say."
His father chuckled. "Try 'I'm ready.' You've already become a man out there — now you get to be one here too."
A lump formed in Naruto's throat, and he nodded slowly, holding the bib as if it were gold.
"So? How do you feel?" his mother asked and Naruto just cleared his throat, and turned to her.
"I'll make them proud as well," he announced. "Just like I've been trying to make you proud."
"You already have," his mother said, pulling him into a hug. "Well, yeah. But how lucky will they be if they find out their older brother is a famous footballer? Tell you what. I'm already motivated to make that dream true." Naruto grinned as both of his parents chuckled.
"It's good you're already accepting it. Your mom was thinking you'd have a temper tantrum over not being an only child." His father pointed out, causing Kushina to blush in embarrassment with Naruto blowing raspberries. "As if. It's such a bore not having someone to play with. It would've been better if they came early. But it's better late, than never right?" he got nods from both of his parents.
The next morning, Daniele's car pulled up just as the street yawned into daybreak. Naruto stepped out of his apartment with his bag slung over his shoulder. Closing the door behind him he noticed that next door at the De Rossi's both of Daniele's parents were having a chat with their son outside the house.
"Are you sure you're eating well. I'm pretty sure Tamara took my cooking book with her, but I can make you another copy." His mother offered "Mama, I'm grateful, but that isn't necessary. I already know those recipes I like." Daniele smiled. "Okay. But always know I'm just a phone away alright?"
"Yes, mama." Daniele smiled as while the two spoke, his father noticed Naruto. "Ah, Naruto. Buongiorno, mio figlio."
"Buogiorno signor, De Rossi." Naruto waved joining the family. "Signora De Rossi, Daniele." The blond greeted the other two. "Ready?" Naruto asked Daniele who nodded. "Let's hit the road."
Saying goodbye to both of his parents the pair left and reached Daniele's parked car.
"You look like a guy who just met life head-on," Daniele joked, opening the trunk.
Naruto offered a crooked smile. "I'm going to be a brother."
Daniele paused, blinked, then gave a slow, warm nod. "Guess I'm not the only one learning what it means to lead, huh? Congrats, ragazzo."
The ride to the airport was quiet — not awkward, but reflective. Naruto gazed out at the Rome skyline receding in the mirror, his mind buzzing with twin ambitions: make the squad and make his family proud. The warmth of that moment at home didn't fade — it followed him like armor, soft yet strong, and it steadied him for what was to come.
The pre-season kicked off with drills, tactical walkthroughs, and endless fitness tests. Capello watched closely. Each day, Naruto was slotted into different formations, rotated in and out of roles: winger on the right, striker through the middle, an attacking midfielder ghosting between the lines. He didn't just keep up — he stood out.
Against Sporting CP, he was brought on in the 70th minute as a left winger and immediately won a penalty with a slicing run. Capello raised an eyebrow. Against Lyon, he played in the hole behind the striker and provided a clever assist — a backheel that sent Daniele through on goal. Capello tapped his notes. Against Ajax, he replaced a fatigued Totti and moved like a seasoned ten, orchestrating tempo in the final minutes. The first assistant coach murmured, "Kid's got ice in his veins."
But it wasn't just talent — it was the maturity, the calm decision-making, the willingness to track back, press, and adapt that began to turn heads. The bench players stopped treating him like a novelty. He was truthfully competition for playing time.
Whilst Capello didn't say much, as his silence became its own approval.
After each game, Daniele would find him — whether in the tunnel or by the bench — and toss an arm over his shoulder.
"Another feather in the cap," he'd say with a grin.
And through it all, when Naruto returned to his hotel room, he'd often call home asking about his mother and his future sibling. Reminding himself on who he was playing for now.
But for someone who hadn't even been born yet — someone who would grow up watching their brother chase greatness across European nights, under stadium lights, in the city that once stole both their hearts. Naruto loved her that much.
Back in Rome, the heat clung to the Trigoria training ground as the squad regrouped after a successful pre-season tour. Spirits were high, jokes flew in the locker room, and players swapped stories from abroad. Amid it all, Naruto stood near his locker, towel around his neck, pretending not to glance too often toward the kit manager's office — where new season jersey numbers were being finalized.
He hadn't dared to hope. A locker with his name on it was one thing. But a number — an official number — was something else. That was permanence. That was belonging.
Daniele wandered past, tousling Naruto's hair. "You'll get something flashy, I bet. Maybe even a top-30. I saw the way Capello looked at you in Portugal."
Before Naruto could answer, a staffer popped his head out of the office. "Naruto. Gaffer wants to see you."
Heart pounding, he stepped inside. Fabio Capello was leaning against the wall, sipping espresso. His stare was sharp as always — not cold, just deeply unreadable.
"You did well," Capello said, straight to the point. "Very well. You showed intelligence, versatility, and professionalism. That's what this club needs."
Naruto bowed his head slightly. "Thank you, sir."
Capello tilted his head toward the kit man, who handed over a folded jersey. The moment slowed — Naruto took it in his hands, the badge brushing against his fingertips. He opened it carefully… and there it was.
91
Not flashy. Not elegant. Not a legacy number.
A statement.
Capello took one last sip before speaking, "You'll wear this for now. It's not the number of someone who's made it. It's the number of someone who has to keep earning it. Understand?"
Naruto looked at the number and back at his coach "Yes, sir."
Capello offered the faintest hint of a smile. "Good. Now go prove that 91 was just a stepping stone."
As Naruto stepped back into the locker room, some teammates glanced at the number and smirked, others raised eyebrows, but Daniele clapped him on the back.
"91, huh?" he grinned. "I like it. Sounds like the start of something big."
Naruto chuckled softly. It didn't matter what the number was. What mattered was that it was his. And he'd make sure that by the end of the season, people would remember 91.
Because even the greatest stories have humble chapters.
And done! So how was it? If you enjoyed it please share your thoughts, but other than that. The next chapter we'll be seeing a glimpse into Samui and her world, so if you haven't noticed she's actually older than Naruto. She'll be 20 years old while Naruto is 16. On Naruto's part, he's still young so obviously he's getting loaned out for the 2009/10 season. I'm spoiling but he does impress during the month of August and it's only on Transfer deadline day that Cappelo gives him an offer to go to a team on loan. If you have any suggestions, please share. Who knows maybe your idea might work wonders but keep it in the realm of possibility guys, if not I'm already thinking of having him play in Serie B, seeing he's still a teenager and he needs to be going to school. But he could always one day take a GED exam to get his basic education if your suggestion has him leave Italy. So don't waste time. Comment down below. This story isn't for me after all, it's for all of us. Alas my time has come to an end so remember to...ALWAYSLUVYOURSELF.