Chapter Text
The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden hue through the trees of the forest. Young Naruto Uzumaki wiped his nose with the back of his hand, his white shirt scuffed from the dirt. Three older boys had cornered him near a cluster of thick roots, their sneers sharp and mean. One of them, a kid with a buzz cut, shoved Naruto hard, sending him stumbling backward onto the mossy ground.
“Why don’t you just disappear, freak?” the tallest boy spat, kicking a small pebble that bounced off Naruto’s arm.
Naruto clenched his fists, his chest tightening. He wanted to yell back, to fight, but he knew it wouldn’t help. They’d just laugh harder.
Suddenly, a gust of wind whipped through the forest, strong enough to knock the boys off their feet.
One of the boys, the one with the buzz cut, scrunched up his face. “What the—?” he muttered, looking around like he’d just been hit by a ghost.
The three scrambled to their feet, but before they could even steady themselves, another gust of wind slammed into them, sending them tumbling again.
“This place is cursed!” the tallest boy yelled, his voice cracking as he scrambled to his feet. He didn’t wait for the others. He just ran, his sandals slapping against the ground. The other two followed, tripping over each other in their hurry to get away.
Naruto sat there, stunned. His heart was still pounding, but now it was from confusion more than fear. He turned around, looking for whoever—or whatever—had just saved him.
But there was no one, only the empty grassland with a few trees and the sound of leaves rustling.
He frowned, scratching his head. “What the heck just happened?”
When he turned back around, his eyes widened. A man stood a few feet away, dressed in a black robe, his face hidden behind a fox mask. The man didn’t move or say a word. But Naruto noticed a blonde hair peeking out from under the mask.
Naruto blinked, his breath catching in his throat. The man in the black robe didn’t move, didn’t speak. Just stood there, like a shadow come to life. Naruto’s heart thumped louder, his hands trembling at his sides.
The man tilted his head slightly, the fox mask hiding any expression. Then, slowly, he raised his left arm. Naruto flinched, squeezing his eyes shut. 'Here it comes,' he thought, bracing for the hit.
But instead of pain, he felt a gentle touch on his head. A soft, almost hesitant stroke, like the man wasn’t sure if he was allowed. Naruto’s eyes flew open, wide with surprise. He stared up at the masked figure, who kept his hand on Naruto’s messy blonde hair, ruffling it gently.
“Uh…” Naruto stammered, too stunned to say anything else.
The man didn’t respond. He just kept his hand there, as if giving Naruto time to process. The touch was warm, comforting, and for a moment, Naruto forgot about the bullies, forgot about the wind, forgot about everything.
The man finally stopped ruffling Naruto’s hair. He reached behind his robe, pulling out a small, wrapped chocolate candy. Naruto stared at it, unsure what to do. The man tilted his head slightly, then pushed his hand forward, encouraging Naruto to take it.
Naruto hesitated, his fingers twitching. “What if it’s poisoned?” he thought, his eyes darting up to the masked face.
As if reading his mind, the man pulled out another candy, unwrapped it, and popped it into his mouth. He chewed slowly, then gave a small nod, as if to say, 'See? It’s fine.'
Naruto’s shoulders relaxed a bit. He took the candy, fumbling with the wrapper before finally getting it open. The sweet smell hit him, and he couldn’t help but smile a little. He glanced at the man, who had settled himself on the ground, leaning casually against a tree in the forest.
The man patted the spot beside him, inviting Naruto to sit. Naruto hesitated for a second, then plopped down, leaving a little space between them. He took a small bite of the candy, the sweetness spreading across his tongue. It was good. Really good.
“This is awesome,” Naruto mumbled, his mouth half-full. He glanced at the man, who just sat there, quiet. “Uh… thanks, I guess?”
The man didn’t say anything, just gave a slight nod. Naruto felt a strange kind of calm sitting there, eating the candy. It was weird, but… nice. For once, he didn’t feel alone.
They finally finished the candy. The man stood up, brushing off his robe like it was no big deal. Naruto opened his mouth to speak, but before he could get a word out, the man ruffled his hair again.
“Go home,” the man said, his voice low but warm. “It’s almost night.”
And just like that, he was gone. Like he’d never been there.
Naruto stared at the spot where the man had stood. He blinked a few times, half expecting the guy to reappear out of thin air. But nothing happened.
“Weird…” Naruto muttered, scratching the back of his head.
He stood up, brushing the dirt off his pants, and started walking home. The streets were quiet, the sun dipping low. His stomach growled, and he grinned. “Instant ramen it is,” he said to himself, already imagining the smell.
When he got to his apartment, he pushed the door open, ready to head straight for the cupboard. But then he stopped.
On the dinner table, there was food. There was fried rice, a sunny side up egg, and even vegetables. A small note sat next to the plate. Naruto picked it up, squinting at the words, a tiny fox symbol in the bottom corner catching his eye.
─── ─── ⋆⋅ ✒ ⋅⋆ ── ───
Eat this. Don’t waste it. Including the vegetables. I promise it’ll taste good.
─── ─── ⋆⋅ ✒ ⋅⋆ ── ───
⠀⠀
Naruto’s eyes widened. He looked around, half expecting the masked guy to pop out of the shadows. But the apartment was empty.
He sat down, poking at the food with his chopsticks. “Vegetables…” he mumbled, making a face. But he took a bite anyway.
It was… good. Really good.
“Huh,” he said, surprised. He kept eating, glancing at the note every now and then.
Weird guy. But… kind of cool.
He finished the meal, leaning back in his chair with a satisfied sigh. For once, he didn’t feel so alone.
“Thanks, masked dude,” he said to the empty room, a small smile on his face.
Naruto patting his full stomach. He glanced around the room, and that’s when it hit him.
“Wait a second…”
The apartment looked… clean. Like, really clean. No empty milk cartons piled up in the corner. No instant ramen cups scattered across the floor. Even his dirty clothes were gone.
He froze, his cheeks heating up. “Oh no. The masked dude saw this mess? And… he cleaned it?”
Naruto groaned, burying his face in his hands. He usually didn’t care when the Hokage came over and saw the mess. But this? This was different.
“That’s so embarrassing!” he muttered, standing up abruptly.
He grabbed the empty plate and chopsticks, heading to the sink. “What if he comes back tomorrow?”
He scrubbed the dishes he just used with way more effort than usual, making sure there wasn’t a single spot of food left. When he finished, he dried them carefully, placing them back in the cupboard.
“There. Good as new,” he said, nodding to himself.
He glanced around the room again, making a mental note to keep it tidy. “Maybe I should actually clean up more often. Just in case he comes back.”
He walked to his bedroom and flopped onto the bed, staring at the ceiling. His thoughts kept circling back to the masked guy with the fox mask. Who was he? Why did he help him? Naruto couldn’t figure it out, but something about the man felt… familiar.
He folded his arms behind his head. “I hope he comes back,” he thought, a small smile creeping onto his face. It wasn’t just the food or the candy. It was the way the guy had made him feel… seen. Like he mattered.
Naruto yawned, his eyelids getting heavy. “Tomorrow,” he muttered, closing his eyes. “Maybe I’ll see him tomorrow.”
The thought made him feel warm inside, like the sun was shining just for him. He drifted off to sleep, a faint smile still on his face.
________________________________
Naruto woke up with a start, his eyes darting around the room. For a second, he half-expected to see the masked man standing there, but the room was empty. He let out a sigh, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. “Guess he’s not here,” he muttered, feeling a tiny pang of disappointment.
But then, his face brightened. “Oh, right! Today’s the day!” He jumped out of bed, almost tripping over his own feet. Today was his first day at the academy. Finally, a chance to prove himself.
He grabbed his orange jumpsuit, throwing it on with way more energy than usual. “They’re not gonna know what hit ‘em,” he said to himself, grinning. “I’m gonna be the best student there. Watch out, world! Future Hokage, coming through!”
As he headed out the door, he couldn’t help but glance around the street. No sign of the masked guy. “Eh, maybe next time,” he shrugged, though deep down, he hoped he’d see him again.
The academy wasn’t far, and Naruto practically skipped the whole way. He couldn’t stop thinking about how cool it was gonna be. Learning new jutsu, making friends—okay, maybe not friends, but at least people wouldn’t ignore him anymore.
________________________________
It had been two weeks since Naruto started at the academy, and honestly, it wasn’t going great. The teacher didn’t seem to care about him—just ignored him most of the time or made snide comments about how “slow” he was. Some of the other kids weren’t much better, calling him names or laughing when he messed up a jutsu. Sure, Shikamaru, Choji, and Kiba sometimes talked to him, but it wasn’t like they were hanging out all the time. Naruto wanted more than that. He wanted real friends, people who’d stick by him.
But no one seemed to care.
So, he decided to do what he did best: prank them.
He waited until the teacher left the room for a break, then got to work. A bucket of water balanced perfectly on top of the door, chalk dust sprinkled on the teacher’s chair, and a few kunai swapped for rubber ones in the training pile.
When the teacher walked back in, the bucket tipped over, drenching him completely. The class burst into laughter, and Naruto tried to keep a straight face, but it was hard.
The teacher glared, his face turning red. “Who did this?”
No one said a word.
Then he sat down, and the chalk dust puffed up like a cloud. The laughter got even louder.
Naruto couldn’t help it—he cracked a grin.
Later, during kunai practice, one of the rude classmates threw a kunai, only to have it bounce off the target.
“What the—?” the kid yelled, holding up the rubber kunai.
Naruto stifled a laugh, pretending to focus on his own throwing.
It wasn’t much, but it felt good. They’d ignore him, mock him, call him names—but they couldn’t ignore this.
Still, Naruto kicked a pebble down the road, hands shoved deep in his pockets. He couldn’t stop replaying the taijutsu test in his head. Sasuke had been so quick, so smooth, and looked way too smug about it. Naruto gritted his teeth. He’d tried his best, but it wasn’t enough. Again.
As he walked to his apartment alone, the weight of it all pressed on him. It wasn’t just Sasuke. It was the teacher, the other kids, the whole village. They all looked at him like he wasn’t worth their time. Sure, the pranks were fun, but it wasn’t the same as having someone who actually cared.
Naruto pushed open his apartment door, still staring at the ground. "I'm home," he mumbled, more out of habit than anything else.
"Welcome home," a voice replied, warm and calm.
Naruto’s head snapped up. There, in his small kitchen, stood the masked man, stirring something in a pot. The smell of food wafted through the air, and Naruto’s stomach instantly growled.
"You’re here!" Naruto blurted out, his whole face lighting up.
The masked man turned slightly, his fox mask tilting toward Naruto. "Yeah. Food’s almost ready. Go wash up first," he said, his tone casual but firm.
Naruto didn’t need to be told twice. He dropped his bag by the door and bolted to the bathroom, nearly tripping over his own feet.
When he returned, the masked man was setting a plate of steaming fried rice with curry on the table. There were even some well-cooked veggies on the side, which Naruto usually avoided but didn’t mind so much this time.
"Dig in," the man said, gesturing to the plate.
Naruto plopped down, grabbing his chopsticks and digging into the curry fried rice. He glanced at the masked man, who had actually taken a seat across from him. Naruto’s eyes widened as the man reached up and pulled off the fox mask, setting it on the table.
Blonde hair and blue eyes. Naruto froze mid-bite, a piece of rice stuck to his cheek. “Whoa,” he mumbled, staring.
The man noticed his gawking and smirked, picking up his own chopsticks. “Eat first, questions later,” he said, his voice relaxed but firm.
Naruto blinked, then stuffed another big bite into his mouth, chewing loudly. “But—” he started, mouth half-full.
The man raised an eyebrow, giving him a look that said, Really?
Naruto shut his mouth with that. They ate in silence for a bit, the only sounds the clinking of chopsticks and Naruto’s occasional “mmph” of approval. The man’s cooking was seriously good, and Naruto couldn’t help but wonder why someone who could make food this awesome was hanging out in his messy apartment.
“So,” Naruto finally said, after shoveling the last bite into his mouth. “Who are you?”
The man leaned back in his chair, his blue eyes steady. “Reiji,” he said simply, as if that explained everything.
Naruto leaned forward, squinting at Reiji’s face. The guy looked way too much like him—same blonde hair, same blue eyes. Naruto’s brain was going a mile a minute. He had a ton of questions, but one just slipped out before he could think.
“Are you my dad?” he blurted, his voice a mix of curiosity and hope.
Reiji stared at him for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then he shook his head slowly. “No, kid. I’m not your dad.”
Naruto frowned, tapping his chopsticks against his empty plate. “So… why do you care about me? Like, the bullies thing, and cooking for me, and all that stuff. Why?”
Reiji leaned back in his chair, his blue eyes steady. “Because you’re a good kid,” he said simply.
Naruto raised an eyebrow, not entirely convinced. “That’s it?”
Reiji shrugged. “And because I respect your dreams and your ideals.”
Naruto’s frown softened, and he looked down at his plate, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “Those are the only reasons?”
Reiji chuckled, waving a hand in the air. “No, there’s two more.”
Naruto’s head snapped up, curiosity flashing in his eyes. “What are they?”
Reiji smirked, leaning forward slightly. “One day, I’ll tell you. Not now.”
Naruto nodded, leaning back in his chair with a grin. “I’ll hold you to that.”
Naruto changed the topic with a grin, leaning his elbows on the table. “So, what’s with the mask? You tryin’ to look cool or somethin’?”
Reiji shrugged, picking up the fox mask and turning it over in his hands. “No, I just don’t like my face to be seen. But I’m fine with you.”
Naruto’s grin widened. For some reason, that made him feel special. Like he was the only one allowed to see Reiji’s face.
“Cool,” he said, leaning back in his chair. “So, what’s your deal? Like, do you live somewhere around here?”
Reiji shook his head. “No, I don’t live here.”
Naruto tilted his head, squinting at him. “You’re not a Konoha-nin?”
“No. Not anymore.”
Naruto’s eyes widened. “So… you’re a missing-nin?”
Reiji paused, his fingers tapping lightly on the table. “No,” he said finally, “not quite that either.”
Naruto scratches his head in complete confusion but lets it go because listening to the man's cryptic answers is giving him a headache.
Reiji leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand. "So, how’s the academy going?" he asked, his tone casual but curious.
Naruto groaned, slumping back in his chair. "It’s… okay, I guess. Kinda boring. The teacher doesn’t like me, and some of the kids are jerks."
Naruto let out a frustrated sigh, slumping even further in his chair. "And today, I totally messed up at taijutsu. Sasuke was all like 'too slow' and just wiped the floor with me. It was so lame. Oh, and don’t even get me started on the shuriken throwing. I missed the target again. Like, I’m not even sure how that happened. I thought I had it this time, but nope. Total disaster."
Reiji was quiet for a moment, his eyes closing as if he was thinking about something. Naruto glanced at him nervously, his stomach twisting. 'Is he disappointed in me? Maybe he thinks I’ll never get it. What if he just leaves and doesn’t wanna deal with me anymore?'
Reiji opened his eyes, breaking Naruto’s train of sad thoughts. "Most of the kids in the academy already learned the basics in their clans. That’s why they’re good at taijutsu and shuriken throwing. They’ve been practicing long before they even entered the academy.”
Naruto blinked, tilting his head. "Eh? Really? Then why do they even go to the academy?"
Reiji shrugged, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Sharpening their skills, I guess. Or maybe it’s just a requirement for climbing the ranks later. Either way, they’ve got a head start you don’t."
Naruto looked down at his hands, his voice quieter. "Oh… I see. Wish I had someone to teach me too."
Reiji leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping lightly on the table. "I could teach you."
Reiji gave a small nod, his expression calm. "Yeah. But for now, go wash up and get some sleep."
Naruto’s face lit up with a grin. "Okay!" He practically bounced out of his chair, heading straight for the bathroom.
After cleaning up, Naruto walked back into the kitchen, still grinning. He glanced around the kitchen, his grin faltering when he didn’t see Reiji. The table was cleared, the dishes washed and put away. The apartment was quiet, the only sound the soft hum of the night outside.
He glanced around the kitchen, his grin faltering when he didn’t see Reiji. The table was cleared, the dishes washed and put away. The apartment was quiet, the only sound the soft hum of the night outside.
But then he slapped both hands lightly on his cheeks, shaking his head. "It’s okay," he said to himself, forcing a small smile. "He said he’s gonna teach me. That means we’ll meet again."
He glanced around the tidy apartment one more time, then headed to his bedroom. As he lay down, his thoughts kept drifting back to Reiji. 'When is he gonna teach me?' Naruto wondered, staring at the ceiling. It felt weird, but he liked having someone around who actually cared. He yawned, his eyelids getting heavy. 'Maybe tomorrow,' he thought, a small smile creeping onto his face. He closed his eyes, the thought of learning something new making him feel warm inside.
________________________________
Naruto woke up the next morning, stretching lazily before sliding out of bed. He shuffled toward the kitchen, rubbing his eyes as the smell of something cooking hit him. He froze in the doorway, his mouth hanging open.
Reiji was there, stirring something in a pan. Naruto gaped. Reiji was usually only around in the evenings, but now it was morning. His blonde hair was tied back messily, and his black robe looked a little wrinkled, like he’d been there for a while. He stood in the doorway, blinking like he wasn’t sure if he was still dreaming.
“Wash up,” Reiji said, not even turning around. “Breakfast’s almost ready.”
Naruto didn’t need to be told twice. He darted to the bathroom, splashing water on his face and brushing his teeth in record time. When he came back, Reiji was setting a plate of steaming white rice, perfectly cooked veggies, crispy tempura, and a fluffy rolled omelet on the table. Naruto grabbed his chopsticks, his grin wide. “This looks awesome!” he said, barely containing his excitement.
Reiji sat across from him, picking up his own chopsticks. “Thanks.”
Naruto scarfed down his breakfast, practically inhaling the last bite of omelet. He jumped up, grinning from ear to ear. “I’m off to the academy! See you later, Reiji!”
Reiji glanced up from the sink where he was washing dishes. “Yeah. We’ll train after you’re done today.”
Naruto’s eyes sparkled like he’d just been handed an Ichiraku coupon. “Okay!” he practically shouted, bolting out the door with way too much energy for that early in the morning.
As Naruto skipped down the street, he didn’t even notice the usual snide comments or cold glares from the villagers. His mind was too busy buzzing with excitement. Training with Reiji! He couldn’t wait to learn something cool, something that’d make everyone at the academy stop underestimating him.
He practically floated all the way to the academy, ignoring everything else. The sun felt warmer, the sky looked bluer, and even the annoying kid who usually tripped him on the way in didn’t faze him. Naruto just grinned wider, his whole body practically vibrating with anticipation.
True to his word, Reiji led Naruto into a quiet forest clearing after Naruto got back to the apartment. The sun was starting to dip, casting long shadows across the grass. Naruto fidgeted, his excitement barely contained, as Reiji stepped into the center of the clearing and motioned for him to follow.
The training started with taijutsu. Reiji didn’t come at him hard or fast—it wasn’t about winning. Instead, he moved fluidly, almost casually, guiding Naruto’s movements with light taps on his arms or shoulders whenever he left an opening. Naruto stumbled a few times, but Reiji was patient, shifting his posture with a gentle hand and showing him where to place his weight.
Next came shuriken practice. Reiji demonstrated the proper grip and stance, his movements smooth and deliberate. He didn’t criticize when Naruto’s throws went wide or fell short. Instead, he corrected him with small adjustments—a nudge to his elbow, a tap to his wrist—until the shuriken started hitting the target more consistently.
Naruto was sweaty and tired by the end, but he couldn’t stop grinning. For the first time, he felt like he was actually learning something, not just flailing around and hoping for the best.
The training sessions became a daily routine, something Naruto looked forward to after the long, often frustrating days at the academy. Reiji was always there, calm and patient, ready to teach him something new. Some days, it was straight-up sparring—simple, straightforward, and exhausting. Naruto would throw punches and kicks, trying to land a hit, while Reiji dodged or blocked effortlessly, occasionally tapping Naruto’s shoulder or side to remind him to stay alert.
Other days, the lessons were more specific. Reiji would limit himself, making Naruto focus only on defense or only on offense. It was frustrating at first, especially when Naruto had to block Reiji’s attacks without retaliating. But slowly, he started to get it—how to shift his weight, how to anticipate moves, how to stay balanced even when pushed.
Shuriken practice got harder too. Reiji didn’t just stick to stationary targets. He’d toss leaves or branches into the air, and Naruto had to hit them before they touched the ground. At first, Naruto couldn’t even come close, but Reiji kept encouraging him, making small adjustments to his stance and grip. Eventually, Naruto started hitting the moving targets more often than not.
Reiji also taught him how to throw multiple shuriken at once. It was tricky, and Naruto’s hands felt clumsy at first, but Reiji showed him how to balance the weight between his fingers and release them in quick succession.
Each session left Naruto sweaty and tired, but he never complained. Instead, he’d collapse on the grass, grinning from ear to ear, already eager for the next lesson. Reiji would sit beside him, silent but content, occasionally ruffling Naruto’s hair as they caught their breath.
And through it all, Naruto couldn’t shake the feeling that Reiji was holding something back, like there was more he wasn’t ready to teach yet. But Naruto didn’t push. He was just happy to have someone who cared enough to train him everyday.
Naruto could feel his improvement after months of training with Reiji. His movements were sharper, his reflexes quicker. When it came time for the taijutsu spar against Sasuke, Naruto was ready.
Their match started fast, Sasuke’s punches and kicks coming in quick, just like always. But this time, Naruto wasn’t just dodging—he was countering. He caught Sasuke’s hand mid-swing, yanking him forward. Before Sasuke could react, Naruto bashed his forehead into Sasuke’s face, sending him stumbling back.
Naruto didn’t stop there. He grabbed Sasuke by the arm, throwing him to the ground and pinning him so he couldn’t move. The class fell silent, shocked.
Iruka stepped forward, a proud smile on his face. “Naruto is the winner!”
The girls in the class didn’t look happy about it. Their faces twisted into frowns, clearly not pleased that Sasuke had been beaten.
Sakura stepped forward, her voice sharp. “That was cheating! Bashing Sasuke’s face like that? That’s a cowardly move!”
Naruto turned around, arms crossed, and shot Sakura a confident grin. “Headbutt’s a thing, y’know. Usually aimed at opponents face—so, like, isn’t that the point? Aren’t you supposed to be one of the smartest?”
Sakura blinked, taken aback. She opened her mouth to retort but hesitated, her cheeks flushing slightly. She hadn’t expected Naruto to come back at her like that, especially with that cocky grin.
Iruka stepped in, his voice calm but firm. “Naruto’s win was fair and square. He used what he had, and it worked. That’s what sparring’s about.”
Some of the kids muttered under their breath, clearly not happy with the result. Sasuke, still on the ground, glared at Naruto with his usual brooding intensity. “Lucky shot.
Naruto just shrugged, still grinning. “Lucky or not, I won. Better luck next time, Sasuke.”
Iruka stepped forward, raising a hand to silence the chatter. “Alright, that’s enough. Seal of Reconciliation, both of you.”
Sasuke stood up, dusting himself off with a scowl. He shot Naruto a glare but stepped forward, reluctantly grabbing Naruto’s shirt in one hand. Naruto, still grinning from his win, didn’t hesitate. He grabbed Sasuke’s shirt right back, holding it just as firmly.
“It’s meant to make peace, you two,” Iruka said, his tone firm but not unkind.
Sasuke released Naruto’s shirt, turning away with his usual cool demeanor. Naruto let go too, still grinning as he watched Sasuke walk back to the group.
Iruka sighed, shaking his head slightly. “Alright, let’s move on to the next student.”
Naruto glanced at Sasuke one more time, his grin fading just a little. He wasn’t sure if he’d made a friend or an enemy, but he wasn’t about to let Sasuke’s attitude get to him. He’d won, fair and square, and that was all that mattered.
As the class shuffled into their next activity, Naruto couldn’t help but feel a small spark of pride. He’d proven himself today, and he knew Reiji would be proud too.
Naruto shuffled into the apartment after another long day at the academy, his shoulders slumping. “I’m home,” he muttered, half-expecting the usual silence.
“Welcome home,” came Reiji’s calm voice from the kitchen.
Naruto’s head shot up, a grin spreading across his face. He dropped his bag by the door and hurried toward the smell of food. Reiji was stirring something in a pot, his blonde hair tied back, sleeves rolled up.
“Smell good!” Naruto said, leaning against the counter.
Reiji glanced at him, a small smile playing on his lips. “Yeah. Go wash up. Food’s almost done.”
Naruto rushed to the bathroom, quickly stripping off his clothes and jumping into the shower. He scrubbed himself clean, the warm water washing away the day’s sweat. He dried off, threw on some fresh clothes, and hurried back to the kitchen, eager for whatever Reiji had cooked up.
Naruto couldn’t believe how much things had changed. Before Reiji, coming home meant silence—no one to greet him, no food waiting on the table. Just an empty apartment and the weight of everyone’s indifference. Now, there was warmth. Reiji was always there, cooking meals or sitting quietly, ready to train him. It felt… like family. Naruto didn’t know how to explain it, but it was the closest thing he’d ever had to one.
He found himself looking forward to it every day. The lessons, the food, even the quiet moments when Reiji would just sit there, watching him eat. It wasn’t just about the training or the protection. It was the small things—Reiji ruffling his hair, or the way he’d nod slightly when Naruto got something right. No one had ever cared that much before. And even though Reiji wasn’t his dad, Naruto couldn’t help but feel a little grateful. He didn’t need to say it out loud. Reiji probably knew anyway.
Naruto noticed little things about Reiji over time. The man hated lying, that much was clear. If Naruto asked something Reiji didn’t want to answer, he’d just say it straight—he wouldn’t lie, so he wouldn’t answer. It was oddly comforting, knowing Reiji wouldn’t sugarcoat things or make up excuses.
Another thing Reiji loved was ramen. Sometimes he made bowls of it, and Naruto was convinced it could rival Ichiraku’s. Reiji even taught him how to cook more than just instant stuff. Now, Naruto could handle curry, fried rice, and even rolled omelets without burning the place down. It wasn’t gourmet, but it was a step up from cup noodles. Plus, there was something satisfying about eating something he’d made himself, even if Reiji had to step in to save the dish once or twice.
Naruto beamed as he shoveled the last bite of food into his mouth, eager to share the day's events. He launched into the story of his taijutsu match with Sasuke, his hands moving animatedly as he described the headbutt and the pin. Reiji listened quietly, his expression unreadable but attentive. When Naruto finished, he looked up, waiting for a reaction. Reiji’s lips curved into a small smile, and he reached over to ruffle Naruto’s hair. The simple gesture made Naruto’s cheeks flush, but he couldn’t hide his grin. He felt a warm glow in his chest, like he’d just been handed the best prize in the world.
The rest of the evening passed in comfortable silence, Reiji clearing the table while Naruto helped as well, replaying the day in his head. He felt lighter, like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. For once, he wasn’t just the “dead last” kid everyone ignored. He’d proven he could hold his own, and he’d done it in front of the whole class. Sure, not everyone was happy about it, but he didn’t care. He had Reiji’s quiet pride, and for now, that was enough.
Once the dishes were done and the kitchen was tidy, Reiji leaned against the counter, crossing his arms. "I’ll be gone for a few days," he said, his tone calm. "Maybe two or three."
Naruto’s face fell, his excitement from earlier deflating like a popped balloon. "Why?" he asked, his voice a little quieter than usual.
Reiji shrugged, his expression unreadable. "Got some business to take care of. You remember to practice, okay? And eat properly."
Naruto nodded, his lips pressed into a small pout. "Yeah, I will," he mumbled. Then, before he could overthink it, he stepped forward and wrapped his arms around Reiji in a quick hug. "Good luck," he said, his voice muffled against Reiji’s legs.
For a second, Reiji stiffened like he’d been hit with a shock. Then, hesitantly, he patted Naruto’s back, his movements awkward, like he wasn’t sure what to do with his hands. "Thanks," he said, his voice a little gruff but soft. "I will."
Naruto pulled back, and Reiji ruffled his hair, offering a faint smile. "Practice your shuriken throws while I’m gone," he said, grabbing his fox mask from the table. "Don’t slack off just because I’m not here."
"Got it!" Naruto said, giving a mock salute. He watched as Reiji slipped the mask on, his familiar form disappearing behind it.
"See you in a few days," Reiji said, heading for the window.
"Yeah, see you," Naruto replied, watching him go. As the window clicked shut, Naruto let out a small sigh, but he couldn’t help smiling a little. Even if Reiji was gone for a bit, at least he’d be back. And that was enough.
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The next morning, Naruto woke up to an empty apartment. No smell of food, no Reiji in the kitchen. He rubbed his eyes, a little disappointed, but shrugged it off. After a quick bath, he headed to the kitchen. He wasn’t great at cooking, but Reiji had taught him the basics. Grabbing some leftover rice and eggs, he got to work. The omelette wasn’t as fluffy as Reiji’s, and the fried rice had a couple of burnt bits, but it was edible. He scarfed it down, then grabbed his bag and headed to the academy.
The day dragged on as usual—lectures, sparring, and the occasional glare from Sasuke. After class, Naruto made his way to the forest clearing where Reiji always trained him. The place felt different without Reiji there. Naruto stretched, then started practicing his shuriken throws. He hit the target more times than not, but it didn’t feel the same without Reiji’s quiet nods of approval. Next, he moved on to taijutsu, going through the moves Reiji had taught him. His movements were sharper, more controlled, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing.
He sat down on the grass, catching his breath. The clearing was peaceful, the leaves rustling in the breeze. Naruto glanced around, half-expecting Reiji to appear out of nowhere like he always did. But the clearing stayed empty. Naruto sighed, then stood up, dusting himself off. "Guess I’ll just have to practice harder," he muttered to himself, a small grin forming on his face. He’d show Reiji how much he’d improved when he got back.
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Three days passed since Naruto first overheard the whispers. The village buzzed with rumors, hushed voices carried on the wind like ghosts. People talked about Danzo, his name dripping with fear and anger. They said he kidnapped people, experimented on them, turned them into soldiers under his control. The words sent a chill down Naruto’s spine, though he didn’t fully understand them.
And then there were the Uchiha. The villagers spoke of them too, regret heavy in their tones. They said Danzo spread lies about the Uchiha, painted them as villains. Now, people felt guilty for believing it. Some even whispered about plans to wipe the Uchiha out entirely, though no one dared say it too loud.
Naruto didn’t know what to think. He’d never paid much attention to the Uchiha, except for Sasuke, who always seemed to be brooding in the corner. But the idea of an entire clan being targeted? It didn’t sit right with him. He chewed on his lip, staring at the ground as he walked home from the academy.
Naruto thought about it as he walked home. Sasuke was always so serious, kinda annoying, sure, but maybe he had his reasons. Maybe he wasn’t as much of a jerk as Naruto thought. If the villagers were whispering about the Uchiha, maybe Sasuke was dealing with stuff Naruto didn’t even know about. He shrugged to himself, deciding he’d try to cut the guy some slack. It wouldn’t kill him to be a little nicer. Being rivals was cool and all, sure. It meant Sasuke took him seriously. But, honestly? He kinda wanted to be Sasuke’s friend too.
Naruto finally, he arrived at his apartment. The moment he opened the door, he spotted Reiji standing by the table, sorting through some scrolls. Without thinking, Naruto bolted forward and wrapped his arms around Reiji in a tight hug.
Reiji froze, stiff as a board. His arms hovered awkwardly in the air, like he wasn’t sure what to do with them. It lasted only a second, but it was enough to make Naruto’s heart sink a little. He’d always felt like Reiji was the one giving all the affection—ruffling his hair, patting his back—but when it came to receiving it, Reiji seemed… lost.
Naruto pulled back, trying to play it off with a grin, but inside, he made a promise to himself. He wasn’t sure why Reiji was like this, but he’d make sure to hug him more often. If Reiji didn’t think he deserved it, Naruto would just have to prove him wrong.
Naruto tilted his head, curiosity gleaming in his eyes. "So, what kind of business were you even doing? You been gone for days!"
Reiji smirked, leaning back a little. "Can’t tell you that."
Naruto huffed but quickly changed the subject. He tilted his head, studying the scrolls Reiji was organizing. "What’re you doing?" he asked, curiosity sparkling in his eyes.
"Working on a seal," Reiji replied simply, not looking up.
"A seal for what?" Naruto pressed, leaning in closer.
Reiji paused, his hands hovering over the scroll. "Someone," he said after a moment. "Or rather… something."
Naruto’s eyes widened. "Wait, you can seal people ? Like, actually seal them away? Who—or what—are you sealing? Is it even possible to—"
"I’ll teach you when you’re older," Reiji cut him off, his tone firm but not harsh.
Naruto blinked, then grinned, his whole face lighting up. "Really? You’re gonna teach me sealing too?"
Reiji gave a small nod, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah. But it’s complicated. You’re not ready yet."
Naruto bounced on his heels, excitement bubbling over. "I’ll get ready fast, you’ll see! I’ll work super hard!"
Reiji chuckled softly, ruffling Naruto’s hair. “Sure you will. Now, go wash up. I’m gonna cook dinner.”
Naruto darted off, a huge grin plastered across his face. The apartment felt alive again, warm and welcoming, with Reiji back. He didn’t even bother hiding his excitement, practically skipping to the bathroom to wash up. As he splashed water on his face, Naruto’s chest swelled with a quiet happiness. He couldn’t wait for dinner and whatever Reiji had planned next.
BONUS ART:
