One warm afternoon, while the kids were playing at the park, three of them broke off from the group to rest under the shade. There, they spotted two other boys already lounging beneath the trees.
Shikajiro Nara frowned at the scene.
Shikajiro: "You're really wasting the whole day just staring at clouds?"
Shikamaru:"How troublesome. It's called relaxing. Maybe you should try it sometime. Honestly, you don't even act like a Nara… then again, none of you act like normal kids your age."
The three friends exchanged knowing grins.
Shikajiro: "I guess we found a hobby—training—and we found people who enjoy it with us."
He sat down beside Shikamaru, unscrewing his water bottle.
Nearby, Choji offered a chip to Chosuke, who gladly accepted it. Inohiko Yamanaka Inohiko, drenched in sweat, wiped his face with a towel.
Inohiko: "Where's the third member of your lazy trio?"
Shikamaru pointed to the far side of the park.
Shikamaru: "Over there—she just made a new friend."
They looked and saw Ino chatting with a shy pink-haired girl near the swings.
Chosuke: "She's the least lazy of the three of you."
Shikamaru:Sighs. "What a drag."
Then Shikajiro leaned forward, eyes narrowing.
Shikajiro: "Hey, Maru… are you seeing what I'm seeing?"
Shikamaru followed his cousin's gaze: a blonde boy was repeatedly trying to climb a tree, falling at the last step every time. But it wasn't just the struggle that caught their attention—it was the white-eyed girl hiding behind a bush, secretly watching him with concern.
Shikamaru: "You're the smart guy here—what do you think is going on?"
Shikajiro chuckled.
Shikajiro: "Looks like a determined little guy trying his best… and an admirer quietly cheering him on. But the admirer's a Hyūga. That's what's interesting. Should we help them?"
Shikamaru: "Help who?"
Shikajiro: "Both. Show the kid how to climb properly… and bring the girl out of her shell."
Shikamaru: "That sounds like a lot of effort."
Shikajiro: "Yeah, but no one else is helping, and—wait—scratch that."
They watched as Kugi approached the shy girl, and another boy—an Uchiha—walked toward the blonde boy.
Uchiha Karasu stopped just a few steps from the boy.
Karasu: "Bend your knees before you jump. Don't rush—take your time, and grab the clean, firm branches. The others might cut your hands."
Naruto: "I don't need your help! I can do it myself!"
Karasu: "Let me see your hands."
Naruto (reluctantly): "It's nothing."
Karasu: "Nothing, huh? Well, nothing' is bleeding all over the place. Come on."
Karasu led Naruto to the river and gently washed his hands. Kugi and Hinata followed, Hinata offering a small jar of ointment with trembling hands.
Then Karasu pulled off his gloves, reached into his pack, and unrolled elastic bandages.
Karasu: "Hold still."
He wrapped Naruto's hands with precision, then slid the training gloves over them.
Karasu: "These'll help with your grip while climbing."
Naruto, overwhelmed by how quickly it all happened—and by the unexpected kindness—began to tear up.
Naruto:Sniff "Thank you..."
Karasu extended his hand.
Karasu: "No problem. I'm Uchiha Karasu, by the way."
Naruto:Shakes it, smiling wide. "Uzumaki Naruto! I'm gonna be Hokage one day!"
Karasu (grinning): "Ambitious. I hear it's a tough job. Good luck."
Karasu turned to the playground.
Karasu: "We train and hang out here most days. You're welcome to join us."
Naruto: "You want me to join you?"
Karasu: "Why not? Unless you're too busy becoming Hokage."
Naruto: "No way—I'm in! I'll beat everyone here!"
Karasu: "Hehe. You're on. I gotta go, but I think everyone'll be happy to meet you."
Kugi stepped up, offering his hand.
Kugi: "I'm Kugi."
Hinata: "H-H-Hinata…" she blurted out, then bolted off, face bright red.
Kugi:Chuckles. "Don't mind her. She's shy around new people."
Naruto: "Uzumaki Naruto!" he grinned proudly.
Soon, the rest of the boys joined them and introduced themselves. Naruto could hardly keep up with the sudden wave of new friends.
Shikajiro: "Alright guys, let's take a break from training and welcome Naruto with a game of Ninja. I'll count—you hide."
Inohiko grabbed Naruto's arm and whispered:
Inohiko: "Come on, hide quick! He's scary good at this. And whatever you do—don't let your shadow touch his."
Later in the Uchiha Compound
That evening, Karasu returned to find Sasuke sulking near the edge of the compound, kicking stones.
Karasu: "There you are. What's wrong?"
Sasuke: "Because of you, now my dad wants me to get stronger even faster. But he doesn't even have time to teach me."
Karasu: "That's how dads are. They want us to be the best, even if they don't know how to say it."
Sasuke: "I can't even hit a bullseye from a meter away..."
Karasu: "Let me help."
Time passed quickly under the shifting shadows of the trees.
Karasu: "Now, this is how you use strings to redirect kunai mid-flight. Watch carefully."
The sun dipped lower.
Karasu: "And if you hit one kunai with another, you can change its direction. Great for tricky angles."
Sunset painted the sky red.
Karasu: "Keep practicing, and you'll get it. Maybe even surpass your brother."
Sasuke: "If I had the Sharingan, I'd do it easily."
Karasu: "The Sharingan doesn't make you great. You do."
Sasuke: "That's not what the clan thinks."
Karasu: "Then let me ask you—who's the strongest person in Konoha?"
Sasuke: "The Hokage."
Karasu: "Did any of the four Hokage have the Sharingan?"
Sasuke: "No… but they weren't Uchiha."
Karasu: "Right. But has any Uchiha ever become Hokage?"
Sasuke: "…No."
Karasu: "Exactly. So maybe the Sharingan isn't everything."
Sasuke frowned, not quite convinced.
Karasu: "Let me give you a closer example. Who's the strongest kid in the clan?"
Sasuke: "My brother."
Karasu: "Well, no. But let's pretend he is. Who awakened the Sharingan earliest?"
Sasuke: "My brother."
Karasu: "Wrong again. My sister awakened hers at five. But she's nowhere near Itachi or Shisui's level."
Sasuke: "…Shisui?"
Karasu: "Yep. He's the strongest among the younger generation. Your brother comes second. Ask him yourself."
Karasu stood, brushing off his clothes.
Karasu: "You'll catch up one day—even surpass them—if you keep working.
My friends and I train every day at the park. You should join us."
Sasuke: "But… your friends aren't from our clan."
Karasu: "And? Doesn't mean they're not strong. The offer's there—it's your choice."
The Park – One Late Morning
The sun filtered through the trees, casting shifting shadows over the open park where a dozen kids darted around in playful chaos. The familiar sounds of laughter, shouting, and footsteps filled the air as the group played a spirited game of Ninja Tag.
Shikajiro was "it," moving with deliberate stealth, carefully watching every shadow, every motion. The game rules were simple: if your shadow got caught by Shikajiro's, you're pretty much out.
Under a shaded tree on a small hill nearby, Ino, Sakura, and Hinata sat cross-legged, sipping juice and chatting idly.
Ino twirled her straw. "They've been running around for over an hour. Don't they ever get tired?"
Sakura giggled. "Not with all the food Chosuke eats, I think he powers half the park."
Hinata smiled faintly, her eyes wandering between Naruto and Kogi, who were coordinating a sneak attack on Shikajiro from opposite sides. "They're... pretty amazing," she whispered.
Ino nudged her. "Who is?"
"N-No one!"
The girls burst out laughing.
Meanwhile, Shikajiro narrowed his eyes as he crept past a bush. "I know someone's hiding around here…" he muttered.
Unbeknownst to him, Aburame Shino and his cousin Kyuta were seated right behind that very bush. Still, silent, blending into the natural shadows. They didn't even flinch.
"Nothing here," Shikajiro concluded, walking off.
Kyuta adjusted his collar. "Aburame stealth: too effective."
Shino nodded in agreement. "Almost makes it unfair."
No one noticed they had been there the whole time.
Suddenly, Kiba, Shino (breaking stealth at last), Kyuta, and Kaito jogged into the clearing, Tatsumaki crawling behind like a little shadow with mismatched eyes.
Naruto waved. "Hey, over here!"
Chosuke, puffing from a recent dodge, grinned. "We've got back up!"
Kiba cracked his knuckles. "Let's shake things up—Akamaru, you ready?"
"Ruff!"
The second Kiba joined, he sprinted toward the chaos with wild energy—only to immediately step into Shikajiro's trap.
"Shadow Possession Jutsu."
Kiba froze mid-charge, arms outstretched, a single leaf stuck to his forehead.
"Gotcha," Shikajiro smirked.
"Wha—already?! I just got here!"
"Too slow," Chosuke teased, throwing him a recovery chip.
Even Akamaru barked like he was laughing.
Everyone sprawled out on the grass after the game, flushed and breathless. A few had their shirts tossed aside to cool off, while Tatsumaki lay like a lazy shadow beside Kaito, his tail flicking contentedly.
Inohiko popped the cap off his water bottle and took a sip before glancing at Naruto. "Hey, Naruto—when's your birthday?"
Naruto blinked, sitting up from where he was lying flat on his back. "Huh? Oh, it's October 10th. Why?"
Inohiko grinned. "Perfect. Just checking, because ours is coming up soon and we want to invite you to our party."
Naruto sat up straighter, surprised. "All of your birthdays?"
Chosuke shook his head with a mouthful of snacks. "Nah, just the seven of us. Our birthdays are close together, so after the first year where the clans had to choose who to show up for, our parents agreed it's easier to throw one big celebration."
"This year it's my clan's turn to host," he added proudly. "And my dad's on grill duty. Best BBQ in the village—ask anyone."
Inohiko leaned in like he was revealing top-secret intel. "So, September 7th. Can you make it?"
Naruto grinned so wide it nearly split his face. "Are you kidding? I'll be there!"
He paused, then scratched his head. "Wait... Should I bring a gift? What do I even get for seven birthdays?"
Shikajiro leaned back on his elbows and gave a lazy smile. "Don't worry about it. Just show up. But if you really wanna bring something… think of what you'd like to get for your birthday and bring that."
Naruto nodded firmly, eyes sparkling with excitement. "Got it. I know exactly what to bring."
Kiba raised an eyebrow. "Should we be worried?"
Naruto just grinned mischievously.
Chosuke laughed. "Now I am worried."
As the kids played, the girls kept chatting, the shadows shifted, and for that day at least, everything felt free, warm, and perfectly ordinary—for a bunch of future legends.
That Evening – Naruto and Kyoi's Apartment
The door creaked open as Naruto bounded into the living room, kicking off his sandals with clumsy enthusiasm.
Naruto: "Kaa-chan! You won't believe it—I got invited to a birthday party! Not just one—seven!"
Kyoi looked up from the small dining table, where she'd been folding laundry. Her tired eyes immediately softened.
Kyoi: "Seven birthdays? All at once?"
Naruto: "Yeah! My new friends all have the same birthday, and they're throwing one big party. Chosuke said his dad is doing the barbecue this year. They even told me I didn't have to bring a gift—but I'm bringing ramen anyway!"
Kyoi chuckled, setting aside a folded towel.
Kyoi: "Of course you are."
Naruto: "Can you come too?"
The question landed like a kunai between her ribs. She hesitated—just for a second—but Naruto caught it.
Kyoi (gently): "I want to, Naruto. More than anything… but something's come up. A council matter. I can't leave it unattended."
Naruto's smile faltered. "Oh… okay. I get it."
Kyoi crossed the room and knelt beside him. Her hand rested on his shoulder, firm and warm.
Kyoi: "I know I've missed a lot. I just don't want to cause any problems—not at your party. I want it to be just about you, and your friends."
She didn't say it aloud, but in the back of her mind, she pictured Kyuta. Just once, she'd glanced through the crowd during the last training match… and seen the boy she left behind, standing among the others—stronger, more serious, with Shibi's calm eyes and none of her warmth.
Kyoi pulled Naruto into a hug.
Kyoi: "You'll have fun, and you'll tell me all about it when you come home, yeah?"
Naruto (muffled): "Yeah…"
She kissed the top of his head, forcing a smile.
Kyoi: "We'll celebrate afterward—just the two of us. Ramen night."
Naruto pulled back, grinning. "With eggs?"
Kyoi: "Of course with eggs."
As he rushed off to his room to pick out something "cool" to wear, Kyoi stood there in the silence, her hand still warm from his shoulder.
She whispered to herself:
Kyoi: "You're not alone, Naruto. But I just hope… one day, Kyuta understands why I had to choose you."
The Birthday Party – Akimichi Clan Grounds, September 7th
The Akimichi compound was alive with noise and energy. Colorful paper lanterns hung from the trees, and low tables were piled with food—grilled meats, rice balls, sweets, and trays of snacks that seemed endless.
Laughter filled the air as clan kids ran wild between training posts and party games. The smell of barbecue drifted from a massive grill station manned by Chosuke's father, a towering figure with sauce-stained mitts and a grin to match.
Naruto stood at the edge of the party, wide-eyed and smiling, holding two plastic shopping bags filled with colorful ramen packets.
Chosuke spotted him first. "Naruto! You made it!"
Naruto waved, jogging over. "Yeah! And I brought presents for everyone!"
He knelt down and pulled out the goods—dozens of instant ramen packets, each with a hand-scribbled name tag on the back.
Naruto: "I didn't have much money, but I brought my favorite thing to share. Hope that's okay!"
A beat of silence followed.
Inohiko picked one up and read the label. "Beef miso deluxe?"
Shikajiro smirked. "That's oddly on-brand."
Kiba (grinning): "It's perfect."
Kyuta examined a spicy shrimp packet like it was a rare scroll. "Ramen is never a bad gift."
Karasu chuckled. "Tactical, too. You've ensured we all owe you lunch at some point."
But it was Chosuke who reacted the loudest.
He grabbed a triple pork garlic tonkotsu pack and held it to the sky like it was sacred.
Chosuke: "Naruto… this is the best birthday gift ever!"
Naruto's face lit up as the others began trading packets and arguing over flavors.
Naruto: "I wrote everyone's name on one. I wasn't sure if you'd like it, but it's what I'd want on my birthday".
Shino (quietly): "Efficient. Calorically dense. Acceptable gift."
Kiba: "I swear, Shino, you make it sound like we're feeding troops."
Tatsumaki, sitting beside Kaito, sniffed at a spicy ramen packet curiously before trying to "absorb" it into his gooey fur—only for Kaito to yank it away with a sharp, "Not food."
Everyone laughed.
Naruto, watching all of it unfold, felt something settle in his chest. Something light. Something warm.
Later that evening, as the sun began to set and the lanterns cast flickering shadows across the field, the group sat together around a fire pit roasting skewers, sharing stories, and arguing over who would win in a real fight between the Raikage and Jiraiya.
Naruto leaned back, ramen packet in hand, and whispered to himself,
Naruto: "Kaa-chan… I wish you could see this."
But even without her there, he felt it.
He belonged.