Sunlight spilled over the autumnal clearing, golden leaves rustling in the breeze. The ground shimmered like a sea of gold. Naruto, exhausted, had fallen asleep under the trees. Tō lightly tapped him awake and teased, "Fell asleep already? Isn't it comfortable?" He punctuated the joke with a playful punch, leaving Naruto with a bump as he awoke in tears. "Big brother, I trained for six hours straight and didn't eat!"
With a wry smile, Tō scooped him up and in a blink—shunshin jutsu—they were on the village's food street. Naruto shouted gleefully, "Brother, treat me to Ichiraku ramen! I'll eat less this time, promise!"
Naruto was known for his appetite—after mastering water-walking, he devoured nine bowls of ramen in one sitting. Tō paid for eleven bowls before they stepped out as the village filled with the evening rush.
Sunset painted the sky gold-pink, and Tō turned to Naruto: "Listen, Naruto, I might be called out on a mission. While I'm away, you must look after Mom." Naruto nodded solemnly.
At his home, Tō performed a seal: "Summoning Technique!" A puff of smoke, and Pikachu appeared—angry as ever. It unleashed a thunderbolt that shocked Tō instantly. Tō apologized: "Sorry, I stuck you in the pet space to protect you at Orochimaru's base." Pikachu, reunited, nuzzled him affectionately. Naruto dove forward—zap! Pikachu hit him instead. Naruto convulsed a moment before learning of Pikachu's power.
"That's my partner, Pikachu," Tō told Naruto. "You and Mom must stay safe together." Naruto tried to stand, saluted, and promised his protection. Pikachu glared—clearly upset at being left behind.
Tō considered—and decided Pikachu would stay. He was too conspicuous, too powerful; best hidden when Tō was on missions. Better that Tō leave with his Shadow Beast, who could vanish and deceive enemy senses. Naruto, though disappointed, perked up at the promise of eventually getting his own summon beast.
"But that's for later," Tō said. "Right now, focus on your training: Wind Style, powerful enough to rival Sasuke someday." Naruto's eyes sparkled at the mention of gifts—instant ramen, scrolls, maybe a secret summon. Even Pikachu blinked at Naruto's unwavering enthusiasm.
Tō chuckled faintly, watching both of them chase their dreams—one serious mission ahead, one anxious yet hopeful student.