The next morning, Raftra and Kakashi walked side by side toward the Hokage's office. The morning air was fresh and the village streets were coming to life, yet a quiet tension hung between them.
Kakashi, as always, walked with his hands in his pockets, while Raftra moved with measured steps, both hands folded behind his back.
Raftra broke the silence first.
"I've decided," he said evenly, but with steely resolve. "My eatery will be called Raftra Kitchen."
Kakashi glanced at him briefly but offered no reply.
Raftra continued. "And it won't be just a small stall. I will make the place famous. Within a month, I want everyone in Konoha to know what Raftra Kitchen means the moment they hear the name."
Kakashi listened without comment.
"After that, I'll expand. Three branches in Konoha, then gradually open outlets in other villages."
"Raftra Kitchen will not stop at one spot, it will become a household name across the country."
Kakashi finally spoke, his tone flat but edged with a hint of surprise.
"Your ambitions are large. Maybe too large. Food business isn't that simple. In my life I've never seen a single stall grow into as many branches as you describe. At most… two or three, not more."
Raftra offered a faint smile and dipped his head a little. "That's because they don't know how to expand. They think opening branches means simply copying the original place, but it's not that simple."
"A business system must be built—strong, orderly, and able to run without the owner always present. Back where I'm from, many restaurants have dozens, even hundreds of branches, and they endure."
"So… building that is not impossible."
Kakashi listened, then replied evenly. "You sound very confident."
"Not really. I'm not that self-assured." Raftra shook his head slightly.
"To be honest, I often fear I'll fail. My plan is too big, too distant, perhaps even insane."
"But there's one thing I believe in—confidence matters. If from the start I doubt myself, I won't be able to move. I'll be paralyzed by my hesitation."
He paused and turned to Kakashi with a steady look.
"Besides… if I don't believe in myself, who will? You, Kakashi-san?"
"That's unlikely. We only met yesterday, so I doubt you'd expect me to care that much." Kakashi merely glanced at him.
Raftra shifted his gaze to the road ahead and let out a long, heavy breath.
"I'm alone here. No family, no friends. No one."
"So the only person who has to believe I can do this… is me."
They continued walking. Kakashi remained silent for a while, as though weighing something, then finally spoke.
"After knowing you for a day, one thing is clear."
Raftra looked up, curious. "What's that?" he asked.
Kakashi answered, "You are very good with words. Too skillful. Every phrase, every inflection—even your expressions—feel deliberate, not accidental."
Raftra only smiled faintly, neither denying nor affirming.
"You enjoy provoking responses with your words," Kakashi added. "Whether with simple questions or statements like your grand plan for Raftra Kitchen. You speak in a way that forces me to react. It's not idle chat—it's conversation you design."
Kakashi exhaled softly, his eyes half closed. "When I think about it… it seems you're trying to manipulate. Not in a malicious way, but you steer people with your words."
"And what's most interesting is that I often don't notice it while it's happening. Only later, when I reflect, do I realize."
Raftra gave a small laugh, barely audible—an attempt to mask the satisfaction he didn't wish to reveal.
"Manipulation, eh? That's an intriguing word."
"So… do you think I also staged the reaction to the trauma last night?" he asked.
Kakashi considered for a moment, weighing his response. After a few seconds he said casually, "No. That reaction was real. The fear you showed was organic… too deep to be fabricated."
"If that had been staged, you'd be a better actor than any ninja I've met."
Raftra nodded slowly. "So you think I'm human after all—just that my words often sound like they hide ulterior motives?"
"Is that what you meant by what you said earlier?" Kakashi asked.
He didn't answer immediately. He only raised an eyebrow, implying he wasn't entirely dismissive.
Raftra smiled lightly. "Isn't that just your overactive imagination? I'm just a teenager, Kakashi-san. How could I be so busy manipulating when my main concern right now is survival?"
Kakashi shot him a sharp look. "Your words just proved my point. You tried to twist perception, make me doubt myself. As if I were the one overreacting."
Raftra exhaled and shook his head. "It must be tough, being as clever as you. Even a simple sentence from me you can turn into something big."
"Perhaps because you're a high-ranked ninja, used to complex missions—overthinking carries over into ordinary life. You should give your brain a rest, Kakashi-san."
Kakashi said nothing and looked ahead. 'His words were smooth—now I find myself wondering if I overreacted,' he thought. 'Hokage-sama was right, talking to him isn't like speaking to a typical teenager. It feels… like speaking to a peer.'
'Be cautious, even if Hokage says Raftra is harmless—his ultimate intention remains unknown.'
In Raftra's mind: 'Kakashi is hard to read. He's sensitive to the smallest things. Even compared to Hiruzen, he's tougher to manipulate.'
'It might take a long time before Kakashi considers me a younger brother.'
Raftra then asked, "By the way… your behavior is inconsistent. Yesterday you were open—you even showed your face—but today you're closed off and suspicious."
"I'm curious why you do that. Is it mere coincidence… or do you have another reason?"
Kakashi replied, "I don't know. What do you think? Do I have ulterior motives?"
Raftra fell silent, then smiled faintly. "I don't know, but I hope… it's just coincidence."
They walked on in silence.
....
A few minutes later, in the Hokage's office, Hiruzen sat comfortably with his pipe, watching the two who had entered: Kakashi Hatake and Raftra.
"Good morning, Raftra, Kakashi," Hiruzen greeted in his deep, kindly voice.
He turned his gaze to Raftra. "How do you find living with Kakashi?"
Raftra glanced at Kakashi, then back at the Hokage, a thin smile on his face.
"So far it's comfortable. Kakashi doesn't speak much, so I feel at ease. His house is clean and spacious—a good place to rest."
"Moreover… Kakashi's reputation in Konoha gives me a sense of protection. It feels like a strong wall standing behind me."
Hiruzen narrowed his eyes briefly and let out a small chuckle, a thin plume of pipe smoke curling from his mouth.
"So you mean you're taking advantage of Kakashi's reputation?" he teased.
Raftra nodded without shame or embarrassment. "Yes. And there's nothing wrong with that."
"You appointed Kakashi to watch over me," he replied, smiling at the blunt honesty. "I'm just adapting to the situation and making use of it."
Hiruzen seemed amused by Raftra's forthrightness. Kakashi watched the exchange intently.
'Raftra is clearly different,' Kakashi thought. 'When he speaks with the Hokage, his demeanor changes—warmer, more cheerful, optimistic. His words are long, layered, as if he wants to present a positive image. With me he's calmer, more cautious—keeping distance while trying to get close.'
'This isn't natural speech. It's a pattern, deliberately chosen.'
Hiruzen shifted the conversation. He opened a drawer and produced a small, polished iron key, placing it on the desk before Raftra. He also handed over a thick brown envelope and a map.
"This is the key. An empty shop in the eastern district will be the place you begin," he said, tapping the map with a finger. "The location is strategic—not too busy, yet close enough to the main road. If you can make that place thrive, your venture may prosper."
Raftra studied the map closely, then took the key carefully. He slid the money from the envelope into his pocket and bowed deeply.
"Thank you, Lord Hokage. Thank you for doing this for a stranger like me. I will not forget your kindness."
Hiruzen's smile faded into seriousness. He tapped his pipe on the desk and looked at Raftra with a grave expression.
"Don't be too pleased. This is a loan, as you requested. You must repay it, with an interest of ten percent."
Raftra raised his head. "I haven't forgotten."
Hiruzen nodded, then turned to Kakashi. "And remember, you will continue to watch him closely. Every move, every step—you will report directly to me."
"Also, he must regularly visit the village administration. This loan system is complicated, he'll have to deal with them and sign the debt contract."
Raftra cast a quick glance at Kakashi. No smile, no protest—his face remained neutral while his mind spun possibilities.
He then faced Hiruzen again and offered a smile that seemed more sincere than any before—whether genuine or merely crafted to appear so.
"Of course. I know. But let me say one thing."
"Right now your trust in me is only sixty percent. I promise… one day I will make you trust me one hundred percent. Not just in words, but by my actions."
Silence filled the room for a moment. Hiruzen studied him, searching beneath the surface of Raftra's gaze.
Kakashi observed quietly.
Finally Hiruzen smiled faintly, though not completely convinced. "We shall see, Raftra. We shall see."
Raftra bowed respectfully once more and prepared to depart. Before stepping out, he hesitated, turned halfway back to Hiruzen, and spoke.
"Hokage-sama," he said, "before I go… there are two things I want to ask."
Hiruzen frowned and set his pipe on the desk. "Ask."
Raftra inhaled deeply. "First, what about my belongings? I want to know their fate."
The room fell briefly still. Hiruzen regarded him and replied firmly, "They are safe. No one has touched them. They are kept in a place only I know. So be at ease."
Raftra nodded. The answer matched what he had hoped.
"And my second question—do you have any special orders for Kakashi beyond watching me?"
Kakashi turned slowly at Raftra's question. Hiruzen raised an eyebrow, surprised to hear it. "Why would you think that?"
Raftra replied, "Because he showed his face to me last night at dinner. From what I observed—his manner, his behavior—it felt unusual."
Kakashi snorted lightly. "You only got to know me yesterday, Raftra. How can you draw such conclusions about me?"
Raftra met Kakashi's gaze briefly, expression composed and clear. "From my observations. I might be wrong, but I trust my intuition."
There was a moment of silence. Hiruzen seemed to want to answer, but Raftra did not wait.
"No need to explain. I don't mind if there are other orders," he said, bowing once more before turning to leave. "I'll be going now. Farewell."
Kakashi watched Raftra's back for a moment, then glanced at Hiruzen. The old Hokage drew a slow breath and gave a slight nod, as if permitting Kakashi to accompany the boy.
Kakashi followed Raftra out, leaving Hiruzen alone in his chair, lost in thought.
'So you noticed that… Raftra,' Hiruzen mused. 'I did give Kakashi other orders besides watching you.'
....
Outside, Raftra and Kakashi walked together in silence, only their footsteps and the occasional morning breeze broke the stillness.
When they emerged into the sunlight, Kakashi glanced at Raftra. "So, what's your next plan?"
Raftra smiled faintly and pointed toward the marketplace. "We need to buy a lot of supplies."
They headed toward Konoha's bustling market. Merchants shouted their wares, spices perfumed the air, and fresh produce formed a tapestry of color.
Raftra wasted no time. He purchased everything for the new shop: large woks, pots, bowls, plates, spoons, forks, chopsticks, glasses—down to the small utensils easily overlooked.
Then he moved on to ingredients: fresh chicken, rice, wheat, flour, chilies, vegetables, and a full complement of spices. Slowly, the baskets filled.
Vendors watched Raftra buying in bulk, accompanied by Kakashi, and murmured among themselves.
"Hey, Kakashi-san, are you opening a restaurant?"
"If Kakashi cooks, perhaps all the women will come every day."
Kakashi responded with a small nod and a faint smile behind his mask. Raftra only sighed.
Soon their arms were heavy with parcels.
Kakashi strode with an easy gait, as if the weight were nothing. Raftra, though pushing himself, stopped occasionally to catch his breath, sweat beaded and his shoulders ached from the burden.
Minutes later they reached the modest building that would become Raftra's shop. Kakashi set down the items calmly, Raftra, nearly exhausted, slumped against a wall to catch his breath.
"Phew…" Raftra wiped sweat from his brow. "It's heavier than I thought."
Kakashi glanced, then returned to the bags without comment.
They stepped inside. The shop was fairly roomy and had three sections: a kitchen, a toilet, and a dining area filled with tables and chairs.
"Hmm…" Raftra tapped the dust-covered table and squinted. "We've got work to do. Before opening, we should clean up."
Kakashi walked in slowly and switched on the dim hanging light. "It's not a difficult job. But it will take time."
Raftra piled the purchases into a corner and clapped his hands. "Then let's begin."
Without much talk, Kakashi helped. They moved chairs, swept away dirt, and wiped the windows.
Just as they were getting started, a familiar voice called out, "Raftra!"
Raftra looked up. "Oh… Naruto?"
Naruto stood in the doorway, breathless as if he'd run. His face shone with excitement. "I couldn't find you the last few days, I thought you might have returned to your village."
Raftra smiled. "No, Naruto. I didn't go home. From today, I'll live in Konoha. This shop will be my business."
Naruto's eyes widened with admiration. "What? You're opening your own place?!"
Raftra nodded. "Yes. So if you're hungry, you can come by. I can feed you for free—though there will be a few conditions," he added lightly.
Naruto chuckled and glanced at the man beside Raftra. "Who's this?" he asked, uncertain.
Raftra turned to Kakashi. "Ah, I haven't properly introduced you. Naruto, this is Kakashi-san. Kakashi-san, this is Naruto."
Kakashi looked at Naruto briefly and answered in his calm tone, "I'm Kakashi. I'm just the one assigned to be with Raftra."
Naruto swallowed hard. Kakashi's gaze felt cold and made him nervous. "I-I'm Na… Naruto," he stammered, giving a small bow.
An awkward silence followed. Kakashi added nothing more than a slight nod. Naruto shuffled, scratching his head.
Raftra intervened immediately. "Don't be stiff, Naruto. He's like that. Don't take it personally—he doesn't dislike you."
Naruto glanced at Kakashi and then looked back at Raftra. "Can I help clean too? School's closed today and I don't know what to do."
Raftra said, "It's better if you go home, Naruto. The place is dirty and cleaning will take a lot of strength."
Naruto shook his head vigorously. "It's fine! I want to help. You fed me something delicious last time, so let me repay you a little. Besides, I'm strong!" he said, giving a thumbs-up.
Raftra studied Naruto's earnest face, glanced at Kakashi who merely shrugged, then smiled. "Alright. If you insist, I won't refuse. But don't complain if you get tired."
Naruto pumped his fist. "I won't complain!"
So the three of them set to work. Raftra assigned tasks, Naruto swept with boundless enthusiasm though sometimes clumsily, Kakashi calmly wiped tables in measured motions.
The once-silent shop filled with small talk, Naruto's laughter when he sneezed from dust, and Raftra's light scolding to be careful.
An hour passed unnoticed. The tables, once dull, gleamed, the floor shone, the air inside felt clean.
Naruto stood with his hands on his hips and sighed happily. "Phew! That was tiring." But his face shone with pride.
Raftra patted Naruto's head with a slight smile. "Good work, Naruto. You helped more than I expected."
Kakashi sat and opened his book. "Not bad. If you keep this up, you might open the shop sooner than we think."
In Kakashi's thoughts: 'So Hokage's remark about Naruto having a connection with Raftra was right… Aside from watching Raftra, I was also ordered to watch Naruto in case Raftra behaves suspiciously. I'll be more serious from now on. Hokage also ordered me to let Raftra lower his guard—this will be difficult, but I'll try.'