Inside the Hokage's office, the atmosphere was calm.
Hiruzen sat in his large chair, his eyes scanning the stack of documents piled on his desk.
Tsunade relaxed on the sofa with a steaming cup of tea in her hand, while Shizune sat beside her, absorbed in fiddling with something in her lap.
Soon there came a knock at the door.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Hiruzen glanced up and said, "Come in."
The door opened and one of the building guards stepped inside. He stood at attention, his face a little stiff.
"Report, Lord Hokage—Hatake Kakashi and Raftra wish to see you."
Hiruzen nodded briefly. "Why didn't you just let them in?"
The guard hesitated for a moment, then bowed. "Because they brought Naruto."
For an instant, the room turned serious. Hiruzen raised his head, his eyes narrowed.
Tsunade, who had just sipped her tea, paused mid-breathe. She set her cup down gently on the table with a soft clink.
Shizune looked over, her expression puzzled.
Tsunade fixed her gaze on Hiruzen. Her face grew serious. "What are you going to do, Sensei?"
Hiruzen closed the document he held. In a flat tone he said, "Let the three of them in."
The guard immediately nodded. "Yes, sir." He turned quickly and left the room.
Once the door closed, Tsunade leaned toward Hiruzen. "Does Raftra… know that kid with the Nine-Tails?"
Hiruzen did not answer at once, he was clearly thinking. "On the first day Raftra appeared in this village, he met Naruto and made a connection."
Tsunade, hearing that, let out a short, almost mocking laugh. "Hah… since day one?"
She shook her head and stared at her teacup. "No wonder he was brought in for questioning—maybe even mistreated by certain people. From the moment he showed up, he trod on dangerous ground. What a reckless youth."
Hiruzen remained silent, not responding to Tsunade's comment. Instead his gaze turned to the large window behind his desk.
From there he could see the front courtyard of the Hokage building. He watched three figures waiting: Kakashi leaning calmly, Naruto occasionally staring at the ground with a nervous expression, and Raftra, busy speaking to the boy, trying to keep him smiling.
Tsunade asked again. "Does Raftra know who that boy really is?"
"You mean Naruto?" Hiruzen asked.
Tsunade nodded and stood, moving to the window to look at Raftra. "Yes, Naruto — does Raftra know who he really is?"
Hiruzen shook his head. "Raftra does not know who Naruto truly is, or at least that's what we believe."
"So far, neither I nor the village elders have discussed Naruto in front of Raftra, not even during interrogation. We've done it on purpose: Naruto is too dangerous to be talked about freely, even if Raftra is suspicious."
Tsunade glanced at Hiruzen with a curious look. "But Raftra seems close to the boy. Are you going to stay silent about it?"
Hiruzen sounded uncertain as he answered. "I'm not sure. Honestly, I don't know what to do. Maybe I will tell him who Naruto is… or maybe I won't."
"At this time, I don't have an answer."
….
Later.
The guard left the Hokage building and approached the three waiting figures. With a heavy voice, he finally announced, "Naruto is permitted to enter."
Raftra's lips curved into a thin smile. He tapped the guard on the shoulder. "See? I told you—you're just a guard. Next time, be more respectful, especially to Naruto, who has a direct relationship with the Hokage."
"So don't act brash, okay?"
The guard bowed his head, his face visibly flushing with restrained irritation. His fist clenched, but he dared not reply.
Beside him, Kakashi shot Raftra a sharp look. Inwardly he muttered, 'Raftra is clearly provoking this guard. I don't know his exact motive, but it's obvious he's doing it on purpose.'
Kakashi drew a deep breath and narrowed his eyes.
'Why would he do that? Just to show that the guard's position is low? I don't think that's all of it.'
'From what I can see, there are two possible reasons. First, Raftra truly resents how Naruto was treated. Second, he's playing a small political game—demonstrating that even as an outsider he can push back, protest, and pressure village officials publicly.'
'At least, that's the best conclusion I can reach.'
Raftra turned to Naruto. He took the small boy's hand and held it tightly, like an older brother used to looking after a sibling.
He smiled warmly at Naruto, then lifted his other hand and gave a thumbs-up.
Naruto fell silent. That touch lit something in his chest. Raftra's gaze, his smile, even the way he gripped Naruto's hand—all of it brought a strange sense of safety.
Safe, calm, pleasant. These were feelings Naruto had never known.
When Raftra bowed his head slightly and said in a steady voice, "Come in, Naruto," the boy's heart began to pound.
Something inside him broke open—a warm sensation so strong he reflexively pressed one hand to his chest, trying to steady the joyful beat.
Raftra glanced briefly at Naruto's reaction and smiled inwardly.
'Good. Naruto is beginning to feel something new—a sense of family. Whether he sees me as a brother, a father, or something else, he is beginning to sense there is someone he can rely on.'
Raftra's step grew lighter as he guided Naruto toward the Hokage's office door.
'I didn't intend to rile that guard,' he thought. 'But if you consider it, this is the best way to make Naruto fall for me. To make him see me as a protective brother, which is exactly what I wanted from the start.'
'And it seems… all of that is working.'
A double expression flickered across Raftra's face: a sincere warmth mixed with a sly satisfaction. He was genuinely happy Naruto was beginning to trust him—and pleased that his small plan had gone exactly as he hoped.
Kakashi, who had watched in silence from behind, remained quiet.
…
Raftra knocked three times. From inside came Hiruzen's calm but firm voice: "Enter."
The door opened. Raftra stepped in, still holding Naruto's hand. Kakashi followed.
Inside, Hiruzen sat at ease in his chair, a pipe glowing gently in his hand and a stack of documents spread across his desk. Tsunade looked relaxed on the sofa, sipping her tea slowly, while Shizune gave a small nod in greeting as they arrived.
For Naruto, who was entering this room for the first time, everything shone with wonder. He stared at the piles of papers, the large window behind the Hokage's desk, and the old paintings on the walls. Awe and curiosity were plainly written across his face.
Tsunade stole a glance at Naruto. Her lips moved slightly. 'So this is the Nine-Tails' child… small, innocent, and in no way dangerous,' she thought.
Raftra and Kakashi offered a brief greeting. "Good afternoon, Lord Hokage."
Naruto followed with a bright smile, "Hello, Grandpa."
Hiruzen looked at them with a sharp yet warm gaze and nodded lightly.
"Why are you back? You were here this morning."
Raftra stepped forward. He opened the small bag he carried and brought out a container of food, placing it on Hiruzen's desk.
"Today I tried one of the dishes that will be sold at my shop. There happened to be some left over, so I thought it best to bring it for you, Lord Hiruzen."
Hiruzen raised an eyebrow, a little surprised. He examined the container for a moment before returning his attention to Raftra.
"Oh? You brought food for me?"
Raftra smiled briefly, then glanced at Tsunade. "Unfortunately, I didn't bring enough for Lady Tsunade. If I known she was here, I would have brought more."
Tsunade set her cup on the small table before her and regarded Raftra. A thin smile crossed her face—not warm, but appreciative.
"That's all right. I appreciate the courtesy, even if it was unnecessary. I don't see such manners often, and I respect it."
Naruto looked from Tsunade to Raftra, not entirely grasping the nuances of their exchange but smiling along.
Kakashi, meanwhile, fell back into his usual role: observing. From facial expressions to tone of voice, he studied every interaction, trying to uncover the side of Raftra that remained hidden.
Raftra then said, "Lord Hiruzen, please try it. I'd like to know whether the Hokage's palate suits the food I plan to serve."
Hiruzen set his pipe down and pulled the container closer. When Raftra opened the lid, the room was filled with the rich scent of sauce and spices.
Tsunade, still on the sofa, raised an eyebrow at the unfamiliar aroma.
"What is this?" Hiruzen asked, peering into the container.
"Spaghetti," Raftra replied. "It's my own creation."
Hiruzen reached for the fork Raftra had placed beside the container. He looked slightly awkward—he was used to eating noodles with chopsticks. With careful motion, he twirled the pasta and brought it to his mouth.
The room fell silent. Only the sound of the Third Hokage chewing broke the quiet.
After a few seconds, Hiruzen nodded slightly. "Hmm… it's good. I've never tasted noodles like this."
A faint smile appeared on Raftra's face as he watched Hiruzen's expression, measuring the Hokage's satisfaction.
Suddenly Naruto, who had been standing beside Raftra, spoke up loudly and energetically.
"Grandpa, that's only one of the five dishes that will be sold later!"
"He said it himself."
Hiruzen looked at Naruto and softened. Then he turned back to Raftra. "In that case, I'm quite satisfied. Your food has great potential for success."
Raftra remembered something. "Oh yes—before coming here, we stopped by the village administrative office. Honestly… it was infuriating."
"Why's that?" Hiruzen asked, leaning forward slightly.
Raftra sighed, his hands making a motion as if to recall the annoyance. "The process is complicated. I had to read stacks of thick documents, sign again and again, and endure endless petty questions."
"Not to mention all the photographing—such a long procedure. I was already tired from cleaning the shop and cooking spaghetti." He rubbed his temple, as if the fatigue lingered.
Hiruzen let out a small chuckle. "That is our system. If you want to live here and open a business in Konoha, you must go through it all. Think of it as training in patience."
Raftra offered a thin smile, though his tone remained sardonic. "If this keeps up, I'll age prematurely from dealing with paperwork."
Tsunade snorted softly, the corner of her mouth curving. "You're still young—don't complain too much."
Hiruzen changed the subject. "Then how is your shop? Does it meet your expectations?"
Raftra's expression shifted, his eyes brightened a little. "I like the place. The size is right, the location strategic, and the interior… perfect for a food stall. It feels comfortable."
Hiruzen seemed relieved to hear that. "Good. That means your business has a solid foundation."
Naruto chimed in enthusiastically, "I helped clean the shop! So now it's not dirty anymore."
"Is that so… good, good," Hiruzen said.
A few minutes later, the long conversation in the Hokage's office came to a close. Raftra then shifted his tone, sounding firmer.
"Hey, Naruto. You go wait outside for a moment. There's something important I want to discuss with the Hokage."
"We'll be heading home soon anyway."
Naruto, who had been sitting comfortably, turned and looked a little confused but did not object. "Oh… okay."
He stood and waved to Hiruzen, then to Raftra, Kakashi, Tsunade, and Shizune.
"See you later, Grandpa! See you later, everyone."
The door closed after Naruto stepped out. Instantly, the room's atmosphere changed.
Hiruzen, Tsunade, Shizune, and Kakashi looked at Raftra with curiosity. Everyone wondered—what was so important that Raftra sent Naruto out first?
Raftra stood still, then slowly turned to face Hiruzen. His look was direct—no smile, no small talk—only pressure.
Hiruzen exhaled lowly and met Raftra's gaze calmly. "Your expression is very serious… So, what important matter do you wish to discuss?"
Raftra drew a deep breath and spoke in a steady voice. "Why does everyone in this village hate Naruto?"
The room went utterly silent. No one answered. Hiruzen stared at Raftra, Tsunade stopped stirring her tea, Shizune tensed in her seat, and Kakashi merely narrowed his eyes.
Raftra continued, his tone flat but forceful.
"From the first day I met Naruto, I noticed people looked at him oddly. At first I thought it was coincidence, but today, while walking with him, I saw those same hostile looks again—whispers behind our backs."
He looked around the room at each person, then added,
"What's stranger is that Naruto told me he is close to you, Lord Hiruzen. After watching him greet you warmly and seeing your familiarity with him, I know he wasn't lying."
"But… the village's treatment of him does not align with that relationship."
Silence held. Tsunade set her cup down more loudly now, but remained mute. Shizune appeared uneasy, her gaze flicking from Raftra to Hiruzen.
Raftra leaned forward, his eyes sharp.
"And earlier outside, I saw for myself how the guard treated Naruto—as if he were unworthy to enter."
"Yet it's clear he knows the Hokage. That is not normal. A child close to the village leader should be respected, not treated like a pest."
He clenched his fist. "Why? What is the reason? Does it have something to do with Naruto's parents being deceased?"
Silence. The air in the room seemed to freeze. Tsunade restrained herself from speaking, Shizune bit her lip, and Kakashi stood quietly, listening intently.
Raftra went on. "Naruto himself told me that he has no parents. So I connected that fact with the way the village treats him."
"And from your reactions just now… it seems my suspicion may be correct—that the deaths of Naruto's parents are related."
He walked slowly toward Hiruzen's desk. Each step sounded distinct in the quiet room. He stopped directly in front of the Hokage and looked Hiruzen squarely in the eye.
"I don't want to interfere," he said coldly.
"But after seeing how Naruto is hurt… after seeing his face change when I treated him like an older brother… I cannot remain silent."
"I hate seeing children treated like that."
Raftra shook his head, then continued in a heavy voice.
"Do they think treating a child like that is healthy? It's plainly oppression, even if not physical."
"And I am sure, Lord Hiruzen, that you know well how the village treats him. If you did not, you would not be sitting here in silence."
Hiruzen did not move. He only looked at Raftra, his gaze sharp but tinged with a trace of guilt.
Raftra exhaled. "In these past few days I have respected you as a leader. You doubted me, but you still gave me a chance. That was wise, and I respect it."
He bowed his head briefly, then raised his eyes with an even harder stare.
"But seeing how Naruto is treated has made me doubt your leadership."
"Forgive me if that sounds harsh, but I cannot keep this inside. I am a thoughtful person, and this matter has haunted me from the start."
He stood tall, then said in cold, unmistakable tones:
"So I will ask once more—why is Naruto treated like that? And why do you remain silent when you clearly have a relationship with him?"
Silence returned. Tsunade leaned back on the sofa, her face grave. Shizune looked down, avoiding everyone's eyes. Kakashi watched Hiruzen, attempting to read the Third Hokage's reaction.
Hiruzen… leaned back in his chair and regarded Raftra with a keen, deliberative stare.
In his mind he thought, 'This young man… he is not ordinary. He came from another world but can read the village quickly.'
'From his speech it's clear he's intelligent. Even half the truth about Naruto he deduced from a short observation.'
He cast a glance at Kakashi, then returned his gaze to Raftra.
'The business plan Kakashi described in his letter also shows that he thinks ahead. A youth his age rarely plans so carefully.'
'Moreover, he comes from a more advanced world. If guided properly, his potential could be very useful to the village.'
Hiruzen drew a long breath, his fingers tapping the desk slowly. The room remained tense as everyone awaited his answer.
Finally he spoke in a heavy voice.
"Raftra… I understand why you ask that question. And I will not lie to you. It is true—there is a great reason why the village treats Naruto this way."
Tsunade shot Hiruzen a sharp look, as if warning him not to speak carelessly. Shizune stiffened, and Kakashi continued to stare at the Hokage.
Hiruzen continued. "That reason is directly tied to a great event that shook Konoha—the night the Nine-Tails attacked."
Raftra's eyes narrowed, waiting for him to go on.
Hiruzen looked at him intently. "The answer to your question… is connected to that night, and to who Naruto really is."