In a dark room lit only by a single candle on the corner of a table, Danzo sat alone. He held an ancient book in his hands, his fingers turning the pages slowly, though his mind clearly was not fully absorbed by the words.
Soft footsteps came from beyond the door, and an ANBU Root operative appeared. He entered with swift movements and immediately knelt before Danzo.
Without looking up, Danzo closed his book gently. His voice was flat, cold, devoid of emotion. "How is Raftra's shop progressing?"
The ANBU, head bowed, replied, "Quite well, Danzo-sama. In a short time—only about a week—the place has already become a subject of conversation in the village."
Danzo tapped the table with his finger, his eyes narrowing. "Is it simply because the food is good?"
"No," the ANBU answered, shaking his head slightly. "The success is not solely due to taste. Many other factors are at play."
Danzo leaned forward a little, his gaze sharp. "Explain."
The operative drew a breath and began to outline matters clearly.
"First, the food served is unfamiliar yet delicious to the villagers, offering a new experience.
"Second, Raftra himself has managed to build a reputation as a friendly vendor. He doesn't merely sell food, he forges strong bonds with his customers.
"Third, the rumor of his closeness to the Hokage spread quickly. That lends an additional allure, as if the shop carries official 'legitimacy.'
"And, of course... there are other factors too numerous to list here."
Danzo listened intently, his face unreadable. Only his finger continued to tap the wooden table in a slow rhythm—a sign that his mind was working.
After a few seconds of silence, the ANBU raised his head slightly and asked, "What are your orders next, Danzo-sama? What should we do about him?"
Danzo set the book aside and answered in a heavy voice, "Do nothing. For now, do nothing."
The operative hesitated. "Do nothing?"
"Yes," Danzo affirmed. "Raftra is just a boy. We still need clear evidence if we intend to bring him down. If we move clumsily, we will only draw suspicion."
The ANBU bowed his head again, but another question rose in his mind. "Then... what if we fabricate evidence? With that, we can eliminate him quickly, as we usually do."
Danzo's gaze sharpened immediately. He shook his head slowly. "No. That's a foolish move for now.
"Remember, Raftra is currently under the direct watch of Hiruzen. The one assigned to guard and monitor him is Hatake Kakashi."
Danzo was silent for a moment, then added in a bitter tone, "I hate to admit it, but Kakashi is not someone we can take lightly. His surveillance is too tight, attempting a dirty trick would be dangerous."
"Kakashi could detect such foul play, and that would only embroil Hiruzen and me in trouble."
The room fell silent once more. Only the faint crackle of the candle remained.
Finally Danzo leaned back in his chair, his eyes half-closed. "For the time being, we remain quiet. Let the boy continue to build his shop. After all, he does not currently pose a direct threat to the village.
"Your task is to record everything Raftra does in detail and gather information—especially actions that Hiruzen cannot see."
"I want to know everything about his operations: his suppliers, his regular customers, his vulnerabilities. Find whatever Hiruzen cannot detect."
He opened his eyes again, the look in them sharp as a blade. "And when the opportunity comes—when he is careless or he finally makes a mistake—then he will be removed from this village."
The ANBU bowed deeper and answered firmly, "Understood, Danzo-sama."
…
A few hours later, at midday, sunlight streamed through the windows of Raftra Kitchen and warmed the room. The atmosphere was quiet—no one spoke.
Raftra and Kakashi sat side by side at a customer table. Raftra folded his arms across his chest, while Kakashi lounged casually with one hand in his pocket and the other holding an open book.
Facing them were two ANBU who had just been introduced by Hiruzen as temporary staff. Their masks were off, revealing young faces far from the usual intimidating ANBU appearance.
The woman introduced herself first. "My name is Yuria. I am nineteen years old. Starting today, I will be serving here."
Her voice was flat, her eyes a bright blue, her short black hair framing a face that showed almost no emotion—as if each word were merely a formal pronouncement.
'She's stiff—very formal and professional,' Raftra thought.
The young man beside her spoke next. He bowed slightly, then offered a small smile. "I am Kimkanji, seventeen. Please guide me."
Unlike Yuria, Kimkanji seemed more amiable, his smile was restrained but genuine. His dark brown hair was neat, and his black eyes looked at Raftra with confidence.
'This one is more open, he knows how to socialize,' Raftra observed.
Both added almost simultaneously, "For the next three months, we have been directly assigned by Hokage-sama to assist here. During that period, you will be our superior."
Raftra regarded them with seriousness, then nodded with a thin smile.
"Very well. I look forward to working with the both of you. Consider this a regular workplace—though you are ANBU, here you are simply Raftra Kitchen staff."
"So feel free to act more relaxed, like ordinary workers," he said, casting a glance at Kakashi.
Kimkanji smiled a little wider. "Understood."
Yuria only nodded briefly, offering no further words. Her expression remained cold.
Kakashi lowered his book halfway and glanced up before returning to the page. "Do not be mistaken. Though they look young, do not underestimate their abilities. So do not toy with them."
Raftra glanced at Kakashi. "Relax. I do not intend to make my new employees playthings. There is a reason I requested them of Lord Hiruzen.
"And besides, you look like the one who's playing around—with that carefree face of yours, you don't seem to care much."
Kimkanji chuckled softly at their exchange, while Yuria continued to stare straight ahead, expressionless.
Raftra leaned back in his chair. "Before you officially start tomorrow, I want to know: how well can you keep up with this place's pace?
"This shop is not merely a place to eat. There is a system, speed, and consistency. I do not need someone strong, I need someone who can work quickly and neatly."
Kimkanji replied confidently, "If speed is the matter, I believe I can keep up. I once undertook an infiltration mission where every second mattered, strict timing is not unfamiliar to me."
Yuria finally spoke. Her tone remained cold. "I do not care about the reputation of this shop. But if Hokage-sama orders it, I will carry out the duty to the best of my ability."
Raftra nodded, accepting their answers calmly. "Then, starting tomorrow you are officially on the job. Today… consider it observation. See how Kakashi and I run this place, and take note of what you need to do. Tomorrow you will take part in the work."
Kakashi added in his usual lazy tone, "Listen carefully: you are not on a mission but in a kitchen. So leave ANBU habits at the door."
"Behave like ordinary workers, don't let anyone know you're ANBU."
Kimkanji looked at Kakashi and smiled. "Understood."
Yuria replied succinctly, "Very well."
Raftra stood and tapped the table lightly. "Good. Welcome to Raftra Kitchen."
…
After the brief conversation at the customer table, Raftra patted Kakashi's shoulder.
"I'll go to the kitchen first. Let them see how the system runs."
Kakashi raised a hand without looking up, his eyes still on the page. "Go ahead. I'll be here."
Raftra smiled faintly and waved to Yuria and Kimkanji. "You two, come with me."
They rose promptly without much talk. Their movements showed the discipline of ANBU—light footsteps, straight backs, alert gazes. Yet beneath that discipline, a flicker of curiosity remained, this was not a battlefield but a kitchen.
As they stepped inside, the scent of spices and fresh ingredients greeted them. Large pots hung neatly on the walls, an array of spices sat in clear glass jars, and the workspace was spotless. The kitchen was not large, but every corner was organized—clearly the work of hands accustomed to speed.
Raftra addressed them. "Before we begin, one important thing." He crossed his arms, his eyes serious.
"The recipes here are not merely food. They are the foundation of Raftra Kitchen. Consider this information like a village secret. I want you to promise: whatever you see and learn stays in this kitchen. It does not leave, not even to other ANBU."
Yuria and Kimkanji exchanged a glance. Yuria's gaze was cold but resolute, Kimkanji's demeanor was lighter, yet he understood the gravity of the command. They turned back to Raftra and answered almost in unison.
"We promise."
Raftra watched them for a few seconds, then nodded in satisfaction. "Good. Pay close attention."
He moved with agility. His hands measured spices, heated oil, then placed the flour-coated chicken into the pan. The sizzle filled the room, an appetizing aroma rose.
"First, the fried chicken. Note the coating—neither too thick nor too thin. If it's uneven, it won't be crispy," Raftra explained, turning the pieces in the oil.
Yuria watched intently, her face unchanged even as steam brushed her skin. Her left hand held a small notebook and she jotted down points quickly.
Kimkanji appeared more relaxed. "This scent… I've never smelled anything like it. It makes one hungry."
Raftra smiled faintly. "Wait until you taste it."
He prepared rice with pieces of sweet-spicy-sour chicken. His movements were swift, every ingredient entered the pan in the right rhythm. "Remember, timing matters. If the seasoning goes in too late, the flavor will be bland. Too early, and it will burn."
As he stirred, Raftra explained details—texture, seasoning, even presentation. Yuria kept taking notes, Kimkanji asked more questions.
"What if the flame is too high? What if a customer asks for extra spice?" Raftra answered calmly, sometimes demonstrating directly in the pan.
They spent half an hour in this way—Raftra cooking, instructing, and adding small notes about taste and texture and how to serve.
At last the kitchen table was filled with an assortment of just-cooked dishes.
Raftra exhaled and set down the spatula. "Okay, demonstration's over. How are you? Do you understand?"
Yuria closed her notebook slowly and regarded the dishes without much expression. "I understand. Everything is clear, though—honestly—this is the first time I've seen such cuisine."
Kimkanji nodded, smiling softly. "Same here. The flavors are unfamiliar, but the technique is interesting. Not difficult—just demands discipline."
Raftra smiled with satisfaction and folded his hands. "Good. Then you're ready to practice tomorrow. Today was observation so your minds can digest the information."
Kimkanji nodded enthusiastically, Yuria merely nodded, as before.
'Not bad,' Raftra thought. 'They're disciplined, quick to learn, and dependable. I think I was right to request ANBU staff.'
'Though I admit I didn't expect Hiruzen to actually send them, even if only temporarily.'
'But that's fine, it fits my short-term plan—these three months I need to accelerate the business so it can stand without me being present all the time.'
A few minutes later, after they had eaten the food they had prepared, Raftra clapped his hands softly. "That's enough for today. You may go home and rest. Tomorrow you begin officially."
Yuria rose first, her posture straight like a soldier ready to take orders. "Very well. I will come as scheduled."
Kimkanji also stood, still wearing his friendly smile. "See you tomorrow. And thank you for sharing the recipes—your food is delicious."
Raftra only nodded and waved briefly. "Safe travels."
They left, footsteps returning to the quiet, swift rhythm of ANBU. Once the door closed, the kitchen felt more expansive in its silence.
Kakashi, who had been lounging in a customer chair, finally spoke, his eyes still on the page he had not turned. "How about the new ones? Do you like them?"
Raftra stepped out of the kitchen and sat beside Kakashi. He yawned and rested his head on the table lazily.
"I don't know yet. I can't judge fully. But one thing's certain—they're ANBU. You can be sure they know how to perform their duties."
Kakashi closed his book and glanced at him. "A very... typical answer from you."
Raftra shrugged, drained of energy. "I'm only being realistic. Time will tell."
A brief silence followed. Then Kakashi, his voice flat but slightly curious, asked, "Since you closed the shop today, what do you plan next? Anything?"
Raftra lifted his head briefly and rested his chin on his arms. "I don't know... maybe just relax. Prepare food for Naruto in case he shows up.
"Later this afternoon I'll take a walk around Konoha. I've never truly explored the village fully."
Kakashi watched him for a few seconds and then opened his book again. "That doesn't sound like one of your usual grand plans."
Raftra smiled thinly, his eyes softer this time. "Sometimes small things matter. If I plan to stay here for a while, I should know every corner. Isn't that right, Kakashi-san?"
Kakashi did not reply at once. He merely turned a page, murmuring, "If that's your way, then do it."
Raftra chuckled and closed his eyes, still leaning on the table. "I will."
…
A few hours later, as usual, Naruto arrived bursting with energy. The moment he entered, he called out, "I'm here!"
Raftra waved from behind the counter. "I knew you'd come."
Naruto laughed, sitting without hesitation. Kakashi only sighed softly behind his book, pretending not to care though he glanced at them from time to time.
Time flowed until evening. Raftra rose from his seat and stretched his shoulders. "How about a walk? I want to see more of this village."
Naruto erupted with glee. "Really? I'll come!"
Kakashi closed his book slowly and rose, preparing to go as well.
The three of them stepped out together.
Konoha's streets were busy that evening—vendors packing up their stalls, children running and laughing, market noises drifting in the air. Raftra swept his gaze about with curiosity, as if he wanted to imprint every detail in his mind.
Yet among the bustle, cold stares still followed Naruto. A few villagers whispered, others looked on with dislike. Naruto tried to keep smiling, but a shadow dimmed his eyes.
Raftra glanced over and patted his shoulder. "Hey, ignore them. Don't pay them any mind. Focus on our walk."
Naruto looked up, meeting Raftra's faint smile, and managed to smile again. Having Raftra and Kakashi by his side made his steps lighter.
"I'll focus on you two," he said.
Their stroll continued. Some villagers who recognized Raftra and Kakashi greeted them.
"Raftra-san! Your food was excellent yesterday!"
"If you open again tomorrow, I'll definitely drop by!"
Raftra answered warmly, never losing his smile. Kakashi, as usual, gave a slight nod or a quick glance, though he stored each face in his memory.
They paused in the square where children chased each other. Raftra, Naruto, and Kakashi sat on a bench to relax. Occasionally they nibbled snacks bought from street sellers.
"Don't you want to join them?" Raftra asked.
Naruto shook his head. "I don't. Besides, they never let me join, they always chase me away."
Raftra fell silent for a moment, then reflexively ruffled Naruto's hair and stroked it gently. Naruto was surprised, glanced at Raftra briefly, then looked forward again, savoring the touch.
Kakashi, seated beside them, felt an odd calm during this walk. 'Perhaps, because I've had a week of relative ease, this surveillance doesn't feel like a mission,' he thought.
'It doesn't feel bad to carry out this watch. It's calm, relaxed, and not burdensome. I just have to adjust to Raftra's artificial and manipulative manner.'
'And honestly... I'm beginning to enjoy these new days of mine.'
Kakashi glanced at Raftra. 'Minato-sensei... what would you do if you were still alive? Would you act as Lord Hiruzen has?'
…
After a while the sky turned orange. Village lamps began to glow, casting warm light for dusk.
They reached the intersection leading to Naruto's apartment. The boy waved with a bright face. "Thanks! Today was fun!"
Raftra waved back. "Don't be late for the shop tomorrow."
Naruto chuckled, "Of course!" and ran home.
Only Raftra and Kakashi remained walking together. The village quieted, the market noise faded, their footsteps were the only sound.
Raftra slipped his hands into his pockets and glanced at Kakashi. "Kakashi-san, I know watching a fifteen-year-old isn't the most thrilling mission...
"So... I promise you this: within a year, I will clear my name so that Lord Hiruzen will lift the surveillance."
Kakashi looked at him briefly and nodded.
Raftra looked slightly exasperated. "Is that all you can respond with? I was serious."
"What reaction do you expect from me?" Kakashi asked.
"At least answer with words," Raftra urged.
Kakashi was silent again. Raftra sighed deeply. "Honestly, you can imitate various jutsu but you can't imitate ordinary human manners well—at least pretend sometimes to please others."
Kakashi chuckled softly. "I can change my demeanor, but I don't want to change it."
"And besides, being yourself is more comfortable—unlike those who always forced niceness while not being so inside."
Raftra fell quiet, then lowered his head. 'Can Kakashi tell that I am only acting? I tried to hide it well,' he thought.
He smiled quickly and lifted his head. "I don't understand what you mean, I've never feigned being friendly. This is the real me."
Kakashi looked at the sky, recalling moments shared with Raftra—from their first meeting up to now.
"I don't know, but I feel you force certain things. I'm not sure, but I always sense a falseness whenever you speak or act."
"Maybe I'm overthinking, as you once said, but that feeling of falseness is there every time we talk. Even now."
"And well... I might be wrong—perhaps this is indeed your true nature."
Raftra's usual smile slowly faded, his eyes sharpened briefly before losing their spark. He quickly turned his face away to hide the expression from Kakashi.
'No matter how well I act, in the end he can read it. I don't know how confident Kakashi is in that feeling. But honestly, pretending is exhausting,' he thought.
'My true self is not this friendly. I... actually dislike most of you, except Naruto.'
'At first I hated being dragged unfairly into this dim world. But that hatred gradually shifted toward the villagers after that night of torment.'
'Trauma, depression, homesickness, feeling powerless in the ninja world... those feelings slowly crushed me, and a resentment toward others arose when it shouldn't have.'
'I tried to change, but the feeling grew stronger, and I automatically covered it with a false friendliness in front of everyone.'
'I do not want anyone to see my true self.'
Meanwhile, Kakashi, his mind no less deep, thought, 'I do not truly know whether Raftra's behavior is genuine or not. But if it is false, I hope one day he can become himself.
'After observing him for a week, I'm somewhat convinced he is a good person. I don't fully trust it, but a glance never lies.'
'Every time Raftra looks at Naruto, his eyes and smile become more sincere—different from how he behaves with me and others.'
'And hopefully... in the future he can be that sincere with others as well, just as he is with Naruto.'