"Hey! Mister, the running guy!"
Naruto stopped in his tracks, cupped his small hands around his mouth, and shouted as loudly as he could.
The man in the green jumpsuit slowed his pace, then without breaking stride ran backward until he was facing the boy. His movements were smooth, almost theatrical, as though running backward was no harder than breathing.
"Hm? Were you calling me, little one?" His teeth gleamed as he flashed a grin.
"Yes, that was me," Naruto replied with a nod, catching his breath.
"Mister, are you running laps around the entire Leaf Village?" Naruto asked, his tone brimming with curiosity.
"Correct!" the man declared proudly. He raised a thumb high, his smile dazzling. "My goal today is thirty laps around the village!"
The flash of those unnaturally white teeth made Naruto squint. But what really struck him was the number.
Thirty laps?
He hadn't even managed to finish one before his body gave out. This man not only planned to run thirty, but at such incredible speed too?
Naruto's jaw nearly dropped. Could it be? This guy must be a real powerhouse.
He scratched his head sheepishly, then forced a small smile. "Well, mister, I was also trying to run laps around the village."
"Oh?" The man's eyes widened in surprise, then sparkled with approval. "So young, and already with such resolve? That is the true spirit of youth!"
The words felt warm, not mocking. For once, someone wasn't laughing at him.
Naruto's courage grew. "But… I don't know the right path to take. Could you… maybe show me the way?"
The man tapped his chin, considering the boy carefully. His gaze was steady, neither cold nor scornful, nothing like the villagers' eyes.
Naruto felt his heart skip. This was different. This was what he had always longed for eyes that looked at him without hatred or disgust. There was even a hint of kindness.
Swallowing his nerves, he clasped his hands together in front of his chest, as though in prayer. "Please, mister. I want to be strong like you. I want the power of youth too!"
Who could resist such an earnest plea from a small blond-haired boy?
The man suddenly burst into hearty laughter. "Hahaha! Of course! Of course I will help you!"
He thrust his thumb up again, his whole being radiating enthusiasm. "Follow me, then!"
"Thank you, mister!" Naruto called out, relief flooding him. Then he added quickly, almost whispering, "But… I'm not as fast as you. You'll probably have to slow down a little for me."
"Not a problem. Just stay close behind me," the man said warmly.
"Alright! The power of youth!" Naruto mimicked his pose and shouted at the top of his lungs.
The man laughed again, delighted by the boy's spirit. He took off running once more, his pace slowed to a crawl compared to before, just slightly faster than Naruto's own.
Running behind him felt easier somehow. The steady rhythm, the way the man's speed matched his own it was like being pulled forward by invisible hands. Naruto found himself running more smoothly than ever.
Still, his earlier exertion weighed heavily on him. His lungs began to burn again, his breath came in ragged gasps, and his legs grew sluggish.
The man didn't look back, but subtly eased his own speed so Naruto wouldn't fall too far behind.
"Damn it," Naruto growled in his mind, frustration welling up. "I finally found a good person willing to help me. I can't embarrass myself in front of him!"
He forced his legs to keep moving, forced his lungs to draw air.
Come on, legs, run! Come on, lungs, breathe!
And then, after what felt like an eternity, something changed.
The burning in his lungs dulled. A strange warmth flowed through his legs, easing the pain. His body, as if responding to his determination, found a second wind.
Naruto's eyes lit up. I… I broke through! I actually feel better now!
He pushed harder, his speed quickening.
The man in green narrowed his eyes slightly, impressed. This child… he just surpassed his own limit. The power of youth shines bright in him.
But how long could he endure it? That was the true test.
Neither spoke as they pressed on. Naruto was too exhausted to waste words, and the man respected his silence. Step by step, Naruto kept going, his small fists clenched, his lips trembling with effort.
Just one lap, he told himself. I have to finish one lap at least!
Time blurred. Sweat poured down his face until it stung his eyes. His legs felt like lead, every step heavier than the last.
He wiped his brow with a shaky hand, vision hazy, but the green figure ahead of him never stopped.
One lap. Just one lap!
The thought became his only anchor. His whole being narrowed to that single promise.
And again, when he thought he would collapse, the warmth returned. His breathing eased. His steps steadied.
Another breakthrough. Another small victory.
Finally, the two of them reached the base of the Hokage Rock.
"Let's rest for a moment," the man said, his tone calm and even.
He hadn't even broken a sweat. For him, this was nothing more than a light jog.
But for Naruto, the words shattered the fragile thread of willpower holding him up. His legs buckled, and he pitched forward, too weak to catch himself.
Oh no! Don't smash your face! His sluggish thoughts screamed at him to raise his hands, but his body refused to obey.
Just before he hit the ground, strong arms caught him. The boy blinked through blurred vision and saw only that bright green outfit.
"After intense exercise, collapsing immediately is dangerous," the man said firmly. His voice carried both seriousness and care. "It can cause dizziness, nausea, or even fainting. Worse, it could strain your muscles and heart. Even if you're at your limit, you must stand tall. Never let yourself crumple."
Naruto could barely move, but he listened intently.
"You've already broken through your limits three times today. That alone is remarkable. Don't push too recklessly. From now on, when you train alone, remember this lesson. For now, lean on me. Rest a bit before stretching your muscles."
Naruto's lips curved faintly into a smile. "Thank you… mister." His words came weak but full of sincerity.
This was it. This was what he had always wanted not scorn, not hatred, but kindness.
The man reminded him of the Third Hokage, another rare figure who had shown him warmth.
Naruto allowed himself to lean against the man's solid frame, breathing slowly, letting his pounding heart calm. His body screamed from exhaustion, but deep inside, he felt… proud.
Most people would have passed out after so much strain. But he was still standing. Barely, but still.
Following the man's guidance, Naruto walked slowly in circles for several minutes, letting his muscles cool down. Then he stretched, copying the man's motions until the aching in his legs eased slightly.
"Alright," the man said at last. "I'll walk you home. No more running today. After pushing past your limits three times, you'll probably feel sore tomorrow. If anything feels seriously wrong, go to the hospital, understand?"
"Yes, mister," Naruto replied, nodding.
The two walked side by side through the village. Along the way, they exchanged names.
"Naruto," the boy introduced himself proudly, chest puffed out despite his fatigue.
"And I," the man said with a gleaming smile, "am Guy!"
When they reached Naruto's small apartment building, Guy stopped at the entrance. He planted one hand on his hip, raised the other in his signature thumbs-up, and let his teeth shine in the morning light.
"Naruto! Once you've recovered, if you still wish to train, come find me!"
Naruto's heart leapt. He mirrored the pose with all his might, grinning wide. "Deal, Mister Guy!"
Their laughter echoed together down the quiet street.
For the first time in a long while, Naruto felt like he wasn't alone.