To keep Kakashi from collapsing under the weight of grief and taking his own life, the Third Hokage assigned him to the ANBU. The endless stream of high-risk missions kept Kakashi's hands and mind busy, forcing him to shift his focus away from his inner torment. The Hokage's intention was clear: not only would these missions divert his attention, but they would also temper his strength further.
In that sense, the plan succeeded. Kakashi's skills grew sharper, his instincts honed to perfection. Yet no matter how powerful his body became, the shadow in his heart remained sealed away. No medical ninja, no matter how skilled, could cure such an illness of the soul. Even Tsunade herself would have been powerless before it.
"Go," the Third Hokage finally said, his voice calm but edged with command. "But you must not reveal yourself to Naruto. At the very least, wait until he graduates from the Academy."
"I understand," Kakashi replied, bowing his head.
"Then go." The old Hokage waved him off.
Kakashi's figure flickered and vanished from sight.
The Hokage leaned back in his chair and drew deeply from his pipe. Smoke drifted toward the ceiling as his eyes softened. For now, he could still shield Naruto for a few more years. That much, at least, he could promise himself.
Elsewhere in the village, Naruto clutched his latest pension allowance with excitement. He sprinted all the way to his favorite place in the world: Ichiraku Ramen.
"Uncle Teuchi! A large miso ramen, please oh, and don't forget extra vegetables!" Naruto shouted cheerfully as he hopped onto the wooden stool, legs swinging.
"Oh?" Ayame leaned forward curiously. "Naruto, weren't you always the one who hated eating vegetables the most?"
Naruto scratched the back of his head, grinning sheepishly. "Hehe, I'm gonna start training harder now! To get strong, I need all kinds of nutrients. Can't skip the veggies anymore!"
Teuchi chuckled warmly, carrying a steaming bowl toward him. "Looks like you're serious about walking the path of a shinobi, huh? Then this one's on me. Keep working hard, Naruto!"
"Thanks a ton, Uncle Teuchi!" Naruto said, taking the bowl with both hands. He didn't hesitate to dig in, the savory aroma filling his nose and making his eyes brighten.
Just then, another voice called from the entrance. "Two miso ramen, please. One regular, one small."
Naruto turned his head. Two figures stepped inside: one tall, one small. Their resemblance was obvious they were brothers.
"Brother, the small one won't be enough for me!" the younger boy complained, pouting. He was about Naruto's age, his tone spoiled.
"You can't eat too much, Sasuke," the elder brother replied gently. He tapped the boy's forehead with a finger, smiling softly. "We'll be going home soon, and Mother's cooking is waiting."
Sasuke lowered his head, conceding. "…Okay."
Naruto stared for a moment, his chopsticks paused midair. A pang of envy ran through him. A brother… or a sister… if only his parents had given him that kind of warmth. Instead, all he had was this lonely bowl of ramen.
As Naruto slurped noodles, Sasuke kept sneaking glances his way. Finally, he spoke up, his voice carrying a strange mix of arrogance and curiosity. "Hey. You came here all by yourself?"
Naruto blinked, ramen still dangling from his lips. "Huh? You talking to me?" He quickly slurped down the noodles and wiped his mouth.
"Of course I am! There's nobody else here." Sasuke raised his chin, speaking with pride.
"Yeah, just me." Naruto nodded, his tone plain.
"Tch. What about your parents? They don't come eat with you?" Sasuke pressed, almost without thinking.
Naruto's hand froze. "I don't have parents." His words were quiet, flat.
Sasuke's face stiffened. Itachi, standing beside him, immediately spoke up. "Forgive him. My younger brother spoke out of turn."
"It's fine. I'm used to it," Naruto murmured, bowing his head as he returned to his bowl.
"Sorry…" Sasuke muttered under his breath, guilt creeping into his voice.
Naruto waved it off lightly, as if to say it was nothing.
Ayame arrived with two bowls, setting them down in front of the Uchiha brothers. The three boys ate in silence for a while, but Sasuke found himself stealing glances again. For some reason, the blond boy with the loud presence seemed to draw his attention no matter how he tried to ignore it. Sasuke wasn't the type to care about others, and yet…
When Naruto finished, he set his bowl aside and hopped off his seat, ready to leave. Sasuke's lips parted slightly, but the words stuck in his throat. He wasn't someone who made friends easily.
Then, a voice broke through his hesitation.
"Hey! My name's Naruto Uzumaki. What's yours?"
Sasuke's eyes widened. He turned quickly. The boy who should have been walking out had stopped, standing with a hopeful grin, blue eyes shining with expectation.
Does this guy… want to be my friend?
"I'm Sasuke. Sasuke Uchiha." His reply came with a stiff pride, but his heart raced strangely.
"Nice! Sasuke, let's be friends, yeah?" Naruto's voice was bright with hope.
"Well… cough… if you really want that, then… sure, we're friends." Sasuke nodded, unable to meet his eyes for too long.
"Haha! Sasuke, you're my first real friend!" Naruto laughed so loudly the whole shop seemed to vibrate.
"…Your first?" Sasuke's pale face tinged faintly red. The truth was, Naruto was his first friend too.
"See you next time, Sasuke!" Naruto waved and dashed out.
"Yeah… next time." Sasuke found himself smiling faintly as he watched the boy's back disappear.
Itachi leaned close and whispered, amusement in his tone. "Seems like I'll need to bring you into town more often, Sasuke. You made a friend in no time."
"W-what are you talking about? I don't need friends. I'm fine in the clan." Sasuke crossed his arms, denying it quickly.
"Is that so?" Itachi only smiled, kind and knowing. "Eat your ramen before it gets cold."
Half a month passed in a flash. Every day, Naruto pushed himself, training alongside Might Guy. Day after day, sweat poured, muscles burned, and yet his determination never wavered. Guy had seen many students, but this boy's spirit… it was like fire. He was certain Naruto had the makings of a taijutsu genius.
Meanwhile, inside the Hokage's office, the old man's eyes were locked on his crystal ball. His cheeks flushed slightly as he peered into its depths, a suspicious glimmer sparkling at the corner of his mouth.
Suddenly, a knock came at the door.
The Hokage hastily dismissed the surveillance jutsu and pulled a stack of papers in front of him. Lowering the brim of his hat, he said in a deep, serious voice, "Enter."
The door opened. Guy stepped inside.
Relief washed across the Hokage's face. "Guy, are you here for a mission? I'll prepare one for you."
"No, Lord Hokage," Guy said firmly, bowing. "I've come for something else. I wish to take a disciple. I'd like permission to investigate his background first."
The Hokage's eyes narrowed. For a jōnin of Guy's caliber, taking on a personal apprentice was not a trivial matter. This wasn't like leading a genin team on missions. This was personal, a bond between master and student. A mistake here could mean raising a spy under one's own hand.
"Who is it?" the Hokage asked, though he already suspected the answer.
"His name is Naruto Uzumaki," Guy replied. "He lives at "
He proceeded to explain everything he had learned about the boy. The Hokage listened, his expression unreadable, though deep down, his suspicions had been confirmed.