The sun rose high above the shimmering sea, painting the sky in shades of gold and crimson. Kaito stretched as he stepped out of his small home, the salty breeze filling his lungs. His heart beat faster with excitement.
It had only been a day since his awakening in this world, and he had barely begun to grasp his new reality. Today, he decided, he would truly get to know the Village of Whirlpools—the home of the Uzumaki.
The streets were lively, paved with polished stones worn smooth by generations. Red-and-white banners fluttered in the wind, each carrying the spiral crest of the clan. Merchants called out from stalls filled with trinkets and scrolls, their voices blending with the laughter of children and the chatter of neighbors. Everywhere, there was an atmosphere of warmth and pride.
Kaito couldn't help but marvel. This place is alive… so full of energy. How could anyone want to destroy it?
He wandered through the bustling market, drawn by the smells of sizzling food. His stomach growled.
"Fresh rice cakes! Sweet bean buns! Try the special Uzumaki broth!" a vendor cried out cheerfully.
Curious, Kaito approached a stall where an elderly woman stirred a massive pot. The steam carried a savory scent so rich that his mouth watered instantly.
"What's that?" he asked.
The woman grinned, her red hair streaked with silver.
"Ah, boy, you must be new to my stand. This is Whirlpool stew! Our family recipe—fish, seaweed, spices, and a touch of chakra-infused herbs. Warms the body, strengthens the soul."
She handed him a bowl. Kaito tasted it cautiously… and his eyes widened. The broth was bursting with flavor, perfectly balanced, comforting yet invigorating. For a moment, he forgot everything—forgot his past life, forgot the looming destruction—and simply enjoyed the taste.
"This is amazing," he said honestly.
"Hmm, maybe it just has a lot of important vitamins for the body... I don't remember Naruto having one of these foods," Kaito thought, while looking at the appetizer: Although he thought for a moment that it could be true, just don't increase it so much, the Uzumaki are pure and they wouldn't lie like that for publicity.
The old woman laughed. "Of course it is! Uzumaki food is made with love and energy. Eat well, grow strong, and one day, protect this village."
Her words struck deeper than she knew. Kaito bowed his head respectfully before continuing his exploration.
Later, he made his way toward the training grounds. Wide fields stretched out, surrounded by tall stone walls carved with spirals. Groups of children his age sparred under the watchful eyes of older shinobi. Some practiced taijutsu drills, others tested their aim with kunai, while a few worked on controlling their chakra by balancing on wooden poles.
Kaito tried to blend in, watching closely. His body, despite its youth, felt brimming with vitality. He could almost feel the chakra pulsing in his veins, begging to be used. But he resisted the urge to show off. He didn't want unnecessary attention—at least not yet.
Instead, he joined a group practicing endurance exercises. Running laps, climbing ropes, tumbling across the dirt. It wasn't glamorous, but it let him feel the rhythm of his new body. Every step, every breath, carried a strength and stamina that surprised even him.
One of the instructors, a tall man with crimson hair tied back, stopped him midway."You," he said, eyeing Kaito carefully. "Your chakra flow… it's unusually strong. You've got the blood of the Uzumaki running hot in your veins. Keep training, and you'll surpass many of your peers."
Kaito bowed politely, hiding the small smile tugging at his lips. If only you knew how much potential I really have.
By afternoon, the village grew calmer. Families gathered at open plazas, children played with paper toys shaped like spirals, and musicians strummed soft tunes on wooden instruments. Kaito found himself wandering near the coast, where the great sea walls rose tall against the crashing waves. From there, the horizon seemed endless, a reminder of both freedom and danger.
He thought about the future—about what he knew was coming. This village is beautiful. Its people are warm, strong, unyielding. I can't let them be wiped away… not again.
The determination in his chest grew fiercer. He clenched his fists, vowing silently that he would not let history repeat itself.
As the sun began to set, painting the sky orange and violet, Kaito decided to take one last stroll before returning home. He walked through a small park, where the laughter of children echoed among trees shaped by the sea breeze.
At first, it seemed peaceful. But then he heard it—mocking voices, cruel laughter.
He turned a corner and froze.
A small group of boys stood in a circle around a girl sitting on the ground. Her hair was a deep red like theirs, but her face bore a noticeable scar running across her cheek. She clutched a small wooden doll in her hands as the others jeered.
"Ugly scar-face!" one of them sneered, shoving her shoulder."No wonder no one wants to play with you!" another laughed."Go hide your face! You're a disgrace to the Uzumaki!"
The girl tried to fight back tears, hugging her doll tightly. "Stop it…" she whispered, but her voice trembled.
One boy raised his hand as if to strike her again. The others laughed louder, their insults echoing through the quiet park.
From the shadows, Kaito watched, his fists tightening. His blood boiled at the sight. Every instinct screamed at him to intervene, to put an end to their cruelty.
His yellow eyes narrowed, blazing with an intensity that matched the setting sun.
And in that moment, as the girl's frightened gaze lifted toward her tormentors, Kaito stepped forward—
The chapter ends.