After teaching that Genin a lesson, Kazama Shin left with Naruto, not bothering with what happened afterward.
…
Not long after, inside the most famous ramen shop in Konoha—
Ichiraku Ramen.
"S-So strong, Shin! H-How did you become this powerful?!"
Uzumaki Naruto stuffed his mouth with ramen while staring at Kazama Shin, his words slurred as he spoke.
"Just train consistently every day."
Kazama Shin took a sip of the broth, inwardly praising its flavor, and replied casually.
"Oh… I see…"
Recalling how Shin had trained relentlessly through wind and rain, Naruto instantly lost interest.
He was still just a kid.
That kind of discipline held no appeal for him.
Even when he used to run with Shin in the mornings, it had only been to make a friend.
Once they became familiar, Naruto had long since stopped joining those early training sessions.
…
Seeing Naruto's reaction, Kazama Shin said nothing.
He quietly ate his ramen.
Even if Naruto were interested in chakra training, Kazama Shin wouldn't dare teach him.
Naruto's identity was far too sensitive—
The Nine-Tails' jinchūriki, watched closely by many.
And more importantly, Naruto was the protagonist of the original story.
Any change to his growth could alter the course of the entire world.
At his current level, Kazama Shin had no desire to face an unknown version of the Naruto world.
Perhaps when he became strong enough, he could act freely.
But for now…
It was best not to disrupt Naruto's path too much.
To be honest—
If not for his Copy Technique, he wouldn't even interact with Naruto this frequently.
…
"I'm done!"
Naruto held up his empty bowl, looking eagerly at Kazama Shin as he spoke.
Kazama Shin's lips twitched slightly.
Helpless, he turned to the ramen shop owner, Teuchi—who, though younger now, was already observing them from the side.
"Another bowl, please."
Kazama Shin knew exactly why the owner had been watching them.
"Naruto really is… infamous."
He muttered inwardly.
—
Teuchi glanced at Kazama Shin, then at Naruto.
He was aware of Naruto's reputation in the village, so he paid them extra attention.
However, as a shop owner, he wasn't as heartless as others.
He didn't drive Naruto away.
He simply kept an eye on them while they ate.
Hearing the request, he smiled.
"Alright, coming right up!"
He turned and headed back into the kitchen.
Naruto immediately shouted,
"And make it an extra-large bowl!"
…
As time passed, the day came to an end.
And somehow—
The news that Kazama Shin, an ordinary child, had defeated a Genin began to spread.
—
"So that's him? He beat a Genin at such a young age?"
"Yeah… another genius, it seems."
Without hesitation, many people began placing the title of "genius" upon Kazama Shin.
At just five years old, he had defeated a twelve- or thirteen-year-old Genin.
Even if that Genin was a civilian ninja without strong techniques—
He still had a year of real combat experience.
A proper ninja.
And yet, he had been defeated by a child.
In the eyes of most people—
Kazama Shin was undoubtedly a genius.
"What a headache…"
Hearing the praise around him, Kazama Shin felt a growing sense of unease.
He didn't know why the news had spread so quickly.
Perhaps the Third Hokage had given it a little push.
But now—
This wasn't a small problem.
It was a big one.
Because—
Two masked ninjas had come knocking at his door.