A Chance Encounter with Inuzuka Kiba

(PS: A supplement to the previous chapters: it wasn't that I liked conspiracy theories about Naruto. Like I said, Kishimoto was just a lousy manga artist; he didn't understand Naruto at all.

There were too many contradictions and plot holes between the early and later parts of Naruto. But for that very reason, everyone who loved Naruto had their own reasons for loving it.

It was precisely because I genuinely loved Naruto that I wrote a Naruto novel of my own.

Everyone understood Naruto differently, so let's seek common ground while respecting our differences. If you have different ideas, feel free to leave your opinions and discuss them with other readers.

But before writing, I looked up information and wrote the Naruto world as I understood it. Still, some parts definitely won't satisfy every reader. I hope you understand!)

"According to that old bastard Hiruzen Sarutobi, there's still a month before the Ninja Academy starts. Once I'm there, there should be fewer ninjas watching me."

"And the major clans will arrange for their own ninjas to protect their descendants. That's also to prevent accidents at the Ninja Academy."

"The number of ninjas secretly guarding each person probably won't be high, at most one or two. Otherwise, with so many people in one class, tossing a Shuriken into the bushes outside would hit over a dozen surveillance ninjas."

"Just endure for one more month. Then I'll be relatively free. And once I'm at the Ninja Academy, I'll get to meet the future Konoha's Eleven, especially Hinata."

Naruto had inherited the original Naruto's memories, so he naturally remembered how, when he was little, he had encountered someone bullying young Hinata and stepped forward to protect her. Though he got beaten black and blue, the cliché of a hero saving a damsel in distress was often enough to move Hinata's heart.

Thinking back to the way Hinata had looked at him, practically dripping with affection, Naruto found himself wanting to see her.

What guy wouldn't be moved by a girl like Hinata?

Hinata had been adorable as a child, and when she grew up, both her looks and figure were top-notch!

Moreover, Hinata was gentle, kind, and strong—soft on the outside but tough within. She gave people the urge to protect her, yet her heart was incredibly strong and brave.

Hinata was wholeheartedly devoted to Naruto. No matter what hardships or dangers they encountered, she was always the first to step forward to protect and support him.

Hinata gradually grew from someone lacking confidence and quick to give up into a strong, brave ninja who never admitted defeat. That was also because she had been influenced by Naruto's never-give-up Nindo.

As the eldest daughter of the Hyuga Clan's Main Family, one of Konoha's prestigious clans, Hinata had an illustrious family background. The Hyuga Clan was among the top clans in Konoha.

Though they had never produced the absolute strongest fighters, they were at least a pillar of Konoha.

In conclusion, if he didn't marry Hinata, he'd be letting his little brother down!

For the next week, Naruto stayed home, eating when he was full and sleeping when he was tired, then eating again once he woke up.

Teacher Kakashi occasionally brought Naruto nutritious food, along with clothes and household supplies.

It truly came at the perfect time for Naruto.

Given Naruto's current status, even if he had money, he couldn't buy anything decent outside.

Teacher Kakashi had noticed this as well and did everything he could to do more for Naruto.

As Kakashi secretly looked after Naruto, the gloom surrounding him slowly faded away. Every day, all he looked forward to was seeing whether Naruto was living well.

Over that week, Naruto's strength had also improved considerably. His Chakra had reached the level of an elite chunin, and he was about to break through to jonin level.

The ramen he had treated Akimichi Choza and Akimichi Choji to had also been recognized by the system. He had completed a repeatable quest and received even more nutritious food.

There was all kinds of food, far more varied than the canned goods from before.

Naruto could even give himself extra meals from time to time, living an exceptionally comfortable life.

Thus, after this period, Naruto had fully made up for the deficiencies in his body. Not only was he brimming with energy now, but his nutrition had also caught up.

His body was growing rapidly, and the whisker marks on his face had slowly faded away. Combined with his brilliant smile, he looked just like a little sun—a second little Minato!

"After a week of settling down, it's time to go out for a walk. There hasn't been a single quest this whole week, and the last one was given by Hiruzen Sarutobi. It seems I'll only have a better chance of receiving quests if I interact more with characters from the original story."

"The rewards from quests can help me grow stronger quickly, or even bring some unexpected surprises!"

Seeing Naruto finally leave the house instead of staying cooped up inside, Teacher Kakashi felt somewhat relieved.

The kid had finally stopped being a shut-in.

Still, he was worried. If Naruto went out like this, could he really endure all the gossip from the villagers?

The facts proved that as Naruto grew stronger, he had become immune to the villagers' malice.

How laughable. Have you ever seen the Nine-Tails? I have! The malice on the Nine-Tails is far stronger than yours. You people? Heh, you're not worth mentioning!

Naruto wandered through the streets without any particular destination. Feeling Kakashi secretly protecting him, he was even more fearless.

Early-story Kakashi was considered one of the rare few without rivals in Naruto. Naturally, he could keep Naruto safe.

Suddenly, a little white dog darted out from the roadside. Chasing after it was a child with black spiky hair, gray clothes, and red upside-down triangle markings on his cheeks.

That look... is that Kiba when he was little? Then this must be Akamaru. Naruto sized up Kiba and Akamaru.

"Ding! System Quest issued. Please have the Host gain Akamaru's affection."

"Oh? The target this time is Akamaru?" Naruto sighed. A quest had finally come after so long.

"Hey, hey, hey, Akamaru! Where are you running off to?" Kiba finally caught up with Akamaru and spoke to him while panting heavily.

When Akamaru saw Naruto blocking the way, he began barking loudly. The little guy might have been small, but he had quite the temper!

Naruto crouched down and made a strange sound with his mouth.

"Ts-ts-ts, ts-ts-ts, ts-ts-ts!"

This was a mysterious command from China that most puppies simply couldn't resist!

Sure enough, upon hearing Naruto's call, Akamaru instantly quieted down. He stared intently at Naruto and slowly approached him.

Seeing Akamaru approach Naruto, Kiba thought Akamaru might be about to hurt him and shouted, "Hey, you over there, be careful! Akamaru is usually only friendly with me. He might attack anyone else!"

But as Akamaru approached Naruto, Naruto grabbed him and pressed him to the ground. Akamaru had just been about to resist.

Then Naruto's hands began working all over Akamaru's body.

"What amazing technique! Where did you learn that?" Kiba clicked his tongue in amazement as he watched Naruto's technique.

Akamaru initially wanted to resist, but the feeling spreading through his body was just too comfortable.

His fierce barking instantly turned into soft, puppyish whimpers, and his little tail spun like a propeller.

He was about to take off!

This was Naruto's masterful dog-petting technique from China. To people of this world, it was simply an overwhelming advantage.

After petting Akamaru for a while, Naruto had rubbed him into bliss. He had practically reached the pinnacle of dog life!

As Kiba watched and learned Naruto's technique, he asked, "You're really something. What's your name? If Akamaru approves of you, then you're my friend too. I'm Kiba, Inuzuka Kiba!"

Hearing this, Naruto released Akamaru and said to Kiba, "My name is Naruto, Uzumaki Naruto. I'm the man who will become Hokage in the future!"

"Hahahaha! I want to become Hokage too. Looks like we're rivals, then. From now on, you're my friend, Naruto!"

"Woof, woof, woof!" Akamaru barked as he rubbed against Naruto's pant leg, indicating that he was included too!

"Nice to meet you, Kiba!"

Naruto hadn't said those words casually. He knew Anbu were monitoring him and would report everything he said and did to Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Only by making him believe Naruto possessed that so-called Will of Fire could he earn his trust, lower his guard, and gain more freedom in the future.

And becoming Hokage truly was Naruto's goal.

This was the world of Naruto. A King of Pirates who didn't want to become Hokage wasn't a good Soul Reaper!

Becoming Hokage meant possessing Konoha's authority on the surface. If he also had the corresponding strength, then he could walk all over Konoha.

It would also allow him to better face the future crises.

After hearing Naruto's words, tears instantly streamed down Kakashi's face beneath his mask. Teacher, Naruto... he might really become Hokage!

"Congratulations, Host. You have completed the quest and gained Akamaru's approval. Reward: Animal Affinity.

Animal Affinity: All animals will have increased affinity toward the Host and will not rashly attack the Host."

It had to be said, as expected of a reward obtained from Akamaru, this Animal Affinity was currently useless to Naruto.

But if Naruto obtained a Summoning Beast in the future or went to train in sage arts, this passive ability might prove useful.

Ninja Beasts were animals too!

After gaining Animal Affinity, Akamaru became even closer to Naruto, as though Naruto were his true owner.

"Hey, hey, hey, Akamaru, don't be like this! I'm your owner!" Seeing how much Akamaru liked Naruto, Kiba became a little jealous. The Inuzuka Clan treasured their Ninja Hounds greatly.

"Hahahaha, don't worry about it so much. Come on, Kiba. To celebrate us becoming friends, I'll treat you to Ichiraku Ramen. It's delicious!" Naruto said, holding Akamaru in his arms and draping his right arm over Kiba's shoulder.

"Ichiraku Ramen? I've heard of it before, but I've never been there. Since you say so, Naruto, let's go. I won't hold back, Naruto. I'm having two bowls!"

"Woof, woof, woof!" Akamaru barked too.

He was making sure they didn't forget him.

"Hahahaha, Akamaru, don't worry. I'll order you a bowl too!"

Akamaru's little tail kept smacking Naruto, showing that he was in a great mood too.

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