He Died, So Why Are You Still Alive?

"Hey, of course we know you're Naruto Uzumaki. Don't be nervous. You haven't had dinner yet, have you?"

Genma Shiranui rummaged through his pocket and took out a scroll. Inside was the largest bowl of Ichiraku Ramen, piled high with every kind of animal-shaped topping, with several huge slices of chashu pork as well.

Naruto's eyes went wide. Even Teacher Iruka, who treated him to meals more often than anyone else, would never order such a luxurious set. The owner of Ichiraku always gave him extra toppings, but never this many.

He nodded gratefully, and his stomach obediently growled. Another man with a scar on his face handed him a pair of chopsticks.

"My name is Namiashi Raidō. The few of us used to be the Fourth Hokage's guards..."

There was a hint of pride in his voice as he slowly said:

"Together, we can use the Fourth Hokage's ultimate technique to take you somewhere else in an instant."

"I'm telling you beforehand so that, if that situation really comes up later, you won't affect our performance. It's an extremely difficult Ninjutsu..."

Naruto, who had been wolfing down his food, abruptly raised his head at Raidō's words. Confusion filled his voice and innocence shone in his eyes as he mumbled through his mouthful:

"The Fourth Hokage died. So why are you guys still alive?"

The huge shelter fell deathly silent in an instant. Then, the next second, the door was violently shoved open.

Now that he had met Ninja who claimed to be the Fourth Hokage's guards, he naturally wanted to learn more about the Fourth Hokage's deeds. These guys wore forehead protectors and the flak jackets reserved for Chunin and Jonin, so they probably would not lie to him...

But Naruto had no interest in doing homework, not even