Birthday Gift

Half a month had passed quietly. Higashino Shinichi meticulously followed his training and study plans, occasionally heading downstairs to stroll through the village, take in the scenery, and relax his mind.

After all, visiting famous scenic spots and grabbing a bowl of the renowned Ichiraku Ramen was one of the great pleasures of coming to the Naruto World.

Too bad Ichiraku Ramen tasted just average—nothing like a dish that could glow.

Konoha was as usual. Villagers went about their daily lives, ninjas did their own thing, and there was no tense atmosphere. No signs of a shinobi war breaking out yet.

Higashino Shinichi also had virtually no interaction with kids his age in the village.

It might have seemed like an abnormal childhood, but he didn't mind. In his previous life, his childhood had been pretty good, with no psychological trauma to make up for.

Living again, he poured almost all his time into his own efforts.

That day, Higashino Shinichi got up early as usual to train at the Training Ground, then went home to eat and study.

Higashino Megumi usually worked at the hospital until evening, so she'd prepare meals in the morning and leave them in the fridge. Higashino Shinichi just had to heat them up at mealtime.

He'd actually mentioned that he could cook, but Higashino Megumi insisted, calling it her right as a Mother not to be deprived of that joy.

Higashino Shinichi didn't push it. It had been like this for two years.

But today was a bit unexpected.

When he finished his morning studies and went to get lunch, he opened the fridge to find only one meal's worth of food left—the rest was just Ingredients.

Had his Mother forgotten?

As a Medical Special Jonin, Higashino Megumi wouldn't make a mistake like that.

Higashino Shinichi glanced at the calendar on the wall and quickly figured out the reason.

Around 7 p.m., a knock suddenly came from outside.

Higashino Shinichi set down the scroll he was holding and went to open the front door. Standing outside was a tall young man with an ordinary face, his black hair tied in a half-high short ponytail.

He carried a Ninja Sword on his back and wore a standard Konoha Green Vest, a bit dirty and travel-worn.

When he saw Higashino Shinichi open the door, his stern face broke into a sunny grin. He raised his right thumb, and a glint flashed off his white teeth.

"Yo, Kid! Happy? Surprised?"

Higashino Shinichi: "..."

"Kid, what's with that face?"

"Welcome home, Father."

"Don't be so stiff, Kid! Can't you act a little happy and give me some satisfaction?"

"Like this?" Higashino Shinichi thought seriously for a moment, then Responded: "Fine, if that's all you're asking, I can oblige!"

With that, he went "bang" and slammed the door shut again.

The man outside slapped his palm to his forehead, let out a long sigh, and helplessly knocked again.

The door reopened. Higashino Shinichi wore an innocent, delighted expression and said in surprise: "Father, you're back!"

"I've got zero satisfaction now, man." Higashino Jiro's face went blank, then he punched Higashino Shinichi on the head. "What an unlovable son."

"What a hard-to-please Father."

Higashino Jiro wasn't surprised by that reply, as if he was used to it. He walked straight inside and asked curiously: "Shin, did you know I was coming home today?"

"Yeah, pretty much."

"Did your Mother tell you?"

"Mother didn't say. I guessed."

"Oh? Tell me your reasoning."

"First, today's March 25th. Second, based on the pattern of your missions over the past year, I figured you'd most likely be home today."

"Still as sharp and clever as ever, Shin!" Higashino Jiro gave his son an appreciative look, then thought of another question: "Did you also guess what mission I was on?"

"Probably."

"Oh ho, ho, you're beyond what your old man imagined." Higashino Jiro happily ruffled his son's head. "Well, I'll go wash up first. Your Mother's probably almost home."

Higashino Shinichi watched the young man head for the bathroom, a slight smile curling at the corner of his mouth.

This was his Biological Father in the Naruto World, Higashino Jiro.

As for what mission he'd been on, Higashino Shinichi could indeed guess.

Most likely a Border Patrol mission.

Aside from Anbu members, Regular Ninjas in the village had routine tasks like Clock-in Work that didn't require leaving home. Client Commission Missions outside the village had unpredictable durations and no set pattern.

Only Border Garrison missions had a standard Rotation Time.

Though there was no war now, the border wasn't safe. Combining what he knew from the Naruto World in his Previous Life, Higashino Shinichi understood that the Second and Third Shinobi Wars were essentially continuous. The Peace Period in between wasn't truly peaceful—Border Friction had always existed. After coming to this world, he'd confirmed this from his Parents.

Except for Kirigakure, Konoha, Sunagakure, Iwagakure, and Kumogakure all kept considerable Troops at their borders. All that was missing was a spark for war to break out.

Higashino Shinichi knew they were waiting for a Flag Sacrifice—and that meant you, the so-called strongest Third Kazekage.

And the Regular Main Force stationed at the border was mostly made up of Commoner Ninja families like theirs.

When Higashino Megumi returned home, she was carrying several large boxes.

Soon, the table was covered with food and a birthday cake.

The lights were turned off, and the candles were lit.

After Higashino Makoto made his wish and blew out the candles, the lights came back on.

"Happy birthday, Makoto!"

"Thank you, thank you both, Father, Mother!"

Today was Higashino Makoto's fourth birthday. He looked at his young parents and felt very happy inside.

His soul was already forty years old, long past the age of hot blood. He had little interest in peace in the shinobi world or changing the tragedies of the original characters, nor did he have the ability to do so.

But this complete and happy family was his spiritual harbor in this world, something he had to protect.

So his thanks just now were sincere, without his usual playful antics.

Higashino Jiro took a sip of sake and sighed. "Our Makoto is good at everything, but he's a little too mature. He doesn't even have any friends. On his birthday, there are no friends of the same age to celebrate."

Higashino Megumi nodded in agreement. "Probably thinks those kids are too childish. After all, he won't even go to preschool."

"They'll come. Once he enters the Ninja Academy, he'll have them," Higashino Makoto could only say.

Konoha had preschools, similar to kindergartens, and more than one. They were generally set up for children of commoner families, whose parents were too busy working to look after them.

There were also many disciples from smaller and mid-sized ninja clans, like the Yamanaka and Nara of the Hokage faction.

As for traditional large clans like the Uchiha and Hyuga, the preschool education for children of the right age was completed within the clan.

Konoha's preschools generally accepted children from age three. Besides providing basic education, they also served to screen students for the Ninja Academy.

After all, not every child had the talent to become a ninja. Many observations began before enrollment. Otherwise, if someone studied for six years and couldn't even refine chakra, wouldn't that waste their own time and the village's educational resources?

"Makoto, this is Mother's gift to you!"

Higashino Megumi took out a brand-new leg-strap ninja tool bag.

"Thank you, Mother!"

Higashino Makoto accepted it without hesitation. He already had two ninja tool bags, but those were the rear-waist type.

"Here, this is my gift."

Higashino Jiro pulled out a short sword and handed it over.

Higashino Makoto took it, drew it, and looked it over. It was a pitch-black, straight short sword, similar to the standard Anbu model.

Unlike Kumogakure ninja, Konoha didn't have many who used long katana, except for those from the Hayate Clan who specialized in swordsmanship.

That wasn't a problem. The length suited his age. What was a problem was that it was a wooden sword. Though it had a solid weight and looked tightly grained, not like it would break easily, it was still made of wood.

Higashino Makoto stared expressionlessly at his father.

"What are you looking at, kid? Not satisfied? This is made from Kurogane Wood from the Land of Iron. It's hard and perfect for practice. Did you want a real blade? That's too dangerous for you right now."

"Father is right. Wanting a real blade now is too early."

"No, I'm very satisfied. Thank you, Father." After expressing his thanks, Higashino Makoto said, "What I wanted to say is, you should teach me how to refine chakra."

The Higashino Family Study had many books and scrolls, but they were all basic materials and theories. There was no Chakra Refining Method, let alone ninjutsu scrolls.

Refining chakra and practicing ninjutsu without guidance was very dangerous. Clearly, the couple had already thought of this and put all those things away.

The husband and wife exchanged a glance. They had originally wanted to refuse, planning to wait another year before teaching him.

But thinking about their son's maturity, and recalling that genius in the village a few years ago who was equally mature—graduating from the Ninja Academy at five and becoming a Chunin at six—they finally made a decision.

Higashino Jiro nodded seriously. "Alright."

Higashino Makoto felt a surge of joy. "Yes! Finally, I'm starting the most important step of my ninja career."

Then he saw his father hand him a key. "On the condition that you can find them."

Higashino Makoto: "..."

For now, let's just eat first.