Naruto's Inner Demons

The morning sun barely peeked over the horizon, casting a faint glow across the sky. The world stirred from its slumber, as if welcoming a brand-new beginning.

Being on holiday, Yi Xiang managed to wake up early for once. After a quick wash, he grabbed some money and hurried out the door.

Let me think: milk, instant noodles... Naruto probably doesn't know how to cook anything else.

Yi Xiang walked down the street, glancing around while whispering to himself, trying to decide what to buy as a gift for his visit to Naruto.

Following their friendly interaction last night, Yi Xiang had suggested they train together today.

The Third Hokage and Naruto had both been surprised; the former smiled, thinking his lessons on the Will of Fire hadn't gone to waste, while the latter was quite excited.

Yi Xiang soon arrived at the meeting spot, carrying a large bag with various food items poking out from the top.

Because he knew exactly what Naruto lacked right now, the bag was filled entirely with food.

"Eh, looks like Naruto might have overslept. This guy is as unreliable as ever."

Dragging the heavy bag, Yi Xiang looked around and found a comfortable spot to sit and wait.

As the sun's rays began to bathe the earth, a figure darted quickly through the streets and alleys.

The alarm clock acted up again. I hope Brother Yi Xiang hasn't left already, Naruto thought with frustration.

It is worth noting that Yi Xiang was eight years old this year, while Naruto was seven, so under the witness of the Third Hokage last night, Yi Xiang had taken Naruto on as his little brother.

Perhaps because they hit it off so well, Naruto had been grinning like a fool the whole time, while the Third Hokage simply watched quietly without saying much.

Yi Xiang, who had been waiting for quite a while, was leaning against a wall dozing off when Naruto's excited shout rang out: "Brother Yi Xiang, I'm here!"

Yi Xiang, having been napping for who knows how long, opened his eyes slightly and let out a yawn before looking at the drenched, panting Naruto and smiling.

"Naruto, you're late. Not keeping your word isn't a very good trait."

Naruto's cheeks flushed red, and he explained sheepishly, "My alarm clock just happened to break. I did set it, but it didn't go off."

"Alright, but there won't be a next time," Yi Xiang said sternly.

Naruto nodded vigorously. Seeing that Yi Xiang wasn't actually angry, the unnatural expression on his face quickly returned to normal.

Yi Xiang looked up at the sky and realized it was almost noon. Feeling his empty stomach, he looked at Naruto helplessly. "Let's go, let's go eat some ramen made by Uncle Ichiraku. My treat."

Naruto shook off his slump and danced with joy. "Okay!"

After finishing the ramen, Yi Xiang went to Naruto's residence to drop off the food he had bought that morning, and the two then headed toward the training ground together.

Along the way, regardless of age or gender, there were always some idiots pointing fingers at Naruto. Yi Xiang, walking alongside him, was also implicated.

If it weren't for the fact that he knew who was behind these rumors, and that these villagers were generally ignorant, Yi Xiang wouldn't have minded unleashing a "Pain-style" beatdown on them right then and there.

[Ding! System mission triggered]

[Mission 1: Find the person spreading the demon fox rumors and make them repent by performing 50 good deeds. Reward: 40 Luck points. Failure penalty: Deduct 80 Luck points.]

[Mission 2: Make the rumor-monger and those who were most verbally abusive shed tears of regret, and give them a loving hug upon parting to show encouragement. Reward: 20 Luck points. Failure penalty: Deduct 40 Luck points.]

[Mission 3: Avoid conflict and take a detour from now on. Reward: +5 Luck points.]

[Time limit: 40 days]

Glancing at the system interface that had popped up, Yi Xiang was filled with question marks and exclamation points.

"System, are you malfunctioning?"

[Ding! System missions are issued randomly. The host may choose whether or not to accept them.]

Before Yi Xiang could reply, Naruto, who had been silent on the road, asked in a dejected tone after they reached the training ground:

"Brother Yi Xiang, why are you helping me so much? And why does everyone hate me?"

Hearing this, Yi Xiang kept his expression gentle. He patted Naruto's right shoulder with his left hand and comforted him softly.

"I think it's just a misunderstanding on everyone's part. Even the Hokage acknowledges you, so what reason do they have to hate you?"

"As for why I'm helping you, it's because I want to be friends with you, Naruto. Helping each other is what friends do, isn't it?" Yi Xiang added.

As he spoke, Naruto's expression became less dim, but in his heart, Yi Xiang was cursing wildly:

Damn those spineless mouths. I'll make you pay for this soon enough. And that old man, the Third, is definitely peeping with his Telescope Technique right now.

Yi Xiang was never one to take things lying down. In the past, he lacked the ability to retaliate, but now, he truly didn't fear anyone in Konoha.

His guess was spot on. In the Hokage's office, there was only one old man and a massive pile of files that stood out.

However, instead of dealing with those files, the old man sat there leisurely, holding a pipe while his gaze remained fixed on the crystal ball on his desk. This person was none other than the Third Hokage, one of the peeping toms of the ninja world.

The Third Hokage puffed on his pipe from time to time, his other hand stroking the crystal ball, which displayed a high-definition image of Yi Xiang and Naruto.

"But... they all say I'm a demon fox." At this, Naruto's slightly improved expression dimmed even further.

"That might be the reason why everyone misunderstands you."

"Naruto, didn't you say last night that your dream is to become the Hokage? To become someone everyone acknowledges? I believe you can do it, future Hokage."

Yi Xiang spoke with conviction, as if Naruto were already the Hokage.

Naruto froze. Yi Xiang's words were like a spring breeze brushing across his heart, making him feel incredibly warm and encouraged.

"Besides, aren't we friends? I will also do my utmost to help you achieve your dream," Yi Xiang said, pivoting to encourage him.

"I never go back on my word; that is my ninja way. Big Brother Yi Xiang, thank you. I won't let you down."

Naruto clenched his fists tightly, his eyes burning with a bright, spirited light as if making a solemn vow. His gaze revealed a sense of firmness and resolve, as if he were demonstrating his determination and perseverance to Yi Xiang.

"It seems that letting them spend time together is a good choice after all. If the entire Uchiha Clan possessed Yi Xiang's level of awareness, there is no telling how prosperous Konoha would become."

The Third Hokage gazed out the window, his tone deep and measured.

Knock, knock! The long-silent door was suddenly rapped. The Third Hokage said calmly, "Enter."

An Anbu member wearing a frog-like mask walked in quickly and bowed to the Third Hokage:

"Lord Hokage, two members of Root have come looking for Uchiha Yi Xiang. We have currently intercepted them."

The Third Hokage furrowed his brows, looked at his desk for a few seconds, and said with an unforced, imposing authority:

"Tell them to relay this to Danzo: Uchiha Yi Xiang is now my student. Without my permission, Root is not allowed to make contact with him."

Deep beneath Konoha, in a hidden location.

Danzo looked at the two Root members who had returned to report Sarutobi Hiruzen's exact words with a gloomy expression, his voice low as he spoke:

"Both of you, return to your posts and continue monitoring the Jinchuriki and that Uchiha brat named Yi Xiang. If there are any unusual developments, report to me immediately."

The two nodded in affirmation and immediately set out to execute Danzo's orders, rushing toward the location of Yi Xiang and Naruto.

"That brat actually dared to disrupt my plans. The Jinchuriki can only realize his true value in my hands. The Monkey is truly getting old, allowing the Jinchuriki to associate with an Uchiha so easily."

Danzo voiced his dissatisfaction to the empty air, his face dark as he walked toward the end of the shadowed corridor. As if remembering something, his left eye narrowed slightly.

"Uchiha Itachi and that mysterious person should not have failed. Sarutobi's attitude and the timing of that brat's discharge from the hospital both confirm that the boy is special."

"It is a pity that I cannot simply move to seize the brat and examine him."

Sarutobi Hiruzen had only forbidden Root from making contact with Yi Xiang; Danzo naturally understood where his bottom line lay. The Third Hokage might not be pleased with him sending people to monitor Yi Xiang and Naruto, but he would likely say nothing more.

Furthermore, Danzo believed this was his duty and contribution as the leader of Root to protect Konoha.