Before he knew it, Naruto had come to stand beside the man. But he did not make a sound to disturb him, because the person fishing before him was far too focused, as though he were carrying out something sacred.
From the side, the man looked very young, around twenty-something. Since he could only see his profile, Naruto could not make out his exact appearance.
And so, by the river in Konoha, one fisherman and one person watching the fisherman fish sat quietly together until the setting sun sank lower and lower and night silently descended.
During that time, Naruto watched in shock as the man used a straight hook to catch one fish after another of different species from the river, only to casually release them again.
Legend had it that this river led all the way to the sea, connected to the great waterfall at the Valley of the End. Thus, it contained a great variety of fish.
But no matter how hard Naruto tried, he could not understand how the other person had managed to catch those fish with a straight hook. It simply defied all common sense.
Only when night had completely shrouded the land did the man put away his fishing rod. Seemingly noticing Naruto beside him, he turned to look at him.
Only then did Naruto see his face. He looked to be in his twenties, and his entire body gave off an indescribable aura—natural and harmonious.
"Hello." Those were the first words the other man spoke, leaving Naruto stunned.
In his short life, this was the first time anyone had greeted him like that.
"H-Hello." Naruto hurriedly stood up, then explained, "I... I didn't mean to stay quiet. You were just so focused on fishing that I didn't want to interrupt you."
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