Kakashi's Realization

Naruto's home.

Though he had filled his stomach with a ration pill on the street, Naruto was hungry again when he got home.

He poured some water into a bowl. The compressed biscuits Zhengye had given him quickly absorbed the water, softened, and expanded slightly.

Naruto stirred it twice with a spoon and stared at the bowl in surprise. The biscuits had turned into a thick paste.

He took a spoonful. It was soft, and the sweet-and-salty biscuits carried a faint milky flavor.

This was much tastier than plain rice balls.

After two bites, the hunger in his stomach rapidly faded.

The softened biscuit paste smeared all over his mouth.

Naruto wiped the corners of his mouth and carefully ate every bit of food there.

Though they were only simple biscuits, being able to eat his fill was the happiest thing in the world to Naruto.

At that moment, Naruto had no idea that someone outside the window was watching him with a single eye.

"Is this what Naruto usually eats?" Kakashi asked calmly, as though it were an ordinary question.

Kakashi was now the captain of RO Squad and had already carried out many missions publicly.

He had gained some fame and prestige in Konoha, and was even one of the Third Hokage's capable subordinates.

Although the ANBU guards here were older than Kakashi, they were all very polite to him and answered every question.

"Sometimes he goes out for ramen, or buys rice balls. Otherwise, he catches fish himself."

Seeing Naruto covered in wounds yet wearing a blissful expression after filling his stomach, Kakashi suddenly felt a pang of sorrow.

His Adam's apple bobbed as he suppressed his surging emotions and asked in a deliberately cold voice, "Has he been taken to the hospital for injuries like these?"

The ANBU did not understand why he was asking, but answered honestly nonetheless.

"Lord Kakashi, there's no need to worry. Naruto has a very strong constitution. He basically recovers after one night's sleep, so there's no need to take him to the hospital."

"Anyway, he gets beaten every day. He's used to it."

Kakashi's hand quietly clenched at those words, then he forced himself to loosen it.

Kakashi's chest felt tight as he looked at little Naruto, who had endured all this for years.

Scenes from the past surfaced in his mind one after another.

His teacher Minato had helped him improve Chidori. His teacher's wife Kushina would bring them delicious food whenever they were exhausted from training.

He had protected the child in Kushina's womb until the day of his birth.

He had never imagined the child would end up like this.

A crack suddenly split open in Kakashi's heart, which had been sealed shut for so many years.

Kakashi, who had not looked at the outside world for years, was suddenly assailed by immense guilt.

I really am a beast.

Kakashi clenched his hand tightly, and sharp pain radiated from his palm.

"Lord Hokage!"

The ANBU beside him suddenly saluted, interrupting Kakashi's thoughts.

Only then did Kakashi realize that the Third Hokage had arrived.

"Lord Hokage."

"Mm. Kakashi, why are you here?"

The Third Hokage was somewhat curious. Kakashi was not sociable; normally, he was either on missions or standing before the Memorial Stone.

Kakashi reacted quickly. "There was a disturbance on the street just now, so I came over to find out what happened."

"I didn't expect Naruto to have grown so much."

The Third Hokage lifted his pipe and gave Kakashi a meaningful glance. He merely hummed before going to find Naruto.

Kakashi hesitated for a moment, but rather than remain, his figure flashed as he headed toward the Memorial Stone.

Naruto's home.

"Knock, knock, knock..."

Having just finished eating, Naruto sprang up from his stool at the sound of knocking and ran to open the door.

As soon as he opened it, he saw the Third Hokage.

"Grandpa Third Hokage, you're here!" Naruto exclaimed happily, jumping up and down.

Whenever the Third Hokage came to see him, it meant he would give him money, and he would be able to eat his fill.

Though his little mind did not understand why Grandpa Third Hokage gave him money.

That did not stop him from thinking that Grandpa Third Hokage was a good person.

"Hohohoho..."

Seeing how happy Naruto was to see him, the Third Hokage could not help stroking his beard, greatly pleased inside.

He became even more convinced that his decision had been correct.

He affectionately patted Naruto on the head, his face bearing just the right amount of concern.

"I know everything that happened. The people who bullied you today have already been arrested. I came specifically to see how you were doing."

Naruto was big-hearted. Though the wound on his forehead still throbbed faintly and there were several bruises on his body, he was already used to it.

Now that he was full, he felt much better.

He scratched his head, somewhat embarrassed.

"Grandpa Third Hokage, I used all the money you gave me to buy rice balls, but... but the rice balls were all stepped on."

"Mm. It's alright. None of this was your fault." Naturally, the Third Hokage knew. He asked probingingly, "What did the Police Force tell you today?"

At the mention of that, Naruto's face lit up with a smile. "Ah, Grandpa Third Hokage, I met someone from Sasuke's clan."

"His name is Uchiha Zhengye. He's really nice! Last time, he gave me three-color dango, and this time, he gave me biscuits!"

"He told me that if I get bullied again, I should shout for help, and the Police Force would come save me," Naruto said with a grin.

"He also said the Police Force would protect every person in Konoha!"

"He's a really, really good person!"

Naruto's eyes sparkled. He seemed to like Uchiha Zhengye very much.

In Konoha Village, which was filled with malice, there were not many people who showed Naruto kindness. That made Zhengye's presence especially dazzling.

A flash of understanding passed through the depths of the Third Hokage's eyes.

Hmph, so he really wants to get close to Naruto.

But having only met Naruto now, how could you possibly compare to me?

Though the Third Hokage was confident, Zhengye's actions still put some pressure on him.

He took out three thousand-denomination bills and placed them before Naruto.

"Naruto, you've grown up a little now and need more food. I'll give you more money from now on."

"Ah!" Naruto was stunned by the surprise. Though he had not started school yet, he knew the difference between what one bill and three bills could buy.

"That's great! Thank you, Grandpa Third Hokage!"

"Grandpa Third Hokage, you're the best to me!"

"Mm. Get some proper rest. I'll come see you again next time."

The Third Hokage was also very busy. With his goal achieved, he prepared to leave. As Hokage, he had plenty to do.

Moreover, many villagers had written letters of complaint today, and he was still considering how to use them to make a move against the Uchiha.

"Grandpa Third Hokage." Naruto hugged his arm then.

There was a hint of reluctance on the five-year-old's face.

"We haven't gone grilled fish together in a long time."

Looking into Naruto's innocent, hopeful eyes, the Third Hokage fell silent for a moment. Though he felt somewhat impatient inside, he still nodded.

"Then let's go together in a few days."

"That's great!" Naruto jumped up, waving his arms excitedly.

"Then I'm leaving."

"Mm, goodbye, Grandpa Third Hokage!"

The Third Hokage had walked a long way before looking back and finding Naruto still waving at him from the doorway.

His gaze flickered before he headed toward the Hokage Building.

Looks like it's time for Naruto to learn about the Will of Fire.