Naruto Is Mine to Protect

Little Naruto obediently entered the shop and sat down first. Kakashi waved to an ANBU member not far away, signaling him to come over.

The ANBU member hesitated for a moment before walking toward Kakashi.

"Lord Kakashi!" the ANBU member greeted him respectfully.

"Mm. Naruto will be under my care for a while. Go wait at the next surveillance point first," Kakashi said calmly.

"This!" The ANBU member was startled. "But Lord Third has given orders..."

"Mm?"

Kakashi gave a soft, noncommittal snort. Only then did the ANBU member remember that Kakashi was currently Lord Third's favored Kurenai.

"Yes, Lord Kakashi. However, I will report tonight's events truthfully to Lord Third," the ANBU member said.

"That is what you should do. Dismissed." Kakashi waved his hand, sending the eyesore away.

Little Naruto had been sitting at his seat for quite a while, waiting eagerly for Kakashi to come in.

That guy wasn't just lying to me, was he? Like those older kids before, with Tenten always playing pranks on me.

Only after Kakashi finally entered did he relax.

"I want this and this too. Is that okay?" Little Naruto looked at Kakashi expectantly.

Kakashi smiled. "Sure. Boss, could you come over for a moment?"

The owner was a middle-aged woman with a plump figure. In the village, only the wealthy could afford to have so much fat.

"Welcome—" The woman had been smiling, but the moment she saw Naruto, her expression changed drastically.

"Demon Fox! You're not welcome here! Get out!"

The customers who had been chatting and laughing all fell silent, turning to look this way as they whispered among themselves.

"It's the Demon Fox. Why isn't this damned thing dead yet?"

"What was Lord Third thinking, letting something so dangerous stay in the village?"

"Get this thing out of here already. Who knows if he'll suddenly go berserk!"

"Exactly! Why aren't you getting out already?!"

The murmurs around him were like sharp knives, stabbing viciously into Naruto's chest.

What did I do wrong? Why does everyone treat me like this...

Little Naruto clenched his Kiba and jumped down from his chair, preparing to leave the restaurant. His small figure looked utterly lonely.

Kakashi could no longer endure it. He grabbed little Naruto's hand, then slammed his ANBU mask heavily onto the table with his other hand.

"All of you, get out!" Kakashi roared.

Seeing the ANBU mask that represented death and fear, everyone wisely shut their mouths and obediently left the barbecue restaurant.

"You, stay."

Kakashi stopped the barbecue restaurant owner, who had been about to run out. She could only remain in the shop, trembling all over.

Kakashi pulled out a thick stack of bills and slammed it onto the table. "Bring us one of every barbecue dish in your restaurant."

"Yes... sir..." The female owner's Kiba chattered as she shakily went to prepare the barbecue.

"Why are you being so nice to me?"

Little Naruto stared fixedly at Kakashi. He did not believe someone he had only just met would treat him so well.

"Me..." Kakashi smiled faintly. "Actually, I'm your..."

"Could you be my uncle?" Little Naruto guessed.

"Un... uncle?" Kakashi instantly lost his composure, his entire face drooping. "Do I look that old?"

After thinking through the complicated relationship for a moment, Kakashi said, "I guess I'm your older brother, but not a blood-related one..."

Little Naruto clapped his little hands. "I get it! You're my... big cousin!"

Kakashi smacked little Naruto on the head. "Who taught you that word?"

"My name is Kakashi. From now on, just call me Brother Kakashi, understand?"

Naruto looked like he was clutching his head and baring his Kiba in pain, but inwardly, he was overjoyed. He finally had family.

"Okay, Brother Kakashi."

"My name is Uzumaki Naruto. Just call me Naruto!"

When plate after plate of barbecue was brought out, Naruto dug in heartily, as if he had not eaten in ages.

"Whew, I'm so full." Naruto patted his little belly.

Kakashi ruffled his hair. "Come on, little Naruto. I'll take you home."

The two walked down the road one after the other. Every now and then, little Naruto would turn back to look at Kakashi behind him, afraid that everything just now had only been an illusion.

"Hey, this is my home. Aside from Grandpa Third, you're my first guest!" Little Naruto grinned.

Kakashi looked over the small house before him. Everything was old, but little Naruto had kept it exceptionally clean.

"Well, I won't go in. I still have some things to deal with," Kakashi said apologetically.

"Ah, okay..."

Naruto was a little disappointed, but then he looked at Kakashi expectantly again. "Big brother, will you come see me again in the future?"

"Of course."

Kakashi nodded heavily. After all, I've been protecting you since before you were born...

"Then it's a promise!" Only then did little Naruto happily let Kakashi leave.

Kakashi sighed a Ki. His impulsiveness tonight had caused trouble, and now he had to explain things to the Third.

The Hokage's office.

It was already very late, but the Third Hokage was still handling documents in his office. Kakashi knew he was waiting for him.

"My apologies, Lord Third. I caused you trouble tonight," Kakashi said respectfully.

"It's good that you know. Don't let it happen again."

The Third set down the document in his hand and looked at Kakashi. "Speaking of which, what are your thoughts on the Jinchuriki?"

Kakashi considered his words for a moment. "Personally, I think Naruto should be allowed to feel some kindness. After all, when a Jinchuriki's emotions fluctuate intensely, the Tailed Beast can easily exploit the opening."

"And besides... he is Sensei's son..."

In truth, that last sentence was what Kakashi most wanted to say, but he had no choice but to put the other reason first.

The Third Hokage nodded thoughtfully. "In that case, I'll leave this task to you. But make sure to keep a close eye on the Jinchuriki. Konoha cannot afford any more mishaps right now."

Kakashi was delighted. "Yes, thank you, Lord Third."

"Alright, you may leave now."

The Third dismissed Kakashi. If he had not been waiting for him, he would have gotten off work long ago.

"Whew, from now on, I can visit Naruto openly and legitimately."

"As for things like the plot... who cares!" Kakashi felt utterly high-spirited Ki.

But the moment he thought of the terrifying Madara and Kaguya, Kakashi immediately lost his nerve.

"Training. I'd better train first..."