Konoha Street.
"Eh, you're out shopping?" Tobitake Tonbo asked helplessly as Little Naruto clung to his side on his way home.
"Yeah, I ran out of instant noodles at home." Little Naruto hurried along in small steps, following closely behind.
Tobitake Tonbo asked, "Then why aren't you shopping? Why are you following me?"
"I haven't seen you in a long time. I wanted to play with you." Little Naruto grinned.
"I just got back from a mission. I don't have time to play with a little brat like you."
"Eh? Why?"
"My wife and children are waiting for me at home. I need to spend time with them, so of course I don't have time to play with you." Tobitake Tonbo smiled.
"Children?"
Naruto immediately thought of himself. He had never seen his father or mother. Hearing that this weird uncle actually had children, the way he looked at him changed.
The weird uncle was someone else's father too. Where was his own father?
His expression visibly darkened.
"Alright, looks like I hit a sore spot. I'll invite you over to see my babies." Tobitake Tonbo glanced at him. So sensitive!
"Eh, really? Is that okay?" Little Naruto's azure eyes widened.
He had only wanted to ask the weird uncle to play with him, but the man had actually invited him over.
Surprise filled his face. Aside from the Third Hokage Grandpa, this was the first person to invite him anywhere.
"Of course."
"Aren't you afraid that I'm the Demon Fox?" Little Naruto asked cautiously.
Tobitake Tonbo said disdainfully, "Only the weak fear the Demon Fox. For the strong, crushing it is as easy as me pinching you. Do you think I'd be afraid?"
Naruto blinked. "Then are you strong?"
As expected of the weird uncle—he spoke with such presence.