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"Damn it, this is all your fault."
Within the familiar warmth of Ichiraku Ramen, the scent of broth hanging heavy in the air, Naruto devoured his bowl with unrestrained hunger.
Yet even as he scarfed down noodles, he kept casting disgruntled glances at Kitagawa Gen, who was also engrossed in his meal. With a muffled huff, Naruto finally voiced his frustration.
"If you hadn't stopped me that day, I wouldn't be in this mess. Iruka-sensei's been watching me like a hawk ever since. I can't even take a nap without getting caught, and going outside? Impossible. It's been hell."
"Tch. And you think that's my fault?"
Kitagawa Gen lifted his gaze briefly, eyeing Naruto with indifference before returning to his food. Only after slurping up the last strand of noodle did he wipe his mouth and speak, his tone dry and unconcerned.
"I did try to talk you out of it, remember? Told you not to deliver it, but you wouldn't listen."
"But why didn't you tell me those mushrooms were poisonous?"
"Shouldn't that be something they teach you at the Academy? Ah, I see. You must've been spacing out in class."
"I—I wasn't. I just... didn't learn that yet."
"Don't give me that. You weren't paying attention, obviously. No wonder people say you're at the bottom of the class. I bet you won't even pass the next exam."
"You bastard!"
The little blond hothead was, as always, far too easy to rile up. Then again, considering how miserable his life had been lately, it was hard to blame him.
Iruka shadowed his every move, leaving him no freedom whatsoever. On top of that, Gen's biting words only made it harder for him to keep his cool.
"Oi, Oi, watch your mouth."
Gen raised a brow and tilted his head slightly, studying Naruto with a touch of mock amusement.
"Keep in mind, I'm the one treating today."
"..."
Naruto froze. His expression stiffened awkwardly. Ever since he had blown all his savings on a mountain of limited-edition ramen, his wallet had been nothing but lint and regret. His next stipend wouldn't come until next month.
Just after school, he had been slouching along in a cloud of gloom when he happened to run into Kitagawa Gen, who was on his way out for dinner. That was how he had ended up here, enjoying a free meal.
And knowing this guy's wicked personality, if he said the wrong thing, the guy might actually walk off and leave him to pay the bill.
"Haha, well... uh, right. So, uh... why are you carrying a sword today?"
Naruto's eyes darted around, searching for a distraction, and finally settled on the weapon slung across Gen's back.
"Oh, that?"
Gen, of course, saw right through him. But he didn't seem to mind. With a casual shrug, he replied,
"It's a gift from my teacher. What do you think? Pretty cool, huh?"
"Looks alright, I guess... but it's kinda short."
There was a tinge of envy in Naruto's voice. After all, a sword was a real ninja's weapon. Still, after examining it more closely, he pouted and muttered,
"I've seen other people's swords. Theirs are way longer. Yours looks kinda stubby."
"That's because this isn't just any sword."
From behind the counter, Teuchi, who had been quietly observing, seemed to notice the sword hanging behind Gen and finally spoke up. His tone held a touch of nostalgia, and a faint smile crept onto his weathered face.
"Didn't think I'd ever see that blade again, not after all these years."
"Huh?"
Naruto blinked, confused. He turned toward the old man, curiosity bubbling in his eyes.
"Old Man, you recognize it? Is this sword famous or something?"
"A lot of people would recognize that sword."
Before Teuchi could answer, another voice sounded behind them, cutting through the chatter with calm authority.
They turned to look and saw Hiruzen Sarutobi strolling in, a pipe held leisurely between his lips. He had clearly just finished work, as he wore no Hokage hat atop his head.
"Old Man Hokage!"
"Lord Hokage."
Naruto immediately perked up at the sight of the Third Hokage, while Teuchi and Kitagawa Gen both rose and offered respectful bows in greeting.
"No need for such formality."
Hiruzen chuckled gently and smiled at Teuchi before reaching out to ruffle Naruto's hair with the affection of a kindly grandfather. But his gaze, measured and thoughtful, soon drifted toward Gen.
Perhaps he was remembering that notorious pot of poisonous mushroom soup. His hand paused briefly in midair, a subtle flicker of hesitation, but he quickly recovered.
"That sword's former owner was no ordinary man. It carries the memories of many. It's a fine blade. I hope you'll use it well."
"I will, Lord Hokage."
Gen smiled and nodded, though inwardly he could not help but grumble.
He had been waiting for an entire day!
In order to be assigned to Kirigakure, he had already revealed his mastery of the Flying Thunder God Technique. Ever since then, he had been expecting some sort of response from Hiruzen.
But no news ever came.
Just when he was considering heading to the Hokage's office the next day to report in person, Hiruzen had shown up on his own.
Maybe this had actually worked out for the better. A chance meeting like this felt more... natural. More personal, perhaps?
"Gen, I've heard your name quite a few times now, but I believe this is the first time we've actually met, isn't it?"
Hiruzen's smile remained warm and affable as he studied the boy. After a brief pause, he spoke with gentle ease.
"Would you care to take a walk with this old man? Just a little stroll to help digest dinner."
"I'd be honored."
Gen did not refuse. He stood up at once and followed the elderly Hokage outside. Meanwhile, behind them, Naruto remained seated, his face turning an impressive shade of green.
Unfortunately for him, no one was paying him any attention right now.
"I've heard from Kakashi and Jiraiya that you've already mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique."
Only after they had walked some distance did Hiruzen speak with a faint smile on his face.
"More or less."
Kitagawa Gen nodded slightly, his tone modest.
"Though, to be precise, I wouldn't say I've fully mastered it. I've merely managed to use it at a basic level. You could say I just got lucky."
"Luck, at times, is also a form of strength. Sometimes, the difference between success and failure comes down to a stroke of fortune."
Sarutobi's smile never wavered. It was clear his mood was particularly good today.
"Besides, even with luck, one cannot achieve anything without true talent. Gen, you've truly given me quite the pleasant surprise."
"Thank you for the praise, Lord Hokage."
Gen smiled in return. The two continued walking side by side, chatting idly as they went.
Perhaps because they were both in high spirits, the conversation flowed effortlessly. There always seemed to be something to say. The atmosphere between them was light and harmonious.
After a while, however, Gen felt that it was time to broach the real topic on his mind. Without hesitation, he spoke up directly.
"By the way, Lord Hokage, Kakashi-sensei and Lord Jiraiya suddenly left for the Hokage's office earlier... Are they being sent out on a mission?"
"Oh?"
Hiruzen was momentarily surprised, but he did not attempt to conceal anything. After all, Gen had a close relationship with both Kakashi and Jiraiya.
"That's right. They are heading out on a mission. It's something they can't really avoid, truth be told."
"I understand. Lord Jiraiya already mentioned it to me."
Gen nodded. As he spoke, he turned a corner with Hiruzen Sarutobi, heading toward Ichiraku Ramen.
"Kakashi-sensei still carries a burden he can't let go of, and Lord Jiraiya finds it difficult to move on from what happened with Orochimaru. When we went in search of Orochimaru earlier, I already had a feeling it wouldn't be long before they'd have to head to Kirigakure."
"You're right. There are some bonds that are just too hard to abandon."
Hiruzen sighed, nodding gently.
"The bonds between comrades are what tie us to this otherwise cold profession of being a shinobi."
"Lord Hokage, I'd like to request permission to accompany them to Kirigakure."
At this point, Gen no longer held anything back. He laid his intention bare, causing Sarutobi to furrow his brows.
"Kirigakure? That mission is far from simple. The situation over there is complete chaos, and you…"
"Lord Hokage, I understand how dangerous it is. But I have my reasons."
Gen gave a soft shake of his head, yet his tone remained earnest.
"It was I who first discovered Uchiha Obito. I believe I have a responsibility to follow through with this matter. Besides, I also want to test my Flying Thunder God Technique in real combat."
"Any technique must be used again and again before it can be refined to its fullest potential, and what I lack most right now is not strength, Lord Hokage, but experience."
"And besides, even if I can't contribute much offensively, with the Flying Thunder God, I can at least guarantee Kakashi-sensei and Lord Jiraiya have a way to retreat safely. That, in itself, might make the mission significantly less risky."
Sarutobi remained silent, listening carefully to Gen's words. He could not deny that the boy had made a fair point.
For a shinobi, experience must be earned in battle. Without it, even great power would go unrealized, a hollow strength with no substance.
Moreover, the Flying Thunder God Technique, even if not ideal for attack, could serve as an excellent tool for retreat. Sarutobi himself was unwilling to see Jiraiya and Kakashi caught in the quagmire of Kirigakure.
Still, he hesitated. Yet before he could speak, Gen suddenly smiled.
"Besides, didn't you just say it yourself? The bonds between comrades are what connect us in this cold shinobi world."
The breeze stirred his hair and sleeves as he looked up toward the distant Hokage Rock, his voice quiet but steady.
"I've always regretted that I never had teammates after graduation. In some ways, Kakashi-sensei is the closest thing I have to a comrade."
"If I lacked the ability, I would never dream of being a burden. But I do have strength, and I want to use it to do what little I can."
"Lord Hokage, I sincerely ask that you allow me this small act of willfulness."
Willfulness?
Sarutobi did not respond immediately. He raised his pipe and quietly took a few puffs.
This way of thinking, this determination... was it not the very embodiment of the 'Will of Fire?'
This boy…
A slow smile spread across Sarutobi's face as he gave a nod.
"I'll give it some thought. For now, return and get some rest."
"Yes, Lord Hokage."
Gen smiled as he nodded. Without another word, he turned and grabbed Naruto, who had been trembling inside Ichiraku this whole time, and left.
Watching the two young figures disappear into the distance, the smile on Sarutobi's face grew even brighter.
This boy… he truly does carry Minato's shadow!
He turned to leave, yet barely a few steps had passed before someone called out to him.
"Lord Hokage…"
"What is it, Teuchi?"
"Those two boys… they didn't pay for their ramen…"
"…???"
"Um… the total comes to a very reasonable price—"
"…"
Sarutobi clenched the stem of his pipe between his teeth.
Perhaps… he had praised the boy a little too soon.
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[Chapter End's]
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