Konoha's Tatsuya

Five days later, the group returned to Konoha.

Inside a grand banquet hall, Konoha's upper echelons held a welcome reception for Mei Terumi. Given the significance of forging an alliance between the two major hidden villages of Konoha and Kirigakure, the village leadership and prominent figures from numerous ninja clans were all in attendance.

As key contributors to the mission's success, the four members of ANBU Squad 11 were naturally present.

Tatsuya sat somewhat bored at a table near the corner. He had absolutely no interest in participating in the superficial pleasantries and political maneuvering happening amongst the higher-ups.

However, while Tatsuya wanted no part in it, certain individuals weren't willing to let him be.

With the battle reports from Kirigakure filtering back, word of Tatsuya having mastered Sage Art had reached the ears of those keen on such information. In the eyes of many, Tatsuya could likely now be called Konoha's strongest shinobi. Everyone wanted to connect with such a young powerhouse at the pinnacle of strength.

Tatsuya found it tiresome but managed to handle the interactions with forced patience.

Beside him, Kakashi and Guy had a much quieter time. Itachi, meanwhile, was practically invisible, ignored by everyone.

After the tedious banquet finally concluded, Tatsuya parted ways with his three ANBU teammates and headed home alone.

Walking along the familiar path, Tatsuya suddenly stopped.

Down below on a nearby playing field, a group of young children laughed and played. But standing apart, not far from the group, was a solitary, small figure.

He took a tentative step, wanting to join the other kids his age. Yet, before he even got close, the joyful games halted. All the children stopped, turning to look at him with wary eyes.

"Go away! We don't wanna play with you!" one of the bigger kids stepped forward, speaking down to him with arrogant dismissal.

The small boy turned away, shoved his hands deep into his pockets, and walked off. The sun dipped towards the western horizon, casting long, elongated shadows in the golden light. His small figure cast a particularly long, lonely shadow.

So lonely… so pitiful.

This was the first time Tatsuya had seen Naruto Uzumaki in person.

Previously, to avoid alerting the Third Hokage and, more importantly, to avoid influencing the growth trajectory of the Child of Destiny, Tatsuya had deliberately restrained himself from seeking out Naruto.

But seeing him today, Tatsuya changed his mind.

He strode purposefully down towards the field.

The Hero's son shouldn't have to live like this!

Naruto walked with his head down, feeling a bit dejected. He had already started at the Ninja Academy, yet his peers still refused to accept him. He was just as lonely as ever. It felt like the entire village held some deep prejudice against him. His hard work hadn't changed a thing.

But Naruto wouldn't give up!

Suddenly, Naruto stopped walking.

Lifting his head, he saw a tall, imposing figure blocking his path.

Whoa, he's huge!

That was Naruto's first impression of Tatsuya.

Standing before Naruto, Tatsuya carefully observed the Child of Destiny of the ninja world. Naruto was currently less than six years old, right in his peak 'cuteness' phase. His bright blond hair and face, still holding a touch of baby fat, looked incredibly endearing.

As he looked, Tatsuya didn't hesitate to reach out.

"Ah! Let go of me, you big oaf!"

Tatsuya's actions clearly made Naruto wary and unhappy. He struggled and cursed, but it was completely useless. His resistance only earned him a more forceful kneading of his cheeks from Tatsuya.

After two or three minutes, Tatsuya stopped.

"Naruto," Tatsuya said, looking down at the boy with a slight smile.

"Huh? Hey, Big Guy, you know my name?" Naruto's face showed extreme surprise.

Tatsuya's eyebrow twitched. He was speechless.

Big Guy!

The nickname made Tatsuya's hands itch again. Without hesitation, his mischievous hands reached out once more.

"Aah! Big Guy, let go!" Naruto yelped and struggled again, still utterly futile.

Several minutes later, Naruto, his little face stretched completely out of shape, finally gave up struggling. He stared at the massive man before him with a look of utter resignation.

"Alright, alright! Let's go. I'll treat you to some ramen," Tatsuya said, finally releasing Naruto with satisfaction. He patted the boy's shoulder.

"Eh?" Hearing this, Naruto, who had been looking thoroughly displeased, instantly brightened. His eyes lit up as he turned to look expectantly at Tatsuya.

"Let's go!" Tatsuya waved him forward.

"Thanks, Fat Uncle!" Naruto cheered, bouncing with excitement.

"Call me Boss!" Tatsuya corrected, giving Naruto a light chop on the back of the head.

"Ow! That hurt!" Naruto yelped, rubbing his head.

Ichiraku Ramen.

Seated at the counter, little Naruto was wolfing down his ramen with gusto. For a boy who had lived alone since childhood, a steaming bowl of ramen was his absolute favorite meal.

Beside him, Tatsuya had also ordered a large bowl and was eating heartily. He had spent the entire banquet dealing with people and hadn't managed to get much food down.

"Naruto, what's your dream for when you grow up?" Tatsuya asked, turning to look at Naruto as he ate.

"I'm gonna be Hokage when I grow up!" Naruto declared excitedly, looking up with a wide grin.

"Oh? Why's that?" Tatsuya asked with genuine interest.

"I want everyone in the village to acknowledge me! Once I become Hokage, they won't look down on me anymore!" Naruto proclaimed, his expression firm.

Looking into Naruto's eyes, filled with hope and determination, Tatsuya couldn't help but smile gently. "Is that so?" he murmured softly. "Well, you'll have to work extra hard then. Becoming Hokage isn't that easy!"

"Don't worry, Fat Uncle! I'll definitely work hard and become Hokage!" Naruto beamed, his smile radiant.

Tatsuya's eyebrow twitched again, but he gave up on correcting Naruto's form of address. Such a stubborn kid!

After a moment, having finished his first bowl, Naruto turned to Tatsuya, looking at him pitifully. "Fat Uncle, can I have another bowl?"

"Give him another bowl," Tatsuya readily agreed.

After finishing their ramen, the large figure and the small one walked out of Ichiraku Ramen together.

"Fat Uncle, thanks for the treat! When I get money, I'll treat you to ramen too!" Naruto wiped his mouth, bowed respectfully to Tatsuya, and spoke with sincere gravity.

"Alright! I'll be waiting for that ramen!" Tatsuya chuckled, nodding in agreement.

With that, Tatsuya waved to Naruto and turned to leave.

Behind him, Naruto watched Tatsuya's departing figure and couldn't help but shout, "Fat Uncle! I still don't know your name! Can… can I come find you again?"

Tatsuya stopped and turned around. Seeing the hopeful look on little Naruto's face, he nodded firmly. "Of course, you can! Remember, my name is Tatsuya Akimichi. Anytime you want ramen, you can come find me."

"Okay, Fat Uncle!" An incredibly bright smile bloomed on Naruto's small face. He agreed instantly, then bounced off happily, full of energy.

Standing there, watching Naruto's retreating back, a smile spread across Tatsuya's own face.

The Child of Destiny!

He really does possess an extraordinarily resilient spirit.

Hopefully, Tatsuya thought, my appearance can bring a small flicker of light into his bleak childhood.

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