Naruto: Blacksmith

The house wasn't very large, but it had a simple charm.

Upon entering the front gate, a well-defined path guided him inside.

On either side of the path were decorative and functional elements that highlighted a traditional Japanese style.

With the help of the Red Lenses, Kuro could see everything clearly, even at night.

To the left was a well-kept lawn with a set of stone tables and chairs.

A little farther back was a small grove of green bamboo surrounding a tiny water well.

A large decorative rock stood near the well.

The design of the place was ingenious.

Water flowed from the rock into a carefully crafted channel, which directed it to a wooden deer-shaped feature. The water struck it gently, creating a soothing rhythmic sound.

On the right side of the path was a flat area with three large stones placed vertically.

Closer to the wall, there were various exercise tools, such as stone blocks for weightlifting. Everything indicated that this space was meant for training.

At the end of the path, after about ten meters, stood the main house, a classic Japanese-style structure.

The foundations were raised on wooden stilts, with an outer corridor encircling the house and sliding paper doors serving as entrances.

Kuro paused to take it all in.

He estimated the house to be around 200 square meters—large enough to be comfortable but not overly spacious.

Walking calmly, he slid the paper door open and stepped inside.

As expected, he was met with a minimalist interior.

The floor was covered with tatami mats, and the main room was practically empty except for a sword stand placed against the innermost wall.

On the stand rested three katanas, giving the space the air of a dojo or a spiritual training room.

There was a door at each end of the room, indicating that the house was divided into two main parts.

"Let's see what's here…"

Heading to the left door, he slid it open and found a fully equipped kitchen. There was a refrigerator, a rice cooker, a stove, and basic utensils.

A door connected the kitchen to the backyard.

On the right was the bedroom.

The floor remained tatami, and there were a few desks and well-placed cabinets. There was no bed, but inside the cabinets, he found several futons that could be laid directly on the floor for sleeping.

And that was it.

Conclusion: Although the house was simple and lightly furnished, it had everything necessary for a comfortable life.

By now, it was late, and Kuro was exhausted.

Between the cold, the long day, and his unsatisfied hunger, sleep began to overtake him.

He pulled a futon from the cabinet, spread it carefully on the tatami, and lay down.

---

A wordless night.

Early the next morning, his internal clock woke him on time.

The cold seemed to have disappeared entirely; he no longer felt dizzy or congested.

However, the growl from his stomach reminded him that it had been far too long since he'd last eaten.

He touched his stomach while pulling out clean clothes from the cabinet, changed quickly, and went to the bathroom to wash up.

The Hokage had left everything he needed: toothbrush, toothpaste, towels… everything was in place.

But the refrigerator remained empty.

So, he decided to have breakfast outside.

He could also buy ingredients to cook for himself later, but his hunger from the night before made it clear he wouldn't waste time preparing food now.

Once he finished getting ready, he opened the door and stepped out.

The path led him to the main street, where the tranquility of his home was immediately replaced by the bustling energy of the village.

Neighbors greeting each other, shopkeepers opening their stores… though it was early, the streets were already lively.

"This is definitely the busiest area in town," he murmured, admiring the atmosphere as he blended into the crowd.

He stopped at a gyoza shop and ordered a mountain of dumplings in every flavor.

He devoured them bite after bite, completely ignoring the surprised looks from other customers.

How can a kid eat so much?

Kuro paid no mind, focusing solely on filling his stomach after a day without eating.

Even though he knew gyoza could be greasy if eaten in excess, he didn't care. He simply wanted to satisfy his hunger as quickly as possible.

Just need to fill my stomach.

Half an hour later, he leaned back in his chair, rubbing his full belly with a satisfied expression.

The table was covered with empty plates.

"Ah… that hit the spot," he muttered before standing up to leave.

Yesterday he hadn't trained, so today he'd have to work twice as hard to make up for it.

---

However, as soon as he stepped out of the shop, a shrill voice stopped him in his tracks.

"It's you! The one who came to buy flowers that day!"

The familiar voice made him turn around.

He saw a blonde girl in a purple dress staring at him with wide eyes, clearly surprised.

It was Ino.

Kuro blinked, glanced around, and then pointed to himself.

"Are you talking to me?"

"Yes, you!" Ino nodded quickly. "What a coincidence! I didn't expect to run into you so soon. I'm Ino Yamanaka. And you?"

"I'm Kuro. Do you need something?"

"No, not really. I was on my way to my mom's flower shop to help her, but when I saw you, I wanted to say hi."

Kuro's mouth twitched slightly upon hearing this, but he maintained his composure.

"Nice to meet you, Ino." He paused before adding with a smile, "I recently moved to this street, so I'll probably stop by the flower shop from time to time."

"Really?!" Ino's eyes lit up, and a big smile spread across her face. "That's fate!"

Kuro smiled faintly and bid her farewell. "Well, I need to go train. See you later!"

Without waiting for a response, he turned and ran toward Training Ground 39, his usual spot.

He knew the place well and didn't want to change it.

Ino watched him leave, her thoughts racing.

Train? Kuro is going to be a ninja?

We're about the same age…Will we be in the same class at the academy?

The thought brought a small smile to her face.

If so, I hope we're in the same class… that way, I can see him every day.

Unknowingly, her cheeks turned red as she thought about Kuro. At first, she had found him handsome, but now, the more she saw him, the more attractive he seemed.

---

Kuro had no idea about the feelings that were blossoming in Ino.

He arrived at Training Ground 39, ready to start a new day of routine.

The training was as usual: physical exercises and weapons practice. Nothing extraordinary, nothing that broke the monotony.

Even he was starting to feel bored.

His physical foundation was already quite solid. If he continued with this type of training, his progress would only come slowly, much like Rock Lee's.

Even with the advantage of his physique, which allowed him to endure more intense training and progress slightly faster, the advancement was still slow compared to learning ninjutsu.

If only I could learn ninjutsu now… my combat power would skyrocket.

Unfortunately, he had no one to teach him.

So, his only path was to keep refining his physical strength and sword skills, day after day, accumulating experience little by little.

Even so, he wasn't in a rush. He knew that if he showed enough potential at the Ninja Academy, the Hokage would likely assign him a suitable mentor after graduation.

With that mindset, Kuro continued his daily routine: training, eating, and sleeping.

---

Time passed quickly.

By the time December arrived, the weather had turned cold, and all of Konoha was covered in a white blanket of snow.

On a day like this, as tiny snowflakes fell from the sky, Kuro was at Training Ground 39.

His bare torso stood out against the white world around him as he did push-ups in the snow.

The world was quiet, the only sounds being his labored breaths and the crunch of snow beneath his body.

Suddenly, a shout broke the silence.

"KURO!!"

________

Time: If you're craving more (and I know you are!), I have just what you need. On my Patreon, you'll find exclusive chapters. Join our community and be the first to discover what happens next!

👉 [patreon.com/Athome790]

Your support fuels me. Thank you for the support! 💖