CHAPTER 98

Under the pretext of lending money, Kazuki handed Naruto some cash.

"Just return it to me when you become a ninja, start taking missions, and earn commissions," he said casually.

Of course, he didn't mention anything about interest.

Hearing this, Naruto hesitated for only a moment before nodding. He knew he needed the money. With it, he could finally afford better meals, improving his nutrition, and even buy some basic training equipment to enhance his practice.

Though he didn't say it out loud, Naruto was deeply grateful for Kazuki's kindness. In his heart, he had already made up his mind—when he became a full-fledged ninja, capable of earning his own commissions, he wouldn't just return the money.

He'd pay it back with interest.

And, of course, he'd treat Kazuki to the best ramen in Konoha.

Twenty bowls, no less!

Kazuki's words warmed Naruto's heart. If there was anyone in the village who truly cared about him, it was his big brother, Kazuki.

Shaking his head enthusiastically, Naruto grinned.

"No need, Brother Kazuki! Come inside and see! I stocked up the fridge with bread and milk—this time, they're not expired!"

His excitement was contagious as he continued, "I even had instant ramen this morning! And I added an egg for extra luck—heehee! That way, I'm sure to pass today's exam!"

"Eating ramen for good luck, huh?" Kazuki raised an eyebrow, but seeing Naruto's cheerful demeanor, he sighed, his expression softening.

"Well, hurry up and finish eating. After that, let's head to the academy together."

"Huh?"

Naruto froze mid-bite, his face full of surprise. Without thinking, he blurted out,

"Wait, Brother Kazuki, why are you going to the academy? Did you switch careers to become a teacher?!"

Kazuki: "???"

What kind of imagination does this kid have?! I'm only thirteen—what kind of teacher would I be?!

With an exasperated sigh, Kazuki explained, "Your graduation exam is today, right? As one of last year's top graduates, the academy asked me to give a speech. Honestly, it's such a hassle…"

"Whoa!"

Naruto's eyes lit up.

"So you're gonna be like the Hokage, standing at the podium and giving a super long, boring speech that puts everyone to sleep? Just like when Lord Third came to visit?"

Kazuki's face twitched.

Should he be impressed by Naruto's brutally accurate description… or annoyed by it?

"Well… you're not exactly wrong." He sighed.

"That's awesome!"

Naruto shot up from his seat, his excitement overflowing.

"I never expected Brother Kazuki to stand in front of everyone, just like the Hokage! That's so cool! You're really my idol!"

…Cool?

Considering how he just described it, I don't hear anything "cool" about it at all…

"I'm done eating!" Naruto declared, finishing his meal at lightning speed.

The two of them left the house and made their way toward the academy.

Along the way, Kazuki noticed the curious gazes directed his way.

Lately, the entire village had been buzzing with a major piece of news. Tsunade-sama had returned to Konoha, a topic that had spread like wildfire.

But there was another rumor—one that had shocked the entire village.

The eldest son of the Takeshi family, Kazuki, who ran the local ninja tool shop, had been promoted to Captain of the Anbu—at just thirteen years old!

The news was astonishing.

Of course, most Anbu-related information was classified, and the village strictly forbade leaks. But still…

A talent like Kazuki was impossible to ignore.

However, some of the best in the Anbu are still known to the outside world by their original names or code names.

For example, Hatake Kakashi—regardless of his origins or strength—was already famous even before he joined the Anbu. His reputation as the Copy Ninja and his mastery of the Sharingan made him widely recognized. Therefore, the fact that he later served as an Anbu captain was an open secret in the village.

Similarly, when Uchiha Itachi joined the Anbu, it sent shockwaves through Konoha. As a prodigy of the Uchiha clan, his recruitment at such a young age was unprecedented. His skills and intellect were already known to a select few, but his rapid rise in the ranks was something that even the higher-ups in the village took note of.

And then, there was Kazuki's promotion.

Before Kazuki joined Anbu, his presence had already caused a stir among the major ninja clans. Those with keen perception could sense that a new talent was rising in the village. But when he was promoted to Anbu captain, the news spread so quickly that even the ordinary villagers heard about it.

His rapid ascent—both in age and in rank—was astonishing. At just thirteen years old, he had already reached the level of an elite Jōnin. That was an unheard-of achievement! Not long ago, he had even brought back the corpse of Kakuzu, a legendary shinobi who once fought the First Hokage. His prowess was undeniable, and many in the village began to take notice.

"Wow, you're really as young as the rumors say!"

"Yeah, and he's pretty good-looking too. I bet a lot of fathers in the village are already eyeing him for their daughters, hahaha!"

"That's right! Brother, you just reminded me! I should have my daughter meet him at least once. Maybe she can get close to him!"

Amid the crowd, many eyes shifted toward Naruto, who was standing beside Kazuki.

Whispers spread.

"Hey, why is Lord Kazuki with that fox demon?"

"Yeah, why do they seem so close? Isn't he afraid that the fox demon will destroy the village?"

"Or maybe... Lord Kazuki is strong enough to handle it? Could it be that as long as he's here, we don't need to be afraid of the fox demon anymore?"

Despite having friends like Kazuki, Tenten, and Rock Lee, Naruto's childhood was still far from easy. The villagers still viewed him with fear and hatred, branding him a monster. But Kazuki's presence changed something.

For the first time, some people began to question their fear. They looked at Naruto—the boy in the bright orange jumpsuit—and realized he was just that: a boy.

Had they been afraid of nothing all this time?

Some villagers seemed conflicted.

At that moment, a woman with long, flowing hair stepped out of the crowd and walked toward Kazuki and Naruto.

"Nee-chan... Ayame?" Naruto blinked in surprise.

"Hee hee, Naruto, I heard today is your graduation exam!" Ayame said with a warm smile, pulling something from her pocket.

"This is a free ramen voucher for our shop! There are six in total. Good luck today~~ After the exam, bring your friends over for a meal!"

Naruto's face turned red.

His nose tingled, and his eyes felt wet. He was so moved he almost burst into tears right then and there.

But no—he wasn't a little kid anymore. He was about to become a ninja.

So instead, he grinned brightly and said in a carefree tone,

"Hee hee, thanks, Ayame-nee! I'll do my best!"

"Mmm! Good luck!"

Ayame playfully winked at Kazuki before turning to leave.

Kazuki simply stood there, smiling.

Of course, he wouldn't admit that this whole thing had been arranged by him.

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