CHAPTER 3: Third Hokage

THREE YEARS PASSED SINCE NINE-TAILS' ATTACK - NARUTO NOW 3 YEARS OLD

Naruto stood alone in the orphanage courtyard - eyes cast down -

Villagers' hatred had only intensified - constant taunts and rejection -

NARUTO'S HEART HEAVY WITH SADNESS:

"Why do they hate me...? What did I do wrong...?"

Third Hokage Hiruzen appeared unexpectedly - villagers scattering at his presence -

HIRUZEN APPROACHED NARUTO:

"Naruto... time for a change. You'll move to a private apartment - alone but safer."

Naruto looked up - confusion and wariness -

Hiruzen led him to a small, modest apartment on outskirts of village -

HIRUZEN INSTRUCTED:

"Stay here, Naruto. Food and supplies will be delivered. Minimize village interactions."

Naruto entered the empty apartment - feeling abandoned and angry -

Third Hokage Hiruzen remained in Naruto's new apartment, expression solemn -

HIRUZEN BEGAN:

"Naruto, listen carefully. Our village survives by the Will of Fire -

a belief in never giving up, protecting comrades, and persevering.

You, carrying Everyone hatredness and curse, You must work harder - and gain recognition ."

Naruto nodded outwardly - smiling faintly to deceive Hiruzen -

BUT HIS HEART SECRETLY SEETHED:

"Hypocrite... wanting me to sacrifice when villagers hate me... you just want control..."

Hiruzen seemed convinced by Naruto's fake smile -

HIRUZEN CONTINUED:

"Your monthly allowance will be 1000 ryo - barely enough for food.

A reminder of your dependence on the village's mercy."

Naruto visited the local market next day only to be met with shopkeepers' scorn

SHOPKEEPER SNEERED:

"Nine-Tails' brat... we don't serve your kind. Leave."

Every shop refused him - Naruto trudged back to his apartment, depression crushing

[ SYSTEM LOG UPDATE:

"Host emotional state: severe depression. Feelings of worthlessness and isolation peaked." ]

[ SYSTEM TASK ACTIVATED

(˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶)

TASK NAME: "Survival Necessities - Ramen Acquisition"

TASK DESCRIPTION:

"Naruto, your current situation demands self-sufficiency. Acquire a cup of Ramen noodles to sustain yourself. This task will reward essential survival skills."

OBJECTIVE:

1. Purchase 1 cup of Ramen noodles from a vendor (currently impossible due to vendor refusal)

2. Find an alternative method to obtain Ramen noodles

REWARDS:

1. Fishing Skill +20%: Learn basic fishing techniques to catch food in nearby rivers.

2. Cooking Skill +30%: Understand simple cooking methods to prepare edible meals.

3. 500 Extra Ryo: Additional currency to aid in future survival tasks

4. System Loyalty Points +10: Increase System friendship level for future benefits ]

[ HINTS:

- Explore surrounding areas for alternative food sources or vendors.

- Consider negotiating with vendors or offering services in exchange.

- System can offer guidance on fishing and cooking skills upon task completion. ]

Naruto decided to revisit the scornful vendor -

determined to acquire Ramen noodles by offering services -

NARUTO APPROACHED THE VENDOR:

"Hey, I know you don't want to sell to me... but I'll work for the Ramen.

Any chores or tasks - I'll do them!"

The vendor raised an eyebrow - surprised by Naruto's boldness -

VENDOR SNEERED STILL, BUT SAID:

"Fine. My storage room's a mess. Clean it up - thoroughly -

and I'll give you one cup of Ramen. But don't think this means I accept you."

Naruto eagerly accepted - cleaned the storage room meticulously -

VENDOR INSPECTED THE ROOM, THEN HANDED OVER:

"One cup of Ramen. Don't come back unless you're working again... ' brat."

Naruto took the Ramen - feeling a small victory -

[ SYSTEM TASK UPDATE:

ദ്ദി(˵ •̀ ᴗ - ˵ ) ✧

"Task 'Survival Necessities - Ramen Acquisition' COMPLETE!

Rewards distributed: Fishing Skill +20%, Cooking Skill +30%, 500 Extra Ryo, System Loyalty Points +10" ]

[ CONTINUE ] ദ്ദി(˵ •̀ ᴗ - ˵ ) ✧