CHAPTER 56

The arrival of Tianzang caused quite a stir within Anbu. After all, the power of Mu Dun was too noticeable, and even if he tried to keep a low profile, he couldn't help but stand out.

Before long, the name Mu Dun Tianzang began to spread throughout the shadows of Konoha.

Kakashi was not particularly surprised by this. The significance of Mu Dun for Konoha was enormous. Given that the village was currently in a period of vulnerability, even though the appearance of Mu Dun alone might not drastically enhance Konoha's combat capabilities, it served as a significant boost to morale.

However, all of this was ultimately superficial. No matter how high the morale, it wouldn't prevent Konoha from being overwhelmed by sheer power.

For instance, consider the battle between the Gokage and Uchiha Madara.

Kakashi continued to fulfill his duties within Anbu, practicing in his free time, leading a life that felt as ordinary as water, yet often quite thrilling.

One particular day, Kakashi had just finished a mission and was walking through the streets of Konoha when the sky suddenly grew overcast.

"Oh? Is it going to rain?" Kakashi muttered to himself, looking up at the sky. Moments later, raindrops began falling.

"Ah, caught off guard again," Kakashi said, quickening his pace and darting into a nearby store.

"Is that you, Kakashi? What brings you here today?" a familiar voice called out.

Looking up, Kakashi found himself face to face with the owner of the ramen shop, the "Hand Beater" (Ikezumi), who had just finished his work. Kakashi hadn't expected to be greeted with a warm bowl of ramen.

At the moment, the shop was empty, and the rain outside had deterred customers. Even Konoha's famous Ikezumi Ramen was seeing a quiet spell.

"Ah, I just finished a mission. Didn't expect the rain to catch me," Kakashi said as he wiped his face.

"Spring's like that. If it's going to change, it changes. Come on in, have a warm bowl of soup to chase away the chill."

The Hand Beater, always kind-hearted, handed Kakashi a steaming bowl of soup. It wasn't ramen, but the flavor was just as satisfying, thanks to the hand-beating man's skillful preparation.

"Thanks a lot," Kakashi said, settling into a chair as he sipped the soup. The warmth spread through his body, counteracting the chill of the rain.

"No matter how many times I've had this, it always tastes delicious. Your cooking never fails to impress, Hand Beater," Kakashi complimented.

"Hehe, that's what I'm here for," the Hand Beater said, grinning at the praise.

As they chatted casually, the sound of soft footsteps emerged from the kitchen.

"Dad, who's here?" A soft, youthful voice asked.

Kakashi turned, recognizing the voice as belonging to the Hand Beater's daughter, Changpu.

Now eight years old, Changpu was old enough to help her father in the shop. As a result, the Hand Beater wasn't as busy as before, and they were able to spend more time together.

"Changpu, it's Kakashi," the Hand Beater replied.

"Brother Kakashi, you're here! Do you have any exciting stories to tell me?" Changpu ran excitedly into the room, her bright eyes shining.

Kakashi smiled warmly. Over the years, he'd often shared stories with Changpu while enjoying a meal at Ikezumi Ramen. The little girl had developed quite the fondness for Kakashi's tales, often pestering him to tell more.

"Today's a quiet day, but I'll share a story with you," Kakashi said with a grin, happy to indulge the girl's curiosity.

Outside, the spring rain continued to fall, but the trio inside the ramen shop seemed to create a small island of warmth and happiness.

"So, did Snow White really end up with the handsome prince?" Changpu asked eagerly, her curiosity piqued.

"Yes, they live happily ever after," Kakashi answered with a laugh.

"That's so great! I want to find a handsome, strong person to marry too!" Changpu exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with dreams of the future.

Kakashi chuckled, a little taken aback. Kids in this world really were precocious, already thinking about such things at such a young age.

The Hand Beater, too, smiled at his daughter's innocence. He didn't mind, knowing it was just a child's innocent wish.

As the three of them enjoyed their conversation, Kakashi's gaze shifted toward the door. He couldn't shake the feeling that something—or rather, someone—was about to make an appearance.

His movement caught the attention of the Hand Beater and Changpu, who both turned to look as well.

Standing at the door was a lone figure, drenched from the rain. His yellow hair and three whisker-like marks on each side of his face immediately stood out, and his sky-blue eyes looked strangely melancholic.

The wet hair was a clear sign that he had come in from the rain.

Kakashi blinked in surprise. Could it be? Was that Uzumaki Naruto?

It was the first time he had seen Naruto like this. More than three years had passed, and the boy had grown up significantly.

"Teacher, your child has really grown," Kakashi thought to himself with a smile.

"Naruto! What are you doing here? You didn't bring an umbrella in this rain? Come inside!"

The Hand Beater walked over, pulling a clean towel from behind the counter. He began drying Naruto's hair with a gentle smile.

Naruto didn't resist. Instead, he seemed to enjoy the act of being cared for.

"Uncle… I…" Naruto began, hesitating.

"What's wrong, Naruto?" the Hand Beater asked, noticing the hesitation.

Naruto lowered his head, his silence speaking volumes. Just then, his stomach gave a loud growl.

He blushed deeply, embarrassed.

The Hand Beater chuckled, understanding what was going on.

"Ah, I see. You're hungry. Come, sit down, and I'll make you a bowl of your favorite miso ramen," the Hand Beater said warmly.

Naruto's eyes lit up at the mention of food. "But… I don't have money," he muttered, looking down again.

The Hand Beater paused for a moment, then smiled reassuringly. "It's on me. Don't worry about it."

Naruto's eyes widened, and his expression brightened. "Really, Uncle?"

"Really," the Hand Beater confirmed. "Now sit down, and I'll take care of you."

"Thank you!" Naruto's voice bubbled with joy.

As the Hand Beater and Changpu headed into the kitchen to prepare the ramen, Naruto sat at the counter, finally feeling a sense of relief.

It was then that he noticed the other figure in the room. The silver-haired man, who wore a mask that covered most of his face.

Naruto's curiosity got the best of him. "Who's this?" he thought to himself, wondering why this person covered his left eye.

But soon, something even more important caught Naruto's attention. Unlike everyone else who looked at him with contempt, this man didn't show any disdain in his eyes.

It was the first time Naruto had seen someone look at him without disgust in over three years. The Hokage, the Hand Beater, and Changpu had all treated him kindly, but this man was the fourth.

Could it be? Could today be the day he meets someone who doesn't hate him?

Excitement surged within him.

"Yo! Hello! I'm Naruto Uzumaki! And you are?" he asked, his smile bright and infectious.

Kakashi, smiling softly, bent his right eye into a crescent. "Ah, my name's Kakashi Hatake. It's nice to meet you, Naruto."

"Teacher… I'm sorry, but now I've officially met your child," Kakashi thought with a mixture of nostalgia and affection.

JOIN MY PATREON TO READ ADVANCE 30+ CHAPTERS

patreon.com/Prince209