Within Konohagakure.
The expanded village layout is remarkably clear-cut. Viewed from above, this zoning system makes the entire settlent appear exceptionally orderly. The village resembles a well-oiled machine. At its core, the Hokage Building and administrative offices function as the beating heart and lungs, pumping vitality and energy throughout the village. Surrounding the Hokage Building were the vital military, research, and dical departnts.
Looking outwards, one would see residential districts stretching out in rows. The food street, entertainnt district, and the military supply departnt selling ninja gear were divided into three elliptical streets. This layout ensures convenient travel while keeping all necessary facilities within easy reach. Thus, modern Konoha avoids the jarring sight of weapon shops next to snack stands. The contrast is stark.
Right now, Hakken stood with Sasuke and Naruto, along with the girl clutching his arm, at Ichiraku Ran in the food district. Hakken rarely visited this shop before—his indestructible stomach ant he had little appetite for gourt fare. But ever since Naruto beca more aware, he'd recalled this weathered yet steadfast Ran Ichiraku. He'd even made that silly move of staring curiously at the squinting eyes of Teuchi, the old man.
Well, seems “Ōtsutsuki Ichi-Raku's" was just a after all. Still, their noodles were pretty good. Especially when eating, catching sight of Aya's delicate face always added a special flavor. She’s grown up. A bit early, perhaps. But fully functional now.
Hakken's mindset had shifted slightly. Take the mixed bathing the girl beside him ntioned—his thoughts were now oddly twisted, even tinged with a hint of anticipation.
“Hey, kid, ever seen a fox grow up eating noodles?”
On the table, the now-plus Kurama, having grown three tis its original size, was leaning against it, swaying its tail. Suddenly, a steaming bowl of noodles was pushed in front of it.
“What's that supposed to an? Why can't a fox eat noodles?”
The carefree Naruto didn't see anything wrong with his actions. Sharing what little he had with his companions felt like the natural thing to do. Especially since it was his favorite ran. Kurama—this mystical fox that had appeared by his side since birth—had long been considered family.
This brat.
Kurama snorted coldly and pushed the ran back untouched. He vaguely recalled those days, just days after being captured by Hakken Yoru. The words spoken to him then.
“Separate your Yin-Yang Chakra and seal it within Minato Namikaze and Naruto Uzumaki.”
“Help them grow stronger.”
“For now, it remains an observation phase.”
Hakken Yoru had said that even sealed, it could still co out to play. But the feeling was still odd. The thought that soday, it might end up competing with itself for sake made Kurama feel uneasy.
Still, this little brat was pretty dull. Too lazy to bother with Naruto, Kurama snatched Hakken's gourd, took a swig, then produced a packet of spicy strips from who-knows-where and shoved it into his mouth.
Huff.
This fiery sensation—now that's a fox's life!
Spicy strips weren't sothing Kurama cared about originally. But out of curiosity, he dipped into his secret stash to buy a few packets and try them. After all, it was sothing developed by Hakken Yoru—it couldn't be too bad. Yet from that day on, it beca his absolute favorite.
Well, couldn't this kid tell?
You think this old fox would perch so steadily on just anyone's shoulder?
Glancing at Hakken, Kurama took another lancholy sip of sake and sighed softly. In this old fox's heart, you're probably still the most perfect jinchūriki... Too bad you're just a bit too damn strong. Ugh.
The ran shop's atmosphere remained unchanged. Before he knew it, an egg appeared in his bowl. Needless to say, it was from Yūgao Uzuki.
Simple affection, devoid of grand gestures or heart-wrenching drama. Yet it was precisely the hardest to co by.
Smiling, Hakken popped the egg into his mouth.
Of course, you'll never truly understand a woman's mind. Nor could he fathom what she was thinking at that mont. He'd heard eggs were rich in protein, good for replenishing sothing. That tidbit, his mother had whispered to him in secret.
Yūgao clenched her tiny fist, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. Perhaps she herself hadn't yet grasped the imnse pressure of being the chosen partner of the most exceptional man. But her parents were constantly on edge.
Their son-in-law was the hero who had saved Konoha from ruin! He held imnse power and influence, possessing all the rights reserved for the Hokage. Having their daughter with such a man placed imnse pressure on her parents. They wished for her happiness yet feared other won's covetous eyes, making early education crucial.
Especially the conversation between Yūgao Uzuki's mother and daughter the day before—words only spoken at a daughter's wedding. It brought Yūgao Uzuki to sudden realization.
Protein.
What exactly was it for? Could you eat it?
…
On the first day of school, Iruka, the horoom Chūnin, was thoroughly dedicated to his duties.
Certain bonds need to be cultivated from a young age, helping children recognize their peers and beco less withdrawn. To foster these connections, he decided to take the entire class to the food street for grilled at.
Unfortunately, the two geniuses dashed off faster than anyone else the mont class ended, impossible to stop.
So, Iruka could only bring the other students to the food street. Unexpectedly, a figure sitting by the entrance of Ran Ichiraku instantly captured the attention of all the children.
Long, flowing black hair, a gentle face currently ruffling Naruto's hair.
A black long katana slung at the waist, accompanied by an adorable fox that never left his side.
It was that great man!
Would such an important figure really accompany his younger brother to eat ran? Ordinary people always find the lives of those above them inexplicable. They even perceive everything about them as profoundly mysterious. Yet, once the veil was lifted, he was so approachable.
Especially that gentle smile—nothing like the cold-blooded legend they’d heard of.
“Sensei Iruka, is that person Naruto's Nii-san?”
A child from a commoner family pointed curiously at Hakken Yoru. Just as he spoke, Neji, Tenten, and Lee at the back of the line instantly looked up.
They had stumbled upon Iruka's group by chance, rely stopping for dinner.
Naruto's older brother.
Recalling how this boy had loudly declared during introductions that he would surpass his brother and beco Hokage soday, Iruka smiled.
“Yes, that's him.”
“Huh? Is Naruto's Nii-san really that amazing?”
Another student asked curiously.
Not everyone understood what the words “Naruto's Nii-san” truly ant. To them, the na “Konoha’s Kenpachi” might ring a bell, but those heroic deeds always felt distant and unreachable.
“More than just formidable.”
Neji suddenly spoke up.
“Formidable doesn't even begin to describe that man.”
Seeming sowhat agitated, Neji took a deep breath.
“Because everything you see within Konohagakure Village is his legend!”
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