I'M NARUTO UZUMAKI

Naruto didn't pay attention to the hushed conversations in the Ichiraku Ramen shop, and even if he had overheard them, it wouldn't have mattered to him.

In Konoha, the Hidden Leaf Village, only a select few knew the truth about Naruto Uzumaki's heritage. While his existence wasn't a complete mystery, it was shrouded in silence, with only the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, maintaining a direct connection with the boy.

Naruto was on his way home to rest when two peers approached him. One of them, Choji Akimichi, munched on a bag of potato chips, occasionally tossing a handful into his mouth, while the other, Shikamaru Nara, stood with an unreadable expression. Extending his hand, Shikamaru introduced himself: "Hi, my name is Shikamaru Nara, and this is Choji Akimichi. We'd like to be your friends."

The names startled Naruto—Shikamaru Nara and Choji Akimichi! These were two-thirds of the legendary Ino-Shika-Cho trio, part of the future Twelve Guardian Ninja, also known as the Twelve Konoha Genin.

However, Naruto couldn't help but think their approach was too abrupt. Making friends should involve some shared experience or reasoning, shouldn't it?

The Nine-Tails stirred within him, offering a sarcastic remark: "Brat, don't trust these two. They're probably up to something."

But Naruto smiled at the pair and clasped Shikamaru's outstretched hand. "I'm Uzumaki Naruto. Welcome to being my friends! From now on, we're buddies."

In a matter of moments, the three acted as though they had been friends for years. They even made plans to meet the next day in the grove. Yet, Naruto couldn't shake his suspicions about Shikamaru. Could the sharp-minded heir of the Nara clan have an ulterior motive?

After their meeting, Choji voiced his doubts. "Shikamaru, was that really the best way to make friends? It felt a bit... unnatural. Like we were forcing it."

Shikamaru watched Naruto's departing figure. "I considered other approaches, but they all felt too contrived. Sometimes, honesty is the simplest route. Besides, our parents already told us what to do."

What Shikamaru didn't share was his genuine desire to befriend Naruto. Despite his father's instructions, he had independently concluded that Naruto was worth knowing. From what he had observed, Naruto, though labeled a "demon fox," was just an orphan burdened by the villagers' scorn. Yet, he had managed to withstand that malice and persevere. A person with such resilience was bound to achieve something remarkable.

The following day, the trio gathered in the grove. Whether Shikamaru and Choji were sent by the Third Hokage or simply nudged by their families, it was clear their parents—key figures in Konoha—wanted the boys to bond with Naruto.

Naruto, ever eager, suggested they play ninja and act out battles as if they were Hokage protecting the village. Choji frowned; his idea of fun was more about eating and relaxing than sparring. He cast a glance at Shikamaru, who, as expected, looked exasperated by the suggestion but couldn't bring himself to decline. After all, they were the ones who had initiated the friendship.

Reluctantly, they agreed and began their game. It started as playful banter but soon escalated into a spirited mock battle. Naruto's competitive spirit shone through as he tested his abilities against his peers.

Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi observed the scene through his crystal ball, a smile tugging at his lips. He was pleased to see the boys bonding, knowing this friendship stemmed from discussions he'd had with the heads of the Nara and Akimichi clans. Shikaku Nara and Choza Akimichi had been close comrades of Minato Namikaze, Naruto's father, and they were happy to see their sons befriending his child.

However, Hiruzen's instructions had been clear: Naruto's true heritage was not to be disclosed to Shikamaru or Choji.

As he continued watching, Hiruzen couldn't help but be impressed by Naruto's natural talent. Despite only recently beginning his training, Naruto had successfully extracted chakra and was developing impressive taijutsu skills. Given time, he could master the foundational techniques taught at the Academy and graduate early.

The Third Hokage mused that Naruto's potential rivaled that of prodigies like Kakashi Hatake and Itachi Uchiha. Moreover, with his lineage as the son of Minato and a Jinchuriki, Naruto was someone Hiruzen could trust and nurture.

Suddenly, the office door creaked open, and Danzo Shimura entered, his figure wrapped in bandages. His single visible eye scanned the room, narrowing as he noticed the smoke-filled air. "Sarutobi, you've grown lax. Smoking clouds judgment, and negligence leads to failure."

Hiruzen chuckled. "Danzo, I'm no longer on the front lines. Let me enjoy my tobacco while strategizing for the younger generation."

Danzo's gaze shifted to the crystal ball. "That's the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, Naruto Uzumaki. He seems to be developing well. But I still believe he'd reach his full potential under my supervision at Root."

Hiruzen's eyes hardened. "You'd turn him into a mere weapon, devoid of humanity."

Danzo replied coldly, "Jinchuriki are weapons. They're tools to safeguard the village. If we'd had a fully trained Jinchuriki, we wouldn't have suffered such heavy losses against the Cloud Village."

Hiruzen countered, "The Nine-Tails' rampage caused those losses, Danzo. And training Naruto your way would only create a puppet. Konoha doesn't need another Han or Roshi. What we need is a Jinchuriki like Killer Bee—one who thrives on bonds and unity."

Danzo glared at Hiruzen for a long moment. "Very well. But if the day comes when you falter in your resolve, I'll take Naruto and do what must be done."

Hiruzen's voice was firm. "That day will never come, Danzo."