As we walked toward the orphanage, Naruto's stomach growled loudly, echoing in the quiet evening air.
He stopped in his tracks, looking embarrassed, his face flushing red.
"Heh... I'm just a little hungry," he said sheepishly, laughing it off before falling silent again.
I couldn't help but smile.
Hunger was a feeling that no child could easily manage.
And I knew exactly what he needed — something simple but real.
"Hey, Naruto," I said, glancing at him. "How about we catch some fish?"
Naruto's eyes lit up instantly.
"Really? Let's goooo!" he shouted, already running ahead.
I couldn't help but chuckle as I followed him, keeping pace as we made our way toward the small lake behind the forest near the orphanage.
The sun was dipping low, casting an orange glow over the water as we reached the lake.
We both grabbed sticks with pointed ends, using them as makeshift spears.
After some time, I managed to catch a decent-sized fish, and Naruto proudly showed me his catch as well.
"That's enough for now," I said, standing up and wiping the mud from my hands.
We made a small fire, the crackling sound filling the air as we placed the fish beside it to cook.
Naruto's eyes were glued to the fish, his mouth watering as the smell of cooking meat filled the air.
"Come on, Johan, hurry up!" he urged, bouncing on his feet.
I smiled, taking my time.
"Let it cook properly," I replied calmly, though I knew he wouldn't be able to wait much longer.
After a few minutes, the fish was ready.
I picked up a stick and handed it to Naruto, who took it eagerly.
I grabbed my own, and just as we were about to take our first bites, I heard a rustling in the leaves nearby.
From behind a tree, an old man emerged slowly, his steps deliberate.
I recognized him instantly.
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
I didn't let my recognition show.
Instead, I kept my face neutral, pretending not to notice him.
He approached us, his eyes glancing at the fish cooking over the fire.
Naruto, ever the social one, waved a fish at him.
"Hey, old man, are you hungry too?" he asked, a wide grin on his face despite the hunger in his own stomach.
I couldn't help but think to myself, Kindness is just a tool to get what you want, but... it's still a useful tool.
I smiled lightly, keeping my thoughts hidden.
Hiruzen smiled back at Naruto, his eyes warm.
"What a kind child," he said, taking the fish Naruto offered. "Thank you, I was really hungry."
Naruto smiled even brighter, and I passed him another fish, watching as he started to eat happily.
Hiruzen took a bite as well, his expression thoughtful as he chewed.
After a few moments of silence, he asked, "So, what are your names?"
Naruto swallowed and said proudly, "I'm Naruto Uzumaki, and he's my brother, Johan Uzumaki."
I waved a quick hello, keeping my face neutral, but Hiruzen smiled and nodded at us.
"But why are you eating out here?" Hiruzen continued. "Do you not have enough food at home?"
Naruto flustered a little, his face turning red again.
"I get more hungry, so that's why Johan took me here to catch some fish," he said sheepishly, laughing at his own words.
Hiruzen nodded, a knowing look in his eyes, but he didn't say anything.