The Hidden Leaf Village felt smaller than it looked from the outside.
Narrow alleys, rooftops stacked like puzzle pieces, laundry lines crisscrossing in the sun. Kids ran barefoot through the streets, their laughter filling the air. Vendors yelled about sweet buns and skewers, creating a rhythm to the bustling market. Shinobi flickered through the shadows, their presence barely noticeable unless one knew where to look.
Asmodeus didn't need to ask for directions.
His gaze was sharp, taking in every corner, every person, every detail. He had seen the stories of this village unfold in his memories, vivid as if they had already happened to him in another life. The people walking around him, the children laughing, the merchants peddling their goods—it was all familiar. A village of hidden power, he thought, as his eyes scanned each figure, reading them before they even knew he was watching.
A pair of elderly women sat outside a teashop, talking softly over tea. He could hear them discussing the weather, but his mind was more focused on their small weaknesses. One was blind, the other limped slightly. They weren't a threat, but Asmodeus didn't dismiss them.
Information is power.
He continued walking, keeping his mind sharp, mapping the layout of the village in his mind. In a place like this, you could never be too careful. Not when he had an understanding of the story. He knew the key players, the events that would unfold, and the dangers lurking under the surface.
He knew this village was home to the strongest shinobi, the most dangerous threats, and the greatest secrets.
But none of that mattered now. He had his goal.
Iruka walked beside him, still talking, though Asmodeus wasn't listening to most of it. The teacher's voice was distant, almost drowned out by the noise of the village.
"You're going to meet the Hokage soon," Iruka was saying. "I hope you're ready for what's to come."
The words caught Asmodeus's attention, and he allowed himself to focus on the teacher's words for a moment. Iruka was trying to make small talk, but it wasn't necessary. Asmodeus already knew what was coming.
The Hokage's office, Asmodeus thought. Hiruzen Sarutobi, the third Hokage. A wise leader, but ultimately a man who is burdened by the weight of his role. He will be cautious, calculating—he has seen too much to be easily deceived.
Inside the Hokage's Office
The door to the Hokage's office creaked open. Asmodeus stepped inside, his eyes immediately taking in the familiar surroundings. The office was just as he remembered from the countless times he had seen it in his mind. The walls were lined with books, and the desk was cluttered with papers—a man's work never done. The old man behind the desk looked up, his eyes sharp but tired, as though he had been carrying the weight of the world for far too long.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, smiled warmly, but Asmodeus could see the suspicion lurking behind the warmth. There was something in the Hokage's eyes that spoke of years of experience, a man who had seen too much to trust anyone easily.
"You're here at last," Hiruzen said, his voice calm but carrying the weight of authority. "I've heard a lot about you, Asmodeus. You arrived under… mysterious circumstances."
Asmodeus didn't flinch at the words. He had expected them. There were very few people who could truly keep their secrets in a village full of ninjas. Asmodeus, however, had no need for secrets. He was fully aware of everything around him, of the stories that had played out in the past, and the ones that were about to unfold.
"I don't remember much," Asmodeus said, his voice soft and measured. "Just that I was running. Then… nothing."
Hiruzen raised an eyebrow. "That's curious," he mused. "You seem… different. There's something about you, something that doesn't fit."
Asmodeus didn't answer right away. His mind was running through a thousand different calculations, but he kept his face neutral. He knew the Hokage would be probing him, trying to read him, trying to figure out if he was a threat. But the truth was, the Hokage didn't need to worry about him.
I'm not here to cause trouble. Not yet.
The Hokage leaned back in his chair, fingers tapping the desk thoughtfully. "I think you should meet someone. Someone who might help you find your place here in Konoha."
Asmodeus didn't ask who. He already knew the answer.
"Naruto Uzumaki," Hiruzen said, his eyes sharp as he watched Asmodeus's reaction. "He's an orphan, like you. A loud, determined boy who's always getting into trouble. I think you two might make an interesting pair."
The mention of Naruto Uzumaki didn't surprise Asmodeus. He had known who Naruto was long before coming here. The name was famous—impossible to ignore in a village like Konoha.
The boy with the Nine-Tails sealed inside him. The brat who will one day become Hokage. The loudest, most defiant child the world will ever know. And yet, he's just a tool. A pawn in the game.
Asmodeus couldn't help but let a small, almost imperceptible smirk slip across his face. Naruto Uzumaki. The boy who would be pivotal to everything that was about to unfold in this village. Asmodeus knew the story, knew the events that would shape Naruto's future. He knew Naruto's destiny as if it were written in the stars. And yet, he couldn't help but wonder how things would change now that he was here.
"I see," Asmodeus said, his voice colder now, but still measured. "I'll meet him."
Arrival at the Apartment
The walk to the apartment was as uneventful as the rest of the village. Asmodeus's mind never stopped—he was constantly processing, analyzing every single thing around him. The apartment was small, a humble place for an orphan. He walked in, noting the layout, the sparse furnishings. It was exactly as he had expected.
Iruka gestured toward the bed across from the window. "You'll be sharing this with Naruto Uzumaki. He should be back soon."
Asmodeus didn't respond, his gaze fixed on the window. He could see the village stretched out before him, the rooftops and streets, the market below. It was the perfect vantage point, one that allowed him to see everything.
Nothing escapes me. Not here. Not in this world.
Naruto's Entrance
It wasn't long before the door burst open with a loud crash, and Naruto Uzumaki entered, his boisterous voice filling the room.
"WOOOAH! This place is awesome! I'm gonna make it my own!"
He paused when he saw Asmodeus sitting calmly on the bed. His eyes narrowed as he scanned the stranger before him, trying to figure him out.
Asmodeus didn't flinch. Naruto Uzumaki. Just as loud and brash as the stories had said. But there's more to him. Much more.
"I'm Naruto Uzumaki!" the boy declared, puffing out his chest. "I'm gonna be the next Hokage! Believe it!"
Asmodeus simply nodded, his voice cool and neutral. "I've heard."
Naruto blinked, taken aback by the lack of response. "Wait—what? You're not gonna call me stupid or anything?"
"No."
Naruto frowned, his brow furrowing in confusion. "You're… different. I like it!" He grinned, showing his usual cocky smile. "This is gonna be fun, right?"
Asmodeus didn't smile. He didn't need to.
"I'll keep an eye on you," was all he said.
Naruto raised an eyebrow but grinned wider. "Well, I guess we'll see how it goes! You'll be on Team 7 with me! Just you wait!"
Asmodeus nodded, his mind already racing. Team 7. The future. It begins now.