"Waaahhh!"
So noisy—who's crying? And why can't I open my eyes?
"Menma, Naruto, you can't be picky eaters. Eat well every day so you'll grow up strong. Remember to take warm baths, don't stay up late, get enough sleep, and try to make more friends. Even if you don't have many, a few trustworthy companions are enough... even if Mama doesn't always understand."
Mama? What's going on? I want to see!
"Look, Minato, he opened his eyes!"
Ahem.
A man with golden hair and blue eyes, and a woman with red hair and gray pupils stood together, their bodies stained with blood.
"There's one more important thing—about the Three Shinobi Taboos. First, don't borrow money carelessly. Be sure to manage your mission rewards responsibly. Don't drink alcohol until you're 20. Drinking too much is bad for your health. Moderation is key. And… regarding women! I'm a woman, so I don't know everything about this topic, but in this world, there are only men and women. Sooner or later, you'll be interested in girls. Just be careful not to get tangled up with the wrong kind. Try to find someone amazing—like your mother. And you both, beware of Jiraiya-sensei!"
"Menma, Naruto, you'll both face many trials. Stick to your own path, keep your dreams alive, and take action to make them real. Be yourselves. Be confident! I still have… so much more I want to tell you. I want to live with you... I love you."
Eight Trigrams Seal!
Konoha, Year 51
A child with spiky yellow hair, bright blue eyes, and six whisker marks on his cheeks—like a little kitten—sneaked out of the house alone. Pouting, he mumbled, "Stupid brother, making me do homework every day... and chores! He never lets me go out to play!"
Soon, the boy arrived on the street with a huge grin. Everything outside fascinated him. Looking around in wonder, he wandered into a large park, where a group of children around his age were playing. He ran over, eager to join them.
"Demon fox?"
"Is he... the demon fox?"
"Sweetie, let's go home right now."
As soon as he stepped into the park, the parents quickly took their children away, casting looks of disgust at the yellow-haired child.
He didn't seem to mind and called after them, "Let's play together tomorrow!" Then he played alone for a while before heading home.
Carefully pushing the door open, he peeked inside—his eyes widened, and his mouth trembled.
"Brother…"
Behind the door stood a boy with red hair, gray pupils, and six whisker marks. If you looked closely, the two children looked exactly alike.
That's right—they were twins.
The red-haired boy's name was Menma Uzumaki, while the blond was Naruto Uzumaki. Menma was the older brother; Naruto was the younger.
"You finally decided to come back?" Menma said coldly, hands in his pockets. "Had fun?"
"It wasn't fun... I just got to the park, but they all left. I'll try again tomorrow."
Naruto immediately forgot he had snuck out and began explaining everything that happened.
"Oh? Then go again tomorrow."
With that, Menma turned and walked back to the living room.
Huh? Naruto blinked, stunned. Did he hear that right? He closed the door and ran after his brother.
"Brother, can I really go out tomorrow?"
"Mm. You're growing up. It's time to make friends."
Menma brushed past him, sat on the sofa, and picked up a book.
"Ahhh! You're the best brother in the world! The best—"
Smack!
Menma raised his fist and brought it down on his brother's head.
"Ow! That hurts!"
Naruto rolled on the floor, clutching his head.
Menma didn't even look worried. He calmly returned to reading.
After a while, Naruto sat up with teary eyes, looking pitiful.
Why'd you hit me again? What did I even do? ┭┮﹏┭┮
"Have you finished your homework? The chores?" Menma asked flatly.
"..."
"I-I'll do the chores right away!"
Compared to homework, chores were the better option. Naruto scrambled up and grabbed a mop taller than himself. Despite its size, he moved it skillfully, clearly used to it.
Menma smiled faintly at the sight.
After finishing all the chores, Naruto was drenched in sweat—and his stomach grumbled loudly.
"Brother, I'm hungry!" he whined, holding his belly.
"Then wipe your sweat, change your clothes, and let's go see the Third Hokage."
That was Menma's rule: when in doubt, find the Third Hokage.
The Hokage, leader of the Hidden Leaf Village in the Land of Fire, possessed unmatched strength and bore the responsibility of protecting the entire village.
"Yay! We're going to Grandpa Third's house!"
Naruto cheered and ran to change. Before long, the brothers were on their way.
As they walked, villagers avoided them, their eyes filled with scorn and fear.
Menma didn't react at all. Naruto didn't either—he was too excited about dinner.
After passing two streets, they arrived.
"Excuse us," Menma said as he opened the door and stepped inside.
The smell of delicious food hit Naruto immediately. His mouth watered.
"Menma, Naruto—you're here. Have you eaten?"
The speaker was Sarutobi Shinnosuke, the Third Hokage's eldest son. Beside him sat a beautiful black-haired woman—Mina, his wife. Her round belly showed she was expecting.
"Not yet. Sorry to bother you again," Menma said with a smile. Despite his words, he walked right in and sat down, perfectly at ease.
"Don't be silly. You two are always welcome here," Mina said warmly, hand on her belly. The Sarutobi family knew well what the twins had endured.
They also resented what the Third had done—though they hadn't stopped it. So, they did what they could now: treat the brothers with kindness.
"Sister Mina, have you picked a name for the baby?" Menma asked with a grin.
"We have. Sarutobi Konohamaru."
"Nice name!"
Meanwhile, Shinnosuke headed to the kitchen and brought out the food that had been set aside for the Third.
"Dad won't starve," he joked.
At the Hokage Residence
Wearing a white coat and cloak, smoking his pipe, the Third Hokage stared into his crystal ball with pained eyes.
"My dinner..."
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(End of Chapter)
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