Kakashi brought the two brothers to the Akimichi clan's famous barbecue restaurant.
"Kakashi? What brings you here?" Akimichi Chōza asked curiously, noticing the two kids trailing behind him.
"I just took on two new disciples. Thought I'd bring them out for a meal," Kakashi said, pointing at Menma and Naruto behind him.
Hearing that, Menma raised an eyebrow.
"Hold on, Kakashi. You haven't gotten my approval yet. You're not our teacher—not yet."
Kakashi's expression twitched.
"WAHAHAHAHA!" Chōza burst into laughter. The idea of the genius Kakashi getting rejected by two kids was just too funny.
But… who exactly were these kids? They didn't look like much. Chōza stared closely at the two of them.
Naruto felt a little nervous under the intense gaze and quickly hid behind his brother.
"Hey, fatty, seen enough? You're scaring Naruto," Menma said coldly as he subtly pulled a kunai from his pocket with his left hand—ready for action.
Kakashi chuckled awkwardly. Yep, this brother complex is off the charts.
He hadn't been around the brothers long, but it was already clear—if it involved Menma, he might listen… but if it involved Naruto? He'd start swinging first and ask questions never.
Kakashi quickly stepped between them.
"Sorry, Chōza. He's just a little... protective."
Thankfully, the Akimichi clan were good-natured people. Chōza showed no offense. Instead, he asked curiously, "So… whose kids are they? Were they adopted by the village?"
Before Kakashi could respond, Menma answered for them.
"My name is Menma Uzumaki, and this is my little brother, Naruto Uzumaki. As for our parents, well… I'm sure you can guess."
Without waiting for a reply, he dragged Naruto inside.
The savory smell of grilled meat wafted through the air. Menma's mouth watered slightly—Naruto's even more so.
Uzumaki…? Two brothers…? One blond, one redhead…
Chōza looked over at Kakashi in disbelief. Kakashi gave a silent nod and followed them inside.
Menma and Naruto found an empty table and sat down. The other customers whispered among themselves, but Menma ignored them completely. Naruto, meanwhile, was too distracted by the scent of sizzling meat.
"Brother, it smells so good!" Naruto beamed, practically drooling.
"Hold on. No rush. Just eat heartily—what matters most is getting full," Menma said, patting his little brother's head. Besides… I'm not the one paying.
"Okay! I'll eat till I'm full!" Naruto said, clutching his stomach happily.
Kakashi, now seated, overheard their exchange and suddenly regretted his choice of restaurant.
The Akimichi's barbecue is delicious—but insanely expensive...
Still, they're just kids. How much could they possibly eat?
Trying to get back on topic, Kakashi turned to Menma.
"Menma, don't go pointing kunai at villagers. We're one village, one family."
Menma nearly gagged.
One village, one family? Are you dense, or do you think I am?
"So tell me then, Kakashi… what's more important? The mission, or your comrades?"
"The mission," Kakashi answered without hesitation.
Menma burst out laughing.
"Hahaha! And yet you talk to me about unity? About being a family? Don't you feel even a little embarrassed?"
Kakashi fell silent.
Menma's smile faded, his tone turning cold.
"To me, Naruto is everything. If anyone dares hurt him, I'll kill them—no matter who they are. Even if I have to go against the entire ninja world. A ninja who can't protect their family… a ninja who can't protect their comrades… is trash."
"A ninja who can't protect their family or comrades is trash."
That phrase echoed in Kakashi's mind like a bell.
Naruto silently took his brother's words to heart.
I'll protect you too, brother… always.
Just then, a man with striking features and the Uchiha fan crest on his back walked up. Beside him was a boy around the same age as Naruto.
With a gentle smile, the man asked,
"Excuse me, is this seat taken?"
Menma looked up—and paused.
Uchiha Itachi… and the little one must be Sasuke.
Without thinking, he blurted out, "Second Pillar."
Itachi: "..."
Kakashi: "..."
Sasuke: "..."
He glared at Menma furiously. You're the second pillar! Your whole family's the second pillar!
"Brother… what does 'Second Pillar' mean?" Naruto asked, confused.
Wow, Naruto, picking the worst time to ask... But Menma still answered with a smirk.
"It means the second son in a family. Usually a bit stubborn, and a bit... dumb."
Wait a second… Naruto blinked.
"Isn't that me? I'm the second son."
Then Naruto added quickly, "But I'm not stubborn! Or dumb!"
"Haha, of course you're not a Second Pillar," Menma said, ruffling his hair.
"But for someone like a Second Pillar… they're worth trusting. You can entrust your back to them. They're your most important comrades."
Sasuke listened quietly, expression complicated. Why does it sound like he's talking about me...?
But he wasn't about to admit it.
He tugged at his brother's sleeve and muttered,
"Brother, let's go home... this redhead is annoying."
Itachi smiled and patted Sasuke's head.
"Can you wait here for a bit? I won't be long."
Sasuke nodded reluctantly.
Meanwhile, Naruto stared at Sasuke for a while and suddenly whispered to Menma:
"Brother... is he a girl?"
Pfft!
Menma choked on laughter.
Two Pillars = Girl?!
Sasuke had had enough.
First this guy calls him Second Pillar.
Then the other thinks he's a girl.
Eyes watering, he clutched his brother's leg.
"Brother! They're bullying me!"
Itachi gently rubbed his head.
"It's alright, Sasuke. Just tell him you're not a girl—you're a boy."
Sasuke sniffled, wiped his eyes, and turned to Naruto.
"I'm not a girl. I'm a boy."
"Sorry! I misunderstood. Want to be friends?" Naruto asked brightly. He didn't sense any hostility from Sasuke—only awkward shyness.
"Hmph! No way!" Sasuke huffed, hiding behind his brother.
No! If I agree now, I'll never live it down!
Itachi smiled and said,
"Sorry—my little brother's a bit shy."
"It's okay, it's okay!" Naruto laughed and waved it off.
"My name's Naruto Uzumaki. This is my brother, Menma Uzumaki."
"Uzumaki...?" Itachi's eyes narrowed slightly in surprise.
"I'm Uchiha Itachi. This is my brother, Uchiha Sasuke."
Naruto and Sasuke looked at each other.
For a long moment, they stared silently.
Then Sasuke looked away.
Naruto, on the other hand, was grinning ear to ear.
Finally... I made my first friend.
(End Of Chapter)
Gimme Powerstones :)))
Also Check out my Patreon at [Patreon.com/GGFanfiction]