Kawasaki-senpai had never looked down on him. He treated him to ramen and even had Sasuke accompany him to shop for clothes. He helped him in all sorts of ways. Although he always said he was having Sasuke play with him, it was actually more like he was having Naruto keep Sasuke company.
Later, he arranged for Uncle Fugaku to teach him ninjutsu techniques, ensuring he diligently learned new skills. When he was a little older, Kawasaki even told him the truth about his parentage. He even went so far as to expend an immense amount of power to resurrect his father.
Naruto was no fool; he knew what kind of price had to be paid to bring someone back from the dead.
Kawasaki-senpai was truly good to him. If it were not for him, his life would have been completely different.
Naruto cried a mess of snot and tears in Kawasaki's arms.
Kawasaki smiled and patted his back. "Alright, this is all happy news. What are you crying for?"
"Remember," he added, "your dad's identity is top secret. You absolutely cannot tell anyone, or he'll be in great danger."
Naruto wiped away his tears forcefully. "I understand, Kawasaki-senpai! I'll definitely repay you for this someday!"
Kawasaki gently pinched Naruto's small, red nose. "You little brat. Compared to the years of friendship I've shared with your parents, this is nothing."
Naruto covered his nose. "Ow, that hurts, Kawasaki-senpai..."
Kawasaki let go and handed him a tissue. "Here, wipe your face."
Naruto took the tissue, blew his nose, and stopped crying. Instead, he asked curiously, "Senpai, did you know my mom and dad a long time ago?"
Kawasaki thought back to his previous life, when he had been obsessed with the legend of Naruto as a child. He sighed with emotion. "Yeah, it's been a few decades, I suppose."
Naruto scratched his head. Kawasaki was only in his twenties. How could it have been decades?
Suddenly, Kawasaki tapped Naruto on the head. "If you're truly grateful, then don't stray onto the wrong path."
Naruto tilted his head in confusion. "What wrong path?"
Kawasaki felt it was time to give the kid a heads-up.
"You're a kind-hearted kid, I know that." Seeing Naruto listening intently, he continued, "But you have to remember, don't always think you can solve everyone's problems by yourself."
Naruto answered blankly, "Isn't helping people a good thing?"
Kawasaki shook his head. "It's very difficult for people to truly understand one another. Sometimes, you might think you're doing what's best for someone, but they don't appreciate it. In those moments, you shouldn't force your kindness on them. That's when you need to let go of your obsession and respect their choice!"
Naruto was completely confused. "Then how do I tell when I shouldn't help?"
Kawasaki ruffled his hair again. "I'll teach you in the future. It's time for dinner. No more training tonight. Hurry home!"
"Why? You're never like this." Naruto was bewildered; he had never seen Kawasaki rush him out before.
His senpai just smiled. "Go home and you'll understand."
That evening at dinner, Sasuke noticed Naruto was acting very strangely. He had been off ever since their teams were assigned. He was unusually respectful toward their jonin instructor and had even run back to find his master after training. Sasuke tried to probe for the reason, but Naruto just grinned foolishly.
Sasuke couldn't be bothered to ask anymore; he had his own problems to worry about. Although he considered his taijutsu skills to be quite advanced, sparring with his brother had shown him just how far he still had to go. Just as his master had said, his brother could defeat him even without the power of the Mangekyo Sharingan.
Recalling his brother's exquisitely precise movements, Sasuke was almost certain he could win with his eyes closed. While he felt dejected, it also clarified the direction of his future training.
Their new jonin instructor seemed powerful, capable of using both the Rasengan and Chidori—two high-level jutsu. But no matter how skilled he was, he probably couldn't surpass their master...
Meanwhile, Naruto's mind was racing. After eating dinner at Kawasaki's, he hurried home. As soon as he pushed open the door, he called out to the empty apartment as usual, "I'm home!"
It was a habit of his, one born from the hope that someone might one day reply. But he had never once received an answer.
Today, however, was different.
"Welcome home, Naruto."
Hearing the familiar voice, Naruto looked up in disbelief. Sure enough, there stood Minato, wearing an apron and holding a spatula, having already removed his wig and contact lenses. Although his face still bore the features of Jugo's transformation, he was still clearly recognizable as his father.
"Dad!" Naruto lunged forward, hugging him tightly.
Minato held the spatula up with one hand and gently patted Naruto's back with the other.
Naruto managed to suppress his excitement enough to ask, "Dad, when were you actually resurrected?"
"Alright, enough talk. Let's eat and chat. The ANBU will be by to check on you later, so I have to leave soon."
Minato had Naruto sit down at the table, which was already laden with all kinds of dishes. Having just eaten at Kawasaki's, Naruto wasn't very hungry, but he wasn't worried about being too full to eat.
"Kurama, a little help!"
"Hmph. Just this once, brat." The Nine-Tails glanced at the large TV on the wall and snorted.
The Nine-Tails' chakra began to flow, and Naruto felt a slight warmth spread through his body. The food he had eaten over at the Uchiha's place seemed to vanish, and he felt hungry again.
Just then, Minato brought a bowl of hot soup to the table. "Come on, time to eat, Naruto."
Minato looked at his now 12-year-old son, his heart filled with apology. Naruto took the bowl of rice Minato served him and began to eat. From time to time, Minato would place more food in Naruto's bowl.
It reminded Naruto of the warmth he felt when eating with Kawasaki and Tsunade. In contrast, Minato ate more reservedly. Most of the time, his gaze was fixed on Naruto.
Naruto took a large mouthful of rice, his cheeks puffed out. "Dad, you still haven't told me."
Minato snapped out of his reverie and smiled. "It's been a while. Kawasaki went through a lot of trouble to bring me back. You have to thank him properly in the future, understand?"
Naruto chewed his food vigorously. "Don't worry, Dad. I'll definitely repay Kawasaki-senpai."
"Why didn't you come find me sooner after you were resurrected? Kawasaki-senpai even lied and told me he and Orochimaru were researching a secret jutsu and planned to bring you back in a few months."
Minato hadn't known Kawasaki had made such a joke. In truth, they had already agreed that Kawasaki would become Naruto's jonin instructor as soon as he graduated. But then the Third Hokage suddenly announced he was stepping down, initiating the process to select the Fifth. Orochimaru took over as the Fifth Hokage earlier than expected, and his power expanded overnight. He could now directly assign himself the mission of watching over Naruto. But with the Third having just stepped down, there was still a faction of ANBU loyal to him that they needed to be wary of.
...
Minato spoke to Naruto with a serious expression. "As the Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails, you have to understand your unique position. There will always be people in this world with malicious intentions who will target you. Kawasaki is keeping my identity a secret to better protect you."
"You need to get stronger, and quickly, so you can protect yourself."
Naruto put down his rice bowl and touched the new forehead protector he had received.