Time passed like that.
It's been almost six years since I was reincarnated into this shinobi world.
And now, it's almost time to join the academy.
A few days ago, an Anbu visited us to deliver the news.
I'm sure Hiruzen wants us to form bonds with others.
Naruto can have all the friends he dreams of —
But me? I don't need anyone.
I need power.
Enough strength so that no one can ever control me again.
Everyone who has caused us pain...
Those who made us suffer...
They will all pay for their foolishness.
I remember every face.
Every name.
Time will tell.
But that's for later.
Tomorrow, we start at the academy.
Naruto's so excited, he wants to eat ramen today.
I've never understood his love for that place —
But what can I do?
If I don't go with him, he'll scream like the world's ending.
"Johan! Let's go!"
His voice rang from the hallway.
"We're getting late! What if old man Teuchi closes the shop?!"
I replied calmly,
"It's evening, Naruto. He won't close until late."
"Whatever! I'm hungry! Let's go!"
I sighed. "Alright, let's go."
We stepped out of the apartment, heading toward the ramen shop.
As always, people stared.
They whispered the same words — demon, monster.
Some turned away.
But we ignored them, like always.
We arrived at Ichiraku.
Teuchi grinned as we approached.
"Hohoho! My favorite customers!"
"Hey, Mr. Teuchi!" Naruto beamed.
I simply nodded, offering a faint smile.
"Please get me a Miso Tonkotsu Ramen!" Naruto said eagerly.
I added, "Same for me."
"Sure, sure," Teuchi replied.
Ayame stepped out from the back.
"Hey, Johan! Naruto! How are you guys?"
"We're good, Ayame," Naruto said. "Tomorrow's our first day at the academy! I can't wait to learn powerful jutsu — hahaha!"
Ayame just smiled gently.
There are only a few people in this village,
On one hand, I could count them —
Who don't treat us like filth.
Teuchi and Ayame are among them.
Sometimes they even treat us to free meals.
Kindness like theirs confuses me.
Maybe they pity us.
Maybe they see something broken and feel sorry.
Maybe they're just good people.
Whatever it is, Naruto clings to it.
So I let him have it.
After we finished eating, we thanked them and left.
Darkness had crept over the village.
The wind cut sharper.
Naruto kept talking, about jutsu, about dreams, about becoming Hokage.
About how he'll make friends.
I listened without speaking.
Let him dream.
"Time to sleep," I said when we got home. "We don't want to be late."
He flopped into bed.
"Goodnight, brother!"
"…Goodnight," I whispered, staring into the shadows.