For some time, the newly reborn Nara still lay on the bench in the park, the headache slowly fading, leaving only an unpleasant tingling in his temples. The sun was sinking toward the horizon, painting the sky in warm golden hues.
I'm really here, Kuro thought as he hesitantly rose to his feet. His first goal was obvious: explore the village — after all, this was his new home now. His memories of Konoha were based only on scenes from the anime; reality far exceeded his expectations.
The Hidden Leaf Village was astonishingly lively, full of sounds, scents, and motion. He wanted to see everything with his own eyes. The wide main street greeted him with a bustling atmosphere. On both sides were various shops and stalls. The first thing that caught his attention was a weapon store. Through the window he could see gleaming kunai and shuriken arranged perfectly on the shelves.
The shopkeeper, a muscular man with a forehead bandana, was showing a customer a new set of throwing knives. Farther down the street was a clothing shop. Its sign read: "For shinobi of any level." The mannequins displayed various outfits, masks, bandages, and even training weights. A kindly smiling woman was showing a teenager a pair of comfortable mission boots. But what stunned Kuro the most was the Hokage Mountain.
The faces of the great leaders were carved into the rock with incredible precision. At this time, there were only three: Hashirama, Tobirama, and Hiruzen. From afar it looked as though they were watching over the village, guarding it with their gaze. The monument radiated the powerful history of the Leaf. Entranced, Kuro stood frozen, staring upward until a passerby shook his shoulder and, with concern, asked if he was alright.
Everyone here is so calm… They have no idea the horrors of war will soon reach their peaceful lives, he thought as he observed the villagers.
Women chatted about recipes near food stalls, children chased a ball, and shinobi walked by with serious expressions. Unfortunately, his peaceful walk was interrupted by his stomach growling, and his nose caught a mouthwatering smell coming from a small diner. His eyes landed on the sign:
Ichiraku Ramen.
Its simple design was deceptive — this place was legendary in his previous world. He couldn't miss the chance to try the iconic dish. The establishment was small but cozy: a narrow counter, a few stools, and behind it neatly arranged shelves with bowls and ingredients. The aroma of broth and spices filled the air, creating a homely, comforting atmosphere.
Behind the counter, leaning on it casually, stood a young guy with a friendly face and black hair. He looked nothing like the Teuchi Kuro remembered from the anime.
He looks around fifteen… Did he really open this place at such a young age in this world?
"Hey there!" Teuchi greeted him with a warm smile the moment he noticed the newcomer. "Welcome! What can I get for you?"
Kuro sat at the counter, feeling an odd excitement.
"One pork ramen, please."
"Give me a couple of minutes. Since it's your first time here, you get a discount."
At those words, Kuro suddenly remembered he hadn't even checked if he had money. Thankfully, after rummaging through his pockets, he managed to find a few crumpled bills. Soon, a steaming bowl appeared before him. The broth was rich, the slices of pork lay appetizingly atop the noodles, and the green onions added a fresh touch.
"Enjoy your meal!" Teuchi said, returning to his prep work.
Kuro picked up the chopsticks and began eating. The taste was indescribable — perhaps nostalgia played its part, but who cared if it made him smile?
"How is it?" Teuchi asked, glancing back over his shoulder.
"This is the best ramen I've ever had," Kuro replied honestly, prompting the young cook to laugh.
"Glad to hear it. You know, I want to make Ichiraku a place where not only Konoha residents come, but shinobi from other villages too. My dream is for everyone to enjoy good food."
Kuro nodded, wiping his mouth with a napkin. Deep down he was happy — the shop was still at the very beginning of its journey. That meant Teuchi and his business had years of success ahead of them.
"I'm sure you'll make it happen," he said, standing up and placing the money on the counter. "Thanks for the meal. I'll definitely come again."
Teuchi smiled, watching him leave. It was already dark outside. Kuro took a deep breath of the fresh air and headed toward his home — it was time to meet his new family. The walk to the Nara Clan territory was surprisingly peaceful. He followed a well-trodden path surrounded by lush groves. As he approached, he noticed the characteristic houses with spacious yards, some filled with medicinal plants or well-taken-care-of greenery.
With nightfall, the silence became almost tangible — most Nara preferred going to bed early. But the moment he stepped into his home, he was met with an angry glare from the old man.
"Kuro! Where have you been all day?!" Before him stood his grandfather, Enzo Nara, head of the family and a respected clan elder. His gray hair was tied into a top knot, his stern gaze revealing his uncompromising character, and the scars on his chin proof of battle experience. "You skipped training and wandered off who knows where!"
"I was watching the clouds, Grandpa," Kuro answered with an innocent smile, fully aware that this would only irritate the old man more.
"Watching the clouds?!" Enzo thundered, his face turning red. "That's no excuse! You'll enter the Academy soon, and you still haven't mastered the Shadow Imitation Technique. Laziness is your worst enemy!"
"But Grandpa, isn't that in our blood?" Kuro replied slyly. The old man sighed, clearly struggling with the urge to smack him.
"Tomorrow you'll train twice as hard to make up for today's slacking! Understood?!"
"Of course, Grandpa," Kuro said, raising his hands in surrender. "I promise."
Not waiting for further lectures, he slipped into his room, leaving Enzo to grumble to himself. Closing the door, he exhaled in relief.
What a mess… Still, tomorrow I'll finally get to test ninjutsu. I'll have to give it my all. But the biggest question is… Should I tell the old man about my new powers? he wondered, lying down on the futon and staring at the ceiling.
On one hand, if I present myself as a genius of a strong clan like the Nara, Danzo won't be able to touch me without risking a major conflict. But on the other hand… Didn't he have talented Yamanaka and Aburame in his unit at one point? Maybe it all comes down to potential? After all, Root couldn't get Minato — perhaps Hiruzen was afraid to let such a promising kid fall into Shimura's hands, or maybe Jiraiya played a role?
It's all so complicated. I understand perfectly that once serious missions begin — and then the war — I'll have no choice but to show my full strength just to survive. At least I have years at the Academy before that. And after… I'll hope for a good mentor. To get someone like Namikaze, I must be interesting enough. I think there are only three people in Konoha who would dare challenge Danzo: Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Sakumo. If one of them becomes my teacher, life will be much easier.
Kuro didn't get to think much longer — the child's body demanded rest. Exhaustion, emotional stress, and the flood of memories drained him completely, and he fell into a deep sleep. Only to be awakened in the most unpleasant way the next morning — ice-cold water poured over him, making him shriek and jump up. Above him stood Enzo with a bucket, a satisfied grin on his face.
"Stop lying around! Time for morning training, brat!"
Kuro reluctantly got up. His body felt surprisingly light, as though he'd rested for days rather than hours. Excitement began stirring within him — today he would finally get to try ninjutsu. But his expectations were quickly shattered. The training began with Enzo throwing him over his shoulder, slamming him onto the hard ground.
"Taijutsu is the foundation of everything!" the old man declared. "Without a strong body and agility, you're heading straight for the grave! Now get up!"
Kuro recovered from the fall and stood, anger and frustration mixing on his face. Gritting his teeth, he rushed forward, trying to land at least one hit on his grandfather.
"Your right arm is too tense. Your body gives away your next move long before you make it," Enzo remarked, blocking another attack and landing a direct kick to Kuro's stomach.
"Ghhhaaah!" Kuro flew into a nearby tree, spitting a bit of saliva.
What the hell!? This is a six-year-old's training? He's insane!
"Get up. We're not done yet," Enzo's voice echoed across the training field.
"Could you be a bit gentler with your beloved grandson?" Kuro asked with a slightly manic grin, wiping the corner of his mouth with his sleeve.
"Ha! You dare lecture me, brat? Once you beat me, then you can talk."
"And you'll listen to me?" Kuro asked rhetorically.
"Ha-ha-ha! Keep dreaming! I said you'll be able to talk, not that I'll listen."
Just as I thought… still, I'll defeat you someday, old man!