I'M NARUTO UZUMAKI

The playful sparring between Naruto, Shikamaru, and Choji ended quickly, and the three slumped against a large tree, catching their breath. Though their names would one day be etched among the most accomplished shinobi, for now, they were simply kids who could be easily defeated by any trained ninja.

While munching on a bag of chips, Choji grinned and remarked, "Naruto, you're really strong! You're on par with the senior students at the academy. Shikamaru and I couldn't even come close to beating you."

Shikamaru, leaning back with his usual thoughtful expression, studied Naruto. Their combined efforts had indeed failed to best him, a fact that caught him off guard. Naruto smiled knowingly. He was well aware of the gap between himself and his peers, though he also understood his current limitations. Despite surpassing most children his age, he was far from matching the skills of experienced ninja.

This was, of course, without tapping into the terrifying power of the Nine-Tails. Naruto knew that if he relinquished control to Kurama, even elite jonin wouldn't stand a chance against him in his berserk state. That thought, however, remained tucked away for now.

To show his gratitude for their sparring, Naruto reached into his backpack and brought out rice balls and fried chicken. Choji's eyes lit up at the sight of the food, and he immediately snatched a piece of fried chicken, devouring it noisily. "Naruto, this is amazing! If you bring this kind of food every day, I'll gladly train with you anytime!" Choji exclaimed, his words muffled by his full mouth.

Naruto chuckled and handed Choji the rest of the fried chicken. Then, grabbing a rice ball, he joined Shikamaru, sitting on the grass beside him. They both stared into the distance, where a small stream flowed gently under a wooden bridge, surrounded by dense trees.

"Another peaceful day…" Shikamaru murmured, breaking the silence. Turning to Naruto, he smirked slightly. "Why'd you leave Choji? Did he eat everything already? That guy never changes."

Naruto shook his head and grinned. "Not at all. I just wanted to keep you company. You and Choji are the third and fourth friends I've made."

Shikamaru raised an eyebrow, feigning disinterest. "I thought we'd be first and second. Looks like I was too late. Let me guess—your first friend is that girl from the Hyuga clan?"

Naruto's eyes widened in mock surprise. "How'd you know about Hinata and me?"

"We saw what happened," Shikamaru admitted, lying back on the grass. "When she was being bullied, Choji and I were on the opposite road. He wanted to step in and help, but I told him not to."

Naruto blinked. "Why not?"

"Didn't want to ruin your big hero moment."

Naruto laughed softly. "Well, thanks for letting me shine, then."

The two lay side by side in silence for a moment, watching the clouds drift by. After a while, Naruto broke the stillness. "Hey, Shikamaru, are the three generations watching me right now?"

The voice of the Nine-Tails rumbled in his mind. "No, kid, they're not watching. And stop relying on me for everything. Handle your own problems."

Feeling reassured, Naruto continued, "Honestly, it's strange that you and Choji wanted to be friends so suddenly. I bet this was your dad's idea, right?"

Shikamaru sighed. "Yeah, my father's orders. I don't know if he was acting on someone else's instructions, though. Honestly, I hate being dragged into things like this. But after hearing about your past, I decided to become your friend for real."

Naruto smiled faintly, though his eyes glinted with a hint of sarcasm. "Ah, the irresistible charm of the 'demon fox.' But I can't help wondering… Who were my parents, to warrant so much attention from people like your dad?"

Shikamaru's expression tightened for a split second before returning to normal. "I don't know much about that. But trust the village, Naruto. If the higher-ups are handling things this way, they must have their reasons."

Naruto's smile faded, replaced by a cool, detached look. "So I'm supposed to accept being called a demon fox and tolerate the villagers' hatred? Just trust the village?"

Shikamaru felt a chill as Naruto's tone shifted, his calmness far more unsettling than anger. But then, just as quickly, Naruto's demeanor brightened again. "Doesn't matter anymore. The villagers don't bother me as much now. And I've got you and Choji. Those bad memories will fade eventually. Isn't that what the Will of Fire is about?"

Shikamaru nodded hesitantly. "Yeah… something like that."

As Naruto got up, Shikamaru called out, "Where are you going?"

"Fishing. I saw a good spot by the river. If you guys are playing with me, I might as well treat you to my cooking."

A few hours later, the three of them sat around a small fire by the river, roasting freshly caught fish. Naruto tore into his grilled fish with gusto, glancing at Shikamaru and Choji, who looked equally content.

Inside Naruto's mind, Kurama scoffed. "You're too trusting, brat. Those two are probably working for the Third Hokage. And here you are, grinning like a fool."

Naruto simply smiled. "Maybe. But the happiness I feel right now? That's real." Then, with a mischievous glint in his eye, he added, "Want some grilled fish, big fox?"

Kurama huffed. "Don't be ridiculous. I don't eat your human food."

Naruto laughed, placing a skewer near the mental image of the Nine-Tails' cage. "Well, it's here if you change your mind."