Naruto: The First Avatar

The streets of Uzushiogakure, usually bustling with life and laughter, now carried an undercurrent of tension. Hayato slowly walked through the village, his keen eyes taking in the subtle changes that had swept over the populace in the wake of the news from Konoha.

Shopkeepers spoke in hushed tones, their eyes darting nervously as they exchanged the latest rumors. Shinobi moved with heightened purpose, their faces set in grim determination. Even the children seemed affected, their games taking on a more subdued quality as they mimicked the adults' concern.

As Hayato passed the main gates, he saw a group of Uzushiogakure Shinobi preparing for departure already. Their faces were a mix of resolve and apprehension as they checked their gear and said goodbye to loved ones. The reality of war, once a distant concept, now loomed large over the village.

'Is this the nature of the Shinobi World as a whole? Some of the Children are no younger than I am, yet they are expected to make a major difference on a battlefield? What's the difference between that and simply sending them to their deaths.' Hayato thought to himself.

The weight of it all pressed heavily on Hayato's shoulders. He had known, intellectually, about the Second Great Ninja War from his previous life's knowledge. But seeing its effects firsthand, witnessing the fear and uncertainty in people's eyes, made it all too real.

Seeking a moment of piece and a chance to clear his mind, Hayato made his way to the secluded stream where he often trained. The gentle babbling of water over stones provided a soothing counterpoint to the tumultuous thoughts swirling in his mind.

He settled into a meditative pose at the water's edge, closing his eyes and focusing on his breath. Hayato hoped to connect with Yangchen, to seek her wisdom with thoughts like this. How did she deal with war in her era? As he began to slip into a meditative state, however, a faint rustle in the nearby bushes caught his attention.

Years of training kicked in instantly. Hayato's eyes snapped open, his body tensing for action. In one fluid motion, he spun and sent a powerful gust of wind towards the source of the sound.

A startled yelp pierced the air as a small figure was sent tumbling out of the bushes. But before Hayato could press his advantage, golden chains erupted from the ground, forming a protective barrier around the intruder.

"Wait! Stop!" a young female voice cried out. "I'm not an enemy!"

Hayato paused, his stance still defensive. "Show yourself," he commanded, readying another air blast.

Slowly, the chains receded, revealing a young girl with vibrant red hair – unmistakably an Uzumaki. She looked to be a year younger than Hayato, her face a mix of fear and determination.

"I-I'm Uzumaki Kana," she stammered, brushing leaves from her clothes. "Daughter of the Uzushikage. I wasn't spying, I swear!"

Hayato's eyes widened in recognition. He had seen her at formal events but had never interacted with her directly. Lowering his hands, he asked, "If you weren't spying, what were you doing hiding in the bushes?"

Kana's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "I... I've been watching you train." she admitted. "Your techniques are unlike anything I've ever seen. I wanted to learn more, but I was too nervous to approach you directly."

Hayato's brow furrowed. He was impressed by her skill with the Chakra Chains – a technique he knew was unique to certain members of the Uzumaki clan – but her actions still seemed suspicious.

"Why the interest in my training?" he probed, maintaining a cautious distance.

Kana's eyes lit up with enthusiasm, momentarily overcoming her embarrassment. "Because you're from outside the village! You've seen the world, and learned techniques we've never encountered here. I want... I want to know more about what's beyond Uzushiogakure."

Her earnestness caught Hayato off guard. He studied her face, searching for any sign of deception, but found only genuine curiosity and a hint of longing.

"You want to leave the village?" he asked, his tone softening slightly.

Kana nodded vigorously. "Not permanently, but... yes. I love my home, but there's so much more out there to learn and experience. Watching you, seeing your unique abilities, it made me realize how much I don't know."

Hayato couldn't help but feel a twinge of sympathy. He remembered his own burning desire for knowledge and adventure from his past life.

"I understand the feeling." he said, relaxing his stance completely. "But sneaking around and spying isn't the way to go about it. Why didn't you just approach me directly?"

Kana looked down, scuffing her foot in the dirt. "I was afraid you'd dismiss me as just a kid, or that my father would disapprove of me talking to you. But..." she looked up, her eyes shining with determination, "I want to be your friend, Hayato-san. I want to learn from you, and maybe... maybe I could teach you some things about Fuinjutsu in return?"

Hayato was taken aback by her boldness. Part of him was wary of forming close connections in this time and place, knowing the potential consequences for the timeline. But another part – the part that remembered the loneliness of being different, of having knowledge and abilities others couldn't understand – felt drawn to this young girl's enthusiasm.

Moreover, his strategic mind couldn't ignore the potential benefits of having an ally with advanced Fuinjutsu skills, especially one connected to the Uzushikage himself.

After a moment's consideration, Hayato nodded. "Alright, Kana-san. I'm willing to be friends, on one condition – no more hiding in bushes or spying. If you want to know something, just ask me directly. Deal?"

Kana's face lit up with joy. "Deal!" she exclaimed, bowing deeply. "Thank you, Hayato-san! I promise you won't regret this!"