Just like that, time passed.
Kazama Shin had completely integrated into this world—its way of life, its customs, even its food.
Aside from Uzumaki Naruto, he had also begun to encounter other familiar faces from time to time.
Sometimes, when he trained earlier than usual, he would spot a slightly older boy in a green bodysuit running laps around the village.
…
The final month of Konoha Year 53.
That morning, the sun had already risen, illuminating Konoha in its full prosperity, row upon row of buildings bathed in light.
Inside Kazama Shin's home—
Bang! Bang! Bang!
"Open up, Shin!"
On a rare day when he had planned to relax instead of continuing his usual intensive training, Kazama Shin was still dragged out by Naruto.
"What is it this time?"
Opening the door, he looked at Naruto standing outside.
"Hey… didn't you say you'd treat me to Ichiraku Ramen?"
Naruto pointed at him and shouted.
"It's still morning. It's not even lunchtime yet."
Kazama Shin replied calmly.
"Ah…"
"Grrr…"
A rumbling sound came from Naruto's stomach. He immediately clutched it with both hands, twisting his body, his face full of forced endurance.
"…"
Raising an eyebrow, Kazama Shin sighed helplessly.
He had promised, after all.
A promise was a promise.
"Wait for me."
He turned and went back inside to change clothes.
"Okay!"
Naruto's expression instantly brightened as he shouted happily.
…
Walking through Konoha's streets with Naruto during the busiest hours, Kazama Shin could clearly feel the villagers' hostility toward him.
"Look, it's that kid…"
"Yeah, what a disaster."
"That little monster!"
"And someone's actually walking with him? Aren't they afraid of being dragged down too?"
"…"
Listening to the whispers and insults, Kazama Shin glanced at Naruto.
He saw Naruto walking with his head lowered, his mood visibly dampened.
"Little Shin, come over here…"
A few people who recognized Kazama Shin—this hardworking child over the past year—tried to call him away from Naruto.
But Kazama Shin ignored them.
Truth be told, he wasn't a purely kind person.
But no matter how you looked at it, he had already gained benefits from the original protagonist—and would continue to do so.
So whether for basic conscience or future gains—
He didn't mind befriending this so-called "troublemaker" of the village.
…Even if it meant being rejected by most people.
As long as it earned him favor in certain eyes, that was enough.
"Don't pay attention to them."
Kazama Shin said lightly.
Naruto's ears twitched as he listened.
"If they don't acknowledge you, then just keep growing stronger—until they have no choice but to acknowledge you."
Naruto's body trembled.
After what seemed like a long moment of thought—
He suddenly raised his head, tears still lingering in his eyes, and shouted with determination,
"That's right! One day, I'll become someone you all have to acknowledge!"
"What's that little disaster yelling about?"
"No idea. Just shouting nonsense… definitely a monster."
But this time, Naruto seemed to have found a goal.
Instead of being discouraged, he became spirited again, grinning broadly.
"Let's go eat ramen!"
Anyone who didn't know better might think he was the one treating.
…
…
"Hey! You two, stop right there!"
Just as Kazama Shin and Naruto were about to reach their destination, a sharp childish shout rang out behind them.
"Huh? Who's that? Are they calling us?"
Naruto turned around curiously, hands on his hips.
Kazama Shin also turned, his gaze sharpening slightly.
"It's you."
He frowned.
The group approaching them—
Were the same kids he had taught a lesson to when he first met Naruto.
They had grown a little taller, but that wasn't the important part.
Behind them stood someone older—
A teenager, clearly much bigger than them, wearing a Konoha forehead protector.
A ninja.
"H-Hey, what do you want?"
Naruto recognized them too. Though it had been a while, he instinctively stepped back before catching himself and shouting defiantly.
"Not dealing with you yet, monster!"
One of the boys ignored Naruto and pointed straight at Kazama Shin.
"Hmph. Finally found you again!"
His nose tilted upward arrogantly as he glared.
Then he turned to the older boy behind him.
"Big Brother Ippei, it's him! He helped that monster bully us last time!"
The Genin called Ippei stepped forward, around twelve or thirteen years old.
"So you're the one who beat up my little brother?"
Kazama Shin's eyes flickered.
"What a coincidence…"
Wasn't this the very same person he had first copied Genin-level talent from?
So that brat was his younger brother…
What was this? The younger one couldn't handle it, so the older one came for revenge?
A faint smile appeared on Kazama Shin's lips.
"And what do you plan to do about it?"
He didn't deny it. Instead, he spoke calmly.
His tone made the Genin frown in annoyance.
He deliberately adjusted his forehead protector, showing it off.
"Hmph. You'll find out soon enough."
As soon as he finished speaking, he stepped forward, moving with ease as he charged toward Kazama Shin.
"Hehe, Brother Ippei is already a Genin! He'll definitely beat that guy!"
"That's right! Payback for last time!"
"…"