Chapter 37: Sasuke and Naruto (Part 2)
Teuchi finally understood Kakashi's unspoken message and wisely chose to stay quiet. However, his heart was in turmoil.
He had seen Naruto grow up under the hostile eyes of the village, and if this boy truly was the Fourth Hokage's son, then life had been nothing short of hell for him.
Naruto's eyes were glistening with unshed tears as he looked up at Kakashi and Teuchi.
"Hey... Kakashi-nii, Teuchi-ossan... Did you know my dad? Where is he now?"
Teuchi took a deep breath, feeling that he might have accidentally stirred up something he shouldn't have. No matter what the truth was, this wasn't something a simple ramen vendor should get involved with.
Kakashi knelt down to Naruto's level, placing a gentle hand on his head.
"Naruto, I can't tell you who your father is just yet. But I can tell you this—your father was a great ninja."
Naruto looked stunned, unsure of how to process this information.
Kakashi continued, "The reason I can't tell you now is to protect you. Your father had many powerful enemies—foes beyond imagination. You haven't even finished the Academy yet. If they knew who you really were, you'd be in danger."
Naruto clenched his fists, wiping his tears with his sleeve.
"So, if I get stronger, you'll tell me who he was, right?"
Kakashi nodded solemnly. "Yes."
"Promise me!" Naruto demanded, his voice trembling but determined.
Kakashi couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt as he looked at Naruto's bright blue eyes—so much like his father's. He smiled softly and gave a reassuring nod.
"I promise. Now, finish your food. After that, we'll go to your place and get your stuff. From now on, you'll be living with me."
Naruto's face lit up instantly.
"Really?! That's awesome! I'm gonna live with Kakashi-nii!"
He practically inhaled the rest of his ramen, shouting his thanks to Teuchi before bouncing out of the stall with Kakashi.
Inside the Hokage office, Sarutobi Hiruzen, who had been watching the scene through his crystal ball, let out a long, relieved sigh.
"At least Kakashi didn't let the boy know the full truth... not yet."
---
After Fugaku left, Douhuan continued to write on a scroll, while Sasuke sat on a cushion, trying to remain as still and proper as possible. He wasn't used to being alone with someone other than his family, and especially not the clan leader.
Without looking up, Douhuan said, "Find a place to sit. I'll be done soon."
Sasuke obediently found a cushion and knelt down formally, sitting upright without a single complaint. After a while, Douhuan put down his brush and glanced at Sasuke.
"How many characters do you know?"
"Mother and brother taught me to read. I know most of the common words," Sasuke replied.
"Good. Saves me the trouble of teaching literacy from scratch." Douhuan picked up a small booklet he had just finished writing and handed it to Sasuke.
"Your task today is to memorize the first three pages. Once you're done, I'll explain the meanings."
Sasuke took the booklet and opened it, reading aloud slowly, "People at birth, are fundamentally good..."
The phrase confused Sasuke, but he didn't question it. He just started memorizing.
The booklet contained adapted phrases from ancient moral teachings—Douhuan's attempt to instill a sense of ethics and character before getting into combat training. After all, at Sasuke's current age, teaching powerful jutsu would be impractical due to his limited chakra reserves. Instead, shaping his mindset and sense of responsibility took precedence.
Sasuke was diligent and surprisingly quick-witted. Within an hour, he had memorized the pages. Douhuan tested his recitation, correcting a few minor mistakes, and then began explaining the passages, word by word.
Sasuke listened intently, absorbing the teachings with a level of concentration that made Douhuan nod approvingly.
---
After finishing his meal, Naruto led Kakashi to his small, rundown apartment. As soon as they entered, Naruto eagerly showed off his "precious collections"—a cupboard filled with instant ramen cups and a fridge stocked with expired milk.
Kakashi picked up one of the milk cartons and glanced at the expiration date.
"This expired three months ago, Naruto."
"Eh? Really? It tastes the same as always, though." Naruto looked genuinely puzzled.
Kakashi sighed, realizing that the boy had likely never tasted fresh milk in his life. Moving over to the wardrobe, he found tattered, hand-me-down clothes and a single bright red scarf.
His heart clenched as he recognized it—it was the scarf Kushina had been knitting when she was pregnant.
He picked it up and glanced at Naruto, who was now trying to stuff ramen cups into his backpack.
"Forget it. You can't just eat instant noodles all the time. I'll take you shopping tomorrow for proper food and clothes."
"But... my ramen stash..." Naruto protested, hugging a packet protectively.
Kakashi gave him a soft chop on the head. "Little kids who eat too much ramen won't grow tall."
"Hey! I'm not little!" Naruto protested, but his grumbling went unheard as Kakashi scooped him up and carried him out.
---
After reciting and discussing the text with Sasuke, Douhuan finally put the booklet down and nodded.
"That's enough for today. Go and rest."
Sasuke hesitated for a moment. "Teacher... are you really not going to teach me any jutsu?"
Douhuan raised an eyebrow, giving him a considering look.
"You want to learn jutsu, huh? Very well. Follow me."
Excitement flashed in Sasuke's eyes as he quickly stood up and followed Douhuan to the training courtyard.
---
Douhuan drew his blade, Jirai, and positioned himself in a basic stance.
"Sasuke, show me your fireball jutsu."
Sasuke nodded and formed the hand seals.
"Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!"
A decent-sized fireball erupted from his mouth, though it lacked power and precision. Douhuan nodded approvingly.
"Not bad. Your form is good, but your chakra control is too rigid. Try to channel it more fluidly."
He walked over, guiding Sasuke's hands and helping him feel the proper flow of chakra.
"Feel that? The chakra needs to pulse, not just burst out."
Sasuke tried again, and this time, the fireball was noticeably larger and more focused.
"Wow! It's bigger!"
Douhuan smiled faintly. "Good. You've got potential, Sasuke. With practice, you'll surpass your brother someday."
Sasuke's eyes lit up with hope and determination. "I will! I'll be stronger than him!"
Douhuan patted his head. "That's the spirit. Go home and get some rest. We'll continue tomorrow."
As Sasuke jogged back, pride swelling in his chest, Douhuan sheathed his sword and looked up at the moon, his mind lost in thought.
"Teaching Sasuke... maybe it'll help curb that darkness in his heart."
The night air was cool and calm as he stood alone in the training ground, pondering how to shape the future of the next generation.