The wooden door creaked open.
Kazuo, Gojo's grandfather, finally returned from his meeting with the Hokage.
As soon as he stepped in, Gojo rushed toward him with a cheerful grin and hugged him tightly.
"Grandpa, let's go out and eat!"
Kazuo chuckled, ruffling his grandson's soft hair. "Alright, alright. You're really energetic today."
Minutes later, they walked through the lively streets of Konoha, eventually arriving at the Akimichi Barbecue—a popular place often filled with hungry shinobi.
As they entered, the scent of grilled meat made Gojo's stomach growl.
Inside the restaurant, a few familiar faces were already seated—Yuhi Kurenai, Mitarashi Anko, Sarutobi Asuma, and a few other Jōnin were gathered, enjoying their meals.
Kazuo nodded politely to them and went to sit with the elders, while Gojo looked around and spotted a seat right beside Kurenai.
He hopped onto the bench, sitting next to her.
Kurenai noticed him and turned her head.
Her deep red eyes sparkled in surprise. "Oh? Who's this little cutie?"
She leaned in and gave his cheek a playful pinch.
Gojo, slightly flustered but smiling, replied, "My name is Senju Gojo."
As soon as she heard "Senju," her playful demeanor briefly faltered.
The Senju name hadn't been heard in casual conversation for years.
Still, she offered a gentle smile. "I'm Kurenai. It's nice to meet you, Gojo. Where are you from?"
"Fire Nation," Gojo replied casually.
Kurenai nodded, brushing it off. "That's far… Must be new in Konoha."
As the food arrived, everyone dug in. Gojo's small frame didn't stop him from eating with surprising appetite. Anko laughed, cheering him on.
However, as they were about to leave, Kurenai suddenly panicked.
"My wallet…! It's gone!"
She frantically patted her clothes and looked under the table.
Then someone called out softly, "Is this what you're looking for?"
She turned—and there was Gojo, holding her wallet with a grin.
"I saw it drop near the bench earlier," he said, handing it over.
Kurenai blushed, genuinely touched. "Thank you, Gojo. You're such a gentleman."
Without thinking, she kissed his cheek and gently ruffled his hair.
Gojo blinked, his face slightly red.
A few seats away, Asuma's eye twitched in annoyance.
He hadn't even gotten the chance to sit close to Kurenai, let alone be kissed. But Gojo was just a child, so he kept quiet.
> Ding!
[Congratulations to Host for plundering Asuma's opportunity. Reward: 500 System Points.]
[Smile~]
Gojo's eyes gleamed.
So even small interactions count...
That night, he slept peacefully, his body warming under the soft moonlight.
---
The next morning, rays of sunlight kissed Gojo's face.
He opened his eyes, stretched, and yawned. After showering, he noticed a fat leather wallet on the table.
His grandfather had left it behind.
Gojo peeked inside.
Stacks upon stacks of bills.
He sighed.
"Just how filthy rich is Grandpa…"
He pocketed a small bundle for breakfast and strolled into the heart of Konoha.
---
Soon, he arrived at Ichiraku Ramen—a name that stirred memories from his past life.
Many wild theories had surrounded Teuchi Ichiraku, some saying he was secretly an Ōtsutsuki.
But now, standing before the smiling uncle and his cheerful daughter Ayame, Gojo scoffed.
"Complete nonsense," he muttered.
Ayame smiled warmly. "Welcome! What would you like to eat?"
Gojo was about to respond when he noticed a boy peeking from behind a pole.
Messy blond hair. Whisker-like marks.
Naruto Uzumaki.
Gojo looked directly at him and waved.
Naruto looked behind himself, confused, and then pointed at his own face.
"You mean me?"
Gojo nodded.
Naruto slowly approached, eyes wary.
Gojo patted the seat beside him. "Sit. Let's eat together."
Naruto hesitated—but eventually sat down, his body trembling.
They both ordered ramen.
As the bowls arrived, Naruto stared at his portion in disbelief.
Warm food.
Shared company.
No glares.
No hate.
It was the first time he'd ever been invited to eat with someone.
Naruto's eyes filled with tears.
"Oi… why are you crying?" Gojo asked gently.
Naruto sniffed and wiped his eyes. "It's just… no one's ever eaten with me before…"
Gojo smiled softly.
When the meal ended, Naruto looked nervous.
"I-I don't have any money…"
Gojo waved his hand. "It's fine."
He paid for both and even handed a stack of bills to Teuchi.
"This is for him. Let him eat whenever he wants."
Teuchi was speechless. Ayame beamed.
Naruto stared, stunned.
He didn't know what to say.
As Gojo got up, Naruto suddenly called out, "Hey! What's your name?"
"Senju Gojo."
Naruto grinned. "I'm Uzumaki Naruto!"
He hesitated, then asked shyly, "Can I… be your friend?"
Gojo chuckled and patted his back. "Of course. Let's play!"
The two began chasing each other around the streets, laughing.
Uncle Ichiraku and Ayame watched them from afar, smiling warmly.
> Ding!
[Congratulations to Host for plundering Shikamaru's future opportunity. Reward: 5,000 Points.]
[Smile~]
So even Naruto's interactions can yield rewards…
Gojo thought, realizing Naruto's very presence could attract plot and power.
As the sun began to set, the two boys parted ways.
Naruto stood still for a while, watching Gojo disappear into the crowd.
His heart was warm.
He had a friend now.
---
[Current System Status Panel]
> [Name]: Senju Gojo
[Age]: 3
[Rank]: Ordinary
[Chakra Reserve]:Chunin
[Bloodlines]:
— Senju (Intermediary)
— Uchiha (Thin)
— Uzumaki (Thin)
[Physique]: Sage Body (Primary)
[Bloodline Limit]: None
[Talent]:
— Ninjutsu: Primary
— Comprehension: Primary
[System Points]: 5,500
(Discount Used)
[System Message]: Opportunities tied to protagonists yield greater rewards. Track them closely. Plunder wisely.
[Smile~]
Chapter 5 Ends
Author's Note:
Loving the journey so far?
Please support with a Power Stone!
Your votes help this fanfic grow—and as a thank you, there will be bonus chapters for Power Stone milestones!
Got suggestions or wild ideas?
Drop them in the comments—I'd love to include your thoughts as we shape Gojo's path together.
Let's keep pushing forward—no regrets, just pure hype!
– azuredragonx
---