Konoha, Year 52.
The bustling and prosperous streets of Konoha teemed with people coming and going. The Nine-Tails Disaster four years ago had inflicted grievous losses upon the village. Countless ninja had perished, and many families had lost parents and children as a result. Even the Fourth Hokage, a peerless shinobi who had achieved great renown on the battlefield, died sealing the Nine-Tails.
For the villagers of Konoha, that night had been one of catastrophe. Four years had passed, and the village had regained its vitality and vigor. But the pain of the past had not faded; instead, it lay dormant in the depths of everyone's heart, a ticking time bomb ready to explode at any moment. They loathed the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox, wishing they could devour it alive.
Just then, the one they considered the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox, Uzumaki Naruto, walked onto the street. He was dressed in a neat white robe, his demeanor elegant and confident, a gentle smile on his face, resembling a refined little gentleman. Such temperament and appearance would be lauded anywhere else, yet he was precisely the one unwelcomed by the villagers.
Most villagers' expressions froze, a flicker of disgust flashing in their eyes before they turned their heads away, refusing to look. A few muttered curses under their breath: "Damn Nine-Tailed Demon Fox." "Why isn't this monster dead yet?" "It's that monster! My son died because of him! I don't understand why Lord Hokage doesn't execute him." "This kind of unnecessary mercy is nauseating." "Hush, how dare you question Lord Hokage's methods? He must have his reasons for such a decision."
Beyond these, an even smaller number of people would give the small figure a slight nod. Though their faces showed little kindness, at least there was no malice.
Uzumaki Naruto arrived at a familiar vegetable stall and asked softly, "Excuse me for bothering you, Tanaka-obasan, I'd like to buy some green vegetables."
Unlike the villagers whose families had been broken by the Nine-Tails Disaster, Tanaka-obasan had only moved to Konoha a year ago, so she couldn't empathize with their pain in the same way. She had a deep impression of Uzumaki Naruto; he was an exceptionally polite child. Though only four years old, he possessed the maturity of an adult.
Tanaka-obasan vaguely remembered the first time she had seen Naruto. At that time, villagers were throwing rotten eggs and various spoiled vegetable leaves at him. The small, thin boy didn't dodge or flinch, allowing the egg yolk to splatter on him, yet his face still maintained a gentle smile as he continuously bowed to the surroundings, apologizing, "I'm sorry the Nine-Tails caused you so much pain in the past. I'm sorry. But I am Uzumaki Naruto now; I am not the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox."
He repeated these words, his small figure appearing so helpless amidst the endless malice, yet he still maintained his politeness. Life's cruelty had thrust a child who should have had a childhood into harsh reality. Vicious words tempered his will, causing him to mature into a "little adult."
Tanaka-obasan had heard before that Konoha was the most prosperous and humane of all ninja villages. But what she saw was far from her perception. A three-year-old child, continuously bowing and apologizing. So humble it made one's heart ache. The surrounding villagers all revealed their ugliest sides, assailing the child with malicious words she never would have imagined.
This scene was etched into Tanaka-obasan's mind, unforgettable. From then on, she would always secretly look out for Uzumaki Naruto.
"Here, take these and go quickly," she said, stuffing a bag of vegetables into Uzumaki Naruto's arms.
"Thank you. Sorry for the trouble." Uzumaki Naruto took the bag, thanked Tanaka-obasan, and then unhurriedly crossed the street, disappearing from everyone's sight.
With Uzumaki Naruto's departure, the street returned to its usual cheer.
He crossed the street and returned to his humble dwelling. At the age of three, Naruto could no longer tolerate his caretaker's subtle mistreatment. After discussing it with the Third Hokage, he had moved into a new place to live alone. The new home wasn't large, containing only a bed, a table, and a simple stove. But it already met all of Naruto's needs for living.
Opening the bag, besides fresh green vegetables, there were also a few eggs. Tanaka-obasan must have prepared the bag in advance, just waiting for him to arrive. In this indifferent village, such kindness felt extraordinarily precious.
A gentle arc formed on Naruto's lips. He rose and went to the stove, taking a kitchen knife and elegantly twirling it with beautiful flourishes. Chopping vegetables, heating oil in the wok, stir-frying – the sequence of actions was seamless, flowing like water. The greatest difference between a wise man and a barbarian was an elegant and confident demeanor, unlike barbarians who could only bark senselessly.
A simple stir-fried vegetable dish and fried eggs were quickly done. Naruto sat down at the table, quietly enjoying his dinner. The villagers' disgust and ostracism didn't affect his mood. He would continue to maintain his polite persona until all the villagers accepted him.
As Naruto enjoyed his dinner, his thoughts drifted further and further away. He vaguely remembered the past. Whenever he went out onto the streets, these villagers would attack him with the most vicious words. Back then, he had fled helplessly, terrified. His heart was filled with confusion. He clearly hadn't done anything, so why did everyone hate him?
So, he started his foolish pranks, trying to attract everyone's attention by grandstanding. Unexpectedly, this method made the villagers loathe him even more. Even those who had previously only regarded him with indifferent gazes began to verbally abuse him. During that period, he had fallen into despair, each day feeling like a year.
Until… he met Aizen-sensei. That gentle, refined man who always maintained his composure. It was he who told him to be a wise man in control of the overall situation, to control his own destiny. The strong would never humbly beg for others' attention.
From that moment on, he began to imitate Aizen, trying to become gentle and elegant. He used all his living expenses to custom-order a white robe of the same style, eating instant noodles for months to afford it. He would greet anyone politely, and even if they responded with curses, he would still maintain his smile. He learned to hide his emotions.
By now, although the villagers' attitude was still unfriendly, at least some of them had significantly changed their perception of him. Life had made him mature; malice had made him see reality clearly. Konoha, the so-called Will of Fire – none of it was open to him. He was just a Nine-Tailed Demon Fox.
Thinking this, a mocking curve instantly appeared on Naruto's lips. Konoha's vision was too small. He should be like Aizen-sensei, reaching a higher level.
Naruto finished the last bite of his vegetables, stood up, his eyes momentarily flashing with a sharp, unfriendly glint. But such a look vanished in an instant, and the next moment, his usual gentle demeanor returned. He faced the mirror, putting on a flawless smile.
He murmured to himself, "My smile is perfect now. I must maintain it well."