Chapter 41
"No, actually. Just eat more, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep," Asakawa Naoki said calmly.
"Really?" Nawaki asked, a little unsure. "Maybe I went to bed too late? Or didn't exercise enough?"
"By the way, why are you so eager to grow taller?" Naoki asked curiously.
Most people might be impressed or surprised by how tall Asakawa Naoki already was for his age. Although Nawaki seemed outgoing, the expectant tone in his voice showed how much he genuinely cared about this.
"Of course, it's because I want to become Hokage!" Nawaki answered seriously. "This is the village my grandfather built, and it's my job to protect it."
"Grandfather?" Asakawa Naoki raised a brow knowingly.
"Ah—my grandfather was a powerful ninja. He helped the First Hokage build Konoha."
Realizing he had slipped up, Nawaki's face tightened. Tsunade had reminded him many times not to mention his family's identity to outsiders. But somehow, Naoki's presence felt easy to trust, and before he realized it, he had already let that part slip.
"Well, your grandfather must've been an incredible ninja," Asakawa Naoki replied with a small smile.
Nawaki had a kind heart and lofty ideals, but at his core, he was still a regular twelve-year-old boy. His eagerness to live up to his dream could make him impulsive — perhaps it was this recklessness that would one day cost him dearly on the battlefield.
"But becoming Hokage isn't something you can rush," Naoki advised. "The most important thing right now is to grow up safely. Focus on getting stronger first — you can chase that title later."
"Yeah, I guess I'm still a little too young," Nawaki admitted, a little disappointed at first. But he quickly perked up again, clenching his fists. "But I'll never give up on becoming Hokage!"
"Haha, then you'd better watch out. I've been thinking about becoming Hokage too," Asakawa Naoki joked.
"I won't lose to you either! I have people I want to protect too!" Nawaki replied with a grin.
If you asked graduates of the Ninja Academy about their dreams, most would say they wanted to become Hokage. But as people grew older, reality would set in, and many would quietly abandon that ambition.
By the time their third teammate arrived, Naoki and Nawaki were already getting along.
A boy slightly taller than Nawaki walked in. He had an ordinary appearance and a cold, distant air about him.
"Masamura Oki. Sixth-grade graduate, 12 years old," the boy introduced himself in a flat tone.
"Nawaki, also sixth-grade, 12 years old," Nawaki replied, mimicking his introduction.
"Asakawa Naoki. Third-grade graduate, applied for early graduation. 10 years old," Naoki said calmly.
At first, Masamura Oki didn't react to the introductions. In the ninja world, there were still many without surnames, so it wasn't unusual. But when Naoki mentioned his grade and age, a flicker of surprise crossed Oki's face. A ten-year-old, already graduated and nearly as tall as an adult? Was this kid some kind of monster?
Still, with his cold personality, Masamura Oki didn't ask any questions. He just gave a small nod and leaned silently against the office wall.
Naoki glanced at the quiet boy and sighed inwardly. This one might be hard to get along with.
"Hey, Nawaki — do you know who our instructor's going to be?" Asakawa Naoki asked casually.
Although the Naruto series from his past life hadn't clearly said who Nawaki's teacher was, there had always been fan speculation that it might have been Orochimaru.
"No idea," Nawaki shook his head. "If it wasn't for the Second Hokage's rules, my sister would probably be my teacher."
That rule — forbidding family members from becoming a ninja's instructor — was something Nawaki was secretly grateful for. He didn't really want his sister to be his sensei either.
"It seems you're all here."
Before the person arrived, his voice did. It was a cool, slightly chilling voice — and with Naoki's sharp hearing, he picked up the soft hissing sound that came with it.
A figure in black combat attire entered the room. Resting on his shoulder was a slender, gray python, flicking its tongue to sense the air.
"Greetings. I'm Orochimaru. I'll be your instructor," he said with a faint smile.
Naoki sighed inwardly. So it really was Orochimaru.
"Teacher Orochimaru!" Nawaki exclaimed, eyes lighting up. He hadn't expected to be placed under Orochimaru's command. Even though Orochimaru hadn't earned the title of 'Sannin' yet, he was already one of the most outstanding young shinobi in Konoha.
To Nawaki, this meant one step closer to Hokage. How could he not be excited?
"Nawaki — I'll be your teacher from now on," Orochimaru said, placing a hand on his head. Considering his relationship with Tsunade, he'd naturally look after her younger brother.
Masamura Oki's expression flickered in surprise. He hadn't expected that this seemingly ordinary kid already knew their instructor.
After a brief exchange with Nawaki, Orochimaru turned his gaze to Asakawa Naoki. There was a hint of interest in his pale yellow eyes.
"You seemed a little uneasy around me earlier," Orochimaru noted softly.
"Well… I'm not great with snakes," Asakawa Naoki admitted with a wry smile.
At first, when he'd seen Orochimaru, Naoki had felt genuine fear — not because of anything in this world, but from the memories of his past life. In those memories, Orochimaru was a dangerous, ruthless figure.
But Naoki quickly reminded himself: this was still the past. The Second Ninja World War hadn't even begun, and Orochimaru was still, by all accounts, a loyal Konoha shinobi.
Judging a man by his future sins wasn't fair. Whatever Orochimaru's heart might one day become, right now, he was still just a respected ninja of the village.
And if one day Orochimaru did cross the line, well — Naoki planned to be strong enough by then to deal with it himself.
"Oh? But my snake seems to like you." Orochimaru chuckled. The gray python stirred, leaning forward to gently flick its tongue against Naoki's cheek.
"It says… you taste good."
***********
If you want to read more there's 15, 30, 50 chapters there of my written fanfictions and translated works in my Pat.Reon.
Here is the link:
https://patreon.com/LordFisherman?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink
And if you can't find it just type my name: patreon.com/LordFisherman