In his Konoha apartment, Naruto Uzumaki lay on his bed.
Staring at the ceiling, his expression was lost in thought.
All along, he'd worked tirelessly to earn others' approval.
Yet those efforts hadn't brought the acceptance he craved.
This made Naruto question the value of trying so hard.
Knock, knock, knock!
The persistent knocking at the door stirred a ripple in Naruto's calm gaze.
He had a good guess who it was.
Opening the door, he found Uchiha Izumi, as expected, holding a tray of food.
"Naruto, your sister's here!"
"Why are you in pajamas so early?"
"Does the Ninja Academy let out this soon now?"
Izumi's face froze slightly at the sight of Naruto still in sleepwear.
But she breezed inside without hesitation.
"No, I didn't go to the academy today."
Naruto shook his head, closed the door, and flopped back onto his bed.
Hearing this, Izumi paused, puzzled, and looked at him.
She suddenly felt that the boy who always called her "sister" with a grin seemed different today.
"What's wrong? Are you still feeling unwell?"
Izumi sat on the edge of Naruto's bed, reaching out to check his forehead.
Finding his temperature normal, her confusion deepened.
Naruto had always been upbeat and driven, never this listless.
"Sis, if someone tries really hard but still isn't accepted…"
"Do they need to keep trying? If no one will ever approve anyway?"
Naruto turned away, hugging his pillow, his voice tinged with dejection.
This question had plagued him all day. Without Chu Ran's guidance, how could a seven- or eight-year-old boy figure it out?
"Dummy, you're asking something that obvious?"
"I love the hardworking, smiling Naruto."
"Who cares if others don't accept you?"
"People don't live for others."
"If someone doesn't like sticky rice dumplings, I wouldn't hate them."
"And I wouldn't reject sticky rice dumplings just because they don't."
Izumi smiled, pulling Naruto up from the bed.
Seeing his disheveled state, she dragged him to the bathroom.
"Come on, brush your teeth and wash your face."
"Your sister's gonna make you a feast for dinner!"
Izumi's encouragement caught Naruto off guard, landing him in front of the mirror.
Staring at his weary reflection and recalling her words, a spark lit in his eyes.
[I'm Naruto Uzumaki. I don't live for others.]
[I don't care what they think. I live for myself.]
[I get it now, Sis. I won't give up my dream of becoming Hokage because of their hate!]
Words surged in Naruto's heart as he faced his reflection.
Splashing cold water on his face, he felt instantly revitalized.
The grinning Naruto was back. He glanced at Izumi, bustling in the kitchen.
Watching her pull out ingredients one by one warmed his heart.
The thought of a delicious meal made his stomach rumble.
He quickly brushed his teeth and washed up, while Izumi hummed cheerfully, preparing dinner.
Knock, knock, knock!
Freshly washed and dressed, Naruto stepped out of the bathroom to another knock at the door.
Izumi and Naruto exchanged a puzzled look, unsure who it could be.
When Naruto opened the door, his expression turned odd at the sight of the visitor.
"All good, Naruto?"
"Is it your friend?"
Izumi, holding a ladle, came over and paused at the familiar face.
She recognized the cool-looking boy—the younger brother of her peer, Itachi Uchiha.
Beneath his aloof exterior was a kid who adored his big brother.
"Sasuke? How'd you know where I live?"
Naruto asked, bewildered, staring at Sasuke Uchiha.
It was the first time so many people had visited his home.
Izumi's visits were normal—she occasionally cleaned for him—but cooking was a first.
Spurred by Hinata Hyuga's bento, she'd declared she'd show off her skills.
"You didn't come to school, so the teacher asked me to check on you."
"Oh, and you're marked absent today."
Sasuke turned his head, a bit shy under their stares.
"Alright, alright, Sasuke hasn't eaten yet, right?"
"Come in and join us. Naruto's never had friends over, have you?"
Izumi chuckled at Sasuke's tsundere act.
He reminded her of Itachi—the brothers were so alike.
She pulled Sasuke inside.
The apartment was small, just a bedroom and a living area.
As they sat, Izumi brought out a large pot.
Steam bubbled from it, and before the lid was lifted, Naruto and Sasuke were eager.
Naruto had never tried Izumi's cooking.
Sasuke rarely ate out growing up.
But when the lid came off, a peculiar smell made them wince.
It wasn't the savory aroma of food but a cloying sweetness.
"Sis, what is this?"
Naruto stared at the pot's contents. Hungry all day, he felt a bit queasy.
Inside were pork, carrots, greens, and even Naruto's beloved ramen.
"This is my special ramen! I bought handmade noodles from Ichiraku's."
"And I added my favorite sticky rice dumplings… though they might've melted."
Izumi proudly presented it, serving each a heaping bowl.
"Uh… since it's ramen…"
"It can't be that bad, right?"
(End of Chapter)