Chapter 8: Taking a Little Brother
"No!!!"
"You say it's the same as the rumors, but then you say no?"
Naruto rolled his eyes. "If you have something to say, just say it. I'm busy and don't have time for games."
"Ahem."
Konohamaru cleared his throat and declared, "Because I think you're different from everyone else! So I want to follow you!"
Even without using Sexy Jutsu against the Third Hokage, Naruto's unique demeanor had caught Konohamaru's attention.
As the grandson of the Third Hokage, Konohamaru had grown up surrounded by people who either pampered him, respected him, feared him, or envied him.
Naruto was the first person who treated him without any regard for his status.
With Naruto, he felt the simple joy of being treated as a normal person.
In terms of how the village treated them, however, the two boys were complete opposites — one beloved and protected by everyone, the other feared and hated.
Naruto looked at the eager boy in front of him. At first, he had no intention of taking him as a follower. In his eyes, the whole "big brother and little brother" dynamic was no different from children playing house.
But then he remembered that his pantry contained only two boxes of instant ramen. He immediately changed his mind.
Playing house it is.
Pride was far less important than a full stomach.
Bending for five measures of rice wasn't that humiliating.
"I can take you as my little brother, but I have one condition."
"I'll agree to anything!"
Seeing Konohamaru's excited face, Naruto felt mildly satisfied.
Having an obedient and respectful little brother wasn't such a bad thing.
"Don't worry, the condition isn't too harsh. Just give me your monthly allowance."
"Allowance?"
Konohamaru tilted his head, looking troubled. "But I don't have that."
Naruto raised an eyebrow, doubting the boy's words.
The grandson of the Hokage didn't have pocket money?
"Don't you buy things normally?"
"Whatever I want, I get for free."
Konohamaru scratched his head and laughed sheepishly, leaving Naruto speechless.
So this is the treatment the Hokage's grandson receives? An unlimited black card in Konoha?
"Fine, forget it. From now on, just treat me to two big meals every month."
For Konohamaru, that condition was ridiculously easy.
"No problem at all! Leave it to me, Big Brother!" Konohamaru declared, puffing out his chest.
"Perfect. I'm hungry right now. Let's go eat."
Naruto spoke calmly as he looked at Konohamaru.
It's all that stingy old Hiruzen's fault.
No matter what, he was the son of the Fourth Hokage and the hero who sealed the Nine-Tails. Even if he couldn't inherit his father's estate, the old man could at least give him more money each month.
Instead, he was stuck eating instant ramen every day, and he hadn't even grown tall.
Even after transmigrating, Naruto was still very dissatisfied with his height.
Last night he had measured himself — at twelve years old, he was barely over 140 cm.
It was completely unacceptable.
That was exactly why he was so eager to solve his food problem.
Time to make some money.
"Hehe, I'm hungry too! Big Brother, why don't you come eat at my house? Our nanny cooks really well!"
He even has a nanny…
"Whatever works."
Naruto nodded indifferently and followed Konohamaru toward the Sarutobi clan compound.
On the way, Konohamaru bombarded him with questions.
"Big Brother."
"Speak."
"Do you know any powerful ninjutsu?"
"Ninjutsu?"
Naruto thought for a moment. "You could say that."
Light Release ninjutsu counts as ninjutsu, right?
"Really? Can you teach me?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"Because my ninjutsu relies entirely on talent. No amount of effort can make you learn it. However… if you want to defeat your grandpa, I can teach you a special technique."
"A technique that can defeat Grandpa? Really?!"
"Yes, but I'll only teach you after I've eaten my fill."
"No problem, Big Brother!! I'll make sure you eat until you're full!"
Konohamaru patted his chest again and unconsciously quickened his steps.
Before long, they arrived at the Sarutobi clan grounds.
The Sarutobi territory was large, and the clan had many members.
Naruto's arrival immediately drew attention — but not the friendly kind. He could clearly feel their disgust and fear.
If Konohamaru hadn't been walking beside him, these people would probably have already driven him away.
"It's hard to imagine how the original me survived twelve years in this village," Naruto thought, frowning. He felt displeased with the Sarutobi clan members.
Still, he was here to freeload a meal. As long as they didn't openly cause trouble, he wouldn't stir any either.
Ignoring the hostile stares, he followed Konohamaru to Hiruzen's courtyard.
The Third Hokage was not home — as usual. He spent most of his time at the Hokage Residence rather than the clan compound, so it was rare for Naruto to see him here.
However, while he didn't meet Hiruzen, he did meet Konohamaru's nanny.
She was a young woman with black hair. Her face and style made her look no older than twenty. It was hard to believe she was a nanny.
"Young Master, you're back!"
Sarutobi Kijaku happily trotted over when she saw Konohamaru, but her smile froze the moment she noticed Naruto.
Why is this child here?
Kijaku was surprised and immediately grew wary.
Like most villagers, she held a strong dislike toward Naruto.
Still, with Konohamaru present, she held her tongue.
"Kijaku, Big Brother Naruto and I are hungry. Prepare something delicious!"
This boy is eating here too?
Kijaku paused for a second, then quickly recovered. She bowed slightly and smiled, "I'll prepare it right away, Young Master Konohamaru~"
With that, she jogged off. However, Naruto noticed that Kijaku kept glancing back at him warily.
If it had been the old Naruto, he might have felt hurt. But the current Naruto simply didn't care.
He was here for a free meal and had no desire to start conflict.
Besides, he couldn't control whether others liked or hated him.
As long as they didn't come looking for trouble, he would mind his own business.
"Big Brother Naruto, follow me to the dining room!"
"Alright."
Naruto nodded and walked behind Konohamaru.
Compared to the rest of the village, this kid Konohamaru was starting to look better and better in his eyes.
Indeed, how one person appeared to another needed to be viewed dialectically.
Some people might seem ordinary at first glance, but when compared to truly awful people, they suddenly looked much more appealing.
---------------------------
Support us on Patreon and gain access to 100 chapters in advance!
patreon.com/inkshield