Chapter 25. Ungrateful Kakashi

"Ah, bliss..."

Naruto made a loud sucking sound, expressing his extreme happiness.

Natsuki enjoyed a bowl of tonkotsu ramen, savoring the delicious soup.

Sitting next to them, Sasuke ordered some snacks to accompany his meal.

As Naruto neared the end of his feast, the curtain swayed open, revealing a ninja with silver hair with a mask. Kakashi arrived and took a seat in the corner.

"Boss, please, a bowl of miso barbecued pork noodles," Kakashi requested.

Natsuki turned his head and glanced at Kakashi, noting the Hokage's seemingly nervous behavior. Even Kakashi had been assigned to watch over them.

"Hiccup..."

Naruto burped, then clasped his hands together.

"Thanks for the treat!"

The Uzumaki clan's incredible physique was evident as Naruto effortlessly consumed a massive bowl of ramen, twice the size of his head, filled with generous ingredients.

Even Natsuki, accustomed to eating a lot, found it impressive that Naruto had finished the meal. After all, Naruto was only 5 years old.

Naruto loved eating ramen at Ichiraku for its delicious taste and because Teuchi and Ayame treated him without discrimination.

Additionally, the ramen here was affordable, making it the perfect place for Naruto to enjoy a satisfying meal.

"Naruto, are you full?" Natsuki asked with a smile.

"Hey, Natsuki-senpai, I'm full." Naruto touched his belly, feeling a sense of happiness he had never experienced before.

"Naruto, Sasuke mentioned that you're often mischievous," Natsuki remarked.

Sasuke was puzzled, wondering how Natsuki knew this about Naruto when they had just met today. However, Natsuki's expression silenced him.

"I, um... hahaha." Naruto scratched his head in embarrassment. He couldn't reveal that his pranks were attempts to gain attention.

"I'm sorry, Natsuki-senpai. I won't be naughty anymore."

Natsuki didn't reprimand him. Instead, he called Ayame over, saying, "Excuse me, please bring the bill."

Natsuki pulled out twenty 1,000-Ryo bills and handed them to her.

She waved her hands repeatedly, saying, "We only need 320 ryo in total."

Ichiraku Ramen was known for its affordability. Aside from the Grand Slam at 200 ryo, Natsuki and Sasuke's orders amounted to only 60 ryo.

Natsuki waved his hand dismissively, saying, "There's plenty of money here. Whenever Naruto and Sasuke come here in the future, let them eat as they please, and the expenses can be deducted from this."

"Is this... acceptable?" She hesitated, glancing at Teuchi , who nodded with a smile before taking the money.

"Naruto, I've set aside some money here. You and Sasuke can freely enjoy your meals."

"Why? I just can't take your money." Naruto was taken aback.

Natsuki wore a stern expression, "Who said anything about asking for money? You're Sasuke's friend. While Sasuke eats, are you just going to watch?"

"Ninja school will start soon, and you and Sasuke will have classes every day. It'll be more convenient for you to eat here in the future."

"Ah... oh... I see..."

Naruto sensed that something was off but couldn't figure it out. Natsuki, wearing a smile again, said, "Sasuke doesn't have many friends, so I'm counting on you to play with him often. Also, no causing trouble, and study hard when you go to school."

Naruto eagerly replied, "Sure thing! I'll play with Sasuke a lot, and I'll study hard!"

Naruto didn't dwell on puzzling matters. This was the first time someone had asked for his help, and he felt a surge of motivation, experiencing warmth and happiness in his heart.

Sasuke, with a slight smirk, commented, "Who asked him to come play with me?"

Natsuki, accustomed to Sasuke's attitude, shook his head and guided the two children out.

Kakashi quickly finished his noodles and followed them.

They walked along the road, and the Third Hokage urgently summoned Kakashi to understand why Natsuki was suddenly so kind to Naruto, questioning his intentions and motives.

Unaware of the unfolding intrigue, Natsuki treated Naruto to ramen and then led him to Konoha's Eighth Street, packed with Uchiha shops.

It was the busiest street now, given the Uchiha security forces patrolling the area.

As they strolled down the street, everyone respectfully saluted Natsuki, addressing him as "Natsuki-sama." Natsuki acknowledged them with a wave.

Arriving at the street corner, Natsuki sensed growing tension with Kakashi and the increasing number of ANBU. He decided to avoid a conflict with ANBU for the time being.

Natsuki handed a wad of money to Sasuke, instructing him, "Buy some new clothes for yourself since you've been away for a while. Get two sets, and get two more for your friend Naruto. I have something to attend to; I'll be back later."

Sasuke, rolling his eyes, seemed unsure if he understood Natsuki's unspoken message.

Exiting the street, Natsuki informed the nearby Uchiha, "ANBU will come to see Naruto shortly, so don't worry about it."

The Uchiha security team member saluted in acknowledgment.

After walking a distance, Natsuki called out, "Come out, Kakashi."

Kakashi appeared and questioned, "Deputy Chief, what is your purpose in approaching Naruto?"

Natsuki eyed Kakashi from head to toe. Kakashi was still in his ANBU attire without a mask, the forehead protector covering his left eye, and his exposed eye looking lifeless.

Recalling Naruto's harsh past, Natsuki felt disgust toward Kakashi. Suddenly, he jumped in front of Kakashi and kicked him to the ground.

With a sarcastic tone, Natsuki remarked, "It's great!"

Kakashi, with an angry expression, asked, "Natsuki! Why did you attack me!"

In a sarcastic tone, Natsuki replied, "Why did I attack you?"

"Because you are ungrateful and cruel. Admit it..." He curled his lips, choosing not to say the last words.

"Me!? Ungrateful!?" Kakashi looked puzzled. "I don't even know you. How can you call me ungrateful?"

Natsuki touched his chin, scrutinizing Kakashi from head to toe and then from bottom to top. 

What the heck is this? This is Hatake Sakumo's son?

"Aren't you a disciple of Namikaze Minato?"

"So what?" This was not a secret; everyone in the Uchiha clan knew about it.

"You also know that you are a disciple of Namikaze Minato." Natsuki had a sinister look on his face.

"His son is bullied every day and eats expired food. Are you blind and can't see it?"

Kakashi was silent for a moment. "It's the Third Hokage's order, Naruto..."

Xia Mu impatiently exclaimed, "Does this have anything to do with him eating junk food and expired items every day?"

"He has grown so big, yet he lacks decent clothes, proper food, and sufficient warmth. The third Hokage really knows how to take care of the fourth Hokage's kid. He truly takes care of your master's son."

"Seeing the third Hokage occupying your master's property, witnessing Naruto starve and suffer, eating expired milk and lunches mixed with sand. Are you indifferent? You are the only one who should compensate. You really disgust me."

"I..." Kakashi was speechless; he really had nothing to say.

Since Obito's death, he had been extremely heavy, living a life like a zombie every day.

Every day, he mechanically performed tasks, not even taking good care of himself, let alone Naruto.

Sandaime said he would do whatever needed to be done, without thinking or reflecting.

Kakashi cheered up, "That's not the reason for you to approach Naruto."

Natsuki waved his hand, "When I was a child, Kushina-nee helped me. I just want Naruto to eat well and dress well. You're overthinking; I'm not as uncaring as you are."

"It doesn't matter how the ANBU monitors me."

Kakashi relaxed completely, his expression a little complicated.

Natsuki clasped his hands behind his head and walked towards Eighth Street leisurely, saying, "But if Naruto feels that Uchiha treats him better in the future, that is Naruto's business."

Kakashi was shocked!