"Hinata's affection for you has reached Recognition, and you have gained a pair of 'Winter Cold Gloves.' The girl you helped hopes your hands will no longer be cold."
Naruto blinked, slightly stunned.
He reached into his pocket and found an extra pair of gloves inside. Thick, woolen, and cozy. As soon as he put them on, warmth spread through his hands.
Is this… my golden finger?
Picking up the fish basket on the ground, Naruto scratched his head, puzzled as he studied the newly acquired "golden finger."
He had obtained a recognition system—a golden finger that, once someone's favorability for him reached a certain threshold, allowed him to randomly gain an ability from that person. The higher the favorability, the better the ability.
Recognition was just the first tier. There were higher levels: trust, loyalty unto death, and even the ability to absorb someone's battle memories, jutsu, and bloodline limits.
Helping Hinata just now had obviously earned him some favor, hence the 'Winter Cold Gloves.'
"Asura's Chakra plus the Nine-Tails plug-in wasn't enough… so now I get a new golden finger?" Naruto muttered. His face didn't change much, but internally, he couldn't help laughing.
The cheat was ridiculously simple: all he needed was recognition from someone. Yet until now, no one had truly acknowledged him—not his estranged parents, not even the Third Hokage, who saw him once in a while.
What a cruel joke, he thought.
Snow continued to fall outside.
Back home, Naruto closed the door, shutting out the wind and snow, and flopped onto the sofa, replaying today's events in his mind.
Bought food successfully. Caught a river monster of a fish with arms as long as my own. Helped Hinata. Got a useful golden finger. Life is actually looking up…
Except… why pretend to be the "Child of Prophecy," save the world, please the malicious villagers, and beg for their approval? Even without the golden finger, he had enough power.
Nine-Tails chakra plus the Uzumaki clan's insane vitality made him practically a superhuman. Fully digested, he could handle the wind, rain, and snow without breaking a sweat.
He rubbed his growling stomach and got up. Dinner time.
The main course was obvious: the river fish. Villagers might be tightfisted, but that was the best protein he could get. He seared the fish golden on both sides, poured in boiling water, added mushrooms and vegetables, and cooked plain rice as a staple.
Being a time traveler, Naruto refused to rely on instant noodles. Otherwise, severe malnutrition would hit him before he even hit puberty.
Half an hour later, Naruto carefully placed the steaming fish soup on the table, clasped his hands together, and was ready to eat.
Then—knock, knock, knock.
Naruto frowned and got up to open the door. Outside stood none other than Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, wearing his ceremonial robes. His actual guardian.
Despite his fame, the Third Hokage had no airs with Naruto—just a kind, ordinary old man. Unlike other villagers, he had the authority, resources, and respect to handle someone like Naruto.
Naruto smiled genuinely, "Grandpa Third Hokage! You finally came to see me!"
"I haven't seen you in a few days, so I thought I'd check on you," Hiruzen said with a gentle smile, stepping inside to survey Naruto's room.
Besides bringing living supplies, he also came to gauge Naruto's psychological state. After all, Naruto wasn't just the orphaned son of Minato and Kushina—he was the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki and one of Konoha's future heavy-hitters.
Hiruzen sniffed the air. "Smells good. Are you making fish soup? When did you learn to cook?"
"When you're bored, you learn things," Naruto said lightly. "Grandpa Third Hokage, want to stay for dinner?"
"I'd be foolish not to," Hiruzen said, smiling. Even the Third Hokage couldn't resist good fish soup.
Sitting down, he surveyed the room. It was immaculate. The bedding was clean, the kitchen spotless, daily items organized. For an orphan with nobody to discipline him, this was remarkable.
Hiruzen silently approved, though he sighed at the complaints he'd heard from villagers. Naruto seemed harmless, yet the village feared him anyway.
Soon, Naruto served the meal. The Third Hokage tasted a piece of fish—smooth, rich with mushroom aroma. The soup was milky and flavorful. He ate comfortably, seventy percent full in a few minutes. Only dissatisfaction: no sake to accompany it.
"Naruto, your cooking could rival an izakaya chef," Hiruzen said.
"Really? Eat more! Nobody else ever comes to my house anyway," Naruto said cheerfully.
Hiruzen almost choked on his words. Brutal honesty—classic Naruto. But seeing him eat so well, Hiruzen knew he was living decently. It was just the personality… that stubborn, mischievous personality that needed correcting.
Then Hiruzen said seriously, "Naruto, the villagers keep complaining that your pranks disrupt their lives. This isn't good behavior."
Naruto sneered inwardly. "Grandpa Hokage, I'm an orphan. They can treat me any way they want. They're not you."
Hiruzen paused, unsure how to argue with that. Naruto noticed and continued:
"Besides, they call me the Nine-Tails behind my back, hoping I die soon. Can't really oblige, can I?"
"Fox?!" Hiruzen's eyes flashed. The Nine-Tails Jinchūriki identity was secret—how could rumors reach the villagers? What if he went berserk?
Seeing Naruto calm beside him, Hiruzen softened his tone. "Who said you're a fox?"
Naruto's voice became softer, almost wistful. "Everyone says it… I'm used to it. Maybe I really am a demon fox. Otherwise… why was I born without parents? Why did everyone bully me? Why do I have no friends?"
Hiruzen frowned repeatedly. "Naruto, don't worry. No one will call you a demon fox again."
"Thanks, Grandpa Third Hokage," Naruto muttered, hope barely in his voice.
"Stay home for now. I'll send you food and some books for kids," Hiruzen added.
After eating, the Third Hokage left. Duties awaited him—Naruto's Jinchūriki status had earned him this rare visit.
Naruto watched him leave, smirking inwardly. He knew Hiruzen had telescopic observation skills and could monitor his life anytime.
He could complain about the villagers all he wanted—but the Hokage? Never.
If you want to be a good politician… first, you lose yourself. Hokage is no exception.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You can visit my Patreon page:
Patreon.com/PhoeniXcel
I upload 2 chapters daily on Patreon!
There are 20+ advanced chapters available for you to read.
Your support would be greatly appreciated.