Beneath the Boughs

The quiet hum of the Hoshizora household was broken by Daichi's voice, sharp yet tempered with restraint.

"Mother, bringing the children there was reckless," Daichi said, his tone carrying both frustration and concern. "Even if you thought it was safe, we had no way of knowing for sure."

Grandma Sachi sat across from him, her posture calm as she sipped her tea. "And yet it was you who left the cage doors wide open for Kaito to stumble into this world," she said, her words cutting but softened by a faint smirk. "He's not a fool, Daichi. Smarter than most his age. You can't shield him forever."

Daichi's hands clenched into fists on the table. "That doesn't mean we should expose him unnecessarily. He's a child, Mother. He deserves a chance at normalcy."

Yuriko, who had been listening quietly while arranging plates for dinner, finally spoke. "I've seen what being a shinobi has done to you, Daichi. The risks you've taken, the scars you've carried, all to protect this village and us. If Kaito decides to pursue that path, I'll support him, but I'll ask only one thing."

She turned toward Kaito, her eyes warm but firm. "Do it with care, my love. Always think of the people waiting for you. Focus on surviving, no matter how strong or capable you think you are. Because strength means nothing if you don't come home."

Daichi looked at his wife, his expression softening. He sighed and rubbed his temples before speaking again. "If Kaito wants to walk away from this cursed shinobi world, I'd gladly let him. I've seen enough bloodshed to last several lifetimes. There's no shame in wanting to live a peaceful life."

His gaze landed on Kaito, and his voice softened. "I see so much of your mother in you, Kaito. Her kindness, her sharpness. You could be something extraordinary, not just as a ninja but as someone who brings joy to the world in other ways. The world is filled with amazing places where warmth brings people together—civilians, shinobi, even ANBU. You could be that for this village in your own way, as a baker."

Kaito's mind went straight to Ichiraku Ramen and the lives it affected because of two of the hardest working people in the entire series. But before he could respond, his system chimed softly, pulling up a translucent screen.

[Mission: Between Shadows and Hearths] Objective: Decide your life pathway between the dark side of ninjas or the lighter blissful life of a bakery

Pursue the ninja path (0/1)

Pursue the civilian life (0/1)

??? (0/1)

Rewards:

Start training early and unlock ninjutsu skills (Ninja Path ONLY)Start being trained solely in the culinary arts (Civilian Path ONLY)???

Failure:

Live in your parents' basement until you're 40 and die alone.

Kaito blinked at the screen. The "???" reward caught his attention again, igniting a mix of curiosity and frustration. What could it be? he wondered.

Grandma Sachi had been quiet for most of the discussion, her gaze thoughtful. Kaito looked at her, waiting for her input, but she remained silent. Instead, she gave him a small, almost imperceptible nudge.

"Think about it carefully, Kaito," she said finally. "Whichever path you choose, we'll start your training soon. You're sharper than most children, and it would be a shame to waste that potential."

Later that evening, Grandma Sachi called Kaito to her room. He entered hesitantly, but she gestured for him to sit by her side.

"Do you know much about your grandfather?" she asked, her voice softer than usual.

Kaito shook his head. "Not really," he admitted.

Sachi's lips curved into a wistful smile. "He was a man of many…. contradictions. A shinobi who loved adventure more than missions. A fighter who preferred creating over destroying. He had a habit of poking his nose where it didn't belong, which often led to… disagreements with Tobirama. But somehow, those disagreements forged a friendship."

"With the Second Hokage?" Kaito repeated, his eyes widening.

Sachi chuckled. "Yes. Your grandfather was a Fūinjutsu fanatic, you see. He loved everything about seals—creating them, studying them, testing their limits. It drove Tobirama mad sometimes. But in the end, even he respected your grandfather's ingenuity."

'Mental note to find Grandpa's notes later.'

She leaned back, her gaze distant. "When your grandfather retired as a shinobi, he didn't stop being himself. He travelled, learned new crafts, and brought his knowledge back to the village. He never saw life as just one thing. That's the lesson I want you to understand, Kaito. You don't have to be just a ninja or just a baker. There's capacity to be both, but starting young will give you the freedom to decide how far you'll go."

Kaito nodded slowly, her words sinking in. Just then, his system chimed again, revealing the third hidden reward:

[Third Reward Unlocked: Choose the best of both worlds. 

Forge your own path as an adventurer. Be a ninja who journeys the world, seeking quests and discovering the joy of life's simple moments. Balance the blade and the art of nourishing minds and bodies, shaping a legacy uniquely yours.]

Kaito stared at the screen, a small smile creeping across his face. Maybe there's a way to make this work after all.

Kaito lay in bed, the glow of the system's translucent screen hovering faintly in his vision as he browsed [NoodleNet] with the house quiet except for the occasional creak of settling wood. He wasn't looking for ninja techniques or advanced chakra control. Tonight, he searched for something more personal.

The Third Ninja War was raging on the horizon, and even as a two-year-old with a mind far older, Kaito couldn't ignore its implications. What would happen to their family if his father didn't come back from battle one day? Could his mother bear the weight of such a loss? They were well-off financially—enough to weather most storms—but emotionally, it was a different story.

'If I became a ninja,' Kaito thought, 'I could contribute to Konoha, keep them safe, and maybe change a few things. But at what cost?' He imagined his mother's cheerful disposition fading into something hollow. Financial security wouldn't be enough to shield her from grief. The idea of stepping into his father's place both frightened and motivated him.

His thoughts spiralled until a soft rustling pulled him out of his reverie. Grandma Sachi stood in the doorway, her sharp eyes gleaming even in the dim light.

"What are you doing up, Kaito?" she asked, her tone gentle but curious.

Kaito minimised the screen. "Just… thinking," he replied.

Her lips curved into a knowing smile. "Come with me," she said.

Downstairs, the warm scent of baked goods lingered faintly in the air as they stepped into Yuriko's bakery. Kaito's mother was sitting at the counter, staring intently at a notepad covered in messy scrawls and half-drawn sketches. A slight frown marred her usually sunny demeanour.

"Yuriko," Sachi called softly.

Yuriko looked up, startled, before smiling weakly. "Oh, mother. Kaito! What are you doing up?"

"I could ask you the same," Sachi replied, her voice light. "What's troubling you?"

Yuriko sighed, tapping her pencil against the counter. "It's this heat. No one wants hot pastries or bread right now. I've been wracking my brain for something suitable for summer, but I'm coming up empty."

As if on cue, the system chimed softly in Kaito's mind.

[Mission: The Confectionery Challenge

Help Yuriko find a unique dessert for the summer in Konoha. The dessert must be suitable for hot weather.

Rewards:

+100 EXP

+5 REP with Yuriko

Unlocking new skill: [Basic Culinary Arts]

Failure:

Civilian route locked forever.]

Kaito tilted his head, a mischievous idea forming. "Mum," he began, his tone sly, "what if I told you I had a dream about the perfect dessert?"

Yuriko raised an eyebrow. "A dream? Really?"

"Yup," Kaito said with exaggerated confidence. "It was cold, creamy, and lasted longer than shaved ice. And it was shaped like… um, long sticks, but not too long. Kind of like torches but tastier!"

Yuriko blinked, clearly trying to make sense of his rambling description. "Torches…? Kaito, are you sure you didn't just dream about a candle?"

"No, no, no!" Kaito said, waving his hands dramatically. "It's like this…" He darted over to the counter and grabbed a rolling pin, holding it up like a trophy. "But smaller! And cold. And maybe with some nuts on top."

Yuriko stifled a laugh. "Okay, my little Master Chef, enlighten me on how we're supposed to make this.""

Kaito discretely reopened [NoodleNet], pulling up the recipe for kulfi he had found earlier. The montage that followed was nothing short of chaotic brilliance.

-

"No, not like that, Mum! More milk!" Kaito exclaimed, pointing dramatically at the pot on the stove.

"Kaito, it's already half full!" Yuriko protested.

"It's supposed to be half full, just like in my dream!" Kaito shot back, earning a chuckle from Sachi, who was observing from the corner with a bemused smile.

-

The next step involved flavouring the mixture. "More cardamom!" Kaito declared, handing Yuriko a pinch.

"This better not taste like soap," Yuriko muttered as she stirred.

-

Finally, they hunted around the bakery for something that could work as moulds. Kaito spotted a few hollow bamboo sticks in the corner, likely intended for decoration, and grinned. "Perfect! Ninja scroll holders." he declared. Yuriko gave him a sceptical look but relented, carefully pouring the mixture into the bamboo sticks and sealing them with parchment and string. "No, no, longer shapes! It's gotta look like a… ninja scroll. Yeah, a ninja scroll of flavour!"

Yuriko burst into laughter, finally relaxing as she placed the moulds in the freezer. "Well, ninja scrolls or not, let's see if your dream dessert is worth all this trouble."

Hours later, the kulfi was ready. Yuriko held up one of the creamy, frozen treats, her eyes wide with surprise as she tasted it. "This… this is actually good," she said, a note of wonder in her voice.

"It's so smooth," she added, taking another bite. "And the flavour… it's light but distinct. Kaito, you might be onto something here."

Kaito puffed out his chest proudly. "Told you, didn't I? My dreams never lie."

Sachi leaned against the counter, smirking. "He's certainly inherited your flair for improvisation, Yuriko. Although," she added, shooting Kaito a knowing look, "your 'dreams' might just have had a little help."

Kaito blinked innocently. "Dreams don't need help, Grandma. They're dreams!"

The kitchen settled into a comfortable quiet, the smell of cardamom and milk still lingering in the air. Yuriko carefully placed the rest of the kulfi in the freezer, her earlier frustration replaced with a satisfied smile. Kaito couldn't help but feel a swell of pride as he watched her. He'd managed to bring something to the table—even if it was just dessert.

Just as Yuriko was sealing the last bamboo scrolls of kulfi into the freezer, the distinct sound of spirited shouting echoed down the street. Kaito glanced toward the bakery's open door and saw two figures darting past, their movements so synchronized it was almost mesmerizing.

"YOUTH!" the booming voice rang out, shaking the glass jars on the counter.

Kaito squinted, recognizing the unmistakable silhouettes of Might Duy and his son, Guy. Their distinctive bowl cuts shone under the harsh summer sun, sweat glistening as they sprinted by. Even from a distance, Kaito could hear their enthusiastic banter.

"Father," Guy panted, struggling to keep up. "It's so hot today… but it's not enough to quench our youthful fire!"

Duy's laughter boomed. "Exactly, my boy! The heat is but another challenge to overcome with SPIRIT! Let it fuel your passion!"

Kaito couldn't help but roll his eyes. 'Do they ever stop?' But then he noticed Guy slowing slightly, his panting a little heavier than usual. A mischievous grin spread across Kaito's face.

He stepped just outside the door, holding one of the freshly made kulfis aloft. "WOW," he said loudly, "THIS DESSERT TASTES AMAAAZINGGG AND IT'S SO COOOLLDDDD!"

The shout was perfectly timed as Miyu and her mother turned the corner, heading toward the bakery.

"DID YOU SAY DESSERT?" Miyu perked up immediately, her curious eyes locking onto the dessert in Kaito's hand. "Mama, can we get some pleeeaase?" she asked, tugging at her mother's sleeve.

The commotion caught Duy and Guy's attention. Guy skidded to a stop, staring at the treat with wide eyes. "Father," he said breathlessly, "what is that?"

Duy followed his son's gaze and grinned. "That, my boy, appears to be a youthful delight! Let us investigate!"

Before Kaito could blink, the two of them were in the bakery, their energy overwhelming the small space.

"Greetings, fellow enthusiasts of life!" Duy exclaimed, his hands on his hips. "We hear you have discovered a dessert worthy of this glorious summer day!"

Yuriko blinked, momentarily stunned by their intensity. "Uh, yes, we… we just made this," she said, holding up a kulfi. "Would you like to try it?"

"Would we?!" Guy practically shouted. "Father, this might be the treat we've been dreaming of!"

Duy nodded sagely. "Indeed, my son. A cold dessert to counterbalance the heat of our training—a true testament to the balance of life!"

Kaito handed each of them a kulfi, watching their reactions with barely concealed amusement. The moment Guy took a bite, his eyes widened in awe.

"It's so cold!" Guy exclaimed, his voice filled with wonder. "And delicious! This is the perfect fuel for our youthful journey!"

Duy took his own bite and let out a booming laugh. "Exquisite! A dessert worthy of legends!" He turned to Yuriko with a dramatic bow. "Madam, you have outdone yourself. We shall eat 9 of these COOLFEEL and then sprint across the village, proclaiming its greatness to all who will listen!"

"NINE?!" Yuriko blurted out, clearly alarmed.

Kaito couldn't resist chiming in. "It's KULFI, and you'd better make it 10. You need an even number for balance, right?"

Dai and Guy both nodded enthusiastically. "He's right!" Guy said. "Father, this young man understands the power of symmetry!"

Yuriko sighed, shaking her head. "Fine. But I'll give you a discount for the… marketing."

Dai's eyes sparkled. "A generous offer! Come, my son, let us devour these COOLFEELS and spread the word of their magnificence with the power of YOUTH!"

'sigh'

The duo gave simultaneous thumbs-ups before sprinting out the door, shouting about coolfeels™️ and YOUTH at the top of their lungs. The sound of their voices echoed down the street, drawing curious glances from passersby.

The bakery was filled with lively chatter as Miyu and her mother stayed to enjoy the dessert, alongside a few curious villagers drawn in by the commotion outside. Miyu was ecstatic, her small feet barely touching the floor as she devoured her treat with the enthusiasm only a child could muster. "Kaito, this is so good! How did you come up with this?" she asked, her words muffled by a mouthful of kulfi.

Kaito shrugged, trying to look nonchalant. "It was nothing," he said, though his tone betrayed his pride. "Just something I dreamed up."

Miyu squinted at him suspiciously. "You mean you just thought of this in your sleep? That doesn't sound right!"

Grandma Sachi, who had been quietly observing, chuckled softly. "Seems you're picking up more of your grandfather's flair for the dramatic than I expected," she said, sitting down beside him.

Kaito grinned. "Maybe it runs in the family."

As the noise ebbed, Sachi's expression shifted, her gaze distant. "Some things never change," she murmured, almost to herself.

Kaito caught the comment and turned to her, curious. "What do you mean, Grandma?"

She shook her head, her expression soft but unreadable. "Just memories," she said simply.

Kaito filed the thought away, making a mental note to ask her about it later. For now, he found himself oddly inspired by Duy and Guy's unrelenting energy. 'If I do choose the ninja path,' he thought, 'I might need to copy some of their techniques. Maybe not their level of enthusiasm....'

The bakery hummed with life, a whirlwind of laughter, chatter, and the occasional clink of ryo on the counter. Yuriko worked tirelessly behind the counter, a content smile finally gracing her face as she served one delighted customer after another as they came and went, each savouring the refreshing coolfeel that had taken the village by storm and Kaito couldn't help but feel a swell of pride. His simple suggestion had turned a hot summer day into a moment of joy for so many people. 

Among the bustling crowd, a few notable faces stood out. 

Fugaku Uchiha entered, his stoic expression softening ever so slightly as he held the door open for Mikoto. They found a quiet corner, their matching smiles subtle but warm as they enjoyed their treats. Kaito watched them, his sharp eyes catching how Fugaku's gaze lingered on Mikoto a little longer than necessary. He filed it away, grinning to himself. 'Guess even the toughest need a lil dessert to sweeten the deal.

An Aburame clan member approached the counter next, his kikaichū buzzing softly around him. Yuriko handed him his coolfeel with a polite smile, but it was his comment that caught Kaito's attention.

"An interesting blend," the man said, his voice calm. "Even my kikaichū seem intrigued by the melody of flavours."

"Uh, thank you?" Yuriko replied, uncertain how to take the compliment.

Kaito stifled a laugh as he imagined the little bugs licking their tiny mandibles in delight. 'That's one way to broaden your customer base' he thought.

As the day wore on, the bakery buzzed with more activity than it had seen in months. Grandma Sachi moved gracefully through the crowd, balancing trays of coolfeels and taking orders with an ease born of experience. Kaito watched her and Yuriko in awe, the two women working seamlessly despite the chaos.

His attention shifted when a few coolfeels were noticed missing, a small pile of ryo left behind on the counter. A folded note accompanied the money, adorned with crude sketches of a weasel, wolf, and bear.

"Thanks for the treat." the note read.

Kaito squinted at it, his brain working overtime. ANBU? Or just really weird customers? He tucked the note into his pocket, making another mental note to investigate later.

The rush finally subsided as the sun dipped low in the sky.

As the last of the lively crowd filtered out, Kaito felt a familiar ping in his mind. The translucent system screen appeared before him, announcing:

[Mission Complete: The Confectionery Challenge

Rewards:

+100 EXP

+5 REP with Yuriko

New Skill Unlocked: [Basic Culinary Arts]

*DING*

[LEVEL UP!]

[Name: Kaito Hoshizora] [Lvl 9]

[Class: The Gamer]

[Title: Re-Life Player]

[Affiliation: None]

[HP: 260/260] [CP: 130/130]

[STR: 6]

[VIT: 26] 

[DEX: 6]

[INT: 13 (73)] 

[WIS: 7 (33)] 

[CHA: 30] 

[LUK: ??] 

[Status: Re-Life Player (10x EXP Multiplier until you reach Lvl 10), ? (+3 VIT & +1 LUK per Level), ? (+2 CHA & increased likeability with ?)]

[Kaito Hoshizora is a player in the world of Naruto, and is the son of Yuriko Hoshizora and Daichi Hoshizora. He regrets how abruptly his life ended and is determined to live this one to the fullest, touching lives of those around him in the best way possible. He is ecstatic at having finished his first proper mission before he even became a ninja.]

[EXP Required Until Next Level: 1000]

[Stat Points Left: 46]

[Ryo: Make sure you patent the CoolFeels, might be some money there.]

[SKILLS]

[Gamer's Mind (S) (Passive) LV MAX]

[Gamer's Body (S) (Passive) LV MAX]

[Speech (F) (Active/Passive) LV9 EXP: 86.8%]

[Analysis (D) (Active) LV12 EXP: 4.06%]

[Walking (E) (Active) LV12 EXP: 5.00%]

[Bloodlust (D) (Passive) LV3 EXP: 17.23%]

[Sticky Fingers (D) (Active) LV17 EXP 2.21%]

[Chakra Control (E) (Passive/Active) LV10 EXP: 1.50%]

[Basic Culinary Arts (F) (Passive) LV01 EXP: 0.00%] *NEW*

The foundation of cooking skills, allowing the user to prepare simple and edible meals with minimal effort.

Kaito grinned at the glowing notification, a sense of pride welling up within him. 'Not too shabby for a two-year-old.' he thought, imagining how he'd distribute the points later. For now, though, there were more pressing matters to attend to. Yuriko retreated to the kitchen to clean up and ready up for the day tomorrow, her movements efficient but robotic. Kaito followed her, his sharp gaze catching the slight droop in her shoulders and the tight line of her lips.

"Mum?" he asked, tugging gently on her apron.

She glanced down at him, her smile quick but unconvincing. "What is it, Kaito? Are you hungry again?"

"No," he said firmly. "You look sad."

Yuriko froze, her hands gripping the edge of the counter. "I'm not sad," she said quickly. Too quickly.

Kaito crossed his arms, his small face serious. "Lying isn't good for your health, Mum. Grandma says it gives you wrinkles."

Yuriko huffed a small laugh despite herself, but it quickly faded. "I… I've just been tired, Kaito. That's all."

"You weren't tired before," he pointed out. "Not like this. You used to sing when you baked, remember? Now you're all… quiet."

She sighed, turning away to wash her hands. "It's different now. After you were born… I've felt… off. Sometimes I look at the dough, the flour, the oven, and it just feels… heavy."

"Heavy like a boulder?" Kaito asked, trying to piece it together.

"Yes," she whispered. "Like a boulder I can't push away. And I don't know why. I love you, Kaito. I love your father, this family… but sometimes it's hard to…" She trailed off, her voice cracking.

Kaito frowned, stepping closer. "Mum, you don't have to do everything by yourself. You always say it's okay to ask for help, right? So… maybe you should, too."

Yuriko turned to him, her eyes misty. "Kaito, you're too smart for your age, you know that?"

Before he could respond, Grandma Sachi appeared in the doorway, her arms crossed. "He gets it from me," she said with a small smile.

Yuriko shook her head, wiping her eyes. "I'm fine, Mother."

"No, you're not," Sachi replied gently. She stepped into the kitchen and placed a hand on Yuriko's shoulder. "And that's okay. You've been carrying so much for so long. But you're not alone. We're here for you, all of us."

Yuriko sniffed, her lips trembling. "It's just… hard. I feel like I should be stronger."

"Strength isn't about doing everything on your own," Sachi said. "It's about knowing when to lean on those who love you. Let us help."

Kaito nodded vigorously. "Yeah, Mum! You can lean on me, too! I'm small but strong!" He flexed his tiny arms for emphasis, earning a watery laugh from Yuriko.

"Thank you," Yuriko said, her voice soft but sincere. She pulled Kaito into a hug, her arms wrapping around him tightly. "Thank you both."

Sachi smiled, her eyes warm. "Always, Yuriko. Always."

Later that night, as Kaito lay in his bed, staring at the ceiling as the events of the day replayed in his mind. The laughter of customers, the warmth of his family, and the heavy conversation with his mother swirled together, forming an intricate tapestry of choices and consequences. The system's notifications flickered faintly in his vision, but his focus was elsewhere.

He clenched his small fists, determination hardening his features. He had made his decision.

The system chimed softly, as though it could sense his resolve.

[Mission Updated: Between Shadows and Hearths]

Kaito exhaled slowly, his lips curling into a faint, knowing smile. Tomorrow… tomorrow, everything begins.