After bringing Naruto to the Uchiha household, Ryosuke explained everything that had happened earlier to Mikoto.
Upon hearing it all, Mikoto's expression darkened with anger.
"Those little brats… How dare they hurt Naruto like that?" she muttered, fuming. "You did the right thing, Ryosuke. They deserved the punishment."
She glanced at Naruto's bandaged forehead and her heart ached. "Kushina and Minato gave their lives to protect this village. How could their child be treated like this?"
To her, even a five-year sentence felt lenient. Seeing such thick bandages on such a young child—it wasn't just bullying; it bordered on attempted murder.
She also felt guilty—ashamed that she hadn't even realized Minato and Kushina's son was still alive. She had done nothing for him, not even offered a kind word. That wasn't just neglect—it was a betrayal of old friends.
Even Fugaku, typically reserved and stoic, clenched his fists.
"A Jinchūriki should be under strict protection by the village. Don't tell me the Third Hokage didn't assign any guards to watch over him?"
Ryosuke shook his head, his face solemn.
"I have no idea what Hiruzen is thinking," he said. "Naruto's the strongest asset in this village—yet no one's protecting him. Worse, they let the villagers scorn him. It's like they want him to go rogue."
He sighed, then added, "That's why I brought him here. From now on, the Uchiha clan will raise him."
"If Hiruzen won't do his job, then we will. Here, in our compound, no one dares to lay a finger on him."
Fugaku's expression brightened.
"Excellent idea. If Naruto lives here, nobody will dare mistreat him again."
Not only was Naruto the son of the Fourth Hokage, but he was also the Nine-Tails' Jinchūriki. No one in the clan would be foolish enough to cross him.
More than that, Fugaku realized—raising Naruto in the Uchiha compound could actually benefit the clan. Earning his loyalty early would strengthen the bond between Naruto and the Uchiha. Politically and strategically, this was a win-win.
"Ryosuke," Mikoto interjected, "you already train hard alone every day. Taking care of a child on top of that would be a lot. Let Naruto live here—with us. I'll make sure he's looked after properly. It's the least I can do for Kushina."
Ryosuke nodded appreciatively. He had complete faith in Mikoto.
"That depends on Naruto," he said, turning to the boy. "What do you think? Would you be okay with staying here?"
Though still a child, Naruto was sharp enough to see the kindness in Mikoto's eyes. She was warm, safe… motherly.
Ryosuke was clearly a busy person. If he stayed with him, Naruto worried he might just be a burden.
"Ryosuke-nii, I'd like that."
Mikoto beamed.
"Great! From now on, this is your home. You'll live well here, I promise. You can call me Aunt Mikoto. And as for that super-serious man over there—just call him Uncle Fugaku."
Fugaku gave a tired sigh.
"That's just my face…"
Naruto bowed his head politely. "Thank you, Aunt Mikoto. Thank you, Uncle Fugaku."
Mikoto's smile grew wider.
"You're such a sweet boy. Oh! I almost forgot—I have a son about your age. You two might become good friends."
Ryosuke smirked knowingly. 'Sasuke… yeah, that checks out.'
In the original timeline, Naruto and Sasuke were destined to be best friends and eternal rivals—a classic case of "frenemies." Maybe here, with better beginnings, they could grow even stronger together.
"Fugaku-sama, Mikoto-san," Ryosuke said formally. "I'll leave Naruto in your care."
"You can rest easy," Mikoto replied. "I'll make sure nothing happens to him. Not a scratch."
Feeling reassured, Ryosuke turned and left.
But as he neared the compound entrance, a gate guard rushed toward him.
"Ryosuke-sama! There's a woman outside the gate. She insists on speaking with you—she's been begging non-stop."
The guard seemed hesitant, clearly unsure if she should have even reported this. But the woman's persistence had worn her down.
Ryosuke raised an eyebrow.
"A woman? Who?"
He racked his brain but couldn't think of anyone. Maybe Yugao? But that didn't seem right. She hadn't shown any romantic interest, and their contact had been limited. She was a spy planted by Hiruzen anyway.
Couldn't be her.
Still… whoever it was, he was curious now.
"Alright. I'll meet her."
At the Uchiha Clan's main gate stood a young woman wearing round glasses and a nun's-style outfit. She looked anxious, fidgeting as she waited.
It was Nonō Yakushi.
She spotted Ryosuke approaching and her eyes lit up—equal parts hope and desperation.
She hadn't come on a whim. She was the head of an orphanage and had been struggling for weeks. The children hadn't had proper meals in days. When she saw Ryosuke stand up for Naruto earlier, she realized—this was someone who actually cared.
Maybe… just maybe… he would help them too.
When Ryosuke arrived and saw her, he immediately recognized her. A glimmer of surprise crossed his face.
'Nonō Yakushi… she was one of Danzō's people, wasn't she?'
In the original timeline, she and her adopted son Kabuto had been forced into tragedy—manipulated into fighting each other, not even recognizing one another. That was the moment that pushed Kabuto toward darkness.
But Danzō was dead now. Ryosuke had already taken him out.
Perhaps he could rewrite this woman's fate.
She wasn't a bad person. In fact, she had a good heart. And… she was kind of cute. Not that he'd ever say it out loud.
She stepped forward nervously.
"Uchiha Ryosuke… may I speak with you privately?"
He nodded. "Of course."
They walked about 50 meters from the gate before she finally spoke, her voice soft but determined.
"I… I run an orphanage. But we've run out of funds. The children haven't had proper food in days."
Her eyes pleaded with him.
"Earlier today… when I saw how you defended that child… I knew you might understand. Could I ask you to help us? Even a little?"
Ryosuke blinked, then smiled faintly.
So that was it.
She wasn't here for herself. She just wanted the orphans to have something to eat.
That was noble.
Feeding some kids wasn't a big deal, honestly—it wouldn't even cost much.
"Of course," he said casually. "It's not a difficult request."
Nonō's eyes widened in joy.
"Really?! Thank you! Anything you ask in return—I'll do it."
Ryosuke smirked, playfully.
"Anything? Alright… I do have one condition."
Her eyes were still hopeful. "Anything."
"Well then… mind if I take a look… under that outfit? Just curious."
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