----
Despite Naruto's shameless antics, Teuchi was a kind man.
If Naruto were the shop owner and had encountered such a blatantly greedy customer, he'd at least have spit in their ramen, if not set the dogs on them.
Fortunately, thanks to Fuu's charm, Naruto still received his special guest ramen in extra-large portions, made with sincerity and generosity.
As they slurped down their noodles, Teuchi watched them with a satisfied smile.
For him, nothing mattered more than having people appreciate his cooking.
Fuu, patting her now-full stomach, sighed deeply:
"Too much!"
She sounded like an old gang boss, completely satisfied with a feast.
Teuchi chuckled. "Come again anytime!"
Naruto continued showing Fuu around, casually taking her on a convenient detour past the Hyuga Compound.
He knocked on the gate, only to find out that Hinata wasn't home.
According to the servant who answered the door, Hinata and Hanabi had accompanied Hiashi on a trip outside the village.
Naruto wasn't surprised.
The Hyuga Clan, unlike many other shinobi clans, maintained strong connections with noble families outside Konoha.
Hiashi regularly took his daughters to "visit friends" diplomatic visits disguised as social calls.
Naruto wondered about their security detail would they be safe from ambushes?
Then again, with the Five Great Shinobi Villages forming an alliance, there shouldn't be any major threats.
Even if a minor village tried to stir up trouble, Hiashi could probably take them down alone.
With that thought, Naruto felt reassured.
Naruto and Fuu continued their carefree tour, moving from one food stall to another.
It wasn't until Fuu suddenly clutched her stomach and groaned:
"Naruto, I can't eat anymore…"
Her pleading green eyes reminded Naruto of the time he had accidentally overfed Hanabi.
"Ah… right."
Naruto scratched his head.
He had accidentally entered "Hinata Dating Mode" and completely forgotten that normal people have limits.
By evening, Naruto escorted Fuu back home which, for now, meant his own home.
Instead of putting her up at an inn, it was safer to keep her close.
After all, no matter how carefree she seemed, Fuu was still a Jinchuriki.
If she stayed in a hotel, Minato would have to assign an entire security team to monitor and protect her.
So rather than creating unnecessary tension, she was invited to stay with the Uzumaki-Namikaze household.
Surprisingly, everyone was happy about it.
Especially Karin.
Fuu was thrilled by the lively dinner table.
"This is the first time I've eaten with so many people!" she exclaimed, eyes sparkling.
"This is amazing!"
"Then eat up!" Karin said excitedly. "Try this fish I made it myself!"
Fuu eagerly took a bite. "Mmm! It's delicious!"
"And try this—"
"This is great too!"
Kushina, overjoyed, kept loading Fuu's plate with food.
It had been a long time since she had seen a kid as lively as young Naruto used to be.
Naruto, casually chewing his food, muttered absentmindedly:
"Eh… this tastes just like usual."
A chilling aura filled the room.
Naruto's survival instincts kicked in.
"…I mean! It's just as delicious as always!"
Kushina's smile returned.
Naruto let out a relieved sigh he had dodged a kunai this time.
Minato changed the topic smoothly:
"So, Fuu, how do you like Konoha so far?"
Fuu excitedly nodded then suddenly froze.
Her cheeks bulged, her mouth too full to speak.
She tried to swallow everything at once and immediately choked.
"Mmmph!"
She beat her chest frantically, eyes wide with panic.
White quickly handed her a glass of water.
"Slow down, Fuu."
Fuu gulped it down and gasped for air.
"Thank you! I thought I was gonna die!"
Naruto stared at her, completely baffled.
He swore he saw an entire rice ball slide down her throat in one piece like a snake swallowing something larger than itself.
Is that even biologically possible?!
Anaconda?!
Finally catching her breath, Fuu enthusiastically answered Minato's question:
"Konoha is amazing!"
"I love the food, I love the people, I love everything!"
Naruto's jaw dropped.
This girl…
She had instinctively mastered the art of a viral influencer.
Minato smiled, "I'm glad you like it here. Kushina will set up a room for you tonight."
Before Fuu could respond, Karin interrupted excitedly: "No need for that! Fuu, how about sharing a room with me?"
"My bed is huge and comfy!" Fuu's eyes sparkled.
"Really?! I've never shared a bed before! That sounds fun!" Karin beamed.
"Right?! It'll be awesome!"
"Is that okay, Dad?"
Minato thought for a moment, then nodded.
"If Fuu is okay with it, then I don't see a problem."
"Great! Leave it to me!" Karin proudly declared.
She dragged Fuu off at full speed, eager to show off their new shared bedroom.
Naruto watched them go, deep in thought.
"Red and green, huh…?"
He muttered under his breath.
"No wonder they get along."
Naruto sighed dramatically.
"So that's it? My job as a tour guide is over already?"
He glanced at Minato, "By the way… does the village reimburse tour expenses?"
Minato flatly refused, "No chance. You chose to treat your friend that has nothing to do with the village budget."
Naruto scoffed, "What kind of corrupt leader refuses to support cultural exchange programs?"
Minato ignored him.
Instead, he smirked, "Besides… you might have bigger problems to worry about."
Kushina, barely holding back laughter, chimed in: "After today, rumours are spreading all over the village."
"Apparently, you've abandoned Hinata and are parading around with a green-haired beauty instead."
Naruto froze, "…Excuse me?"
Minato, clearly amused, continued: "And… Jiraiya-sensei heard about the gossip."
Naruto's eye twitched.
"He said it inspired a new book idea."
Kushina grinned.
"The story is about a noble heiress who gets dumped, then rises up for revenge."
Naruto's soul left his body.
This was karma.
He had spread so many rumours about Danzo and now, the universe had turned against him.
As his family laughed at his suffering, Naruto sighed dramatically.
"This is the worst timeline."
Despite the chaos, life moved on.
The sun would rise again.
And Naruto's next mission?
Accompanying Minato to the hospital…
To check on Mizukage Yagura.
----
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