Road to Redemption - CH - 34 (Patreon)

Naruto was having the time of his life. Even with the assassination attempt on the Damio's life still looming in the background, the vibrant energy of the Fire Capital enveloped him like a warm embrace. He spent his days exploring the grand city, playing games with his new friends, and indulging in the delightful food offered at various stalls that had set up for the festival. The atmosphere was alive with laughter and excitement, making it easy for him to forget the recent danger that had struck the city.

Everywhere he turned, there were colorful banners flapping in the wind, bright lights illuminating the streets, and the sweet scent of treats wafting through the air. Naruto and his friends raced from stall to stall, trying everything from sweet dango to savory yakitori.

“Try this one!” shouted a boy named Kaito, a local kid who had quickly become one of Naruto’s new friends. He held out a skewer of grilled meat, steam rising from it.

“Delicious!” Naruto exclaimed, taking a hearty bite. “This is amazing!”

The festival was a feast for the senses, and Naruto couldn’t get enough. He reveled in the games and activities set up for children, such as the ring toss and the dart throw. As he played, he felt a surge of happiness that came from being in a place where no one cared about his past, where he could just be Naruto, the boy who loved to laugh and play.

“Hey, Naruto! Let’s try the goldfish scooping next!” suggested Hana, an energetic girl from the capital.

“Yeah! I bet I can catch more than you!” Naruto challenged, his competitive spirit ignited.

The two of them rushed over to the stall, where a vendor patiently awaited eager participants. Naruto knelt down, his heart racing with excitement as he carefully maneuvered the paper scooper, trying to catch the little fish that darted around in the shallow water. It was tricky, but he was determined to win.

“Come on, Naruto! You can do it!” Kaito cheered, clapping his hands.

After a few failed attempts and some giggles, Naruto finally managed to scoop a goldfish into his bowl. “Yes! I got one!” he shouted triumphantly, raising the bowl high above his head.

“Not bad, but I think I got two!” Hana smirked, showcasing her own bowl filled with fish.

As the evening set in and the vibrant festival lights illuminated the streets, Naruto found himself standing in front of Kaito's family food stall. The aroma of grilled meats and fried snacks filled the air, tantalizing the senses of every passerby. After boasting to his new friends about his cooking skills, they had been skeptical, dismissing his claims with laughter.

“Come on, Naruto! You really cook at home?” Hana had teased earlier, her hands on her hips.

“Yeah! I’m the best cook in Konoha!” Naruto had insisted, puffing out his chest.

“Sure you are! What do you even make?” Kaito shot back with a grin.

“Ramen!” Naruto had declared triumphantly, a grin spreading across his face.

Kaito’s father, who owned the food stall, overheard their banter and chuckled. “How about you show your friends just how good you really are, Naruto? You can cook here tonight!”

With an enthusiastic nod, Naruto accepted the challenge, his heart racing with excitement. His friends cheered, and he quickly set to work in the stall, surrounded by a flurry of vibrant activity.

As Naruto gathered the ingredients, Kaito and the others watched in anticipation. “What do you need?” Kaito asked, eyes wide with curiosity.

“Alright! First, we need the best ramen noodles!” Naruto exclaimed, rummaging through the supplies. He expertly pulled out fresh noodles, displaying them like trophies. “And we can’t forget the broth—it has to be perfect!”

“Broth? What’s your secret?” asked another friend, Taro, leaning closer, eager to learn.

Naruto grinned, his determination shining bright. “It’s all about the right ingredients! A mix of chicken and pork bones, with garlic, ginger, and green onions! Trust me, this is going to be the best ramen you’ve ever tasted!”

The friends gathered around as he set a pot of water on the stove, his hands moving with practiced ease. He ignited the flame, and the water quickly began to boil. As the noodles cooked, Naruto began preparing the broth, tossing in the bones and seasoning with enthusiasm.

“Do you cook like this every day?” Kaito asked, fascinated.

“Pretty much! I’m the chef at home!” Naruto replied, stirring the broth with a wooden ladle. “Uncle Izuna says I’m getting really good at it! I just hope I can impress you guys!”

“You already are!” Hana chimed in, her eyes gleaming with excitement. “I can’t wait to taste it!”

As the scent of the simmering broth filled the air, Naruto couldn’t help but smile. This was his element—a place where he could show off his skills and bring joy to others. After a while, he pulled the noodles from the pot and drained them, tossing them into bowls.

“Now, for the finishing touches!” Naruto declared, adding slices of soft-boiled eggs, green onions, and a sprinkle of nori on top. “And now, the secret ingredient!”

“What’s that?” Kaito asked, leaning in closer.

“Love!” Naruto exclaimed, pumping his fist in the air, making everyone burst into laughter.

With the bowls ready, Naruto proudly served his creations to his friends. “Tada! Ramen, just like I make at home!”

The friends looked at the bowls, eyes wide and mouths watering. “It looks amazing!” Taro exclaimed, picking up his chopsticks.

Naruto watched eagerly as they took their first bites.

“Oh man, this is incredible!” Kaito exclaimed, his eyes lighting up as he slurped the noodles.

“Delicious!” Hana added, her cheeks full of ramen. “You weren’t kidding, Naruto!”

Naruto beamed with pride, his heart swelling at their compliments. As they devoured the ramen, he felt a sense of belonging and camaraderie. This was what he had always wanted—to share his love for cooking and connect with others.

“You should cook for us more often!” Taro said, a smile plastered on his face as he finished his bowl.

“Yeah! This could be your new career!” Kaito laughed.

As they continued to eat and enjoy the evening, Naruto couldn’t help but feel grateful for the friends he had made. The festival had become more than just a series of events; it was a celebration of life, friendship, and the joy of sharing moments together.

As the night deepened, with laughter echoing through the streets and fireworks lighting up the sky, Naruto knew that this was a night he would never forget. With each bite of ramen, he felt more connected to the Fire Capital and to the new friends who had welcomed him with open arms.

The sun streamed through the curtains of Naruto's luxurious hotel room, warming his face and stirring him from sleep. As he rubbed his eyes and glanced around, he noticed the room was quiet—too quiet. Izuna had already left for the day, but that was nothing unusual.

Yawning, Naruto stretched and tossed aside the covers. "Guess it’s time to grab some breakfast!" he declared to the empty room. He quickly got dressed, his excitement bubbling over at the thought of spending another day in the vibrant Fire Capital.

After brushing his teeth and running a hand through his messy hair, he made his way down to the hotel cafeteria. The atmosphere buzzed with energy as families and travelers enjoyed their meals, laughter mingling with the clatter of dishes. Naruto scanned the menu, his mouth watering at the array of delicious options.

“I’ll take the biggest bowl of ramen you have!” he announced to the server, who chuckled at his enthusiasm.

As he waited, Naruto's thoughts drifted to his new friends. He was eager to show them more of the capital, to explore the bustling streets and discover the festival's remaining wonders. The energy of the city was infectious, and Naruto felt invigorated by the promise of adventure that lay ahead.

After a few minutes, his steaming bowl of ramen was placed before him. “Thank you!” he said, beaming as he dug in. The savory flavor exploded in his mouth, and he slurped up the noodles with glee, not caring about the stares from nearby diners. This was his moment, and he was going to savor every last bite.

With a satisfied stomach, Naruto left the cafeteria and made his way outside. The festival decorations still hung in the streets, vibrant banners and colorful lanterns fluttering in the gentle breeze. Children played games, while vendors sold everything from cotton candy to intricate toys.

He spotted Kaito and his friends near a game booth, their laughter ringing in the air. “Hey! Over here!” he shouted, waving excitedly.

As he approached, Kaito grinned. “You’re just in time! We’re about to play some games! Want to join?”

“Of course!” Naruto replied, his spirits lifting at the thought of a day filled with fun.

They dashed to the booth where a giant stuffed bear hung enticingly from the top. “I bet I can win that bear!” Naruto declared confidently, his eyes sparkling with determination.

“Sure you can! But can you even throw straight?” Hana teased, nudging him playfully.

Naruto shot her a mock glare but couldn’t help smiling. “Just watch me!”

Just as Naruto was about to start playing, a young boy appeared before him, his eyes wide with urgency. Naruto had never seen him before, and something about the boy's demeanor piqued his curiosity.

“Hey! Who are you?” Naruto asked, tilting his head.

The boy glanced around nervously, as if he were worried someone might overhear their conversation. “I have something for you,” he said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a crumpled piece of paper. He hesitated for a moment before handing it to Naruto.

“What’s this?” Naruto asked, raising an eyebrow.

The boy shrugged. “I was told to give this to you,” he explained, glancing back over his shoulder as if expecting show someone but no one was there.

Naruto took the paper and unfolded it, his heart racing with anticipation. But as he read the words scrawled hastily on the page, his excitement quickly shifted to dread.

We have kidnapped your uncle.
If you tell anyone, he will die. Come to the old temple by the river if you want to see him again.

“What?!” Naruto exclaimed, his grip tightening around the note. “Who would do something like this?!”

“I don’t know,” the boy replied, backing away a little. “He just told me to give it to you. Please don’t hurt me!”

Naruto’s mind raced, he knew that no one could capture his uncle unless he allowed it. This meant that his uncle was likely playing along with the kidnappers' game, using it as a chance to gather information. But that didn’t lessen the urgency of the situation.

“Where’s the old temple?” Naruto demanded, determination flooding his voice. He couldn’t let fear paralyze him. This was an opportunity—not to rescue his uncle, but to uncover the truth behind the attempt on the Damio’s life.

The boy pointed shakily down a narrow alley. “It’s down that way, near the river. I… I have to go now,” he stammered, backing away further.

Naruto arrived at the old temple, heart racing as he scanned the dim interior. The shadows seemed to stretch ominously, and the air felt heavy with anticipation. He had expected a group of kidnappers, perhaps armed and menacing. Instead, there was only one man standing in the corner, arms crossed, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips.

“Where’s my uncle?” Naruto demanded, his voice steady despite the urgency gnawing at him.

The man chuckled darkly, his eyes glinting with malice. “He’s in safe hands for now. But if you don’t follow our directions, we’ll make sure he suffers. Slowly.”

A cold knot twisted in Naruto’s stomach. He knew Izuna well enough to understand that if he had been captured, it was only because he wanted it that way—playing the long game, gathering intelligence. But that didn’t lessen Naruto’s determination to save him.

“What do you want from me?” Naruto asked, his fists clenched at his sides, ready to fight if necessary.

“It’s quite simple, really,” the man said, his tone patronizing. “You were the reason the daimyo escaped the assassination attempt during the festival. Now, you’ll be the one to kill him.”

Naruto's eyes widened, disbelief flooding his senses. “I won’t kill the daimyo!” he shouted, defiance flaring in his chest.

The man stepped forward, menace radiating from him. “You will do as you’re told. Otherwise, your uncle will pay the price for your rebellion. You’ve been given full freedom at the daimyo’s palace, haven’t you? You’ll use that to poison him for us.”

“Poison?” Naruto repeated, his heart pounding. The weight of the situation pressed down on him. He could feel the anger boiling within him, but he knew he had to stay calm.

“Exactly,” the man said, his smirk widening. “We’ll provide you with the poison. You’ll slip it into the daimyo’s drink at the banquet tonight. It’ll be easy. You’re just a child—a harmless little boy. No one will suspect you.”

Naruto shook his head, desperation clawing at him. “I’ll never do it! I won’t betray the daimyo!”

The man’s expression hardened. “You think you have a choice? This is not a game, boy. If you refuse, we’ll ensure your uncle suffers greatly before he dies. Do you really want that on your conscience?”

Naruto took a step back, grappling with the weight of the decision before him. He could feel the man’s piercing gaze, filled with disdain and confidence. But deep down, Naruto understood that if he played along, he could find a way to outsmart the kidnappers and save his uncle.

“Fine,” Naruto said, his voice low but firm. “I’ll do it. But you need to let my uncle go.”

The man raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “What makes you think I’d trust you?”

“I’ll need to see him first,” Naruto insisted. “If you’re telling the truth, let me speak to him. Then I’ll agree to your plan.”

The man hesitated, considering Naruto’s request. Finally, he nodded. “Very well. But don’t try anything clever. You’ll see your uncle, but if I sense any tricks, I won’t hesitate to kill him.”

“Just let me see him,” Naruto replied, his heart racing with hope and determination. “Then we can make a deal.”