Naruto:Dark Return

Naruto wasn't afraid of enduring the villagers' scorn, but Ichiro's advice pushed him further:

"Tempering your heart with these insults will help you master the power of Nine Tails. Endure this now, and you'll achieve your dream of becoming Hokage."

With Ichiro's encouragement, Naruto squeezed himself into the crowd of parents outside the ninja school, deliberately subjecting himself to their disdainful remarks.

"Look, that monster graduated?"

"Why doesn't he just leave the village?"

"Keep your children away from him!"

Naruto grit his teeth, absorbing the pain.

Meanwhile, Ichiro's voice in his mind remained calm.

"Good. Use their hate to grow stronger. Every insult is one step closer to controlling your power."

After a full morning of enduring the crowd, Naruto finally left, his heart heavier but his determination unwavering.

---

A Visit to Ichiraku Ramen

By noon, Naruto headed home to grab the manuscript Ichiro had written. With the papers in hand and his savings in his frog wallet, he made his way to Ichiraku Ramen.

The familiar sound of the cooking pot and the welcoming voice of Teuchi, the ramen shop owner, lifted his spirits.

"Hey, Naruto! Here for your usual ramen?" Teuchi greeted with his usual contagious laughter.

Naruto grinned. "Yeah, Uncle Teuchi! But today, I want the luxury signature ramen!"

At that, Teuchi's daughter, Ayame, peeked out from the kitchen.

"Luxury ramen? That's 100 ryo! Did you win the lottery, Naruto?"

Naruto puffed out his chest with pride. "Nope! I graduated from the ninja academy! And I even came first in the graduation exam!"

Teuchi and Ayame exchanged surprised looks before breaking into wide smiles.

"Congratulations, Naruto! It's about time!" Teuchi cheered.

"Graduation ramen is on the house today," he added, much to Naruto's delight.

"Thank you, Uncle Teuchi!" Naruto said, his stomach rumbling as he imagined a bowl overflowing with naruto rolls.

---

Ichiro's Request

Just as Naruto settled into the warm atmosphere, Ichiro's voice echoed in his mind.

"Don't forget, Naruto. You need Ayame to deliver the manuscript for us."

Naruto's chopsticks froze mid-air. His expression tensed as he looked toward Ayame.

Ichiro chuckled. "What's the matter? Embarrassed? It's just a manuscript."

Naruto fidgeted, his confidence wavering. He hesitated before reaching into his bag and pulling out the stack of papers.

"Uh, Ayame, can I ask for your help?"

Ayame, setting down a fresh bowl of ramen, tilted her head curiously. "Of course! What is it, Naruto?"

Naruto handed her the manuscript, his face flushed.

"This… this is a novel I wrote. Can you help me submit it to the publishing house?"

"A novel?" Ayame asked, her eyes lighting up with interest.

Behind her, Teuchi leaned in, his curiosity piqued.

"Young Aito?" Teuchi read the title aloud. "What's this? A story about yourself, Naruto?"

"No! It's not about me!" Naruto waved his arms frantically, his face beet red.

But Ayame couldn't resist a peek. She took the manuscript and quickly disappeared into the kitchen.

"Ayame, don't read it now!" Naruto pleaded, but it was too late.

Ten minutes later, Ayame emerged, her face flushed and her movements uncharacteristically stiff.

"How is it?" Teuchi asked, unaware of her embarrassment.

Ayame coughed lightly, avoiding eye contact with Naruto.

"It's… very creative. I think it'll definitely catch the publisher's attention."

Naruto exhaled in relief, though he didn't miss her reddened cheeks.

"Alright then, I'll take this to the publisher now," Ayame said, grabbing her coat.

"Thanks, Ayame!" Naruto called after her as she left the ramen shop.

Naruto didn't have to wait long before Ayame returned, accompanied by a man with an enthusiastic smile.

"This is the author, Uzumaki Naruto," Ayame introduced.

The man bowed deeply. "An honor to meet you, Naruto-sensei. My name is Hirohiko Kishimoto, and I'll be your editor."

Naruto blinked, taken aback by the man's deference.

"Sensei? Me?"

"Yes! Your work, Young Aito, is outstanding!" Kishimoto exclaimed. "The characters, the plot—it's genius! I'm confident it will become a best-seller."

Naruto grinned ear to ear, but Ichiro's voice chimed in his mind.

"Don't get cocky. This is just the beginning."

Kishimoto guided Naruto inside the publishing office to finalize the contract.

"Teacher, I promise our publishing house will give your work the attention it deserves. With a little luck, it might even surpass Make-Out Paradise!"

Naruto was overwhelmed by the praise, his pride swelling.

Meanwhile, Ichiro couldn't help but feel satisfied with their progress.

[Host Personality Trust and Dependence: 40%]

End of Chapter.

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