Chapter 48: Chapter 3 Roasted Fish
Six months had passed since Ayan and Naruto became friends, and they made it a daily routine to meet up for training and sparring sessions. Ayan had already filled up his All for One chakra pool three times in the past six months, absorbing both Naruto's and his own chakra every day.
Through the combination of yin, yang, and wind chakra, Ayan successfully unlocked the Energy Saver, Endurance, Search, and Air Walk quirks. Unlocking Energy Saver and Endurance had depleted the entire chakra pool, while Search required two-thirds of it, and Air Walk only needed one-third.
As Ayan trained and utilized his quirks, Ayan's personal chakra reserves increased significantly due to constantly pushing himself to near exhaustion every night before replenishing it every morning, leading to the expansion of the All for One pool which increased the time it took to fill it each month.
Currently, Ayan and Naruto were not at the usual training grounds but instead in a forest near the village, fishing and preparing their catch for a meal over a campfire. "Ayan, I'm going to show you how amazing I can make roasted fish!" Naruto exclaimed excitedly, holding up two fish he had caught.
Ayan had also been fishing but also used his Overclock quirk to enhance his perception, allowing him to swiftly catch fish and synchronize his body with his heightened senses. "With the Search quirk, I can sense three ANBU nearby watching us," Ayan thought to himself as he effortlessly caught four fish from the river, turning to see a stunned Naruto.
"Looks like I caught more fish than you did, Naruto, just like I'm going to surpass you in strength," Ayan teased, amazed by the number of fish he had caught. The two ANBU ninja watching them were surprised by Ayan's technique, as snatching fish directly from the water required exceptional speed, perception, and hand-eye coordination. The last observer was not an ANBU, but in fact, a Root ninja. Lacking emotion, the Root ninja wasn't surprised but knew that their superior, Danzo, would be pleased to learn of Ayan's talent.
While Naruto cooked the fish over the fire, Ayan focused on his chakra control, practicing the leaf exercise. Unbeknownst to them, the Third Hokage was observing their activities through his crystal ball technique. "Hmm, now seems like a good time to meet this Ayan Kurai and assess him for myself," the Third Hokage thought as he donned his Hokage hat and quickly left his office, informing the ANBU present that he would return shortly.
"Ayan, the fish is ready! Come eat it before I eat it all!" called out Naruto to Ayan, who was deeply engrossed in the leaf concentration technique. Ayan was about to stop and join Naruto, but before he could, a voice startled them both. "Is there enough fish for me to have some?" said the voice, emanating from the nearby forest. Both boys turned to look in the direction of the voice and were surprised to see the Third Hokage coming out of the forest towards them.
When Ayan saw the Third Hokage, he was taken aback but quickly used this opportunity to activate his Search quirk, allowing him to gather information about the Hokage and always know his whereabouts. The Third Hokage, having made himself known to the two boys, noticed a flash in Ayan's eyes but didn't think much of it, assuming the boy was simply starstruck seeing the Hokage up close.
"Grandpa!!!" exclaimed Naruto upon seeing the Third Hokage, running towards him and giving him a big hug. "Hey, how are you my boy?" greeted the Third Hokage, returning Naruto's hug and following him to the fire where the fish was roasting. "I'm doing great! I made a new friend named Ayan, and we've been training together for the past six months," replied Naruto in response to the Third Hokage's inquiry.
Seizing the opportunity that Naruto provided by introducing his friend, Hiruzen turned his attention to Ayan. With a smile on his face, he quietly appraised the young boy. "Well, hello there. I'm Naruto's grandfather and also the Third Hokage. I want to thank you for being a friend to Naruto," said Hiruzen, while internally marveling at the abnormally large chakra reserves Ayan possessed for a four-year-old. His chakra reserves were nearly half of Naruto's, which was impressive considering that Ayan didn't come from the Uzumaki clan, wasn't a Jinchuriki, and didn't belong to any established clan.
Ayan realized that he needed to choose his words carefully, as he knew the Hokage hadn't paid them a visit just to see Naruto, but also to assess him. "This old manipulative man must be here to ensure I don't corrupt Naruto, but between the Third and Danzo, I'll take the Third any day. At least he cares about his public image, unlike the ninja of darkness, Danzo," Ayan thought to himself, activating his Overclock quirk to ensure he didn't keep the Hokage waiting.
Deactivating overclock quirk, Ayan quickly responded to the Third Hokage's gratitude. "Lord Hokage, there is no need for your thanks because I choose to be friends with Naruto regardless of how the village feels about him," said Ayan to the Hokage, who smiled warmly in response. The Third Hokage was taken aback by young Ayan's firm stance, but it didn't clear his concerns regarding the boy's feelings towards the village and whether he truly embraced the will of fire.
"Well, I must still offer my thanks. I know the villagers don't treat him well, but I have been unable to change their minds," said the Third Hokage, contemplating how to steer the conversation towards his doubts. As they sat around the fire, enjoying their meal of fish, the Hokage fixed his gaze upon Ayan and asked, "Ayan, my boy, how do you truly feel about the village and its people?"
Ayan activated his overclock, not wanting to leave a long pause and formulating a plan to appear as a young, brainwashed child should the will of fire be mentioned. "Lord Hokage, I genuinely believe that the village is like a large family that helps each other grow and soar. I love this village and will do anything necessary to protect it, even if it means giving up my own life, just like my parents did," responded Ayan, leaving the Third Hokage astonished by his profound devotion.
"I never expected this young boy to have such deep sentiments towards the village, even unintentionally mentioning the will of fire," thought the Third Hokage, excited to witness such profound loyalty reminiscent of Minato when he was younger. "I can see that you possess a profound love for this village. Your willingness to sacrifice yourself aligns with the spirit of the will of fire, which is taught in the Academy," explained the Third Hokage, observing the awe and reverence in the young Ayan's face.
Realizing that Ayan might be oblivious to the concept of the Will of Fire, the Third Hokage decided to elaborate further. "The Will of Fire signifies that the village is a family, and each member must love, cherish, and protect it, just like the previous generations did. It means being willing to lay down your life for the sake of the next generation," the Hokage elucidated, noticing the admiration and respect shining through Ayan's young eyes.
"It appears that this boy is having a significant influence on Naruto. However, I am aware that Danzo might take an interest in him, and I must ensure Ayan doesn't end up in ROOT," pondered the Third Hokage, sensing the presence of a ROOT operative monitoring Naruto and Ayan. He resolved to address this matter upon returning to his office.
After sharing a meal and conversing with the boys, the Third Hokage decided it was time to head back to his office, satisfied with his objective of ensuring Ayan wouldn't have a negative influence on his precious Jinchuriki. Before departing, Ayan mustered the courage to speak up. "Lord Hokage, both Naruto and I are orphans, but I have a house left by my parents. I was wondering if Naruto could move in with me. I have a spare room," Ayan questioned, his hidden intention being to drain Naruto's chakra more frequently.
The Third Hokage saw no issue with the boys living together, but he felt the need to warn Ayan about the potential change in villagers' attitudes towards him. "Ayan, my boy, that request is easy to fulfill. However, you need to understand that by living with Naruto, you will be treated in the same manner as he is," the Third Hokage informed Ayan, using this as the final test of the boy's commitment to being Naruto's friend.
"Lord Hokage, I am fully aware of how the villagers will eventually treat me. But being Naruto's friend is worth any trouble that may come my way. Besides, once I become strong enough, the village's attitude will change because strength is respected," Ayan responded, his determination shining through. The fact that being Naruto's friend had already proven beneficial to him, especially with Naruto's chakra, made it all worthwhile in his eyes.
The Third Hokage was taken aback by Ayan's resolute response, but a smile formed on his face. "I'm delighted to see my grandson make such an incredible friend. Young Ayan, you are correct about strength being respected, but please remember not to abuse it," the Hokage advised before leaving for the woods, disappearing from the boys' sight.
"Ayan, did you really mean that? Did you mean it when you asked Grandpa about living with you?" Naruto questioned; surprise evident on his face as he was accustomed to living alone.
"Of course, Naruto! You're my best friend, and honestly, I hate living alone," Ayan replied, using his search quirk to quickly confirm that the Hokage was back in his office — a sense of relief washing over him.
"Alright!" Naruto exclaimed with excitement, swiftly leaving the forest. "Ayan, I'm going to pack my stuff!" he hollered back, rushing to his apartment to gather his few belongings.
Ayan watched Naruto leave, considering this meeting with the Hokage a success. Now, with Naruto living with him, they could grow even closer until Ayan felt he could trust Naruto with his secret. Ayan slowly made his way back home, contemplating the future and his plans.
He knew he wouldn't remain in the Leaf Village forever, as his more powerful quirks would eventually arouse suspicion and greed. Ayan was determined not to be a pawn in this world but to use it for his own benefit before ultimately taking it all and seeking a new world.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Jesterkeitt
Jesterkeitt Hey Author here
I plan to get back to my chapter a day. I may even be able to two a day if I receive feedback, powerstones, or comments. For those looking for a villain main character, this guy is still it just don't expect to much in his early years. The chunin exams will be interesting though so keep reading and watch Ayan journey to villainy.
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