> "Hinata Hyuga's favorability towards you has reached Recognition. You have received a pair of 'Winter Warming Gloves'. The girl you helped hopes her friend's hands will no longer be cold."
Naruto paused in surprise as he heard the voice.
Reaching into his pocket, he found a new pair of gloves inside—knitted wool, thick and cozy. The moment he put them on, his hands felt much warmer.
So this is my cheat ability?
He picked up the fish basket from the ground, puzzling over this newly acquired "cheat" while examining it.
He had obtained something called the Recognition System. As long as someone's favorability towards him reached the level of Recognition, he could randomly receive an ability from them. The higher the favorability, the better the ability he would gain.
And Recognition was just the beginning—above it were levels like Trust and Unwavering Devotion.
At higher favorability levels, he could even obtain the person's combat memories, jutsu, or even kekkei genkai (bloodline limits).
Helping Hinata just now had clearly earned her favor, which is how he received the "Winter Warming Gloves."
Ashura's chakra, the Nine Tails as a cheat, and now another cheat ability gifted to me?
Despite unlocking the system, Naruto's expression didn't change much—in fact, he found it a bit funny.
Activating this cheat seemed absurdly easy: just get someone to recognize you.
But until he met Hinata, no one had ever truly recognized him—not his parents' old comrades, nor even the Third Hokage, who only visited him once a month.
No one had ever really acknowledged his existence.
What a cruel joke that was.
---
Snow crunched underfoot as he walked onward.
Back home, Naruto closed the door behind him, shutting the wind and snow outside. He slumped onto the sofa, replaying the day's events in his mind.
He had managed to buy food, caught a fish as long as his arm at the river, helped Hinata, and activated an incredibly useful cheat system.
Now, he just had to follow the path of the so-called "Child of Prophecy," grow stronger, and eventually become the Seventh Hokage.
Everything seemed to be going perfectly.
But…
Why should he wear a fake mask just to become the Child of Prophecy, to save the world, to win the approval of people who hated him?
Even without the cheat, he already had enough:
The Nine Tails. The powerful constitution of the Uzumaki clan. Weren't those already top-tier hacks? Once fully harnessed, he'd at least be Kage-level—more than enough to thrive in the Shippuden era.
As he thought, Naruto's stomach rumbled. He got up and went to the kitchen to prepare dinner.
Tonight's main course was naturally the fish he had just caught. Since the villagers refused to sell him anything decent, this was his best source of protein.
He pan-fried the fish until both sides turned golden brown, then added hot water, mushrooms, and vegetables.
As for the staple, he went with the simplest—rice.
He wasn't the original Naruto. As a transmigrator, he couldn't rely on instant noodles every day—that would lead to serious malnutrition.
In the original story, Naruto was 12 years old but still the shortest among his peers, despite having Uzumaki blood.
Half an hour later, Naruto got off the stool and carefully placed the steaming fish soup on the table. He put his hands together in prayer, ready to enjoy a warm meal.
Just then, there was a knock at the door.
Naruto frowned instinctively and walked slowly over to open it.
Standing there was none other than the Third Hokage, dressed in his ceremonial robes—Naruto's official guardian in the village.
Despite his status and authority, the Third Hokage acted like a kind old man in front of Naruto, without any airs.
Unlike the other villagers, at least the Hokage controlled the all-important living expenses.
So, facing this "strongest of Hokage," Naruto showed a rare childlike smile. "Grandpa Third! You finally had time to visit me!"
"It's been a while, hasn't it? I made a special effort to come see you."
The Third Hokage smiled warmly as he entered the house, his eyes scanning the room.
He was here not only to deliver Naruto's allowance, but also to evaluate his mental state.
After all, Naruto wasn't just the son of Minato and Kushina—he was also the Nine Tails' jinchūriki and a key asset to the village's future.
For the sake of the village and the late couple, Naruto could not be allowed to break.
As he withdrew his gaze, the aroma of fish soup reached him. He smiled and said, "That smells wonderful. Fish stew? When did you learn to cook?"
"Just picked it up messing around when I was bored. Grandpa Third, would you like to stay for dinner?"
"Well, if you're offering, it'd be rude to decline."
Unable to resist the smell—and still wanting to observe Naruto further—the Hokage nodded and sat down again, taking in the neatness of the boy's room.
The room was spotless. The bedding was clean, with no stains or yellowing. Utensils and daily necessities were all neatly arranged.
For an unsupervised orphan, this was remarkable.
The Third Hokage mentally gave a passing grade. But the numerous complaints villagers had lodged against Naruto still troubled him.
Naruto seemed harmless here—but to the villagers, he was something else entirely.
Soon, Naruto served him a bowl of rice, and the two sat down at the table to eat.
The Hokage picked up a piece of fish—tender, flavorful, with a hint of mushroom. Then he sipped the creamy white broth and closed his eyes in delight.
A few minutes later, he was about 70% full. The only thing lacking was some sake, and he'd forgotten to bring his pipe.
He sincerely praised, "Naruto, your cooking's good enough to rival any izakaya chef."
Yeah, I was just being polite. Can't believe you're really mooching a meal off an orphan... Naruto thought with exasperation, though he put on a cheerful face.
"Really? If you like it, have more! No one else ever comes to visit me anyway."
The Third Hokage nearly choked. Naruto's words were true, but they felt like a slap in the face.
Still, judging by the quality of the meal, the boy wasn't doing too badly.
But that attitude… that would need some correcting.
With that in mind, the Hokage spoke earnestly:
"Naruto, the villagers keep filing complaints about your pranks. They say it's affecting their daily lives. That's not good behavior."
Naruto sneered inwardly but said indifferently, "Grandpa Hokage, I'm just a kid with no parents. I treat them how they treat me. They're not you."
The Third fell silent, unsure how to respond.
Seeing his hesitation, Naruto pressed on:
"And besides, they call me a demon fox behind my back every day, hoping I'll drop dead. I can't exactly go and kill myself, can I?"
"Demon fox?!"
A sharp glint flickered in the Hokage's eyes. The identity of the Nine Tails' jinchūriki was supposed to be a top-secret matter—how had the rumors leaked?
Naruto was still so young. What if he lost control?
Realizing Naruto was still watching, the Hokage quickly hid his killing intent and asked softly:
"Who called you that, Naruto?"
Naruto looked a bit frightened, his voice shrinking: "Everyone says it… I've gotten used to it. Maybe I really am the demon fox. Why else would I be born without parents, get bullied by everyone, and not have a single friend even now?"
The Hokage's frown deepened. "Naruto, don't worry. From now on, no one will ever call you that again!"
"Thanks, Grandpa Third," Naruto said with a hollow smile, clearly not expecting much.
Then the Hokage added, "Naruto, I want you to stay home for a while. I'll send food and some books for you to read. Just rest for now, alright?"
---
After eating and drinking his fill, the Third Hokage left in a hurry.
As the leader of the village, he had many pressing matters to deal with. If Naruto weren't a jinchūriki, he wouldn't have spared the time to visit at all.
Naruto stood by the window, watching the old man's figure disappear into the distance, a cold smile tugging at his lips.
He knew from the original story that the Third Hokage had the Telescope Jutsu—he could watch him at any time.
He could voice displeasure toward the village and its people—but never toward the Hokage himself. After all, the Hokage had "never" wronged him. At least not on the surface.
He could trust Hiruzen Sarutobi, the kind old man.
But not the Third Hokage, the politician.
Because to be a true politician, one must first lose themselves.
And the same is true of being a Hokage.
(End of Chapter)
If you'd like to read advance you can support me at https://www.patreon.com/YugiroTL