"Hokage-sama." Inuzuka Jaw bowed respectfully to Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Glancing at the boy beside him, Jaw's eyes flickered briefly with surprise.
So this is the son of the Fourth Hokage… the Nine Tails' Jinchūriki… Uzumaki Naruto.
This child might one day become a pillar of Konoha.
And if he wants to raise a ninja dog, maybe… this is a good chance to build a bond.
With that thought, Inuzuka Jaw gave Naruto a warm smile.
"Hokage-sama, I've brought all the high-quality ninja dogs born in the Inuzuka compound this year."
He gestured with a sweep of his arm. "Please, this way."
"You've worked hard," Hiruzen replied kindly, matching his tone.
Then—
Uzumaki Naruto and Sarutobi Hiruzen stepped into a room filled with yips, tail-wags, and the curious stares of eager pups.
Dozens—no, hundreds—of newborn ninja dogs, each with different fur colors and features. All of them small. All of them adorable.
"Wow!" Naruto gasped, his eyes shining. "There are so many!"
Seeing Naruto so happy, Hiruzen couldn't help smiling.
After a brief moment, he turned to Jaw. "Jaw, Naruto's hoping for a giant ninja dog. Do you have any recommendations?"
Naruto perked up instantly, gaze full of anticipation.
Jaw paused to think, then nodded. "Of course. Come this way."
He led them to the far end of the room and pointed toward a smaller section.
"Most ninjas prefer tracking-type dogs, so giant breeds aren't raised in large numbers. But I have ten from this year's batch."
Naruto's gaze followed his finger—and landed on a row of puppies larger than the rest.
Some were black, others brown or gray. One was pure white. Another had spotted fur.
But Naruto's eyes locked onto the golden-furred one.
Bright, warm. Strong and noble-looking.
"I want this one!" he said, pointing firmly. "Third Grandpa, I want this one!"
Hiruzen nodded. "Jaw, this is the one."
"You've got a good eye," Jaw said, smiling. "That breed is known for being obedient, loyal, and physically gifted."
He moved to the side and pulled out a pre-prepared crate filled with starter supplies: a wooden dog house, nutrient solution, and a bag of premium dog food.
Jaw handed them over to Hiruzen—Naruto might not be able to carry them all.
"These are the essentials you'll need to raise him properly."
"Thank you," Hiruzen said lightly before turning to Naruto. "Go meet your ninja dog."
Those three words—
"Your ninja dog"
—they made Naruto's heart leap.
He dashed forward and crouched beside the golden pup, reaching out to stroke its soft fur.
"So cute..." he whispered. Then he grew thoughtful.
After a long pause, his eyes lit up.
"From today on… your name is Kanemaru!"
He shouted it three times, arms wrapped tightly around the dog.
"Kanemaru! Kanemaru! Kanemaru!"
And he lifted the dog into the air, laughing.
Seeing Naruto so full of joy, Hiruzen smiled gently.
Inuzuka Jaw, too, felt a twinge of warmth. As a dog lover, he instinctively liked people who treated dogs like family.
With a soft nod from the Hokage, Jaw stepped forward again.
"Alright, Naruto. He's yours now. If you ever need anything—food, supplies, medical help—just come find me. I'll take care of it."
Naruto looked up, eyes gleaming.
"Thank you! I will, Uncle!"
That kind of kindness… it had been rare in his life.
Too rare.
And so Naruto smiled harder, and Jaw nodded back.
"It's getting late," Hiruzen said softly. "Let's go home."
"Goodbye, Uncle!"
"Goodbye, Naruto."
"Goodbye, Hokage-sama."
Their voices echoed as Hiruzen and Naruto left the shop and disappeared into the twilight.
Once they returned to Naruto's house, the old man finally exhaled.
Hiruzen wasn't a man who felt no remorse.
He was no monster.
But he was a hypocrite.
He would commit terrible acts. Justify them. Regret them.
He would feel guilty… and yet still do them again.
And sometimes—just sometimes—he would try to atone.
Today, watching Naruto laugh, smile, shine, that guilt inside him dulled a little.
It wasn't forgiveness.
But it was something.
He looked to the stars.
"Naruto… I hope one day, you'll protect Konoha. Even better than I ever could."
With that murmur, the Third Hokage faded into the night.
Back inside his house, Naruto looked down at the puppy now curled up in his lap.
"Kanemaru… we're gonna live together now!"
He beamed.
"Let's grow up strong, okay?"
"Let's become awesome ninja together!"
Maybe… maybe Kanemaru would never fight beside him.
Maybe he'd never be like Hayate.
But in that moment, with the warmth of another living soul by his side—
Uzumaki Naruto didn't feel so alone.
And for now…
Maybe that was enough.