Naruto: Path of Uchiha

Chapter 3: Family

Four years have passed since Naruto's been taken into the Uchiha household. Their efforts to make him feel cherished, included, and, most importantly, loved have clearly borne fruit. He's found a place of belonging, a sanctuary where he's embraced as one of their own.

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Naruto's POV

It was 6 in the morning, the usual time I wake up. Peeking through the door of mine and Sasuke's shared room, I spot my parents deep in conversation. They haven't noticed me yet; they mostly never do until I intend to. I was about to go back into the room to change when I heard something I probably wasn't meant to.

'I'm really worried about them; they're all so young. Haven't they sent any updates about their well-being?'

I hear Mama, most likely speaking to Papa, about my three Nii-sans who are gone on a mission to kill a very evil person.

'They are young but very capable as well. Kakashi is an anbu captain, and Obito's a special jonin, both being just 14. Itachi's no less, as he is in anbu at 11. We should put our trust in them. I'm sure they'll come back, completing the mission successfully' Papa reassures Mama.

'I suppose you're right' Mama sighs.

Just like Mama, I get worried as well. 'Will they be okay, mama?' I say, coming into view.

'Oh Naruto! Good morning; you're awake as well. And yes, Naruto, your brothers are very strong; they'll be alright' She smiles at me lovingly.

'That's good. Good morning to you too, Mama' I return the smile.

I turn my head to look at Papa, who's been watching our exchange with a small smile on his face. 'Good morning, Papa'

'Good morning Naruto' He brings me closer and settles me on his lap. 'Did you sleep well?'

I nodded in reply. Mama was about to ask me about breakfast, and just then I felt a presence nearby.

'Jiraiya-sama's here' Just as I announce, he enters. Just like Kakashi Nii-san, Jiraiya-sama's turned into a regular visitor to the house. He visits whenever he has the time, apart from his ninja work.

'Ah, it's been so long. Come here, my boy; I can never hide from you, can I?' He smiles as I get off Papa's lap to give him a hug.

'Never' Jiraiya returns the hug, greeting Mama and Papa as well.

'I'll be preparing breakfast' Mama ushers to the kitchen, leaving me, Papa and Jiraiya-sama in the room.

"Jiraiya, what brings you here so early?" Papa asks, his voice laced with concern.

Jiraiya-sama chuckles, his eyes twinkling. "Well, I couldn't resist the allure of a warm breakfast and the company of my favorite little soon-to-be ninja." He winks at me, and I beam back, my anxieties about my brothers momentarily forgotten.

'Naruto, can you go wake up your brother?' Papa asks me, and I take it as an indication that an adult conversation's going to start, so I go complete my new-found task.

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'How are the little boy's doing?' Jiraiya asks Fugaku, who has a pleased expression at this question.

'They're doing well. Both have started to speak very clearly for their ages. Naruto speaks less and seems reserved, while Sasuke says whatever's on his mind' Hearing this, Jiraiya chuckles.

'Both are very sharp as well. Sasuke grasps things quickly, and Naruto seems to know everything before hand' Fugaku praises his boys.

'Well, Naruto is a massive bookworm'

'I'm not surprised' Jiraiya says, a knowing smile playing on his lips. 'He's always been a curious one, always eager to learn.'

Fugaku nods in agreement. 'He's a bright boy, Naruto. He has the potential to be great.'

'And Sasuke,' Jiraiya adds, 'he's got that Uchiha fire in his eyes. He's going to be a formidable ninja, no doubt about it.'

'It seems like you've got very special boys on your hands, Fugaku. You're a lucky man.'

'I know,' Fugaku replies, a soft smile gracing his lips. 'I'm very lucky.'

'Come on! Breakfast's ready' Mikoto calls out.

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Naruto's POV

Meanwhile, I try my best to wake Sasuke up 'Wake up, Sasukeee-hh'

'I'm up! I'm up!' he groans in reply.

Sasuke gets up and prepares himself for the day. I tell him about Jiraiya-sama, and we both head out to join everyone.

'Good morning, Mama and Papa' 'Good morning, Jiraiya-sama, good to see you' Sasuke greets everyone with a smile.

He gets greeted back and we join everyone for breakfast.

'So boys! What are your goals after growing up?' Jiraiya perks up both me and Sasuke at his question.

'I want to join Anbu! Just like Itachi Nii-san' Sasuke declares it immediately.

'That's awesome!' Sasuke grins at the praise. 'What about you, Naruto?'

I think for a bit...'Hokage' Everyone looks at me in surprise, clearly not expecting my answer. 'Just like my father, I want to be Hokage' I add, ignoring everyone's surprised faces.

'That's great, Naruto, I am sure you'll be a great Hokage' Mama compliments me, to which I smile in return.

'Ugh! You have so many fathers! I am jealous' Sasuke breaks the silence.

'Yes, I have three' I say holding my three fingers up, so everyone can understand quickly.

'How three Naruto?' Papa asks with interest.

'One's my blood father, Minato. You're my current one, and Jiraiya's my godfather.' I say with pride shining on my face.

'That's strange.. but super cool nonetheless!' Sasuke adds.

'Well, I suppose it's not so strange in the world of ninjas,' Jiraiya-sama says with a chuckle. 'After all, we're all part of a big family, aren't we?'

'Yeah' I say, nodding. 'We're all in this together.'