Meeting an Old Friend

"Don't move Eren, you will never be able to do anything," Naruto corrected, his commanding voice filled with an air of certainty as he confidently paced around Eren in slow, deliberate circles. The young boy found himself standing in a vast, idyllic green field, its expanse stretching out as far as the eye could see. Nestled in the heart of this picturesque setting, Eren sat on the ground, his body comfortably positioned in a cross-legged stance. Bathed in the warm glow of the sun's rays, the green field was brought to life, its vibrant colors enhanced by nature's radiance. As if in harmony with Naruto's presence, a gentle gust of wind whispered through the field, causing the emerald blades of grass to sway synchronously. Some blades caught the wind's playful invitation and gracefully took flight, disappearing into the horizon.

As Naruto stood, his gaze fixed on the enticing sound of rustling trees carried by the gentle wind, he couldn't help but notice the harmonious symphony of branches playfully colliding against each other. From the corner of his sharp eyes, he caught a glimpse of a serene scene - a serene deer blissfully savoring the tender blades of grass without a care in the world. Marveling at the wondrous sight, Naruto found himself yearning to have a few carrots in his possession so that he could extend a small gesture of kindness.

His attention turned towards Eren, Mikasa, and Armin; the three of them were sitting in the same crossed-legged position as Eren, silent and meditating as Naruto instructed them to.

Naruto paid attention mostly to Eren, often correcting him and telling him to keep meditating; unlike the other two, Eren found this exercise the most boring part and would often open his mouth and complain. He wasn't someone who liked to just sit in one place and do nothing, but Naruto told him to keep doing what he was doing if he wanted to join the Survey Corps and see what was outside the Walls.

"Eren, stay quiet and clear your head of any thoughts, you said you wanted to join the Survey Corps, to see what's outside, then do as I say, big brother," Naruto passionately delivered his instructions with a voice that bore a strict and commanding tone. As he brandished a slender branch, swaying it gracefully through the air, he exuded an air of authority reminiscent of a seasoned professor meticulously correcting his eager student. Eren instinctively responded to his words. With newfound resolve, he straightened his back. A sudden silence enveloped the air as Eren shut his mouth tightly, now fully focused, his breaths punctuated, synchronized solely through his nostrils.

Naruto smiled slightly, and his blue eyes went to the other two, unlike Eren, who found it difficult to meditate. Armin and Mikasa listened to Naruto's instructions to the last word, especially Armin; despite him being very skeptical about this whole thing, Armin brought it up that meditating wouldn't help, but Naruto quickly countered, saying that his own abilities weren't something that could be explained with logic, Armin had quickly agreed before agreeing to meditate like the other two.

When it came to meditating, Mikasa didn't make a single noise, not even a soft whisper, as she completely surrendered herself to the art of silence. Once she started her meditation session, her serene presence filled the air, enveloping it in a profound stillness that even Naruto, known for his acute senses, found himself questioning if she was exhaling the gentlest of breaths. In his genuine concern for her well-being, Naruto quietly observed her tranquil state multiple times, making sure she was indeed breathing.

As Eren remained quiet, Naruto decided to find solace in the peaceful ambiance of nature. He settled himself on the soft grass, feeling its gentle caress against his skin, and soon reclined on his back. With his piercing, azure irises fixated on the expanse of the breathtaking sky above; Naruto noticed a magnificent flock of birds gracefully soaring through the atmosphere. Intriguingly, these birds seemed united in their flight, as if seamlessly connected through an inexplicable telepathic bond, their synchronized movements reminiscent of a mesmerizing dance.

Naruto's eyes slowly went to Wall Maria in the distance, the top of the wall reminding Naruto that he could never see the outside world. Naruto wondered what was beyond the Walls.

There must be a whole other world out there, right? Naruto wondered, remembering the drawings in Armin's books. Naruto wondered if out there was really a large body of water full of salt; the mere thought intrigued Naruto as he imagined himself swimming in such a place.

Hannes had often told both Eren and Naruto how out there was nothing out there but Titans, saying that it was pointless to go out there; there was nothing special awaiting them on the other side of the wall, nothing but Titans, Blood, and Death. But despite Hannes's discouraging words, the desire to explore the outside world was still strong inside Naruto and Eren, but Naruto knew it wasn't as strong in him.

They both wanted to explore everything the outside world had to offer. The only ones who knew about it were Armin and Mikasa. Naruto still remembered their reaction when Naruto told them what their plans were; Armin had quickly agreed with them, saying he would join the Survey Corps with them, saying he, too, wanted to explore the outside world.

Mikasa, on the other hand, well, to say she was displeased was an understatement; the whole following month she had spent reminding them how dangerous it was to join the Survey Corps and how high the mortality rate was, it got to the point that Eren told her to stop, saying that she wouldn't change their minds no matter how hard she tried.

At that moment, Mikasa had looked at Naruto as if expecting him to side with her, and Naruto usually did; Eren could get quite rash on his words and would often say the wrong words, and Naruto would be there to correct him, but when it came to the outside world, Naruto always sided with Eren, he didn't often show anger, but every time he woke up and saw the walls, Naruto didn't like it, it just felt wrong to wake up every day and have a giant wall near the house, reminding them of what they had lost.

A constant reminder that they barely existed; sure, they lived, but Naruto barely considered real living if he and everyone were inside the Walls like prisoners. The Walls were that, a prison, and they were the prisoners. Naruto knew that food was still quite low; he knew their home was always full of food, but it was because their father was a doctor. Therefore, Grisha was one of the richest people in Shiganshina, but Naruto wasn't blind. He knew there were many people in Shiganshina that didn't have as much money as them.

When Mikasa understood that Naruto wouldn't try to change Eren's mind about joining the Survey Corps, she told them that she would join along with them. Eren had tried to change her mind right away, but Naruto knew it was futile to try and change Mikasa's mind, especially when she had already made up her mind.

Despite his own unique abilities to grow trees, Naruto knew he couldn't always be there to protect his family and friends, so he had instructed Armin, Mikasa, and Eren on how to do what he himself had done that day many years ago. Naruto wasn't certain if anything would happen; perhaps this whole meditation would go to waste, but Naruto didn't see harm in trying.

As Naruto looked at the sky, he couldn't help but remember his little visit to the Headquarters of the Survey Corps a week ago.

' "A Doctor?" In a state of perplexity, Grisha questioned Naruto, his gaze shifting away from the book he was engrossed in. His son's sudden early awakening had caught him off guard, prompting him to wonder about Naruto's unexpected visit. With a curious expression on his face, Grisha inquired if Naruto wished to become a doctor, his confusion stemming from the unexpected timing of their conversation.

Grisha sat in awe as he heard his son express his sincere aspiration to become a Doctor. A heartfelt moment resonated deeply within Grisha, filling him with an overwhelming sense of parental pride. As his gaze shifted towards Naruto, his eyes brimmed with a mixture of emotions upon noticing the uncanny resemblance between Naruto and his eldest son, Zeke. Suppressing the bittersweet memories of his firstborn.

'Zeke would have gotten along with them both,' Grisha thought with a melancholy smile, knowing his first son would have become best friends with Naruto and Eren. Grisha could almost imagine the three of them running around the fields, laughing and playing together. The thought of their camaraderie brought warmth to his heart as he visualized Zeke's infectious laughter echoing through the air while Naruto showcased his impressive skills.

'Father would have been proud,' Grisha thought with melancholy, knowing his father always loved being a doctor, saying having the ability to help people was the biggest blessing one could have in the world. 

Grisha, overcome with a surge of emotions, felt an intense burning sensation in his eyes, signifying the imminent release of tears. As he gazed deeply into Naruto's eyes, memories and emotions intertwined within him, bringing forth a bittersweet sense of nostalgia. In that poignant moment, Grisha's mind conjured a vivid image of Zeke standing proudly alongside Naruto. The imaginary scene depicted Zeke wearing a gentle smile, radiating warmth and happiness, reminiscent of how Grisha yearned to remember his beloved child. It was as if time had been rewound, transporting Grisha to a time when Zeke was brimming with infectious joy and an untarnished zest for life.

"So you want to become a doctor," Grisha said seriously towards his son, his voice laced with a hint of pride and concern. Before he stood up, the weight of his words lingered in the air, causing young Naruto to nod eagerly in response. His face lit up with a constant bright smile, illuminating the room and revealing his unwavering determination. Deeply moved by his son's ambition, Grisha kneeled in front of Naruto, meeting him at eye level. As their gazes locked, Grisha couldn't help but notice the sparkling brilliance in Naruto's blue eyes, filled with brightness and innocence.

"Why," Grisha questioned with a mischievous glint in his eyes, "don't you tell Eren that you want to explore the outside world?" The corners of his mouth twitched as he struggled to contain his laughter, a genuine amusement bubbling up inside him. Naruto's expressive face transformed into a delightful mix of shock and awe, his eyes widening and his mouth agape in true astonishment. In that fleeting moment, with his young, innocent countenance, Naruto looked even funnier, his comical reaction a priceless sight to behold.

"How do you know that?" 

"You and your brother are not as slick as you two think, and Hannes told me how you two can't stop talking about the Outside world," Grisha said with a sporting a warm smile. A light chuckle escaped his lips, thoroughly amused by Naruto's under-the-breath comment of 'Traitor.' 

"Well?" Grisha asked, still waiting for Naruto to answer; the latter didn't hesitate to answer. 

"I want to know what's outside the world, and I want to be there to protect Eren. But Eren wants to explore the world and be Free, I simply want to help people. Regaining the territory we lost will give us more land to grow enough food for everyone. After some time, I will leave the Survey Corps, and I want to become a doctor like you, papa, to save people just like you do." Naruto answered with a slight flush on his cheeks; Grisha again smiled proudly at him before placing both of his hands on Naruto's shoulders.

"Why a Doctor?"

"To help people," Naruto answered right away without a single moment of hesitation, his face even showing slight confusion as if puzzled by the mere suggestion of any alternative motive. It was as though the idea of becoming a doctor for any reason other than lending a hand to others simply did not compute in his unwavering belief system. "Why else would anyone ever want to become a doctor but to help people? Being able to help people is the most precious gift someone can have," he reiterated, his tone exuding an unwavering conviction. 

It was evident that to Naruto, the true essence of being a doctor lay in the ability to alleviate suffering and improve lives. With each word he spoke, his heartfelt passion resonated deeply. His resolute statement had an inexplicable impact on Grisha, causing his eyes to widen in sheer awe and leaving him momentarily breathless. 

Naruto, an adolescent with spiky blond hair and bright blue eyes, found himself engulfed in a whirlwind of emotions when his father unexpectedly pulled him into a tight embrace. Although Naruto didn't mind the sudden show of affection, he couldn't help but notice the unusual tension emanating from his father's body. The air in the room seemed heavy as Naruto's keen ears detected the soft sound of quiet sobs escaping his father's trembling lips. This unexpected display of vulnerability from his father instantly stirred a mixture of concern and worry within Naruto's heart. Determined to provide comfort in return, Naruto delicately wrapped his arms around his father, conveying through his embrace that he was there for him, ready to share any burden.

"Father," Naruto asked with genuine concern evident in his voice as he leaned in closer to his father, worried about his well-being. His father didn't respond immediately; instead, he tightened the embrace, holding him tightly. Then, with a tender expression on his face, Grisha pressed a gentle kiss against Naruto's cheek, affirming his affection for his beloved son. 

The silence was broken by Grisha's heartfelt words, spoken with immense love and sincerity. "Naruto. I might have not said it often, but I love you, my son. You, Eren, Carla and Mikasa are my most precious people. Always remember that," As he spoke, Grisha sealed his sentiments with another affectionate kiss on Naruto's cheek, leaving an indelible impression of love and security in his son's heart.

Naruto wondered why his father was talking as if he was going somewhere, but Naruto quickly ignored that thought. His father wasn't going anywhere, and he was simply expressing his love. Naruto quickly kissed his father on the cheek. "I love you too, papa,"

After sharing the warm hug, Grisha told Naruto that today he would visit a patient in the Survey Corps and that Naruto could come if he wanted. "One of the most difficult parts of being a doctor is losing your patient, another thing is what you will see when you are a doctor," Grisha explained as he was showing Naruto a book about medicine.

As Naruto held onto the weighty tome using his small, chubby hands, he couldn't help but feel a mixture of curiosity and perplexity etched across his young face. He glanced at his father, his eyes filled with bewilderment while tilting his head to the side in an attempt to make sense of the situation. With innocence radiating from his puzzled expression, he couldn't help but voice his confusion, "What I see?" Naruto inquired, seeking guidance and understanding from his father at that moment.

"The wounds, Naruto. When you are a doctor, you will see all kinds of wounds," Grisha explained with a grave voice, emphasizing the severity of his words and making it clear to Naruto that these were not mere scratches or bruises. As a future doctor, Grisha knew that Naruto would eventually encounter a vast array of wounds, each presenting its unique challenges. Naruto would witness the full spectrum of injuries that required his medical expertise, from shallow cuts to deep gashes, from burns to broken bones. 

"Wounds! You mean like when Eren cut his finger?" Naruto, his mind flooded with memories, questioned with a mix of curiosity and empathy. He vividly recalled the day his older brother, still learning his way around the kitchen, had gotten a deep cut on his finger, the sight of crimson blood staining the cutting board. Though the initial shock and the presence of blood had made Naruto slightly queasy, he quickly realized that it was not as daunting as it seemed. With a resolute nod, Naruto reassured himself that he possessed the resilience and courage to handle a similar wound if ever faced with such a situation again.

"No, much more than that, I want you to come with me today. If you can't handle what you see then you should reconsider your desire to become a Doctor," Grisha explained gravely. Naruto's eyes widened in shock but quickly filled with determination; he wanted to prove himself, especially in front of his father.

"I won't fail." Naruto claimed with determination in his eyes, his blue eyes almost glittering.

After his talk with his father, Eren and Mikasa woke up shortly after, just in time for Mother to serve breakfast; once they ate, Grisha and Naruto left home to go to the Survey Corps headquarters. Eren had wanted to tag along, but their mother quickly told Eren that he needed to help her with cleaning the dishes.

Naruto tightly grasped his father's hand, finding comfort in their physical connection as they maneuvered through the bustling streets. The thoroughfare was consistently thronged with people, the narrow alleys teeming with activity as if it were an everyday occurrence. The vibrant aroma of the bustling market permeated the air, swirling around Naruto's senses. All sorts of tantalizing scents wafted through the crowd: the pungent odor of fresh fish, the savory fragrances of assorted meats, the tang of aged cheese, the earthy scent of vibrant vegetables, and an array of other mouthwatering delicacies being fervently traded by the animated merchants. 

Among the throng, the persistent shouts of the vendors, vying for attention, intermingled with the lively hubbub of customers negotiating their purchases. Naruto attentively absorbed the energetic atmosphere, his senses keenly aware of every detail, including the persuasive claims of vendors boasting about their discounted prices - some advertising that the price was 50% off, something Naruto knew was bullshit.

As Naruto and Grisha made their way through the grand open gate of Shiganshina, their gazes fell upon Hannes, who was supposed to be diligently guarding the entrance. Much to their 'surprise,' Hannes was in a rather lackadaisical state, leaning his back against the sturdy wall of the gate, sound asleep. Gripping tightly to a half-empty bottle of wine, he seemed more engrossed in his slumber than ensuring the gate's security. The pungent aroma of alcohol filled the stagnant air, invading Naruto's nostrils and causing him to scrunch up his face in a mixture of disgust and confusion. Even at that moment, Naruto couldn't fathom why anyone would willingly partake in the consumption of alcohol, an act that seemed utterly incomprehensible to him.

"Father," the young Naruto asked innocently, his wide blue eyes filled with curiosity as he gazed up at his father. He noticed the subtle creases of concern etched upon his father's face as he momentarily diverted his gaze toward Hannes before refocusing his attention on his son. Seeking knowledge, Naruto questioned, "Why do people drink wine and beer?" His innocent tone conveyed genuine intrigue as he yearned to understand the motivations behind this societal behavior.

"You're still young, Naruto, but remember that alcohol is not good for your health; sure, drinking every now and then is no harm, but never make it a daily thing. Once a month is good enough." His father said strictly. Naruto quickly nodded, knowing his father was a doctor and knew better than everyone else.

After walking through the iron gate, Naruto and Grisha stepped into a luxurious horse-drawn carriage, which exuded an air of elegance and opulence. Grisha reached into his pocket and gracefully tossed a gleaming gold coin to the skilled rider, his face filled with gratitude for the forthcoming journey. Leaning towards the rider, Grisha issued a polite yet commanding instruction, letting him know they were bound for the prestigious Survey Corps Headquarters. Immediately sensing their intention, the rider skillfully guided the horses, expertly manipulating the reins. Strong and full of vigor, the horses obediently responded to his gentle touch, harmoniously harmonizing their hoofbeats with the surrounding sounds of bustling streets. With a sonorous neigh, the horses took their first powerful steps forward, propelling the carriage into motion.

It took three hours to reach the Headquarters; during that time, Grisha told Naruto not to ask inappropriate questions, to not look at people in strange ways, to be respectful, and to talk only if he was asked.

The sound of hooves filled the air as the carriage came to a stop in front of the imposing iron gates that guarded the magnificent Headquarters. Grisha reached for the ornate door handle and, with a graceful pull, opened it. As he gracefully descended from the carriage, his eyes were met with the grandeur of the surroundings. Joining him moments later, young Naruto's spirited energy radiated from his face, a mix of awe and delight mirrored in his eyes as he beheld the stunning architectural marvel before him. The sight of the beautiful building stirred something deep within their souls, filling them with a sense of anticipation and wonder.

"Five hours, Jacob," Grisha said. Jacob, seemingly unfazed, nonchalantly acknowledged Grisha's words with a nod. As he nonchalantly nodded, Jacob reached into the inner pocket of his coat, skillfully retrieving a pipe. Without wasting a moment, he ignited it, filling the air with the distinct aroma of tobacco. Meanwhile, Jacob's trusty horses were peacefully taking advantage of the rest period, leisurely munching on the lush grass blades surrounding them.

Naruto was tempted to tell the man that smoking was bad for his health, but his father told him to follow him inside. As they reached the double gate, the two soldiers guarding the gate asked Grisha the reasons for his arrival.

"Commander Keith is expecting me," Grisha said respectfully towards the soldier, acknowledging the soldier's authority as he stood with a composed demeanor. As Grisha spoke, he couldn't help but notice that the soldiers quickly became aware of young Naruto's presence, the innocence emanating from the boy's smile capturing their attention. The soldiers returned the smile before effortlessly diverting their focus back to Grisha, their duty to the commander taking precedence once again.

"Very well," the soldier said, his stern voice cutting through the air before deftly swinging open the colossal metallic gates for Grisha and Naruto to enter. While concealed behind a veil of composure, Naruto's exhilaration surged within him as they stepped foot into the expansive building. The moment they crossed the threshold, a grandeur unfurled before their eyes, revealing a captivating sight - a large square hall stretching out as far as the eye could see, adorned with a pristine floor polished to a mirror-like sheen. Dominating the hall's center stood a majestic staircase, its steps crafted with intricate precision and majesty, reaching the second floor. Surrounding the perimeter of the vast hall were numerous doors, granting access to various rooms and chambers dispersed on the first floor. The hustle and bustle of soldiers perpetually in motion animated the scene, their presence adding an air of urgency as they swiftly traversed the hall, transporting an assortment of military supplies.

Grisha tightened his grip on his young son's hand as they carefully ascended the wooden stairs, their footsteps barely audible in the vast building. Finally, they emerged onto the second floor, an eerie silence enveloping them. In front of them was a door adorned with a weathered plaque that bore the engraved words, 'The Commander's Office.' 

Grisha knocked on the door, which was soon opened by a woman with strange glasses. "Commander Keith is expecting me," Grisha said; the woman's eyes flickered at young Naruto for a moment, her eyes showing confusion before she walked inside the office.

After the seemingly endless wait of a whole minute, the heavy door finally yielded and creaked open, beckoning Grisha and Naruto to step into the office space. To their immediate notice, the office boasted minimalistic decor comprising just a solitary desk positioned in the center, seemingly overseeing the entire room. The soft glow of the desk lamp illuminated a middle-aged man, his steady gaze steadily fixed upon a stack of papers spread across the desk's surface. As Naruto cautiously approached, his sharp instincts immediately detected something peculiar about the man's demeanor.

The man, who appeared to be in his late forties, possessed a remarkable aesthetic with a full head of short, sleek black hair that was meticulously combed. As he stood there donning the customary attire of the renowned Survey Corps, his presence exuded a sense of authority and determination. However, Naruto couldn't help but notice the unsettling emptiness within the man's eyes. They seemed to lack the spark of life as if he had endured a profound loss or had relinquished his will to live. Despite the weariness etched on his face, there was also a subtle undertone of irritation that surfaced upon glimpsing Grisha.

"Keith, it's good to meet you again," Grisha said with a clear of his throat and a warm smile, genuinely happy to see his old friend. Having been acquainted with his father's fondness for Keith, Naruto anticipated a warm greeting from the man towards his father. However, to Naruto's surprise, Keith maintained a stoic expression, his eyes briefly darting towards Naruto as if assessing him before firmly fixing his gaze solely on Grisha. The subtle interaction between Keith and Naruto left an air of tension and curiosity hanging in the room, making Naruto wonder what might have caused Keith's reserved demeanor towards Grisha.

"Indeed, how is Carla? Our last talk didn't go well," As Keith's jaw clenched, with an air of concern lingering in the room, he delicately posed the question. As if sculpting a bridge with his hands, he created a support for his chin to rest on, a physical manifestation of his restless thoughts.

He knows mother! Naruto thought, a little perplexed; as far as he remembered, his mother had not once brought up Keith in any conversation they ever had. Naruto wondered why. Usually, she liked talking about her past, her parents, and everything.

"She's well, and so is Eren." Grisha answered with a smile before, and with a gentle nudge, he urged Naruto forward, "This is my second son, Naruto." But as Naruto stood before the old man, he couldn't shake off a certain unease that settled within him, an instinctive wariness that stirred uneasily in his gut. Yet, ever mindful of the importance of respect and propriety, Naruto reminded himself to maintain his composure and extend courtesy to this unfamiliar face.

"My name is Naruto Yeager; it's good to meet you, sir," Naruto introduced himself before bowing slightly. Despite Keith not being royalty, but Naruto wanted to give the best impression possible.

"Your son?!" Keith's incredulous words escaped his lips, accompanied by a tone that betrayed a mixture of surprise and bewilderment. The utterance hung in the air, resonating with an unexpected strangeness that seemed to unsettle Keith himself. Meanwhile, Naruto couldn't help but catch the sudden shift in Keith's gaze, which transformed into an intense and disapproving glare directed at Grisha. A surge of protective fury surged through Naruto's veins, inciting a primal instinct that almost propelled him to confront Keith physically for daring to cast such a withering look upon his own father. However, before Naruto could act on his volatile emotions, his father, aware of the tension, gracefully interjected by clearing his throat.

With a gentle yet authoritative tone, Grisha turned his attention to Naruto, his dark eyes twinkling with paternal care. "Naruto," he spoke softly, a warm smile playing on his lips, "why don't you take a moment outside?" Naruto's cerulean eyes widened with a mix of astonishment and curiosity as he gazed up at his father. However, a quick glance towards Keith revealed an intense glare that sent a chill down Naruto's spine. Despite his instinctual unease, Naruto reluctantly acquiesced to his father's request, his heart heavy with a sense of mistrust and apprehension.

Stepping out of the room, Naruto's curious gaze swept across the expansive and hallway downstairs, his mind brimming with questions about his father's request for him to wait outside. Absentmindedly, he allowed his eyes to wander downwards, fixating on the intricately carved wooden railing that lined the first floor. Lost in thought, his fingers instinctively curled around the smooth surface, seeking solace in its familiar texture. Suddenly, a gentle yet firm touch jolted him from his reverie, causing him to swiftly pivot his head, only to find himself face-to-face with a woman adorned with glasses. Her eyes peered down at him with an enigmatic smile.

"What are you doing here, kid?" She asked with a little too energetic voice.

Naruto tilted his head to the side, but before he could answer, the door opened, revealing his father, who quickly noticed the woman standing near Naruto.

"Might I help you?"

"Oh, I'm sorry. I wasn't trying to scare your kid," she apologized with an embarrassed smile before quickly walking away. Naruto wondered what her problem was when his father told Naruto to follow him.

Soon, Naruto was brought to a large room full of hospital beds, each one occupied by a person. Naruto's eyes widened in shock to see many of them missing limbs. Thankfully, their wounds were bandaged so he wouldn't see the blood. After spending four hours checking patients, only then Grisha and Naruto left the Headquarters of the Survey Corps. '

Naruto escaped his thoughts as a vibrant green leaf gracefully descended from above, landing delicately upon his face. Naruto's nimble fingers gingerly plucked the leaf from his visage, marveling at its intricate veins and vibrant hue. Slowly, he elevated his upper body, rising from the ground with a newfound clarity. With a gentle flick of his wrist, he released the leaf into the whimsical embrace of the wind, watching it dance and twirl, carried away on an invisible current.

Naruto remembered that day quite well; he hadn't really done anything but watch his father check on two patients who were quite sick. His father explained that an open wound can get infected if it is not cleaned properly and quickly using alcohol, something hot, liquid iodine, and some other things.

Naruto escaped his thoughts when the wind suddenly changed direction; Naruto quickly turned his attention towards Mikasa, Armin, and Eren, who were still meditating.

They opened their eyes, and nothing had changed. Naruto wondered if they were doing anything wrong, or maybe he wasn't explaining it well; Naruto wasn't sure which one. Eren looked a little confused about why it wasn't working, but he didn't seem dejected.

"It doesn't change anything for me. I will still join the Survey Corps," Eren said with unwavering determination before turning his eyes toward Naruto. "Isn't that right little brother?"

"Yes, we will stand together, Eren." Naruto agreed, giving Eren a hug, that he quickly returned.

"Us too," both Mikasa and Armin said in union. The four of them shared a hug, promising each other to always stick together.