13 Discharge

Slowly, Naruto adjusted to life in Konoha Hospital.

Although his treatment here was less than satisfactory, he didn't receive constant attention or assistance with meals. Nevertheless, he found solace in the solitude as it allowed him to focus on his exercises. In just three months, his physical condition surpassed that of an average eight-year-old.

He even believed he could hold his own against a ten-year-old, thanks to the mature soul within him. Who would fear a fight? After all, his body contained the essence of an adult. Battles? He was ready for them.

Fortunately, he possessed an adult's mindset. If a real child were left in such circumstances, it would be akin to abandonment. Survival would be a grim struggle, indeed.

Reflecting on the original Naruto from the books, he couldn't fathom why that version had grown up so naively. It was simply baffling.

At least the current Naruto couldn't understand how the original had turned out that way. Was he too honest? Or had Konoha had brainwashed him.

Blame wasn't his concern. Naruto didn't dwell on it; he had his own plans for the future. He also recalled certain plot points he might use to his advantage.

For instance, the Uchiha Clan massacre could present a unique opportunity. Amidst the chaos of such a significant event, maybe he could escape unnoticed?

Then there was the memory of Neji's father, Hizashi.

If his recollection was accurate, during the Third Ninja War's conclusion and the signing of the peace treaty between Konoha Village and Cloud Shinobi Village, Cloud Shinobi Village had sought to claim Hinata, the eldest daughter of the Hyuga family, as their prize.

Naruto frowned at the thought.

As far as he knew, the only person in Konoha Village who cared about him was Hyuga Hinata.

In the end, Cloud Shinobi Village's leader was killed, and they demanded the perpetrator be handed over to them, or war would reignite. In desperation, Hyuga Hizashi had willingly sacrificed himself in place of his twin brother, Hyuga Hiashi.

Since Hizashi belonged to the branch house, his death activated the Branch House's Curse Mark.

This was the only moment Hizashi had the freedom to choose, to protect his brother willingly, and face death with honor.

He had mentally prepared himself in advance, knowing that when the day came, he would need to hide discreetly.

There was no other reason. The Cloud Shinobi Village was notorious for its mischief. Not only had they kidnapped Hyuga Hinata, but they had also abducted his own mother, Uzumaki Kushina. Cloud Shinobi Village had truly earned its reputation as a habitual offender.

Although both missions had ended in failure.

Naruto didn't want to become a target before he reached adulthood. He understood that if Cloud Shinobi Village discovered he was the Nine Tails Jinchuriki, they would seize the opportunity without hesitation.

With no biological parents by his side to protect him, there was no one to shield him like Hyuga Hiashi protected Hyuga Hinata.

Therefore, he had to devise ways to protect himself, a rather pitiful circumstance.

As time passed, Naruto started planning for his future while continuing his rigorous training routine. He also persisted in talking to the Nine Tails sealed within him, but regrettably, the beast never responded.

....

Unbeknownst to Naruto, spring turned into autumn, and three years flew by in the blink of an eye.

On the day following Naruto's third birthday, he walked out of Konoha Hospital.

For three long years, he had been confined to Konoha Hospital. It wasn't that Naruto didn't want to leave, but the Third Hokage had adamantly refused, as no one could guarantee his safety.

Naruto had no living relatives. Both his parents, Namikaze Minato and Uzumaki Kushina, were orphans themselves. Even if their friends and subordinates had wanted to care for Naruto, the Third Generation had prevented it.

Naruto's true identity remained a closely guarded secret, known to only a select few. Even the staff at Konoha Hospital were oblivious to his origins, believing him to be the reincarnation of the demon fox.

During those three years, Naruto had remained in the same room, rarely encountering anyone apart from the hospital staff who brought him his meals. Even during these exchanges, silence prevailed. Were it not for the occasional visits by the Third Generation, Naruto might have lost his ability to speak.

Standing at the gate of Konoha Hospital, Naruto appeared lost. This marked his first venture beyond this threshold, and despite his constant observations of the outside world from within the hospital, it was the first time he truly beheld it with his own eyes.

He felt somewhat bewildered. The clothing on his back consisted of the hospital gowns he had worn during his stay. No one had ever provided him with proper attire, and he had no money of his own.

It was only this morning that he had received notice of his discharge, but he had not been informed of his destination. The hospital staff had ejected him as if he were a curse.

At that moment, a figure cloaked in black attire with an animal mask approached from a distance.

"Naruto, I am the individual dispatched by the Third Hokage to escort you to your new residence. Come with me. This is also your initial living allowance, but you'll need to visit the relief office to collect it regularly," the black-clad figure handed Naruto a purse.

The Anbu operative did not utter another word, simply waiting until Naruto grasped the purse firmly before turning and leading the way.

Naruto understood that this person was a member of the Anbu, a secretive ninja force. While on assignment, Anbu operatives did not reveal their identities, so Naruto refrained from asking questions and followed in silence.

They traversed the path without speaking, which even surprised the Anbu operative. Wasn't a child like him supposed to be filled with curiosity? He had spent his entire life in a hospital, after all. Most children would be eager to ask questions and explore.

Yet Naruto remained silent, indifferent to his surroundings and unresponsive to everything he saw.

Finally, they arrived at an aged building that appeared somewhat run-down.

The Anbu operative took the initiative to explain, "This is a facility dedicated to war orphans like yourself. Your room is upstairs."

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