Chapter 3

Disclaimer: I don't own any anime, movies, music, or series other than the OC.

*Skill*>

*System*

{Sound effects}

"Human talks"

/Music, OST, POV/

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/MC/

Perhaps pouring a pile of diamonds was a bad idea, but I had no idea how the Naruto-verse dealt with counterfeits. I'm sure they're using some kind of ninjutsu to detect it.

It didn't help that Teuchi's daughter, Ayame, had returned to find her father on the floor. Naruko was also concerned until I assured her that he was fine.

"Honestly, who pays with diamonds?!" exclaimed Ayame.

"I do, but I don't have enough cash right now," I said, showing them my money. "Don't blame me; I'm a tourist who has no idea where to trade this."

She snarled, "And you believe this is better."

I said with a shrug, "Hey, at least I paid instead of running off."

While we were arguing, I noticed that Naruko appeared a little worried. The young blonde called out, "Ayame-nee-chan." "Please don't be mad at Zander-san," she begged.

Ayame let out a resigned sigh after all her attempts to maintain her rage fell flat. She complained, "Jeez, Naruko-chan, that's not right. You know that look won't let me stay angry."

"Neither can I. That's S tier," I reasoned, fighting the urge to spoil Naruko. I gave her a toy that I purchased from the *Shop*>. She was in awe as she played with it.

I turned to face Ayame, who was looking at me with mixed emotions. How bad is Naruko's life here that being nice makes me suspicious?

Then we all heard a groan and saw Teuchi emerge. "I had a strange dream in which Naruko brought someone and I was paid in diamonds," he muttered before turning to face me. The awkwardness of the situation would have been amusing if the man hadn't looked like he was about to pass out again.

I made a peace sign and said, "Yo." Pointing at the gemstones that were still on the table, she said, "So about that... Sorry, I'm kind of short of cash. Is there a place where I can trade these?" Teuchi sighed; he couldn't possibly be angry with the man because he had been kind to Naruko, and it's not like the man wouldn't pay; he simply lacked the funds.

Teuchi sat down and said, "Ayame, can you help Zander-kun? I'll watch over Naruko-chan while your away."

Ayame sighed but followed the request, going to the back to change. "Young man..." Teuchi says. Turning my head, I froze as his eyes opened, sending shivers down my spine. "I'm not sure who you are or what plans you have for the child, but if I see or hear you doing something..." He ended the threat.

I spoke while raising my arms in a friendly manner. "Don't worry, if I did anything to her, I'd be the lowest vermin."

Teuchi nodded before attending to Naruko, who was proudly displaying her new toy. Ayame appeared and taps my shoulder, signaling me to follow her.

There was tension between us after we left the shop, and Ayame inquired. "So, what brought you here?" I shrugged. "I just wanted to see Konoha for myself," I explained, but I could care less.

"How about Naruko?"

"I saw some creeps and didn't want anything bad to happen to the kid," she paused as she grabbed the hoodie. "You saw what?" she screamed angrily. "I saw three pedos on the way, and because I can't exactly act out, I had to get the kid somewhere safe."

I don't act like most protagonists do, who appear out of nowhere and open fire just to get away with it. All of those actions would result in my arrest and likely expulsion.

As her nails dug into her skin, Ayame seethed with rage. She must have realized how impossible it would be for a tourist like me to suddenly attack those three. The fact that the majority of the villagers would support those three, especially in Naruko's situation, disgusted her.

She said, "I see, I appreciate you watching over her."

"It's fine, but please show me your hand," I said, raising my hand. Ayame winced but complied; the wound wasn't deep, but the bleeding would take a while to stop. My *alchemy Manipulation*> healed the wound in an instant.

"Your a shinobi?" she exclaimed as she stared at me. I gave a mocking grin. "Maybe," I sang, savoring her glare before she gave up. "Whatever. Thanks for looking out for Naruko." With a thumbs up, we continued to our destination, and it took me a long time to persuade the owner of the jewelry store.

We returned to the ramen shop and found Naruko waiting for us. "Your back!" she exclaimed, and we smiled at her upbeat demeanor. How can anyone dislike such a pure child? It's beyond stupid.

I ruffled her hair gently. "Sorry we took so long, kid," I said, looking over the counter at Teuchi. I gave him the money I needed to pay before handing over a small pouch of gems. "Now, before you complain, this is to set up a better shop; your chair is just not right for me, and it's really annoying," I explained.

"Are there any other places you can show me, kid?" I inquired. Naruko became enthralled and began to drag me once more. We both said our goodbyes to the father and daughter, who both smiled.

/TEUCHI & AYAME/

Teuchi exclaimed, "What a nice young man." "You should go out with him."

"DAD!" exclaimed Ayame, slapping her father on the arm.

"Ouch! Watch it, this is my cooking hand," he joked before noticing Ayame's worried expression. "What's the matter?"

Ayame wasn't sure if she should tell her father, but she mustered the courage to do so when she thought of Zander's reason for helping Naruko.

Teuchi was furious when she was done. How could something as repulsive as what those people believed doing such things to a child!? The thought that some deranged beast would target children sent shivers down his spine and enraged him.

But it appears that fate had a change of heart when Zander turned to look at Naruko. He was grateful that the young man had chosen to keep an eye on her for now.

/Naruko/

I showed Zander-san some of my favorite places and some lovely places I was unable to enter. Even if I encountered the glares I was accustomed to, I would still be having a great time. We visited a store where the proprietor frequently gave away rags and torn clothing.

I'm not sure what Zander-san said, but as the owner started giving the man so many lovely clothes, he appeared terrified.

Then we went to some stalls with games, where I usually get chased out, but Zander-san just gave the owners a mean look and they stopped trying to hit me. He then began participating in their games, always winning the grand prize.

He's so cool!

I then took him to the playground, where Zander-san played with me while, as is customary, the parents took their children and left. Even so, we built a sizable sand fort.

He treats me so well.

The sun was slowly setting as we sat on the fourth Hokage in my favorite location, which I eventually took him to. Although I knew better, it made me sad and made me wish that today would never end. Zander-san said, "Well, I had a lot of fun kid. Thanks for showing me around.

"I had a good time as well, thank you," I said, bowing. "I should be thanking you; without you, my day would have been boring," Zander-san said. "This is a great spot, no wonder it's your favorite; thank you for showing me this."

My eyes widened as his smile, accentuated by the setting sun, made my heart and stomach flutter.

*Doki*

Then it was night, and when Zander-san asked where I lived, I froze. I couldn't tell him where I live because it was filthy, but when I saw his worried eyes, I couldn't help myself.

/MC/

I couldn't afford to let a young child go home alone because it was getting late. Not with the insane psychopaths and nutjobs that populate this village. I wasn't getting a good impression of her, particularly after I asked her where she lived.

So I scowled when we entered her apartment. Just as I had anticipated, the area was covered in graffiti that read "demon brat," "die," and "go to hell!" And those were the pleasant ones. I didn't need to know that someone had broken into her room and had completely destroyed the door hinges.

Then I noticed that Jizz had covered the door knob. Oh, sh*t, I knew I was in a hentai, but this is total BS! She is six years old! SIX! What the fuck is the matter with them!?

When a door opened with a creak, we saw Fatso the Blob peeking through it. He laughed and said, "Hu, hu, hu welcome back Naru-chan." It took all of my willpower to resist burning this structure to the ground. I would have done so if Naruko hadn't come here, but I've got to control myself.

That didn't stop me from traumatizing him. While a waste of MP, it is absolutely worthwhile. *Curse: Cosmokinesis*> I used my power to create an illusion that terrified the pig. Resuming the situation, I have no intention of letting a child sleep in this squalor.

I yelled at her, "Naruko," and then added, "Let's go."

She objected, and although I already knew why, I didn't care. "Eh? but," she said.

"I'll handle it, trust me," I said, smiling reassuringly.

The young girl nodded and followed me, but there was a slight issue—a crowd was waiting for us as soon as we descended. I sighed in frustration and thought to myself. "It's going to be a long night,"

One of the mob members moves forward and says. "Stranger, get away from the demon."

I noticed Naruko flinch and take a step back in fear. While setting the rest of the items on the ground, I gave her the plush toy that was life size. I moved forward a few steps. "I'll say it once: walk away and I'll pretend you nasty fuckers never existed, or press your luck and see where it takes you."

"You have no idea what it is or what it has done to this village!"

In response, I growled, my energy escaping. "I know a dumbasse when I see one. Picking on a kid? Wow, guys real mature. What's next, you're going to teach your kids to bully her too? Cause if so, killer plan," I mocked them. My mocking grin only added to the stench. However, I detect some ninjas on the roof. It had to be the Anbu, but thanks to my *Observe*>, I knew they were taking part in this so-called fox hunt.

It made me happy to see them bristle in rage. "Enough, move or die," one of them growled, pointing a knife at me.

"Yeah, no..." I've had enough; if these guys don't listen, I'll make them. Punching the guy was satisfying; the man flew away while being stripped naked for some reason. Everyone looked at me in shock, then anger.

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