Naruto: The new beginning

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****

The next day, Naruto, who had shared most of his burdens, was full of energy.

"Good morning,"

Kimimaro seemed a bit reserved today "Good morning"

Naruto leaned over with a smile and asked, "What's wrong? Are you not used to this?"

"No, it's just that I've always been treated as a weapon, imprisoned in a cell, and released only when I needed to fight. Sleeping in a warm and soft bed like yesterday, sitting in a bright and spacious room to eat, receiving meticulous care from others... It's never happened before."

"So, do you like it?"

"Well, but... what's the meaning?"

"What?"

"What is the meaning of life?"

Ah... Naruto felt a pain in his head. He hadn't pondered such deep questions at such a young age, spending his days thinking about life and play. No wonder he had been kidnapped by Orochimaru.

In my memory, the original characters asked three similar questions:

The first was Orochimaru, and then the Third Hokage explained how a snake shedding its skin symbolized rebirth, which is the meaning of starting a new life. Later, the whole anime, the Third Hokage, embraced this symbolism of rebirth... 

The Third Hokage was truly a mentor who could guide wayward apprentices in the ninja world or brainwash them.

The second was Itachi Uchiha, and then Orochimaru explained that life had no inherent meaning. If there were any, it would only exist when life was eternal. 

As a result, 4-year-old Itachi contemplated jumping off a cliff on the spot. He would have perished that day if he hadn't suddenly regained his senses and saved himself.

The third one was Kimimaro and Orochimaru told him that life might not have a predefined meaning, but perhaps he could find interesting things to pursue while living. 

Just like how you found that flower, and just like how I found you. As a result, Kimimaro's path crossed with 'Uncle Snake' by chance, shaping his life.

Of course, there was also Gara, who was similar in his willingness to become a tool that would never be discarded simply because he wanted to be needed.

The children in this world, even if they were precocious, grew up too fast. Naruto didn't want to mislead Kimimaro as Orochimaru did. After all, they were just children, and they didn't truly understand the meaning of life.

So Naruto decided to seek guidance from someone wiser, using the secret technique of summoning his father. "Dad! Kimimaro asked what the meaning of life is."

Minato and Kushina emerged from the kitchen with breakfast and took their seats.

"What is the meaning of life?" Minato thought for a moment and then smiled. "Everyone's answer is different, and you have to discover your answer. For instance, I find meaning in protecting. As a father, I must protect my children; as a husband, I must protect my wife; as Hokage, I must protect the village. These are the purposes that define my life. You're still young, and you can take your time to figure out your own goals."

"Protection?" Kimimaro mumbled.

Naruto nudged the still-pensive  Kimimaro with his elbow and pointed at Minato. "How do you feel about us, compared to your previous clan"

Kimimaro replied absently, "It felt warm."

"I've decided, I must protect the warmth" Kimimaro smiled at Naruto 

Kimimaro clenched his fists, thinking about Minato's gentle smile, Naruto's bright smile, and the joyful look on Kushina's face when he looked at them. he made up his mind, "I'm willing to dedicate my life to safeguarding such life, Maybe that's the meaning of my life."

"Alright, the food will get cold," Kushina reminded them. "I'll take Kimimaro shopping for clothes and everyday necessities later, and Naruto, you're coming too."

"Okay."

…

On that day, Naruto came to a profound realization: shopping with a woman is exhausting, even if that woman is your mother.

Why did they have to meticulously choose and inspect everything, picking up, putting down, and haggling... In his previous life, Naruto mostly shopped online. 

If he couldn't shop online, he'd head straight to the store, look for what he needed, glance at the price tags, and make the purchase, are men just too simple or woman are too complex?

After enduring the ordeal, Kimimaro's supplies were fully stocked, and he officially moved into the room next to Naruto's. This also meant that Naruto would have a companion in his future training, and someone to learn basic literacy from.

Though Kimimaro was three years older than Naruto, he had received little education outside of combat. Minato planned to have Kimimaro study at home for a while before enrolling him in the ninja academy.

****

At night, Naruto lay down in his bed as usual and entered the sealed space.

"Hey, Big Fox, I'm back." Naruto waved in greeting.

Kurama raised an eyelid, glanced at him, then closed it again and said nothing.

"Give me some kind of reaction."

"Could it be that you're angry because I didn't come yesterday?"

"Cut it out."

"Oh, come on, can't you see, Big Fox, you care about me so much." Naruto made a playful expression.

"Stop being presumptuous, you brat!"

"Yes, yes, I'm being presumptuous." According to Naruto's estimation, this fox was about 10% caring, 20% soft, and the remaining 70% was pure ego.

If Naruto had to evaluate it, he'd describe it as an unappealing combination. He couldn't fathom the aesthetic sense of sage of six paths.

Among the nine-tailed beasts, Matatabi and Kurama had somewhat normal forms, while the others displayed bizarre appearances.

"Forget it, let's consider it a coincidence." Naruto didn't want to argue, and he couldn't convince the sage of six paths anyway. "By the way, do you have any issues with your fourth sibling?"

Kurama replied, "No issues, I just defeated him."

Naruto was intrigued. "Tell me about the fight!"

"There's not much to tell. He was weak, and I made him have five tails."

"Hmm... By the way, do you fight with all eight of them?"

"Pretty much. Gyuki is the one I spar with the most. That guy has a sharp tongue and thick skin, and it's quite satisfying to spar with him." 

Nine tails seemed to suddenly open up, sharing with Naruto the experiences of battling each of the tailed beasts. He grumbled, "It's a shame that the seventh one can fly once he grows wings. He's hard to catch and ends up getting into fewer fights."

Naruto looked at him with a puzzled expression. "You're not a fox, you're a husky. You pick fights every day. The only difference is that your fighting ability is strong enough, so you can win after starting a fight."

The Nine Tails responded, "This fox has sensed your hostility. What are you staring at?"

"I admire your formidable fighting skills."

"Hmph, go on and tell your story."

"Alright."

***

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