The sun was still climbing when Kaizen arrived at the familiar forest clearing, its early light painting the grass in soft gold. He exhaled quietly, the silence around him a welcome moment of calm.
This spot had become something of a second home to him, Naruto, and Hinata over the past week.
After dragging the two through a week of intense, chakra-draining training—culminating in mastering the Tree Walking exercise—they had naturally fallen into a routine. Mornings were now theirs.
Kaizen always arrived first, of course. It wasn't about punctuality—it was habit. Meditation, observation, control. He liked having those quiet few minutes before the others showed up.
Sure enough, Hinata arrived shortly after. As always, she walked with measured steps and a hint of nervousness, but her smile had become more confident since that first day of training.
"Good morning, Kaizen," she said softly, hands folded behind her.
"Morning," he replied, glancing at her with a slight nod.
They didn't need to say much anymore. The bond was forming, steady and quiet, like roots beneath the surface.
It wasn't long before rustling leaves announced the arrival of Naruto, crashing into the clearing like a misplaced whirlwind.
"I made it before lunch this time!" he announced proudly.
Hinata giggled quietly. Kaizen shook his head with the barest hint of amusement.
"You're only saying that because we haven't had lunch yet," Kaizen said.
"Still counts!"
Kaizen let it slide. Truth was, Naruto had been showing up earlier and earlier—not just because of the food, but because something was changing. The bond between the three of them wasn't just about training anymore.
They were becoming a team.
Today, though, was a little different.
Kaizen carried a cloth-wrapped bundle on his back, the scent of grilled meat and seasoned rice subtly wafting from within. He always brought lunch for Naruto and Hinata. It helped keep Naruto healthy, and it leveled up his [Cooking Skill] through his system.
But this time, he'd put in extra effort.
Because today, Ino was bringing two people—two possible new allies—and Kaizen wanted to make the best impression he could. Without being too obvious, of course.
"I thought we'd warm up first," Kaizen said, looking at the pair.
Naruto groaned. "Please don't say more tree-walking..."
Hinata smiled. "I think he means something new."
Kaizen smirked. "Smart girl. Today, we'll try walking on moving water."
Naruto's face froze. "Huh?! You mean like water walking?!"
Kaizen just gestured to the stream nearby, and Naruto groaned again.
"We're gonna drown."
Kaizen chuckled under his breath. "Then drown well, and stand better."
---
Time passed with light training and laughter, until Kaizen finally caught the subtle shift in the breeze and turned.
Ino was approaching, accompanied by two boys.
Kaizen stood up straight, brushing off his knees.
Ino waved as she entered the clearing. "Morning! I brought them!"
The taller boy with a ponytail looked bored. The rounder one next to him looked curious.
Ino turned to them. "Guys, this is Kaizen, the boy I told you about."
Kaizen gave a respectful nod. "Nice to meet you. I'm Kaizen Kurohane."
He gestured to the others. "This is Naruto Uzumaki and Hinata Hyuga. We've been training together for a while now."
The boy with the ponytail raised a hand lazily. "Shikamaru Nara."
The rounder boy followed with a wide grin. "Choji Akimichi. Nice to meet you!"
Kaizen smiled. "I've heard of your clans. It's good to finally meet you both."
Naruto leaned in and whispered loudly, "Kaizen made us climb trees and stuff without using our hands. It was crazy."
Choji blinked. "Wait… Tree Walking? Already?"
Hinata nodded quietly. "It was difficult, but… we learned a lot."
Shikamaru's interest piqued just a bit, though he still looked tired. "Sounds like a drag… but also impressive."
Kaizen's gaze was calm. "You'll see for yourself soon. But for now, let's just talk."
They sat and exchanged stories. Ino explained how she had seen Kaizen playing with Naruto and Hinata and got curious. Naruto shared a bit about how they all met. Kaizen mostly listened, studying Shikamaru and Choji's responses.
The conversation shifted naturally.
Eventually, Kaizen stood. "I brought food for everyone today."
He opened the bundle he'd been carrying, revealing a neatly arranged assortment of bento boxes. The scent made Naruto's stomach growl audibly.
"You made all this?" Choji asked, eyes widening.
Kaizen nodded. "I enjoy cooking. Helps keep us fueled—and improves my skills."
Choji took a bite and visibly lit up. "This is… amazing!"
Ino grinned. "Told you he was something."
Naruto already had rice on his cheek. "Kaizen's cooking is the best!"
Hinata ate silently, but her soft smile said enough.
Even Shikamaru seemed impressed as he took a bite. "Troublesome… but worth it."
Kaizen observed them all—satisfied. He wasn't trying to manipulate anyone. But if food, honesty, and shared effort brought them together? Then that was a path worth walking.
Today wasn't about missions or power.
It was about laying the foundation.
And the foundation was starting to look strong.