Naruto: The Namikaze Resurgence

*WHOOSH*

The denizens of Konoha expressed their admiration for a well-renowned individual navigating from rooftop to rooftop. The Yamanaka clan was notorious in itself, so naturally, the presence of the clan leader would attract attention.

- Look, it's Lord Inoichi. -

- Is something the matter? -

Unsurprised by the reaction he was getting, Inoichi mused, 'Lord Third advised against drawing attention... But that isn't working,' 

Nevertheless, he continued his pursuit to escort the designated person, increasing his pace.

In a nearby shop stand selling coffee and confectionaries:

"Inoichi-san seems perplexed," a person claimed. 

He had long red hair and appeared large and robust with a stocky build. He wore a loose-fitting, sleeveless, yet armored vest atop a long-sleeved black shirt and black trousers. The said person was munching on some potato chips from a packet, bearing a chivalrous expression. This man was a higher-level Jonin of Konoha and a powerhouse fighter; Akimichi Choza. This person was the head of the notorious Akimichi clan.

"Yeah? He nags us to go there, only to tell us not to worry. What a drag," another chimed in, seemingly whining about what had transpired. 

The middle-aged man had a tall, and lean build, He had long, tied-up black hair. His attire consisted of the same shinobi custom; the flak jacket, with another jacket atop it. This specific jacket was a dark-coloured garment, which had the style of what cavemen wore. This man was the genius Jonin of Konoha; Nara Shikaku, and was the head of the notorious Nara clan.

Turning his gaze to Shikaku, Choza insisted, his tone laced with curiosity, "Wanna follow him?"

"Nah," Shikaku lazily declined, evidently not giving a damn and subsequently burying his head in his arms.

...

Inoichi leaped forth, garnering attention from the general public, but he didn't stray from his path and pressed on. Finally, he appeared to have arrived at his destination. The chakra signature of the individual lingered here, and with his refined sensory recognition, he could pinpoint the aura with a glance.

He shifted his gaze to the side, and noticed the signature was inside a popular food store; Ichiraku Ramen.

Inoichi maintained his professionalism and sauntered inside. A bead of sweat formed by his temple as he analysed the signature. It was so calm, but it was from that very calmness that Inoichi shuddered. Whoever this person was, he was a professional, and it would certainly benefit if he was an ally. 

Inoichi entered the establishment, and the first person he met eyes with was the owner of Ichiraku Ramen.

"Welcome to Ichiraku Ramen, what can I get you," the owner asked with his usual, satisfied tone. He was none other than Teuchi.

"I'll take a Shio Ramen," Inoichi ordered politely. 

"Coming right up," Teuchi, affirmed. 

Inoichi swept his eyes around the empty store until it halted on an individual clad in all grey. The individual was sitting on a stool, and surprisingly, appeared to be the only person in the establishment.

*SLURP*

The cloaked man lifted his bowl, informally devouring the remains of his Ramen by bringing the dish to his lips and slurping the juices. Plenty of vacant bowls were situated beside him; he had been having multiple dishes.

Nonetheless, Inoichi strolled up to the person, and sat beside him, not minding the slurping noise.

Finally, the man clad in grey smacked his lips in satisfaction and rubbed his stomach; "Haaaa, that hit the spot," he stated playfully, not batting an eye at Inoichi.

"Shio Ramen," Teuchi called, prompting Inoichi to turn his gaze back to the front where Teuchi had slid a bowl of Ramen.

"Ahh, thank you," Inoichi humbly accepted, taking a pair of chopsticks and snapping it.

Soon enough, a beautiful lady emerged from the curtains, seemingly around her early twenties. She had long, brown hair, deep black eyes, and a serene smile gracing her countenance. She was none other than Teuchi's daughter, Ayame.

She walked toward the cloaked figure, and asked, "Here's your cheque." 

"Ayame, don't worry about it. It's on me," Teuchi intercepted as he cleaned the plates, much to the female acquaintance's surprise.

"Haha, thanks Teuchi-san. You're the best," the cloaked man expressed his gratitude. 

Inoichi seemed surprised that this person casually held a conversation. His perception of the cloaked figure was to remain vigilant, but from the looks of it, this person seemed respectable.

"Inoichi-san, please eat your food, it'll get cold," the cloaked man casually addressed.

'How does he know my name,' Inoichi mused, arching a brow in skepticism.

Noticing Inoichi's paranoia, the cloaked man understood where it stemmed from, and reassured; "Sigh, don't look at me like that. Everyone knows you." 

After all, Inoichi was the head of the notorious Yamanaka clan, so it wasn't very surprising to know of the man.

Noticing the truth in his words, Inoichi complied and commenced his meal.

The cloaked man propped his elbows on the table and interlocked his hands with his chin atop them. He remained leaned slightly forward. The cheery and youthful persona was replaced by seriousness, with the only sound revolving being Inoichi's chopsticks clanking along the sides of the dish.

Before long, Inoichi had completed his meal, and the cloaked man released his posture.

"Shall we proceed?" The cloaked man inquired.

Inoichi replied, "Yes."

Both individuals stood from their spot, with Inoichi taking the initiative and departing the place.

"Sir, your cheque," the female acquaintance, Ayame called.

"Phff." 

Inoichi noticed the muffled laughter coming from the cloaked individual, seeing that the cloaked man placed his hand on his mouth as though concealing his expression, but Inoichi paid no heed. He approached the kind waitress and paid the bill by handing a single 1000 ryo note. 

"Keep the change," he sternly stated before exiting the establishment.

"Thank you," Ayame thanked followed by a respectful bow.

The cloaked man followed suit and found Inoichi staring at him.

"Hmm, do I have something on my face?" The cloaked man raised a serious question.

"I can't even see your face," Inoichi replied truthfully. The only thing he could see was the person's sapphire eyes. It looked like a polished gem, and with his years of experience as a ninja, he could ascertain with a glance that this was no ordinary person. 

Those gleaming eyes conveyed his seemingly limitless power, causing Inoichi to gulp.

The cloaked man admitted, "Haha, that's true."

Considering his incredulous attire, there was no way Inoichi could discern the man's identity. 

"Let's get a move on," Inoichi asserted, turning around with his coat stylishly swaying in the air before returning to its former position. 

Inoichi jumped atop a building, surveying the terrain for a quick passage to the Hokage's office.

"Follow me," Inoichi gestured.

"No need. I shall wait for you at the office... That is... If you're interested in knowing who I am." The cloaked man taunted.

He vanished from his spot immediately after his statement, leaving Inoichi stunned. 

"W-What the heck was that speed," Inoichi stammered. He was in disbelief. He couldn't even see the cloaked person move... 

'That was just a body flicker... But that speed!'

***

Back in the Hokage's office, Hiruzen was examining his documents, tapping the pen on the table. repeatedly and left deeply pondering. Soon enough, his tapping paused, and a knowing smile formed on his exhausted features. 

"You're here," Hiruzen mumbled.

...

The cloaked man stood atop a grand, red building; this was the Hokage's office. His chosen perch: the balcony. There, amidst the brisk winds of Konoha, he found a rejuvenating embrace and took a deep breath in, absorbing the invigorating atmosphere.

"Haa," he exhaled, to which mist exited his mouth hinting at the severe reduction in temperature.

The entire village came into view, and his sapphire eyes gleamed as he took note of his surroundings, viewing his hometown from above like a supreme sovereign.

The cloaked man knelt, placing his hand on the empty ground, and lifting it. The empty ground now bore a mark, constructed through Fuinjutsu. With this area marked, he had the leisure of teleporting to this location instantaneously.

Approaching the balcony's edge, he leaped, landing gracefully beside the window of the Hokage's office. Facing the window, a smile graced his lips as he recognised a familiar figure standing across the other side.

Lord Third stood on the other side with his cigar pipe, emitting wisps of smoke. Though separated by a window in between, the cloaked man could discern what Lord Third was saying.

"Welcome back," Lord Third greeted.

In response, the cloaked man bowed in a gesture of respect.