The house was quiet, the kind of peaceful silence that came only after the sun dipped behind the rooftops of Konoha. Inside, a soft bubbling came from the small kitchen.
Ren Uzumaki stirred a pot gently, the savory aroma of miso, garlic, and slow-cooked broth filling the air. Fresh vegetables, soft-boiled eggs, and slices of seasoned pork were set neatly on a tray beside the counter.
He glanced at the clock.
"He's late... again."
He tasted the broth, then nodded in satisfaction.
"Special ramen tonight. He earned it."
It was Naruto's first day as a genin — officially. Tomorrow, he would be placed into a three-man team and assigned a jōnin instructor. Ren had seen the list being prepared. His own team placement was still unconfirmed.
"I hope he doesn't do anything stupid."
Just as he ladled broth into the bowls, the front door slammed open.
"I SMELL RAMEN!"
Ren didn't even flinch.
"Shower first, idiot."
"Awww, come on!" Naruto whined but obeyed, darting down the hall.
Ten minutes later, still damp-haired and grinning, Naruto sat cross-legged at the low dining table. He stared at the bowl in front of him like it was a treasure chest.
"You made this? Seriously?!"
Ren nodded, sitting across from him.
"Eat slowly. And chew."
"No promises!"
They ate in companionable silence for a few moments, the warm clink of chopsticks and the steam from the broth filling the space between them.
Then Ren spoke.
"Big day tomorrow. You nervous?"
Naruto swallowed a mouthful of noodles. "Pff, nah! I mean... maybe a little. We don't even know who we'll get teamed up with yet."
Ren smirked lightly.
"Try not to blow anything up."
Naruto grinned wider.
"What about you? Know your team yet?"
Ren shook his head. "Not yet. I'll find out tomorrow morning. Same as you."
Naruto gave him a thumbs-up. "Whoever gets you is lucky. Just don't forget to visit us sometimes, yeah?"
Ren chuckled. "Only if you stop skipping showers."
After they finished eating, Ren stood and walked over to a small box near the door. He pulled something out and tossed it gently toward Naruto.
"Here. Got it for you earlier."
Naruto caught the bundle, blinked, and unwrapped it. Inside was a bright orange outfit — his now-signature color.
"Whoa! This is awesome! Wait, is this for tomorrow?!"
Ren shrugged. "Figured you'd want to look like a proper ninja."
Naruto beamed, clutching the outfit to his chest.
"Thanks, bro! I'm totally gonna rock this!"
Ren smiled softly as he turned away to clean the dishes.
"I know you will."
That night, under the roof they shared, the warmth of quiet moments and simple food wrapped around them like armor.
Later, the lights were dim, and both brothers lay on their beds, staring at the wooden ceiling.
"Ren?" Naruto asked softly.
"Yeah?"
"You think we'll end up on the same team?"
Ren was quiet for a moment. Then:
"I hope so. But even if we don't... we'll still fight together someday."
Naruto rolled over to look at his twin in the shadows.
"Promise?"
Ren nodded. "Always."
A pause. Then Naruto grinned, his voice sleepily teasing.
"Don't forget I'm still older. Five seconds, remember?"
Ren chuckled.
"Yeah, yeah. Don't let it get to your head."
And with that, the night finally took them — two brothers, side by side, waiting for the future to begin.
Tomorrow would begin a new chapter.
And both would walk into it — side by side, even if on different paths.