The warm light of sunset filtered through the window of the small Uzumaki home. Ren stepped through the door, brushing dust off his shoulders from the long training day. The house was quiet — Naruto still hadn't come back.
Ren smiled faintly.
"Probably still dealing with that bell test."
He removed his sandals and walked toward the kitchen. After a short, refreshing shower, he got to work. For himself, he cooked a simple stir-fry with rice — something light but filling. For Naruto, he started boiling broth and noodles.
"He's going to be hungry. That Kakashi guy really didn't let them eat..."
Time passed slowly.
Then — crash.
The door slammed open.
"I'm hoooome!!" Naruto's voice echoed through the house.
Ren smirked from the kitchen. "Shower. Then food."
"Yessir!"
Minutes later, Naruto reemerged in dry clothes, hair still dripping. The smell of ramen reached him like a beacon.
"You're the best, bro!"
They sat down at the small table, Naruto already halfway into his first bite.
Ren picked up his chopsticks, pausing.
"So... how did it go?"
Naruto grinned, cheeks stuffed.
"That Kakashi guy's crazy! He told us not to eat, tied us to logs, and vanished in the middle of training! Said only two of us would pass. Can you believe that?!"
Ren raised an eyebrow. "So?"
Naruto's grin widened.
"We passed! He said it was about teamwork! Even though we didn't get the bells, he said we understood the real test. Said something about... 'those who abandon the mission are scum, but those who abandon their comrades are worse.'"
Ren gave a nod of approval. "Good lesson."
Naruto beamed. "I thought I was gonna fail, not gonna lie... But Sasuke and Sakura backed me up. And I didn't let them down either."
Ren took a calm bite of his meal.
"I'm glad."
For a moment, they ate in silence — not heavy, not tense. Just shared peace between two brothers who had taken different paths but were still walking forward, side by side.
Then Naruto slurped his ramen loudly and leaned back.
"So when's your first team mission?"
Ren looked over at him. "Tomorrow."
Naruto blinked. "Whoa, really? That fast?"
Ren nodded. "Just a basic task. Inside the village. Same as yours, probably."
Naruto frowned slightly. "Man, I wanted to go on something exciting... like escorting a prince or hunting bandits!"
Ren smirked. "You'll get there. First, prove you can handle cats and lost luggage."
Naruto pouted. "Don't remind me about the stupid cat thing."
Ren reached over and ruffled his brother's hair.
"One step at a time, older brother."
Naruto grinned. "Five seconds older! Doesn't count!"
They both chuckled, and for the rest of the evening, the house was filled with warm laughter and the quiet comfort of home.