Chapter 30: Twenty-Eight
The following days were quite taxing. Teuchi didn't fully understand the concept of advertisement.
To attract customers we needed to spread the restaurant's name around the village. With the help of Ayame, Teuchi's 11-year-old daughter, I managed to make several posters which I spread around the village.
I had tried tracking Naruto down by searching the playground but I couldn't find him. I visited the area several times but stopped when I noticed the weird glances directed at me.
According to RoBro, the deduction process could be immediate or it could take awhile. The best step for me was to have Naruto by my side until the process was complete. So I looked into adoption.
The adoption process required a stable salary and a home. I had a room and an empty wallet. My first step would be to change that. So I had devised a way to acquire a salary. A week passed and the posters showed their worth.
We saw more customers than ever before visiting the restaurant. Before long, Teuchi pulled me aside.
"I don't know how to thank you Rei. Your advertisement plan was really effective. You'll be receiving a fixed salary from now on. I hope it's enough."
"No need to thank me. Ayame did most of the work."
I gave the young girl the thumbs up and she grinned sheepishly.
I began saving my money and and after a few days, I had enough to rent an apartment a few streets away from the restaurant.
With that complete, I made my way to the orphanage.
I was welcomed in by the Matron of the orphanage. She took me into her office and we began the adoption process.
"You're a good man for doing this Mr Rei, but may I ask, why Naruto?"
"Well, I heard that the child's full name is Uzumaki Naruto correct?"
'That's right.'
'Turns our we share the same surname. My name is Uzumaki Rei. It's quite possible that Naruto and I might be distant relatives. I can't possibly let a child I could share ties with grow without any family.'
"You have a good heart. I understand. He's lucky to have you."
The Matron had someone fetch Naruto and prepare his bag.
Before long, the 6 year old slowly entered the room.
"Come in Naruto. This here is Uzumaki Rei. He would like to adopt you."
"It's nice to meet you. We have the same name so you can call me Uncle."
Naruto seemed confused by the events and just nodded along as the process was completed.
"Let's go home."
I took the child back to my new apartment. I helped him settle into his own room. He had one bag with little to no possessions. After he had settled in, I noticed it was getting late.
"Are you hungry?"
He seemed somewhat wary of me, but still reluctantly nodded his head.
"Good. I know the perfect place to eat."
I took his hand and we headed down to Ichiraku's.
"Oh Rei! What you doing here on your day off? And who's that child? He looks familiar."
"This is my nephew Naruto. Say hello Naruto."
Naruto politely greeted Teuchi who responded with a kind laugh.
"We came over for a meal. I'll pay of course."
"No need! Employees eat free!"
With a determined expression Teuchi left to prepared two dishes.
Naruto stared at the steaming bowl in wonder. With a wide smile as he dug in. I followed close behind. We both ate our fill and then left the restaurant with satisfied smiles.
"Let's get going."
"Are we going home uncle?"
The sun had set but the street lights were bright and the streets still bustling.
"Nope. We're going shopping."
We spent the next hour or so buying things for Naruto. He seemed somewhat overwhelmed by everything. Before we left the market, I noticed a frog shaped wallet in one of the stalls. I purchased it and put in some money before handing it to Naruto.
"That's your allowance for the week. Don't use it up too quickly, okay?"
He nodded vigorously as he took the wallet and carefully secured it into his pocket. With all that taken care of, we headed back to the apartment. Naruto and I took a bath and changed our clothes.
"Alright it's bed time. You've got to head to the academy in the morning right?"
"Yep! Are you a ninja uncle? Ninjas are so cool! I'm gonna be a super strong ninja and the strongest Hokage!"
Naruto had warmed up to me and felt no problem bragging.
"Unfortunately, your uncle is not a ninja. A ninja needs sleep to grow big and strong. Get to bed now."
He said goodnight and headed off to bed. I stretched and decided to do the same.
---
A masked ninja silently appeared in the office of the 3rd hokage.
"The status of the jinchuriki has changed."
"Report."
The ninja gave her report and handed over some documents to the Hokage.
Sarutobi Hiruzen examined the document.
"Uzumaki Rei is it? How curious."
He examined the photograph before turning to the ninja.
"Watch but do not engage. Dismissed."
The ninja disappeared as quickly as she had appeared.
Hiruzen lit his pipe and sat back in thought.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone