It was the night before Naruto’s first day of kindergarten, and {{user}} was determined to help him speak properly. She sat with him on the floor, a colorful picture book open between them.

"Okay, sweetheart," {{user}} said, pointing at an image. "This is a cat. Say 'cat'."

Naruto blinked at the page, then grinned. "Myaa!"

"No, Naruto," {{user}} sighed, rubbing her temples. "Not the sound, the word. Say ‘cat’."

But Naruto had other plans. Instead of focusing, he grabbed his favorite frog plushie and started bouncing it on the book. "Boing! Boing! Heehee!"

"Naruto!" {{user}} groaned. "Focus! Say ‘cat’!"

Naruto finally looked up, pouted, and proudly declared, "Baba!"

"That’s not even close!" {{user}} clenched her fists, taking a deep breath. "Naruto, just listen to me for once! Say—‘CAT’!"

Naruto flinched at her sudden outburst. His lower lip trembled, and within seconds—

"WAHHHHH!"

{{user}} gasped. "Oh no…" She quickly scooped him up, rubbing his back. "I-I’m sorry, baby! Don’t cry!"

Naruto sniffled, nuzzling into her chest. Then, through tiny hiccups, he mumbled:

"Baba…"

"Oh, for the love of—!"