Naofumi's relationship with Itsuki is strained to put it politely, he dislikes how Itsuki acts solely to flaunt his pride and show off, and, like the other heroes, is quite begrudged at Itsuki for believing Malty's frame up. Later on, he did defend Itsuki from Raphtalia's criticisms by stating that Itsuki was stuck up, but would never let harm befall his allies, however, what little respect he had for Itsuki completely disappears when Itsuki kicks Rishia out of his party for being weak. When they are reunited, Itsuki, in his cursed state, accuses Naofumi of various crimes, including partaking in slavery without rewarding said slaves and selling medicine to the rich while ignoring the poor. Naofumi comically remembers that his slaves love to eat his cooking, wondering just how unrewarded they really are in their services, and points out that he needs to make a profit, so the latter issue can't be helped. As of now, Itsuki remains in Naofumi's village, still undergoing his cursed state. In his cursed state, he is emotionless, expressionless, and his ambition as being seen as the hero of Justice, non-existent.