Konoha: Comparison of Naruto

Chapter 20: Naruto got a bright future

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Orochimaru had a point.

The Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique was created by Hiruzen himself.

Unless it was passed down within his inner circle, there was always a specific purpose and explanation behind sharing such a technique with others.

[At Naruto's home...]

[Naruto stared at the approaching Hiruzen with doubt in his eyes.]

["Little Naruto, I heard you successfully performed the Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique?"]

[Hearing this, Naruto's eyes shifted slightly.]

[Does this old man have clairvoyance?]

[He had succeeded just once, and yet Hiruzen immediately appeared at his doorstep.]

[After thinking about it, Naruto reminded himself that Hiruzen was the Hokage of Konoha Village—the person holding the highest authority.]

[As Hokage, it would be easy for him to know everything happening in the village. He could order anyone to report anything at any time.]

[But it was precisely this realization that deepened Naruto's dissatisfaction with Hiruzen.]

- If you have the time to come here and deal with me, why don't you use your authority to order those annoying villagers to stop pointing fingers at me?

- Also, just giving me money isn't enough. I haven't even spent it yet.

- And let's not forget about my parents—

- I've asked about them, and even when I ask in person, you refuse to give me an answer. What kind of behavior is that?

[Despite all these complaints running through his mind, Naruto forced a smile as he faced Hiruzen.]

["Well, success is success, but it used a lot of chakra. I nearly passed out from exhaustion."]

["That's normal, completely normal."]

[Hiruzen displayed his usual kind smile before his face turned serious.]

["Naruto, do you understand the special significance of the ninjutsu you've learned?"]

Special significance?

A ninjutsu has a special significance?

[Naruto was confused. He thought the technique was undeniably cool and powerful, but he couldn't understand what made it "special."]

[Before Naruto could clarify the situation, Hiruzen continued, leaving him even more perplexed.]

["This Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique isn't something many people have mastered."]

["Starting with me, every Hokage has been able to perform this ninjutsu."]

["This is because it represents a legacy in our village. Each Hokage passes down their knowledge and experience to the next Hokage."]

[Naruto's eyes widened slightly in surprise.]

["Naruto, Hokage is the dream of every ninja in Konoha Village. I think you should also strive toward it as your own dream."]

As expected, Orochimaru had been right.

Sarutobi Hiruzen had begun planting the idea of becoming Hokage into Naruto's mind.

["Hokage is also the most respected and recognized person in the village."]

Orochimaru: "As expected of you, Sarutobi-sensei. When it comes to brainwashing, I'm no match for you."

Onoki: "It's truly a clever strategy. Because Naruto isn't recognized by others, the old monkey subtly plants the idea of earning recognition through becoming Hokage. Brilliant."

Namikaze Minato: "However, there is some truth in what the Third Hokage says. He did teach me many things, such as the Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique."

Sarutobi Hiruzen: "Don't start making noise. Just admit that what I did was right. The Naruto in that world isn't enlightened and seeks recognition from others. I also don't want him to become lonely. Encouraging him to gain recognition—isn't that correct? What's wrong with that?"

Orochimaru: "Don't try to mislead everyone. You want to keep Naruto-kun under your control. Honestly, I suspect you leaked his identity as a Jinchūriki on purpose, just to pretend to be the good guy later. You wanted him to feel gratitude, form a bond with you, and obey your every command in the future."

Hiruzen, angered by Orochimaru's bold accusations, was on the verge of losing his temper.

He stood up abruptly, ready to move, but found himself restrained by an inexplicable force, unable to take another step.

Orochimaru: "What's the matter, Sarutobi-sensei? Out of breath?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen: "You...! I actually thought about dealing with you just now. Perhaps the -viewing system punished me for it."

Orochimaru: "The old man really wants to strangle me, doesn't he? Look how flustered you are. What nonsense were you thinking?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen: "You—!"

Orochimaru: "Oh, it's nothing. I just wanted to see you panic. After all, my plans have failed, and I need to find other ways to achieve my goals."

Hiruzen was at a loss, completely speechless.

Letting Orochimaru defect due to misplaced sentiment was the greatest regret of his life.

Fortunately, the others in the discussion group didn't fan the flames further.

No one could predict what kind of footage the-viewing system might reveal next.

Hiruzen's strategies and ideas, while controversial, were familiar to high-ranking officials in any ninja village.

"Be careful not to overstep," they thought. "No one knows if their own village's secrets might appear on screen next."

Meanwhile, the Genin, who had always basked in the idyllic sunshine of Konoha Village, were left utterly dumbfounded.

The heated discussion was an eye-opener, leaving them unsure of what or who to believe.

["Hokage..."]

[Hearing the word, Naruto appeared deep in thought.]

["Where the leaves dance, the fire is always alive…"]

[He recalled the words spoken during the entrance ceremony at the academy.]

[If he had not experienced grief, perhaps he too might have been moved by such ideals.]

[The Will of Fire seemed like a beautiful, idyllic concept.]

[However, reality was far different. The old man who preached about sacrifice for the younger generation was alive and well, standing before him.]

[Meanwhile, the so-called family Naruto was supposed to have either excluded or cursed him.]

If the Will of Fire really exists, Naruto thought, then the current Hokage should be the Fourth or even the Fifth Hokage.

[After all, the Fourth Hokage had died before the Third, and the younger generation had perished before the older generation.]

[For Naruto, whose reality was vastly different from others, such ideals felt hollow.]

[The harsh truth had taught him that the so-called Will of Fire did not exist at all.]

[Naruto looked up at Hiruzen with his small head, feeling aggrieved.

- If the person standing in front of me right now were the Fourth Hokage, maybe my life would be completely different. At least I wouldn't be walking the streets and enduring random abuse.

- Will of Fire? Hehehe…

[Naruto sneered inwardly. What surprised him most was that, despite the entire village shunning him, Hokage treated him well, both emotionally and logically. It didn't make sense to him in any way.]

["Amazing! Grandpa, can becoming a Hokage really make everyone recognize me?"]

["But I can't. To become Hokage, you need to be at least as strong as you, Grandpa."]

[Naruto's innocent, childish voice made Hiruzen's eyes flash with surprise.]

[As expected of Minato and Kushina's child, Naruto held far more promise than other children.]

[Hiruzen's old face broke into a satisfied smile: "Ho Ho Ho Ho…"]

["Becoming a powerful ninja doesn't happen overnight. You're still young and have plenty of time to practice hard."]

["Look what I brought you today."]

["Shadow Clone Technique."]

["It's a very interesting ninjutsu."]

["You must learn this just like you learned the Shuriken Shadow Clone."]

[...]

Everyone was left speechless by Naruto's cunning.

Ever since seeing the image of Namikaze Minato, Naruto had become increasingly skeptical of the Will of Fire.

Astute and vigilant, he had deceived Hiruzen with his acting skills.

Even Hiruzen was proud of his own approach, completely unaware of Naruto's thoughts.

Terumi Mei: "This..."

Fourth Raikage: "I feel like this kid is truly terrifying. To have such cunning at such a young age…"

Uzumaki Kushina: "Watch your words! What cunning? Naruto has suffered so much unfair treatment—do you think it's possible for him to not have thoughts in his heart?"

Onoki: "That's true. But the way he restrained his inner disgust while flattering Hiruzen to the point of making the old man happy—it's remarkable."

Orochimaru: "The teacher is clearly old. A little flattery, and he so easily trusted the other party. It's time for him to step down."

Uzumaki Naruto: "No wonder the old man is always eager to teach him ninjutsu—it turns out that kid is good at sweet-talking."

Yamanaka Ino: "..."

Haruno Sakura: "..."

Nara Shikamaru: "How can a seven-year-old know how to flatter? I think Naruto over there is just sweet-talking."

Akimichi Chōji: "Shikamaru is right. At least our Naruto doesn't stand up and make a fuss. That's something to be thankful for."