So Naruto Uzumaki already knew about the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox sealed within his body, which made it easier for him to accept what he was now hearing.
Even so,
Naruto Uzumaki, after learning the full truth,
Stood frozen in place for a long while before finally returning to his senses.
With a mix of confusion and sorrow in his eyes, he asked Tian Yu:
"Big Brother Tian Yu, but if my parents were great heroes… why does everyone hate me so much?"
"Because in this village, very few people know that you are the son of the Fourth Hokage," Tian Yu replied, taking a sip from his teacup before continuing in Naruto's bewildered gaze.
"After the Nine-Tails' attack that night, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, issued an order to classify your parentage as an S-Rank secret. No one was allowed to speak of it—not even to you.
But your status as the jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails was quietly leaked from the upper echelons of Konoha to the general populace.
That's why you were treated the way you were growing up…
And frankly, it was the decision of the Konoha leadership—Sarutobi Hiruzen included—that caused it."
In the original manga, Naruto's childhood suffering is only briefly touched upon.
Much of it happened behind closed doors. But Tian Yu, having served in ANBU, had access to classified records. He pieced together the truth from countless intelligence files and internal reports.
And now, what Tian Yu had just told him—
Struck Naruto like lightning in his heart.
A man who had always seemed like a kind elder—one of the only people Naruto had admired aside from Big Brother Tian Yu…
Had played a role in all of this?
"Big Brother Tian Yu, you're saying that all this… was because of Grandpa Hokage? But why? Why would he do that?"
Naruto stood from the bench, his voice quivering with emotion as he shouted the question at Tian Yu.
"Because… they feared the power of the Nine-Tails."
"The power of the Nine-Tails…?"
Naruto glanced down, unconsciously placing a hand on his stomach.
"That's right,"
Tian Yu nodded solemnly.
"To the leadership—including Hiruzen Sarutobi—the safety of the entire village outweighed the lives of your parents… and your own happiness.
For the sake of Konoha's peace, they believed that sacrificing a child's future was a price worth paying."
Naruto's face turned blank with confusion.
Tian Yu had no choice but to continue:
"The power of the tailed beasts and the unique role of the jinchūriki make them living weapons of immense strategic value.
In every great shinobi village, jinchūriki are viewed not as children… but as tools of war.
The Five Kage have always prioritized control over jinchūriki. Sarutobi's method… was psychological manipulation."
"Psychological… manipulation?"
Naruto scratched his head, struggling to grasp the meaning.
"Yes. You lost your parents and became an orphan. Emotionally, you were vulnerable and starved for connection.
So Sarutobi allowed the villagers to mistreat you. He ensured you were isolated—friendless. That way, you would be all the more desperate for affection.
Then, by being the only one to show you kindness from time to time, he positioned himself as your emotional anchor.
And in turn, ensured you'd trust him without question."
Naruto was silent for a long moment before muttering:
"So… Big Brother Tian Yu, what you're saying is—
Grandpa Hokage made everyone hate me… and then treated me well on purpose… so I'd listen to him?"
Tian Yu nodded gravely.
Naruto's face contorted with a mixture of shock and pain.
"Then… Big Brother Tian Yu, why were you allowed to approach me? If the Hokage ordered all this, wouldn't you get in trouble for telling me the truth?"
Naruto's voice trembled.
Right now, the image of Sarutobi Hiruzen—the kind, pipe-smoking old man he once trusted—shattered completely in his heart.
And the only one left that he could truly rely on… was Tian Yu.
"Hiruzen didn't monitor our interactions closely back then. I was just one year older than you, and he underestimated me—he didn't know my true strength yet.
So he didn't pay our friendship much attention.
And as for why I'm telling you this now, I have two reasons.
First: I believe your heart has matured. Knowing the truth now will help you let go of a lot of pain.
You no longer have to feel ashamed for being called a 'fox demon'… or for being an orphan.
Because you are the son of the Fourth Hokage, Namikaze Minato.
Your parents died to protect Konoha. To protect you. You carry their legacy.
You should take pride in your very existence."
"And second…"
Tian Yu's expression turned calm and confident.
"My strength now is more than enough.
The upper echelons of Konoha—including Sarutobi Hiruzen—no longer pose a threat to me."
"!!"
Naruto's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Big Brother Tian Yu—you're saying… you're already stronger than the Hokage?!"
Tian Yu gave no verbal reply—he simply smiled faintly.
That alone told Naruto everything.
A brief silence followed.
Naruto lowered his head, his emotions complicated and swirling.
"Brother Tian Yu… I'll head home for today. Hehe… I heard so much just now… my brain's overheating. I need time to think it all through."
He forced a wide grin—his trademark smile.
But this time, it was hollow.
Just a smile worn like a mask.
Tian Yu nodded.
He understood. Naruto had just learned a devastating truth.
He would need time to process everything.
In the days that followed—
Tian Yu didn't see Naruto again.
Word around the village said that Naruto, now officially part of Team 7, had gone on a mission outside the village with Kakashi.
Tian Yu had already wrapped up the Land of Waves incident himself,
So Naruto's assignment was just a standard C-rank mission. It wouldn't be too dangerous.
Just like that,
A month passed quickly.
Spring arrived.
A soft breeze blew through the lush grass, making it sway gently.
Tian Yu lay lazily on the lawn beside Training Field #3, eyes closed, resting.
He had just finished a round of training.
Now he was savoring this rare moment of peace.
"So this is where you were hiding… I've searched half the village!"
The blue-clad Green Beast of Konoha, Might Guy, suddenly appeared beside him, his expression one of mock exasperation.
He gazed at the lounging Tian Yu and sighed.
Why was this kid becoming so relaxed?
It was… infuriating!
Ever since quitting ANBU,
Tian Yu spent his days either forging ninja tools, training solo, or napping in random places… sometimes even shopping with little girls.
This couldn't continue!
"Guy-sensei? What brings you here? No mission today? Come lie down and enjoy the sunshine with me?"
Tian Yu stretched out and made room on the lawn.
Sunbathing?
This kid's lost it!
Might Guy rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
He didn't know what Tian Yu had gone through during his ANBU days…
But resigning like that must've meant he'd been seriously hurt.
As his teacher, it was Guy's duty to fire him up again!
Youth had to burn bright!
With a wide grin, Might Guy struck a pose and declared:
"Tian Yu! You've always been my most promising student!"
"Handsome! Talented! Born into a fine family! And your strength—truly exceptional!"
"You must never forget your worth! No matter what happens, I'll always be there to support you!"
With that, he spread his arms wide for a hug.
"Whoa, whoa! I'm not into that kind of stuff!"
Tian Yu, suddenly feeling a chill,
Grabbed Guy by the collar and tossed him away.
Geez!
Those compliments sounded way too off!
Guy-sensei must be malfunctioning again!
"Wah! Your strength really has grown!"
Guy picked himself up from the dirt and laughed awkwardly.
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