Naruto Uzumaki felt very strange when he saw Hiruzen Sarutobi waiting for him at his home.
Still, Naruto warmly said, "Grandpa Hokage, you came to visit me."
Hiruzen chuckled and asked, "Naruto, how's your training at the Ninja Academy going? Keeping up okay? The graduation exam's coming up soon. Think you're ready for it?"
Naruto nodded firmly. "Yeah, it's kind of tough, but I'm managing. I'll pass the graduation exam for sure."
Hiruzen pointed at the mask on Naruto's face and asked curiously, "Naruto, I've been meaning to ask you—why do you wear such a thick mask all the time? Doesn't it make breathing hard?"
Naruto looked down, his voice soft with disappointment. "It just makes me feel safer somehow… Grandpa Hokage, you know a lot of people hate me. They don't want to see me. If I wear a mask, they feel better about me being around."
The hand that held Hiruzen's pipe trembled slightly.
It wasn't out of guilt toward Naruto, but rather concern over what would happen when Minato Namikaze was released and learned about Naruto's situation.
Minato had made tremendous sacrifices for Konoha as Hokage, yet now his own son couldn't even walk outside without wearing a mask.
Putting himself in Minato's place, it would be only natural for him to feel anger.
And if Naruto ever found out he was the son of Konoha's Fourth Hokage, how would he react?
As a Jinchuriki—the vessel of the Nine-Tails—Naruto's importance to Konoha went without saying. If anything went wrong, it would deal yet another devastating blow to the village.
With Minato Namikaze possibly being freed soon, instead of feeling joy, Hiruzen felt troubled.
Even if they changed Naruto's life right now, those years of suffering couldn't simply disappear.
So the only choice left was to look for a breakthrough within Naruto himself.
Hiruzen set his pipe down and sighed. "You've endured so much these years, Naruto. Don't blame me, and don't blame Konoha. We did this for your protection."
Naruto sensed something odd about Hiruzen today.
Just a few days ago, when Hiruzen had come by, he'd simply dropped in, left some money, and gone.
But now here he was again, speaking like this—like he was asking for forgiveness.
Normally, Hiruzen would have just half-ordered him to be understanding, telling him not to hold grudges. He wouldn't speak with such heavy sighs or pleading undertones.
This meant something recent must've shaken Hiruzen badly—badly enough to bring him here in a hurry.
And the reason likely lay hidden within the "protection" Hiruzen had mentioned.
Confused, Naruto asked, "Protect me? Why protect me? Is someone trying to hurt me?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke gravely, "Naruto Uzumaki, from the day you were born, you've inevitably drawn the attention of many. If others find out about you, they'll definitely come after you. You'd be living under constant threat of danger. That's why we have to treat you as if you're insignificant and hide your existence to keep you safe.
That's also why I always tell you not to hold any grudges. This has been my way of protecting you. Only this way can you grow up safely and healthily. I hope you understand."
Naruto Uzumaki couldn't figure out whether Hiruzen was referring to his status as the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki or his identity as The Fourth Hokage's son.
If it was about being a Jinchuriki, then Hiruzen hadn't really kept that secret at all.
Almost everyone in Konoha knew he was the Nine-Tails' incarnation.
It was normal for other ninja villages to target him as a Jinchuriki. That shouldn't really count as revenge.
So... Hiruzen was probably referring to Naruto's identity as The Fourth Hokage's son.
Since learning the truth about his origins from Chinya, Naruto had looked into information regarding Minato Namikaze.
During the Third Great Ninja War, Minato made enormous contributions and was known as the Yellow Flash.
Therefore, Minato Namikaze must have made many enemies across the shinobi world.
If those enemies found out Naruto was Minato's son, they might indeed seek revenge against him.
However, this theory didn't fully hold up.
As a Jinchuriki, Naruto wasn't allowed to leave Konoha. It would be extremely difficult for Minato's enemies to enter Konoha to take revenge on him.
Not to mention, his Jinchuriki status alone was already enough reason for people in Konoha to target him. What difference did it make adding the identity of being the Hokage's son?
Hiding his identity as Minato's son out of fear of retaliation simply didn't make sense.
If they wanted to hide something, why not conceal his status as a Jinchuriki at the same time?
Therefore... there must be some hidden motive behind Sarutobi saying this.
But now wasn't the time to think about these questions. He first needed to handle the situation with Sarutobi.
Naruto Uzumaki removed his mask, revealing a bright smile as he replied, "Grandpa Hokage, I completely understand. Actually, I feel really happy because this means many people care about my safety. So there's no way I'd ever hold anything against anyone."
Hearing Naruto's words, Sarutobi immediately felt relieved.
For now, claiming it was all done to protect Naruto would serve as an explanation to Minato once he awakened.
As for the Hokage position... that would have to be handled carefully as things developed. He could temporarily delay the issue by stating Minato had remained unconscious for years and was unfamiliar with current village matters.
If Minato didn't blame Naruto—or even worse, blame the village—then passing the Hokage title back to him wouldn't be a problem. After all, the real decision-making power would still remain with the Hokage.
Sarutobi gently ruffled Naruto's hair, smiling, "I'm glad you understand. Naruto, you're a good kid. I believe that in the future, you will become the pillar of Konoha. Work hard for your graduation exam. I look forward to the day when you officially become a ninja."
Naruto Uzumaki wore a serious expression as he promised, "Don't worry, Grandpa Hokage. I will definitely try my best. I will become a ninja and repay Konoha!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled and said, "I believe you. Then I'll take my leave now. See you next time, my boy."
Hiruzen Sarutobi left Naruto Uzumaki's home.
Naruto Uzumaki watched Hiruzen Sarutobi's retreating figure and slowly pulled on his mask. Beneath it, his lips curled into a sneer.
Oh yeah, he'd definitely repay Konoha. Otherwise, all the hell Konoha put him through would've been for nothing — a weight he couldn't bear, and all that suffering… wasted.
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