"Because you're all cowards!"
"You've never dared face the consequences of your own mistakes, letting others bear them instead."
"If back then, you had become powerful ninja, would these things have happened?"
"If there hadn't been a Naruto, who would carry this sin?"
"If there hadn't been a Naruto, who would carry this sin?"
The question left everyone speechless. Deep down, they were already unsure—just like in the tale of the emperor's new clothes, where no one dared admit the truth.
Until a child appeared—
Perhaps it was because of his bright red hair, but regardless, every gaze centered on this boy.
Yet they couldn't avoid facing these harsh questions either.
Are we truly evil?
We're only opposing the beast that once ruined our village.
Why should we be considered wicked?
Still, when recalling their own actions, they realized this wasn't something kind or righteous people would do.
But he is the Nine-Tails!
Naruto was confused. He didn't really get what Shiki Uzumaki had just said.
Or perhaps, no child could possibly comprehend such things—after all, to them, they only knew Naruto as a "monster."
The Third Hokage had issued an order: under no circumstances should anyone reveal that Naruto was the Nine-Tails.
Suddenly another voice shouted out, "Hey brat! You wouldn't talk like that if you knew the pain we went through back then! And that kid's behavior? Totally annoying!"
Shiki Uzumaki shook his head, then spoke firmly, "In the end, Naruto will definitely become a ninja whom all of you will admire. And you'll come to respect him wholeheartedly."
Chapter 5: Never Bow Down
Seeing the surprised looks around him, Shiki Uzumaki felt no joy.
Aren't they treating Naruto exactly like this?
What they consider justice and light is nothing but endless darkness toward Naruto. Thinking this, Shiki Uzumaki no longer wished to deal with them.
He grabbed Naruto's arm. "C'mon! You promised me Ichiraku Ramen. You're not backing out now, are you?"
Naruto squinted at Shiki, looking as if trying to find some reason why this person seemed different from the rest.
Eventually, he found nothing particularly special about him except for his red hair.
The gloom instantly vanished from Naruto's face. Suddenly, he turned toward the crowd, sticking out his tongue defiantly, declaring, "No way I'm gonna lose! I'm gonna be the Hokage someday!"
"Damn it!"
"That brat!"
"He's just too annoying."
Once again, the crowd started badmouthing Naruto. Shiki Uzumaki could only sigh helplessly. Looks like he'd just have to wait until Naruto showed them his true self before they'd change their minds.
Then Naruto grabbed his hand and took off running like crazy.
Seems eager to share the world's best ramen taste with him.
What a kid, Shiki thought. If you carry an adult soul, shouldn't you protect kids like this one from being picked on?
"Two hundred fifty-one!"
"Two hundred fifty-two!"
"Erfwu san!"
Shiki turned toward the voice and saw a boy in white clothes standing in front of him.
The boy continuously punched at wooden posts, seemingly trying hard, yet also appearing to be venting his frustration.
However, those thick black eyebrows made him instantly recognizable to Mengbai.
Rock Lee!
If Shiki had to pick his favorite character from his past life, it would definitely be Rock Lee. Of course, his teacher Might Guy could give him a run for his money.
Just like Naruto, they never gave up no matter the situation, continuing to strive forward and become stronger!
Yet, Shiki wondered whether he'd already met Might Guy. He really wanted to stop and chat with him for a bit. Unfortunately, an excited Naruto was holding on very tightly and running especially fast.
Soon enough, they left that tree-lined street behind.
At this moment, four or five figures stood blocking Naruto's path.
"Hey! You're that demon boy, right!" said the leader.
Shiki looked over; the leading child's eyes were completely pale-white—obviously a member of the Hyuga clan!
But Shiki bitterly smirked to himself; what difference did it make if he was from the Hyuga clan? At this age, these kids hadn't even activated their Byakugan yet—they might not even know the Transformation Technique.
Therefore, all Shiki needed to do was...
It was only now that Shiki realized—he himself was also just a six-year-old child.
Naruto shouted defiantly, "You damn bastard! *You're* the demon! I'm gonna be Hokage someday!"
"Mark my words, *I*, Hyuga Ao, will be the next Hokage!"
Saying so, Hyuga Ao clenched his fist and swung it toward Naruto.
So, this little brat from the Hyuga clan actually thinks that without the Uchiha around, he can do whatever he wants in Konoha?
Without hesitation, Shiki stepped forward and threw a punch of his own.
Physically, there was no way Shiki Uzumaki—used to running for his life with his mom—could lose to a bunch of sheltered brats like them.
However, due to years of eating nutritionless food, Naruto's body was quite weak. Ao's punch sent him flying into the dirt.
Then Shiki's fist came right after, landing heavily on Ao's face, forcing him to stumble backward several steps.
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