Chapter 38: White Fang's Reversal of the Case and Naruto's Identity
The atmosphere in Konoha Village was electric.
A massive crowd had gathered outside the Hokage Building, where a large wooden platform had been constructed for the Fifth Hokage Inauguration Ceremony.
This platform had been personally constructed by Yamato.
Once a loyal follower of the Third Hokage, Yamato had been spared prosecution thanks to the persuasion of his senior, Kakashi Hatake, and was even recruited into the new Anbu unit under Kakashi's command.
Interestingly, "Yamato" was now his official name—personally given to him by the new Hokage, Uchiha Fugaku.
---
The Ceremony Begins
Below the platform, a sea of villagers swayed restlessly. Hidden among them were carefully planted shills, orchestrated by Nara Shikaku, to help control the mood.
At key moments, they would lead cheers like "Long live Hokage-sama!" or initiate applause to guide the crowd's reaction.
Standing tall atop the platform, Fugaku wore the Hokage hat and a pristine Fifth Hokage robe stitched with the words "God of Konoha." His speech was poised and articulate.
The villagers watched in tense silence. Many wore stiff expressions—unsure of how to feel.
There was no denying it: many villagers still harbored resentment toward the Uchiha Clan, particularly from their time managing the Konoha Military Police. Old grudges didn't fade easily.
But Fugaku didn't care.
He knew well: in this world ruled by power, whoever had the biggest fist made the rules.
And with a single gaze, he could command obedience.
His dignified presence alone was enough to strike awe into the crowd.
Rumors had already spread that the new Hokage had purged many dissidents and sent them to Konoha Prison. No one wanted to be next.
So the villagers stood obediently, and with the staged enthusiasm of Shikaku's plants, the inauguration went smoothly.
---
The White Fang's Redemption
As part of his speech, Fugaku publicly exonerated Sakumo Hatake, the legendary "White Fang of Konoha."
The reaction was immediate.
Many of the older villagers who had lived through the Second and Third Shinobi World Wars erupted into cheers. They still remembered White Fang's unmatched strength and battlefield heroics.
Previously, the Root Division, under Danzo's manipulation, had suppressed all support for White Fang, leaving his name buried in shame.
But now, with Danzo's fall and the Root under Fugaku's control, public opinion had shifted drastically.
Cries of "White Fang was a hero!" and "He deserved better!" rang out across the square.
Standing nearby in his Anbu gear, Kakashi watched the moment unfold.
He clenched his jaw.
> Father... you should never have died like that.
The truth had finally come out: his father had been driven to suicide by the very Village he protected.
Resentment flickered in Kakashi's eyes—but only briefly. What was done was done.
Beside him, Yamato glanced at his senior.
"Are you tired, senpai? You can rest if you like."
Kakashi simply patted Yamato's shoulder, saying nothing.
Yamato took the hint and turned back to watch the new Hokage's speech with renewed intensity.
> Maybe Lord Fugaku becoming Hokage isn't such a bad thing after all...
As Fugaku spoke about his vision for the Village's future, Yamato's eyes filled with guilt.
> I truly deserve to die. I even tried to assassinate Hokage-sama just two days ago... what was I thinking?
---
Naruto's Identity Revealed
Suddenly, Fugaku shifted the topic.
He coughed lightly and then publicly revealed the truth about Naruto—that he was the son of the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, and that he had been instrumental in saving the Village during the Nine-Tails attack.
The square erupted.
> "What?! That fox brat is Lord Fourth's son?!"
> "This can't be real…"
> "Oh no... what have I done?"
> "We bullied the Fourth Hokage's child for years?!"
> "How could we have been so blind?"
Many of the villagers had lost friends or family during the Nine-Tails attack. And since Naruto had been labeled as the Nine-Tails' Jinchūriki, the hate had been automatic.
They had cursed him. Ignored him. Instructed their children to avoid him.
But now?
Now they realized that he was the very child the Fourth Hokage had entrusted with the Nine-Tails, sacrificing his own life and family to save the Village.
> "So... the demon fox was sealed into his son? All to protect us? And we repaid that sacrifice with hate?"
The crowd trembled with remorse.
As if on cue, Nara Shikaku's planted agents stepped up again—feigning their own shock and sorrow, further steering the crowd's mood.
The emotional wave swept through the square like wildfire.
If Naruto had walked in right then, the villagers would have fallen to their knees begging forgiveness.
---
Fugaku's Final Words
Fugaku raised his hands, signaling for silence.
The crowd immediately hushed.
> "In the past, the Third Hokage chose to hide Naruto's identity. I will not hold any of you accountable for what happened before."
> "But from today onward, let me make this absolutely clear—I will not tolerate anyone ridiculing or mistreating the son of our hero. Is that understood?"
A resounding "Yes, Hokage-sama!" echoed across the plaza.
And just like that, the Village's perception of Naruto shifted overnight—from outcast to hero's legacy.
---
To Be Continued...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you like the story please give it some power stones and reviews. And if you want to read 40+ advance chapters or just want to support me please join my patreon at [email protected]/Translatingfanfics