Chapter 15:
Hiruzen Sarutobi: "Ahem… looks like everyone's gone quiet."
Hiruzen Sarutobi: "I bet you're all curious—why, with so many people in Konoha, did no one ever suspect Naruto was the Fourth Hokage's son?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi: "That brings us to the incredible efficiency of Konoha's Root organization. As I said before, my original intent was to protect Uzumaki Naruto."
Hiruzen Sarutobi: "Minato had way too many enemies back then—I had no choice. But you know how it is—as Hokage, I'm swamped with official duties. I can't handle everything personally. So naturally, I entrusted the task to my most reliable right-hand man—Danzō!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi: "Alright, now let Danzō explain exactly how it happened and how he warned the villagers!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi: "Danzō? Danzō? My most capable right arm—why aren't you speaking? Are you reflecting in guilt?"
At that moment, Shimura Danzō was trembling with rage. Reflect? Reflect your sister! He'd been trying to send messages this whole time, but the system kept showing: [Mute remaining: 1 hour.] He couldn't type a single word!
Danzō laughed in fury. "Fine, fine, fine—today I'll see just how many pots you can throw at this old man!"
After hearing Hiruzen Sarutobi's explanation— especially learning it was Danzō again— everyone felt relieved. Danzō? Yeah, that tracks—definitely him! That guy's full of dirty tricks. He'd better only leave the village at noon from now on— otherwise, someone will kill him sooner or later!
Senju Tobirama: "Everyone, let's get back to the question. What do we pick?"
Hatake Kakashi: "I believe in Sensei. He inherited the Will of Fire—and I believe Naruto did too. I'm going with A!"
Gaara: "Naruto or me—we never had a choice from the moment we were born. We were forced into being jinchūriki. You can't understand that pain! If it were me, I'd pick C!"
Temari: "Gaara…"
Gaara: "Don't worry—that was my old way of thinking. But I feel that world's Naruto might be a lot like the old me!"
Haruno Sakura: "No way—however you look at it, the Fourth Hokage is Naruto's father. How could he think that?"
Nara Shikamaru: "But at that moment, Naruto didn't know."
Akimichi Chōji: "Yeah, Shikamaru's right!"
[Ding!]
[Quiz ended. Congratulations to Gaara for answering correctly. Reward: Control over Gold Dust!]
[Congratulations to Hatake Kakashi for answering incorrectly. Penalty: Chakra reduced by 10%!]
As the system announced, Kakashi instantly felt drained—like his body had been sucked dry. His already fragile reserves were now even worse; his legs nearly buckled under him! This punishment hurt worse than losing a kidney! Worse still—with chakra diminished, he might not even be able to use the Sharingan anymore. The Copy Ninja, Hatake Kakashi's legend— might be gone forever!
In stark contrast to Kakashi's grim face, Gaara stared at the sand before him. No pebbles—just pure gold dust! Was this the secret behind his father's power as Kazekage? Gaara knew gold dust was the Fourth Kazekage's signature move. Back then, he didn't understand why his seemingly weak father became Kazekage. Now he finally got it— why the barren Sand Village's higher-ups could still live in luxury and wear gold. So that's how it was!
Might Guy: "Kakashi—you okay?"
As Kakashi's best friend, Guy was genuinely concerned.
Hatake Kakashi: "I'm fine—won't die. But my strength probably dropped by half!"
Might Guy: "I've told you a hundred times—stop relying on that cursed eye! Train taijutsu with me and your body wouldn't be this weak!"
Uchiha Fugaku: "???"
Uchiha Obito: "???"
Uchiha Madara: "What—you wanna dance too?"
Uchiha Madara: "A mere Konoha jōnin dares look down on Uchiha? Even if I stand still and let you kick me once—what of it?"
Senju Hashirama: "Madara—don't bully Konoha's juniors! Come at me if you dare!"
Uchiha Madara: "Get lost!"
In the Pure Land, Madara wore an annoyed expression. Did that Hashirama really think he didn't want to beat him? If he could actually win— he'd have killed him long ago! Madara crossed his arms, face cold. "But that kid Obito should revive me soon, right?" "Hmph—even without this damn system, I can return to the shinobi world!" "Just wait—once I'm back, the five great ninja villages will be erased!"
...
[In the black-frame world, Uzumaki Naruto seemed quite different from the usual one.]
[Not only did he pay attention in class, but his grades were excellent!]
[He mastered the Academy's basic techniques—Clone and Transformation—effortlessly.]
[So many girls surrounded him—not much fewer than around Sasuke!]
[And this Naruto was warm and enthusiastic toward girls.]
[Whenever someone had a question, he'd patiently explain.]
[Compared to Sasuke's aloof coolness, this was much more likable!]
[Even Sakura and Ino in that world were slowly starting to take notice of him!
Uzumaki Naruto: "Damn it—now even I'm jealous of myself!"
Nara Shikamaru: "That world's Naruto is straight-up a genius!"
Haruno Sakura: "Not just genius—he's actually nice! Way more reliable than our world's Naruto!"
Yamanaka Ino: "I kinda get why that world's me kept sneaking glances at him in class!"
Uzumaki Kushina: "I never thought our Naruto could be this popular!"
Namikaze Minato: "Actually, this world's Naruto isn't bad either."
Uzumaki Naruto: "Wahhh—Dad's the best! They just haven't seen how great I am yet!"
Namikaze Minato: "I was just saying it casually, Naruto—don't take it too seriously."
Uzumaki Naruto: "..."