As Naruto arrived at the internet cafe, ready to play games, Jiraiya also arrived at the Hokage Office at the same time.
"Jiraiya, how long are you planning to stay this time?"
"Probably until after the Chunin Exams are over."
"Is that so? Then I can relax a bit during this period."
"Haha, Old Man, I think you should find a suitable successor as soon as possible and retire from the position of Hokage."
"It's not that easy to find a Hokage candidate, but if you want to be Hokage, I'll step down after the Chunin Exams."
"No, with my personality, I can't be Hokage."
...After arriving at the office, Jiraiya didn't immediately ask about Naruto; instead, he started making small talk.
When he heard Hiruzen Sarutobi wanted him to be Hokage, Jiraiya outwardly refused, but secretly scoffed at the suggestion.
Who in Konoha didn't know he was paving the way for Asuma?
Among other things, just look at the three Genin assigned to Asuma.
Akimichi Choji, Nara Shikamaru, Ino Yamanaka.
Direct descendants of the Ino–Shika–Chō three great families.
Making Asuma their squad leader was precisely to cultivate his direct lineage.
Some might ask, Kurenai Yuhi's three subordinates are also from Konoha's famous clans, so does Kurenai Yuhi also have the qualifications to be Hokage?
Nonsense, someone who just became a Jonin not long ago certainly isn't qualified.
The reason she became the squad leader for Hyuga Hinata, Inuzuka Kiba, and Shino Aburame was all thanks to Asuma Sarutobi.
Who told her she was the woman Asuma liked?
Even if Asuma ultimately couldn't marry Kurenai Yuhi, it didn't matter; it would just be considered a normal graduate assignment.
But if Asuma successfully married her, then he would hit the jackpot.
With such a relationship, when Asuma competes for Hokage, would Kurenai Yuhi, as his wife, not have her Disciples support him?
Moreover, to become Hokage, one needs not only the approval of the Village's high-ranking officials but also the approval of the Land of Fire's Daimyo.
Back then, Asuma had joined the Twelve Guardian Ninja organization.
This organization was specifically responsible for protecting the Land of Fire's Daimyo and was the Daimyo's private, independent, direct unit.
With these connections, do you think that when Asuma decides to run for Hokage, the Hyuga Clan, Inuzuka Clan, Aburame Clan, the Ino–Shika–Chō three families, and his own Sarutobi Family, would they not support Asuma?
When the list is submitted to the Daimyo of the Land of Fire, will the Daimyo nod in approval?
It was only after realizing this that Jiraiya refused, citing his incompatible personality; of course, his personality truly wasn't suited to be Hokage.
Hiruzen Sarutobi knew Jiraiya's personality and character, so he had already anticipated Jiraiya's answer.
"Jiraiya, it's been a long time since we've chatted like this."
"Yes, it certainly has been a while."
After chatting for a while, Jiraiya's tone suddenly shifted, and he asked, "Old Man, when did Naruto find out about his identity?"
"Naruto knows his identity... Hmm..."
Jiraiya's abrupt question made Hiruzen Sarutobi pause, and then he suddenly reacted, his face immediately turning ashen.
"Uh, didn't you tell him about his identity? Then where did he learn it from?"
Jiraiya was also a bit confused. He was very clear about Naruto's childhood experiences; he couldn't stand Konoha's cruel treatment of the hero's son, and after learning about some of Konoha's darkness, he left Konoha in disappointment.
Naruto's'silly''self-exposure' made him think that Konoha had changed its usual way of doing things, not only acknowledging Naruto's identity but also giving him the treatment he deserved.
After all, with his eyesight, he could tell that the Flying Sword was not something an ordinary Ninja could afford.
At the very least, an ordinary Genin definitely couldn't afford it.
Now it seemed Naruto must have learned about his past from somewhere else, and without letting Teacher Sarutobi know.
This was a bit awkward.
"Jiraiya, tell me about this in detail."
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked very serious; Naruto's background was a matter of great importance.
To put it broadly, Konoha had embezzled the Fourth Hokage's property and didn't leave it to Naruto, and also made Naruto suffer so much in his childhood. This was mistreating the hero's son. Although it didn't violate any criminal law, it would undoubtedly chill the hearts of many Ninja who had children.
To put it mildly, Konoha's behavior would be scorned by everyone; it was too unsightly.
Moreover, since Naruto already knew his background, why didn't he make a big fuss about it, nor did he privately ask himself, as the Hokage?
What does this indicate?
This indicates that Naruto already had his own thoughts, and his 'Third Grandfather' was probably no longer close to him in Naruto's heart.
Didn't he notice that Naruto hadn't come to see him recently?
Not being close was still good; if he incurred Naruto's hostility, even Hiruzen Sarutobi would have to be careful.
There was no choice; who told Naruto he was the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki?
It was precisely because of the Nine-Tails invasion that the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, used the Reaper Death Seal, sealing the Nine-Tails while also losing his own life.
If Naruto lost control of his emotions, and the Nine-Tails took the opportunity to escape, Konoha would suffer another disaster.
This left the Third Hokage no choice but to be cautious.
"It's like this..."
Seeing Hiruzen Sarutobi's serious expression, Jiraiya also put away his casual demeanor and spoke earnestly about his encounter with Naruto.
He even clearly explained how he had been outsmarted by Naruto.
"I see..."
After listening to Jiraiya's account, Hiruzen Sarutobi fell into silence.
Now he also couldn't understand Naruto's attitude.
From the surface, Naruto was imitating Jiraiya's self-introduction, and thus inadvertently revealed that he already knew his background.
If things were really that simple, then Naruto would still be the hot-blooded idiot Hiruzen Sarutobi knew.
Naruto not coming to see Hiruzen Sarutobi during this time could be seen as him working hard for the Chunin Exams.
At least Hiruzen Sarutobi knew very well that Naruto had been going to the internet cafe every day during this period.
But would things really be that simple? Hiruzen Sarutobi had some doubts.
"Jiraiya..."
"???"
"I'm a bit worried about Naruto's situation. I suspect someone with ill intentions deliberately revealed his background to him, to disrupt Konoha and destroy Konoha."
Jiraiya scoffed a bit at Hiruzen Sarutobi's words.
How good it would have been to just openly announce Naruto's identity back then, instead of fabricating a rumor that Naruto was some kind of demon fox Reincarnation.
Now look, the landmine he buried almost blew himself up.
He brought it upon himself.
Jiraiya was already mentally prepared for what Hiruzen Sarutobi was going to say next.
It was nothing more than wanting him to get close to Naruto and find the person behind the scenes.
"Jiraiya, I hope you will mentor Naruto for a period of time, and incidentally, capture that mastermind for me."