Wind howled through Konoha's streets.
Whoosh. Whoosh. Whoosh.
The sound repeated endlessly, overlapping, creating a chorus of rushing air as dozens, then hundreds of ninja moved simultaneously. Leaping from rooftop to rooftop, racing through alleys, all converging on the same location with urgent speed.
Some knew exactly what was happening. They'd received reports, heard rumors, sensed the gathering tension through Konoha's communication networks.
Others had no idea. They'd simply seen their fellow shinobi heading somewhere with such intensity that instinct demanded they follow.
Something big is happening, was the universal thought. Something that requires everyone's presence.
As they approached the Hokage Building, as the assembled crowd came into full view, understanding dawned.
The square was packed. Thousands of people—civilians and ninja alike—stood in dense formation, all facing the same direction. Their heads were tilted back, gazes fixed upward.
At the boy standing impossibly in midair.
Such terrifying combat power, the arriving ninja thought collectively. An existence that even Hokage-sama cannot afford to ignore.
Below the hovering figure, the villagers glanced upward periodically. Their expressions showed that familiar mixture: indifference tinged with fear, hatred struggling against self-preservation instinct. Years of conditioning couldn't be erased instantly, even by supernatural displays of power.
At the Hokage Building's entrance, Sarutobi Hiruzen stood with his characteristic gentle smile. White and red robes pristine, the Hokage's hat positioned perfectly, every inch the benevolent village grandfather. He looked up at the boy floating in empty sky, his expression radiating warmth and welcome.
But to observant eyes, the scene read differently.
Like a confrontation on a battlefield. Two opposing forces separated by vertical distance, neither moving yet both radiating intent that made the air feel thick and difficult to breathe.
The tension was palpable. Crushing. Everyone present felt it pressing down on their shoulders, constricting their chests.
What's the grudge between them? the newly arrived ninja wondered, scanning faces for context. Why does this feel like the moment before violence?
Most didn't know the details. The concealed inheritance, the desecrated remains, the deliberate isolation—these were secrets held by village leadership. The average person had no idea what tensions had built to create this moment.
Sarutobi Hiruzen stood before his building, looking up at the boy hovering impossibly above the assembled crowd. His weathered face showed a smile like blooming chrysanthemums—gentle, grandfatherly, completely disarming.
"Naruto," he called out warmly, his voice carrying clearly despite the distance. "You came just in time. I was actually looking for you. Perfect timing, really. Everyone's here already, and it's time I announced your true identity."
The smile never wavered. Not a flicker of discomfort showed on his features.
Only Hiruzen himself knew the fear hidden deep beneath that practiced expression. Terror carefully buried under decades of political performance, invisible to anyone who didn't know exactly where to look.
Fear of Naruto's strength. Fear of what that strength could do to him, to his position, to everything he'd built.
Even with Asuma behind me, Hiruzen thought, maintaining his smile through force of will. Even with Kurenai, Homura, Koharu—all of them standing in support—I still feel uneasy.
Because Orochimaru had been destroyed by a single punch from this boy. Orochimaru, one of the Legendary Sannin, reduced to a pulverized corpse through pure physical force.
And everyone behind me? In front of Naruto, they're just targets. A few punches at most.
Worse, Hiruzen could clearly see Orochimaru standing on the rooftop behind Naruto. Alive despite being declared dead. The snake Sannin had chosen his allegiance, and it wasn't with Konoha's established authority.
Moreover, Hiruzen observed with growing dread, the younger generation from the Ino-Shika-Cho clans, the Hyūga, the Inuzuka, the Aburame—they're all standing behind Naruto too.
The symbolism was unmistakable. The future of Konoha's great families, declaring support for the boy rather than the Hokage.
Hiruzen sighed softly in his heart, hoping desperately that those children didn't represent their families' official positions. Just youthful rebellion. Not policy decisions.
His thoughts turned dark with another realization. Damn you, Danzo. Hiding like a coward, refusing to show yourself.
Danzo's absence was conspicuous and calculated. The old war hawk had made himself scarce, unwilling to stand beside Hiruzen during this confrontation.
Do you think the Hokage position will be yours after I die? Hiruzen thought bitterly. I know exactly what you're thinking, old friend. Waiting to see if Naruto kills me, planning to step into the vacancy.
The betrayal stung despite being entirely predictable.
Naruto looked down at Sarutobi Hiruzen's smiling face. Didn't answer the greeting. Instead, his eyes swept across the assembled crowd, cataloging faces and positions.
Familiar people. Familiar dynamics. The invisible lines of allegiance drawn clearly through physical positioning.
The lineup makes everything obvious, Naruto observed. These clearly defined positions represent Konoha's interest groups. Everyone showing exactly where they stand.
Behind Hiruzen, the village establishment clustered: Asuma Sarutobi, Homura Mitokado, Koharu Utatane, Kurenai Yuhi. All silent, all watching carefully. Their faces showed nothing—professional neutrality masking whatever they actually felt.
Naruto felt a flash of disappointment at one absence.
Danzo isn't here. He'd expected the Root leader to appear, had planned to kill anyone who tried to prevent his "friendship process" with Hiruzen. But these people? Not enough to warrant a few punches. Hardly obstacles at all.
Looking at Hiruzen's smile—that practiced, grandfatherly expression that had fooled Naruto for years—the boy's face remained still. Silent. Unreadable.
Then suddenly, unexpectedly, Naruto smiled.
"Grandpa Third," he said, his tone light and pleasant. "So you're talking about that matter."
Seeing Naruto's smile, relief flooded through Hiruzen's system. The tension in his shoulders eased slightly. Maybe this won't be violent after all. Maybe the announcement will work.
"Come down, Naruto," Hiruzen invited, gesturing welcomingly. "I want to make this announcement properly. Formally."
"Alright, Grandpa Third. I'll come down now."
Naruto nodded agreeably and began walking through the air. Step by step, descending an invisible staircase, approaching the ground with casual ease.
As the distance closed, as Naruto drew nearer, Hiruzen felt pressure building in his chest. A weight that increased with each step the boy took.
I never thought, Hiruzen realized with bitter irony, that the Jinchūriki I controlled for so long would one day bring me such tremendous pressure. Such genuine fear.
The thought carried helplessness. Resignation. Recognition that his control had been an illusion all along—temporary authority granted only because Naruto had been too young and weak to challenge it.
But the most important thing now is getting past this moment, Hiruzen told himself firmly. Appease Naruto. Satisfy whatever he's come for. Survive this encounter.
When Naruto finally stood beside him on solid ground, when the boy made no aggressive movements, Hiruzen felt the pressure decrease to manageable levels.
He glanced at Naruto briefly—confirming no immediate threat—then turned to face the assembled crowd. Thousands of eyes watching expectantly, waiting to learn what required this emergency gathering.
"Ahem."
Hiruzen cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention. The murmuring conversations faded to silence. All focus centered on the Hokage.
"Villagers," Hiruzen began, his voice carrying clearly across the square. "I called everyone here today because I have an important announcement to make. Something that concerns all of us. Something that should have been revealed much sooner."
He paused for effect, letting anticipation build.
"Uzumaki Naruto, standing here beside me." Hiruzen gestured to the boy. "Many of you have held certain... misconceptions about him. Maintained certain attitudes based on incomplete information. Today, I want to correct that misunderstanding. I want to explain why Uzumaki Naruto deserves everyone's respect and gratitude."
Another pause. The crowd leaned forward unconsciously.
"Because," Hiruzen announced, his voice strengthening, "his father was the Fourth Hokage, Namikaze Minato."
The reaction was immediate and explosive.
"What?! He's the Fourth Hokage's child?!"
"That's impossible! He's the Nine-Tails demon fox!"
"Keep your voice down if you want to live! The current him could crush you with one hand. You'll bring his revenge down on yourself!"
"But look at his hair color. Look at his eyes. They're exactly like Lord Fourth's features..."
Voices overlapped, creating chaotic noise. Some denied, some accepted, some threatened others into silence. But underneath all the reactions, their eyes remained cold when they looked at Naruto. Indifferent. The announcement hadn't changed their fundamental attitudes at all.
Hiruzen raised his hand, calling for silence. The crowd gradually quieted, though whispered conversations continued.
"The Fourth Hokage," Hiruzen continued once he could be heard, "sacrificed himself during the Nine-Tails Rebellion. He saved Konoha through his actions. Before he died, he sealed the Tailed Beast that caused such chaos into his own newborn child."
He let that sink in before proceeding.
"This kind of behavior deserves our deepest admiration. Those of you who are fathers"—Hiruzen's gaze swept across the male civilians—"you should understand. As a parent, making such a choice for Konoha's safety requires tremendous courage. Unimaginable determination. Lord Fourth deserves our utmost respect."
"Of course," Hiruzen added smoothly, "this also represents the inheritance of our Will of Fire. Only the greatness of the Will of Fire could prompt Lord Fourth to make such a momentous decision."
"It's because of this greatness that Konoha has become the strongest nation in the ninja world. Everyone should feel pride in that strength."
The speech was flowing now, practiced rhetoric that Hiruzen had perfected over decades.
"However, Lord Fourth sacrificed himself for Konoha's sake. This was heroic behavior worthy of advocacy, praise, and eternal remembrance. Therefore, as his orphan, Naruto should receive the same respect we give to Lord Fourth himself."
Hiruzen's expression turned stern.
"In the future, I don't want to hear any disrespectful words toward Naruto anywhere in Konoha. We cannot chill the hearts of heroes. If we do, who will be willing to sacrifice themselves for the village in times of crisis? The reason we can live peaceful lives isn't because the world is truly safe. It's because people like Lord Fourth carry the burden for us."
"Without their sacrifices, how could we enjoy stability and peace?"
The emotional speech concluded. Silence descended on the square.
The villagers looked at Naruto. Their expressions shifted through confusion, denial, reluctant acceptance. But underneath it all, the fundamental coldness remained.
If I change my attitude toward him now, each person thought independently, wouldn't that be admitting I've been stupid all along? Admitting I've wronged an innocent child for years?
No one wanted to admit their stupidity. Self-deception was easier than self-criticism.
Denial was more comfortable than acknowledgment.
Just like Sarutobi Hiruzen himself—he would never admit the harm he'd caused Naruto. Would never acknowledge the deliberate cruelty of his policies. Instead, he beautified that harm as "valuable experience," reframed suffering as "character building."
Naruto's senses were sharp enough to read the crowd's emotions clearly. He understood immediately that Hiruzen's announcement had changed nothing.
This is the wrong approach entirely, Naruto concluded. Public declarations won't shift hearts. Revealed bloodlines won't erase years of conditioning.
The correct method is relying on myself. Making friends with them directly. Then they'll naturally change their views.
He'd already mastered the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique specifically for this purpose. Creating enough copies to befriend every Konoha villager simultaneously. That would work where speeches failed.
But first things first.
Let's complete the friendship process with Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"Grandpa Third," Naruto said pleasantly, turning toward the older man. "Should we go to your office to talk? Privately?"
Hearing the suggestion, Hiruzen went completely still.
Fear spiked through his system. The thought of being alone with Naruto, enclosed in a room with no witnesses, terrified him more than he could express.
What if he does something extreme? What if violence erupts without anyone to intervene?
But refusing would be worse. If Naruto grew angry over being denied, if his mood soured from rejection, the results could be catastrophic right here in front of everyone.
Trapped between two bad options, Hiruzen recognized. Choose the one that might not lead to immediate death.
"Alright, Naruto," he agreed, forcing warmth into his voice. "Come with me."
He turned toward the Hokage Building, preparing to lead the way.
Asuma moved to follow, concern for his father overriding protocol.
"Asuma, stop." Hiruzen's command was sharp. "You stay here. Organize the villagers. Send them home. Make sure everyone disperses safely."
The order served dual purposes: protecting Asuma from whatever was about to happen, and giving the villagers an excuse to leave. They'd served their purpose. The announcement had been made, even if it hadn't achieved the desired effect.
Asuma hesitated, clearly wanting to refuse. But the Hokage had given a direct order. He had no choice but to comply.
"Yes, Father," Asuma said reluctantly, turning back to begin crowd management.
As the villagers started dispersing, as civilians headed home to discuss this revelation over dinner, the major clan heads remained. Kakashi and the others stayed on their rooftop. None of Naruto's supporters left.
If Naruto doesn't leave the Hokage Building, neither will we, was the unspoken agreement.
Naruto followed Hiruzen into the building, through familiar corridors, up stairs he'd walked as a child receiving his Academy supplies. The Hokage's office door opened.
"Sit down, Naruto," Hiruzen invited, gesturing to a chair. His face remained locked in that gentle smile despite how much his cheeks ached from maintaining the expression.
Naruto sat. His eyes immediately found the crystal ball sitting on Hiruzen's desk—the same scrying sphere he'd used to watch women bathing. The same tool of perversion he'd employed during work hours while wearing the mask of dignified leadership.
Naruto looked at the crystal ball, then at the smiling old man. The contrast was staggering.
I have to admit, Naruto thought with grudging respect, Hiruzen's acting skills are exceptional. If I hadn't discovered his true nature, if I hadn't seen through his performance, I would never have known he was capable of such incredible deception.
Memories surfaced. Hiruzen walking him to the Academy on the first day of school. Giving him that pink backpack because it was the only one in stock. Small kindnesses carefully distributed, creating an image of caring grandfather.
If I hadn't learned the truth, I probably would have regarded him as genuinely amiable forever.
But the truth had been revealed. The mask had slipped. Hiruzen's image had collapsed completely in Naruto's perception. Every smile now appeared fake, every gesture calculated, every word a manipulation.
"Grandpa Third," Naruto said, his own smile sharp and cold. "My training level has broken through again. I remember telling you before that I would become strong. Really strong. Now I've accomplished that goal. I haven't disappointed you, have I?"
Hearing the question, Hiruzen felt like a fishbone had lodged in his throat. Choking. Painful. But he had to respond appropriately, had to say words that contradicted everything he actually felt.
Fortunately, he'd practiced this kind of deception for decades. The lies came easily.
"That's wonderful!" Hiruzen exclaimed, infusing his voice with genuine-sounding pride. "Truly wonderful, Naruto. I'm so pleased by your progress."
"Really?" Naruto's eyes fixed on Hiruzen's face, searching for cracks in the mask. "Does Grandpa Third actually enjoy seeing me become stronger? You're happy about my growth?"
He stared intently, trying to detect even the slightest flicker of genuine emotion.
But Sarutobi Hiruzen's acting skills were too refined. Decades of political theater had perfected his control. His expression revealed nothing beyond grandfatherly affection.
"Of course!" Hiruzen said, his smile widening. "The more you grow, Naruto, the happier I am as your grandfather figure. Watching you develop brings me such joy."
"In that case," Naruto said, decision crystallizing, "I'll show Grandpa Third the results of my training directly. Let me demonstrate exactly how much I've grown. That way you can be even happier."
Enough talking, Naruto decided. Time to stop pretending.
The words had barely left his mouth before Naruto transformed.
His body expanded. Muscles swelled. Bones lengthened. Skin toughened into near-impenetrable armor. Within a single heartbeat, within less time than it took to blink, Naruto had transformed from a normal-sized boy into a giant.
Outside, Asuma had just finished directing the civilian evacuation. The last families were walking away, heading home to process the revelation about Naruto's heritage.
Asuma turned back toward the Hokage Building, intending to check on his father despite orders to stay outside.
BOOM!
The sound was deafening. Like thunder striking at ground level. Like an earthquake originating from a single point.
The Hokage Building—the symbol of Konoha's highest authority, the structure that had stood for decades representing stability and power—suddenly collapsed.
Walls exploded outward. The roof caved in. Support pillars shattered like matchsticks. The entire building imploded in a cloud of debris and dust, crashing down in spectacular destruction.
The Hokage Building has collapsed! everyone thought simultaneously, unable to process what they were seeing.
The sky is changing, their minds whispered. Everything is about to change.
The smoke and dust slowly cleared. As visibility improved, a figure became visible standing in the rubble.
A giant. Twenty meters tall, maybe more. Muscles like iron cables wrapped around a frame that radiated impossible power. Golden hair flowing down broad shoulders.
And held in the giant's hand, dangling by his collar like a child's doll, was a thin figure everyone recognized.
Sarutobi Hiruzen. The Third Hokage. Held helpless in Naruto's grasp.
"FATHER!" Asuma screamed, already running. His feet pounded against the ground, carrying him toward the giant and the destruction.
Suspended in midair, his feet kicking uselessly, Hiruzen felt terror flooding his system. His heart hammered against his ribs. His breathing came in short, panicked gasps.
But he forced himself to speak calmly. Forced authority into his voice despite the fear.
"Naruto," he said, trying to sound reasonable, "listen to me. Don't be impulsive. Think about what you're doing. Think about the consequences."
"I understand perfectly what I'm doing, Sarutobi Hiruzen."
The name, not the title. The formal address rather than the familiar "Grandpa Third."
The shift sent ice through Hiruzen's veins.
"Naruto, calm down," Hiruzen pleaded, desperation creeping into his tone. "You like making friends, don't you? Grandpa Third can be your friend! We can resolve this peacefully. Just put me down and we'll talk. We'll work everything out together."
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