"Clang! Clang! Clang!" Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Naruto opened the door and saw an old man wearing a red and white Hokage robe and a bamboo hat with a pipe in his mouth.
Konoha's current Hokage, Sandaime Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"Good evening, Sandaime grandpa." When he saw who it was, Naruto smiled, his tone full of respect.
"Naruto, I didn't disturb you, right?" Sandaime smoked his pipe and chirped.
Today, he saw what happened to Naruto through the crystal ball.
Although he was still hated by most of the villagers, there were already some who had greatly improved their attitudes.
It was unknown when, but Naruto had become polite, and even his dress had changed.
The personality and behavior of the nine-tailed Jinchuriki had changed, which was not good news for him.
This meant that the unknown had increased.
Thinking of this, Sandaime's eyes darkened.
But he quickly recovered his kind smile.
"Sandaime grandfather, please come in. You are usually busy. It is already tough for you to take the time to see me. How could you disturb me?" Naruto led the Sandamime grandfather into the house and handed him a cup of water.
Naruto had a gentle smile, and his temperament was refined.
For a moment, his face overlapped with Minato's.
The 3rd couldn't help but sigh.
"Naruto, you have grown up."
"People always grow up. In the past, I was too childish, so I was hated. Now I want to be like the Yondaime Hokage, gentle and kind. I want to be recognized by everyone and become Hokage." Naruto's words were full of longing for the future.
"Is that so? Minato is your idol." The third generation muttered to himself, and the guilt in his eyes flashed.
It was clear in his heart.
Naruto seemed influenced by the book "The Past Hokage" and decided to become a Hokage like Minato.
It seemed that at such a young age, he had to bear a lot.
He rubbed Naruto's head and said gently, "Naruto, in the future, the Sandaime grandfather will visit you often. You have to remember that you are not alone. I will always be your strongest backing."
This way, I can become your only light.
"Sandaime grandfather, don't underestimate me. I want to become Hokage!" Naruto took a deep breath, his eyes full of hope.
"Sandaime Grandpa, just like you said, where the leaves are flying, the fire is endless. The fire will continue illuminating the village and letting the new leaves sprout. I want to become the fire, sacrifice myself, and ignite Konoha."
Naruto's sincere words moved the 3rd.
Minato, Naruto is the same as you.
Is this the last gift you left for the village?
"Naruto, if you need anything, you can tell me at any time."
Sandaime felt even more guilty.
"Okay, thank you, Sandaime grandfather. There is no need for now. Sandaime grandfather, you also need to take care of your body. Don't work too hard and protect everyone."
"I am Hokage. It is my responsibility to protect everyone." Sandaime took a puff on his pipe and answered cheerfully.
When Sandaime still wanted to chat with Naruto about his daily life and get a deep understanding of his mental state, a member of the Anbu dressed in black appeared next to Sandaime and whispered a few words.
Sandaime's expression changed, and he immediately stood up. "Naruto, I will come to see you next time."
Naruto maintained a perfect smile on his face. He was used to this scene.
It was easy for these ninjas to enter and leave their homes.
Naruto knew that his life was also under the surveillance of these ninjas.
Naruto obediently sent Sandaime to the door and watched Third Generation's slightly stooped body disappear into the night.
The smile on his face gradually disappeared, and his eyes became cold.
This time, his performance should be very satisfactory to Sandaime.
In the future, the supplies should be sent more frequently.
Although the Sandaime did not often come to Naruto's tiny house, they occasionally sent some supplies.
The last material was the book "The Will of Fire".
Just like what Naruto had said before, where the leaves danced, the fire was endless.
This was the core of the Will of Fire that Hokage had always revered.
It roughly meant abandoning all prejudices and burning himself to take care of the selfless dedication of the younger generation.
However, Naruto did not feel the will of fire. He did not do anything wrong, but he had been subjected to unfair cold glares and insults.
Everyone wanted to tear themselves apart.
If not for the protection of the Anbu, he might have died.
Aizen once taught Naruto that the best way to control someone was to destroy his will first.
This was so similar to his situation.
Every time he fell into a low mood, Sandaime would 'coincidentally' appear, comforting and imbuing him with the will of fire.
What was the difference between such behavior and brainwashing?
How could he acknowledge Konoha, and how could he agree with the will of fire?
Naruto did not know what he would do in the future, but now, in order to hide, he would always maintain a perfect smile and move the villagers with 'sincerity'.
Thinking of this, Naruto sat down, opened the book "Will of Fire", and read carefully.
This was the 38th time.
Only when he was familiar with it would he not reveal any flaws in his daily life.
The actual disguise was to forget the original self.
...
"Naruto has started rereading the Will of Fire." At the same time, in Hokage's office, the Anbu reported Naruto's movements in time.
"Naruto has inherited the Will of Fire." Sandaime's eyes flickered as he muttered.
"Did Danzo hear that? Naruto might be a successor of the Will of Fire who is more outstanding than Minato." Sandaime said proudly.
"This means that my decision is correct."
"Hmph." In the corner of Hokage's office, a one-eyed old man with a cane and an entire body full of bandages snorted.
"You are too soft-hearted. Hiruzen, you should hand Naruto over to Root. I will cultivate him into a perfect war weapon. This is a foolproof plan."
"It is impossible for Naruto to hand him over to Root. He is Minato's only son. I have to give Minato an explanation."
"An explanation? Hehe." Danzo sneered.
"If that's the case, you won't put Naruto in such a situation. Hiruzen, you understand that Root is Naruto's home. I will cultivate him into the perfect work."
"Danzo, Naruto is not a tool for Root." Sandaime's face turned cold.
"Where there is light, there must be darkness, but Naruto will be in the light and inherit the will of fire."
"Danzo, you must remember that I am Hokage."
"Hmph, Hiruzen, you will regret it."
Danzo took a deep look at Sandaime and left with resentment.
"Hokage, it's Hokage again." His desire for Hokage swelled again.