Although Naruto's thoughts were more mature due to his childhood experiences and the revelations from Kaito last night, he still felt a bit nervous in front of an old fox like Hiruzen Sarutobi.
At this moment, the voice of the Nine-Tails growled in his mind, its tone laced with irritation.
"Boy, have you already forgotten what that guy, Kaito, told you last night? Don't fall into this old man tricks! Don't let your guard down.!"
Naruto steadied his breathing, reminding himself to stay focused. He knew he had to be cautious, as Sarutobi's kind facade was just that—a facade. He decided to test the waters a bit further.
Naruto's face showed a hint of hesitation as he kept glancing at Sarutobi Hiruzen, carefully planning his next move.
"What's wrong, Naruto?" Hiruzen Sarutobi asked, his tone a mix of concern and curiosity. But there was a slight edge to his voice, barely detectable.
Naruto, feigning confusion, replied, "Well... I didn't see anyone suspicious last night, but... I had a very special dream."
"A special dream?" Sarutobi's eyes narrowed slightly, though his face remained neutral. He quickly asked, "What kind of dream?"
Seeing that Sarutobi had taken the bait, Naruto's eyes gleamed with subtle triumph. He stretched out his hand toward Sarutobi as if revealing a hidden treasure.
"Look, Grandpa Third, I have this strange new ability now!" Naruto said, his voice tinged with fake excitement.
Immediately, a blood-red chakra began to cover Naruto's entire arm, a visible manifestation of the Nine-Tails' power. Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes widened in shock, his pupils dilating as he recognized the dangerous chakra.
"This is... Nine-Tails' Chakra!" Sarutobi muttered, a mixture of shock and fear evident in his voice.
Taking advantage of Sarutobi's distraction, Naruto continued with his performance. "In the dream, someone told me a lot of things—about Konoha, about my parents, and even about the Nine-Tails inside me. Is it true, Grandpa Third? Is my father really the Fourth Hokage?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen fell silent, his mind racing. He hadn't expected Naruto to confront him with this kind of question so soon. His heart began to struggle with the potential repercussions of his answer.
Meanwhile, Naruto, feeling the oppressive atmosphere shift, sensed the rising tension in the room. With his newfound ability to perceive emotions, he could detect the sudden surge of malice emanating from Sarutobi Hiruzen. His heart began to pound in his chest as he realized just how deep Hiruzen's deceit ran.
Naruto forced himself to appear small and vulnerable, his eyes glistening with fake tears as he asked, "Grandpa Third, why have you been hiding this from me?"
Sarutobi's mind spun as he weighed his options. He knew Naruto was still a child, but a dangerous one now—one who held the power of the Nine-Tails and, worse, knew the truth. He had three choices: neutralize Naruto now, come clean and try to win him over, or spin a lie so convincing that Naruto would stay under his control. Given Konoha's weakened state and the potential invasion by other villages, he realized that replacing the Jinchuriki would be too risky right now.
With a deep breath, Hiruzen Sarutobi decided to gamble on his ability to manipulate the young boy.
He spoke with a kind, almost grandfatherly tone. "Yes, Naruto. You are indeed the son of the Fourth Hokage, Namikaze Minato, a true hero of Konoha. He sealed the Nine-Tails inside you to protect the village and to ensure you could defend yourself against any threats after his passing."
Naruto's eyes widened, playing into the role of a naive child, though inside, he was cold and calculating. "But... why would he do that to his own son?"
Sarutobi continued, "Your father knew that Konoha had many enemies. After he saved the village during the Third Ninja War, many villages sought revenge. To keep you safe, he sealed the Nine-Tails within you, knowing one day you could harness its power to protect yourself and the village."
Sarutobi's eyes softened, and he placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder. "And as for why the villagers treat you the way they do… it's because some people had ulterior motives, trying to manipulate public opinion. But I promise, Naruto, I've always had your best interests at heart."
Naruto leaned into Sarutobi's embrace, pretending to be comforted. "Thank you, Grandpa Third. I believe in you... and my father."
"Good boy, Naruto. Good boy," Sarutobi said, smiling. His heart relaxed as he believed his ruse had succeeded.
But deep inside, Naruto's thoughts were steely and resolved. You'll pay for this deception, Sarutobi. I will never forgive you.