"How can there be two people?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen watched the two children happily chatting while leaning against a stone in the crystal ball. His brow furrowed in concern.
In his plan, Naruto was supposed to be isolated, with only him able to approach this war machine. Only the Hokage could control this terrifying fighting force.
Anyone else approaching Naruto had uncertain motives, and there was a possibility they could do harm to Konoha.
Thinking this, he focused the crystal ball's image, making the two figures clearer and larger.
Naruto's bright yellow hair was unmistakable. As the image zoomed in, everyone recognized the child chatting with Naruto.
"It's Uchiha Genya, the son of Uchiha Kinya!"
Recently, Hiruzen had been keeping a close eye on Genya, who was nominally the leader of the Uchiha Police Force.
But why was Uchiha Genya here? And why was he chatting so happily with Naruto?
No, this was unacceptable. The only person in Naruto's heart should be him.
"Yes, it's Uchiha Genya!" Kimura nodded, confirming the child's identity.
"How could Naruto be with a member of the Uchiha clan?" Hiruzen frowned, his expression serious as he looked at Kimura. "Is Genya deliberately approaching Naruto?"
If it really was a member of the Uchiha clan trying to get close to Naruto, then he would have to rethink his plan to eliminate the Uchiha. It was better to resolve any unstable factors quickly.
Kakashi Hatake, standing behind the Third Hokage, also frowned. Naruto was his teacher's disciple, and he had to ensure his safety. If it was indeed the Uchiha clan trying to find Naruto, even with the Third's warning, he would have to bring Naruto to safety.
He didn't trust the Uchiha clan.
"No!" Kimura shook his head. "Lord Hokage, Naruto went to the riverbank to catch fish and just happened to run into Uchiha Genya!"
Kimura didn't mention that Naruto went to the river because he was hungry. After all, only the Third Hokage and their Anbu ninjas who were monitoring Naruto knew about this trial. The Third's intention was clear: a Jinchuriki must face challenges that ordinary people do not in order to become a true Jinchuriki!
So all of this was a test for Naruto.
"I see," Hiruzen nodded. But then his expression turned serious again. "Even so, we cannot allow the Uchiha clan to have too much contact with Naruto Uzumaki. Their eyes are too evil; Naruto cannot be with Genya!"
"The most important point is that when Naruto and Uchiha Genya met for the first time, the Nine-Tails inside Naruto reacted. This is very unusual!"
This decision must be made quickly to separate the two of them.
"Lord Hokage, leave this matter to me!" Kakashi stepped forward and said seriously to the Third Hokage.
Since it concerns Naruto, he needs to resolve it as soon as possible.
Moreover, he cannot let Naruto be in danger.
Sarutobi Hiruzen glanced at Kakashi, especially noticing the serious look in Kakashi's eyes, and nodded: "Alright, you handle this. Make sure that little Uchiha doesn't get too close to Naruto!"
"Yes!" Kakashi nodded seriously.
"What about Naruto's seal?" Kimura still felt uneasy about Naruto's seal.
But Sarutobi Hiruzen shook his head: "I'll check on Naruto in the next couple of days and see how the seal on the Nine-Tails is doing!"
He didn't say the last part, but when the time comes, he wants to leave a lasting impression on Naruto's childhood.
After receiving the Third's response, Kimura and Kakashi exchanged glances before leaving the Hokage's office.
By the riverbank, Genya and Naruto were still happily chatting. Naruto's youthful smile never faded from his face.
However, while they were talking, Genya used his Dual Pupil to observe the surroundings and noticed that the ninja who had left earlier had returned, and he was followed by another ninja. This felt somewhat familiar.
It seems that the Third Hokage has already caught wind of this situation and might still be watching them through his crystal ball.
But Genya paid no mind to this; instead, he spoke more casually with Naruto, even inviting him to hang out at the merchant association. Naruto excitedly shared his address, inviting Genya to come play with him.
Children's friendships really are easy to form.
As Genya prepared to leave, Naruto looked up at the sky with a reluctant expression, his eyes glistening with tears, as if they were about to part for life and death.
Finally, Genya, speaking in a big brother tone, scolded him gently, saying it was just going home and not to cry like a child.
"Yeah, yeah... I'm already an adult!" Naruto nodded seriously, emphasizing his point.
They said their goodbyes, and after parting, Genya headed back to his home.
However, the figure that had appeared a second time was carefully following behind Genya.
Meanwhile, a few others continued to secretly follow Naruto as he left.
It seemed that the Third Hokage was quite afraid even of a small child and had sent someone to watch over him. But this person seemed stronger than the others. Who could it be? Were they here to monitor him or to provide a warning?
Genya walked slowly forward.
Suddenly, the figure behind him quickened their pace, darting in front of him and blocking his path.
Genya halted, keeping a wary eye on the newcomer.
At first glance, he recognized this masked Anbu ninja—Kakashi.
However, Genya didn't want to engage with him. He glanced at Kakashi and simply walked past him.
Kakashi was left looking a bit stunned.
Feeling a bit frustrated, Kakashi thought, *I blocked your path, and you won't even greet me?*
But,
Genya didn't acknowledge him. Kakashi quickly caught up again and stood in front of Genya, sizing him up. "So, you're Guy's new disciple? You have good potential; you're well-suited for taijutsu training!"
Kakashi wanted to make small talk with Genya, finding a way to engage him in conversation.
After all, it felt inappropriate for Kakashi to threaten a child right from the start.
"Uh? You're looking for Guy's disciple? I think you've got the wrong person!" Genya glanced at Kakashi, who was struggling to find words, and walked around him again.
Kakashi was speechless. A few days ago, Might Guy mentioned that he had taken on a disciple with even greater talent than himself, and Kakashi immediately thought of Genya. But now, Genya had denied it.
"Are you really not Might Guy's disciple?" Kakashi asked curiously, chasing after him again.
"Kakashi!" Genya stopped and looked at him. "You must have something to say, so just say it directly. No need to come up with excuses to get close to me!"
Genya didn't want to engage in too much conversation with someone from the Third Hokage's circle, especially Kakashi!
He knew that Kakashi was currently loyal to the Third Hokage, and he wasn't interested in interacting with someone like that. Friends of enemies can never become friends.
Huh?
Kakashi didn't expect a child to be so straightforward.
****
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