"Do you really believe what that child said, Sarutobi?"
Naruto had just left when two of the village advisors came to find Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Homura Mitokado frowned and said sternly, "The Nine-Tails Jinchuriki has grown up; perhaps he has developed thoughts of his own. The rumors spreading about him in the village are the biggest problem. We need to be cautious in case he turns against us and goes berserk."
Koharu Utatane nodded in agreement. "Exactly. Now that he's started to hurt people, something unprecedented, I think we need to restrict his freedom as a precaution."
Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, wore a similarly grave expression, far different from the calm demeanor he had shown when Naruto left.
"What do you propose?" Sarutobi questioned. "Lock him up, never to see the light of day again? Or hand him over to Danzo for brainwashing?"
Sensing Sarutobi's displeasure, Koharu quickly clarified, "That's not what we meant. Danzo is extreme in his methods; while they might work on others, the Jinchuriki is our strongest deterrent against other villages. We can't afford any damage to him, which is why we've always opposed letting Danzo handle Naruto."
On this matter, both advisors were aligned with the Third Hokage.
Even though Danzo had long coveted the power of the Nine-Tails, he had never gotten the chance to act.
Sarutobi's tone softened slightly upon hearing this. He waved his hand. "There's no need to worry too much. I've watched Naruto grow up. He inherited his mother's boisterous nature and is even clumsier. He's a simple, honest child with no hidden agenda."
The two advisors, however, weren't convinced. How could someone who caused daily mischief be called a "good child"?
They suspected the only reason the Third Hokage spoke this way was because Naruto had just praised him as the strongest, the greatest of all Hokage.
Hiruzen continued, "Graduation season is approaching. When the time comes, I'll assign Kakashi as his squad leader. Should Naruto show any signs of trouble, Kakashi's Sharingan will be able to keep him in check."
"Kakashi Hatake?" The two advisors were taken aback.
Homura pondered, "If that's the case, it might be a viable plan. I didn't expect you had already made arrangements. It seems we were overly concerned."
Koharu agreed after some thought. "Kakashi is indeed the best choice. After all, he was the Fourth Hokage's student, and a genius from a young age. It's a bit of an overkill to have him watch over a Jinchuriki who hasn't fully developed his power yet."
The advisors weren't really worried about the shopkeeper Naruto had injured. They only cared that the Jinchuriki wouldn't become a threat.
As for the report they had received about Naruto's behavior, it must have been exaggerated by the Anbu who reported it.
The advisors agreed that this Anbu was unprofessional for letting his personal feelings interfere with his report. As a result, Sarutobi decided to assign the Anbu to a long-term undercover mission in another country.
The Anbu was stunned when he received his reassignment order. He had expected Naruto to be disciplined, but instead, he was the one being sent away.
At the entrance of the ninja academy, Naruto clung to Yugao's hands reluctantly. "Yugao-sis, I'm here!"
"Alright, go on in," Yugao's tone was much softer now.
She thought she had guessed the Third Hokage's intentions, and as a result, she felt more sympathy for Naruto. After all, he was an orphan with no parents to guide him, so it was understandable that he acted out occasionally.
"Then I'm going in," Naruto said, taking a few hesitant steps before turning back to add, "Oh right! I got my allowance today. How about I treat you to dinner tonight, Yugao-sis?"
What a kid. He wore his emotions right on his face.
Yugao couldn't help but chuckle.
She didn't understand why Naruto was so attached to her. It was their first meeting, and she had been wearing a mask the whole time, so they hadn't even really seen each other.
Perhaps they were simply fated to feel connected, just like how she inexplicably felt a fondness for him.
Even so, Yugao shook her head. "I still have my shift to finish. It'll be very late by the time I'm done."
"Oh… alright then," Naruto said, visibly disappointed. He tried to perk himself up and added, "It's okay, we're in the same village. I'm sure we'll meet again!"
Seeing Naruto force a smile, Yugao suddenly felt a pang in her heart.
Was all his usual loud and troublesome behavior just a way to get attention?
Was he bottling up all his sadness for when no one was around?
Yugao suddenly understood. She blurted out, "When I get a day off, how about I pick you up from school and make dinner for you at my place?"
"Really?" Naruto's eyes lit up with joy.
It had been an impulsive offer, but seeing Naruto's expectant gaze, Yugao decided it didn't matter.
She nodded with a gentle smile. "Yes, I promise."
"Awesome! I love you, Yugao-sis!" Naruto threw himself into her arms, rubbing his face against her affectionately.
"Alright, alright. Go to class now, you're already late. I'll let you know when I'm free," Yugao said, her heart overflowing with motherly affection as she hugged Naruto briefly, her face hidden behind the mask, showing a tender smile.
"See you later, Yugao-sis!" Naruto waved goodbye, finally heading into the academy with a bounce in his step.
"Goodbye, Naruto!" Yugao smiled, watching him leave before disappearing herself.
"Definitely at least a C+, perfect feel," Naruto chuckled to himself, making a fist in the air.
With this, he felt he had laid the groundwork with the beautiful older sister.
He vividly recalled watching the anime, and the first woman who had amazed him was that purple-haired kunoichi. Even though it was in 2D, even through a screen, he had felt like he was falling for her when she took off her mask.
Now, the opportunity was right in front of him.
As for that sickly guy Hayate Gekkō? He could go die. Even if that meant the "Gekkō Hayate Chronicles" had to be renamed, Naruto didn't care.
"Naruto! You're late again!!"
As soon as Naruto entered the classroom, Iruka unleashed a furious tirade.
Scanning the room, Naruto was surprised to see Sakura there. He had thought she'd be too mad to show up for class.
The moment Sakura saw Naruto, her face contorted with anger, as if she wanted to bite his head off.
Yet, beneath her furious glare, there was a trace of fear, embarrassment, and lingering shock.
"Are you even listening to me, Naruto?!" Iruka's voice boomed. "I'm asking if you've been pulling pranks again!"
Naruto scratched his head, grinning sheepishly.
"Bet he's been throwing paint on the Hokage Monument again."
"Probably drawing graffiti on the walls. He's always been like that."
"I heard he even hurt someone with a kunai yesterday, almost getting caught by the Anbu."
The classroom erupted into whispers and jeers, with Naruto as the target of their mockery.