"Third Hokage…"
In Naruto's inner world, Minato Namikaze's expression was complex.
He could see the Third Hokage's intentions. He understood what Hiruzen Sarutobi, who had already retired but was forced to return to the role of Hokage, desired. Hiruzen wanted balance and stability.
The balance between the Five Great Nations, the stability within the Leaf Village—just like the directives established by past Hokages. Although Hiruzen had fully supported Minato's efforts to reform and change the village during his tenure, after Minato's sacrifice, the Third Hokage, now back in power, no longer possessed that bold, progressive mindset.
As a former Hokage, Minato could completely understand the Third's thinking and actions. But… Naruto, as the sacrifice, was his and Kushina's only child.
"It seems you've noticed too. Naruto, as an orphan, has been kept hidden. After leaving the Leaf Orphanage, it's Hiruzen who's been looking after him from the shadows, but that's the extent of it." The Nine-Tails' voice cut in, carrying a hint of sarcasm. "While he doesn't treat Naruto as my physical reincarnation, he hasn't done much to shield Naruto's true identity, either. He should be celebrated as the Hero's Child… no, as the one chosen to bear my seal from such a young age, Naruto himself is a hero…"
Minato, however, wasn't consumed by the fiery anger the Nine-Tails might have expected. Instead, he looked at the Nine-Tails with a hint of relief.
His calm gaze made the Nine-Tails feel uneasy, prompting it to growl, "What?"
"I'm just grateful." Minato smiled at the Nine-Tails. "Grateful that Naruto has you—a companion who stands up for him. You even said he'll have countless companions in his future…"
"Enough of that, cut it out, Minato."
The Nine-Tails snorted, clearly uncomfortable with such sentimental talk.
"I've told you this much. You know what to do next, don't you?"
Minato's blue eyes flickered with a faint red glow—an aura of the Nine-Tails' chakra, brimming with immense power.
"As long as I'm trapped in this seal, I can't freely use my full strength. It also affects Naruto's chakra flow. So, I'll need to keep my chakra contained as much as possible." The Nine-Tails sprawled lazily on the ground. "This will allow Naruto's natural chakra reserves to grow even stronger over time. But someone needs to guide him on how to train and get stronger…"
"Is it Kushina's Uzumaki bloodline?" Minato understood what the Nine-Tails was hinting at—Naruto's vast chakra, inherited from the Uzumaki clan, would only continue to expand as he grew.
"My past Naruto… or rather, the Naruto from the future… no, maybe…"
"What if we call him 'Future Naruto' or the Seventh Hokage, 'Famed Naruto'? Does that work?" Minato tried to help the Nine-Tails find the right term, his face serious.
The Nine-Tails fell silent at Minato's suggestion, rolling its eyes as it returned to its previous point. "Anyway, that Naruto never fully developed his powers early on, because he hadn't come to terms with me yet. And frankly, I'm not the best at this either. I've already informed you of the enemies Naruto will face."
The Nine-Tails rose, emanating a primal, overwhelming aura that left even Minato, the Fourth Hokage, momentarily awestruck. "This time, I won't let those fools flaunt their power before Naruto."
Watching the Nine-Tails, Minato found himself struck by a new thought:
The Tailed Beasts, who had existed since ancient times… perhaps the ninja world had never truly understood them. Maybe it was the humans who were arrogant; perhaps the real masters of this land weren't humans at all…
The snow outside fell harder, and after little Naruto had happily eaten his grilled fish, Hiruzen led him back home.
Once he saw the lights go out in Naruto's room, the warmth in Hiruzen's expression faded as he turned to the shadow lingering nearby in the dark. "Starting tonight, the ANBU are forbidden from approaching Naruto."
From the shadowed street corner, a masked ANBU operative emerged in silence, waiting for further instructions.
"Instead, I'll have others interact with Naruto. It seems the ANBU… have become tainted in the darkness," Hiruzen added, his gaze sharpening with intensity. "If we want Naruto to grow into a true protector of the village, he needs to experience real emotion… Notify Shikaku. I want a list of the younger teachers and chunin currently at the Academy by tomorrow."
"Yes," replied the ANBU member, disappearing into the night.
Back in his room, Naruto, now yawning with exhaustion, quickly changed into his pajamas and fell into a deep sleep the moment his head touched the pillow.
In his inner world…
"Naruto's asleep. Are you ready?" The Nine-Tails opened its eyes, having sensed Naruto's state and looked over at Minato, who was meditating nearby.
Gone was the cloak of crimson chakra belonging to the Tailed Beast that had enveloped Minato. Having mastered the portion of the Nine-Tails' chakra given to him, Minato turned to the beast. "I'm ready anytime. According to your plan, how much will Naruto remember of the techniques I teach him in his dreams?"
"That depends on his potential; if he retains even half, that's pretty good," the Nine-Tails replied, uncertain. "But, as I said, to avoid detection, Naruto won't be able to sense he's dreaming. It's ironic—I used to trap Naruto in nightmares of his lonely past, forcing him into isolation. So, honestly, this technique's effect might only be twenty percent at best."
"Twenty percent?" Minato thoughtfully stroked his chin, then gave a confident smile. "That'll be more than enough."
"What will you teach him first?" The Nine-Tails was curious.
Without a moment's hesitation, Minato replied—
"Sealing techniques."