The next morning, after a quick wash, Naruto was ready to take a stroll through the streets. However, he remembered the Third Hokage had banned him from going out yesterday. Disappointed, he returned to his room, glanced at the snowy streets outside, and decided to pass the time with some light morning exercises.
Being young, Naruto's exercises consisted of simple stretches rather than intense training. He lacked proper methods for physical training, and doing so without guidance could hinder his growth.
After an unknown amount of time, Naruto heard the sound of stones hitting his door. Opening it, he found several boxes in the corridor. Recalling the Third Hokage's words from the day before, he realized these were likely the "reading materials" and survival supplies sent by the Anbu during his confinement.
Naruto carried the boxes inside and eagerly opened the one filled with books. Inside were about a dozen books, including titles such as Ninja Geography, Konoha History, and The Will of Fire.
He immediately ignored The Will of Fire and Konoha History, opting instead for Ninja Geography. Although Naruto was familiar with the general storyline of his world, he lacked knowledge about its human geography and customs. This book seemed perfect for filling in those gaps.
The book wasn't lengthy, and Naruto finished it in about an hour. However, its content gave him a strange impression. The geography of the ninja world contradicted the geographical knowledge he remembered from his previous life. For instance, the Land of Rain, which experienced constant rainfall, and the arid Land of Wind existed at the same latitude but had vastly different climates. Naruto speculated this disparity might be related to chakra—after all, this was a world of extraordinary powers.
After this, Naruto picked up Konoha History with a mischievous grin. Confident he knew more about Konoha's history than the Third Hokage himself, he started reading. However, after only a few pages, he frowned. The book's content was heavily edited.
While the book provided an objective evaluation of the Senju Clan, it exaggerated the roles of the Sarutobi, Shimura, and Ino-Shika-Cho families in the village's founding while downplaying the contributions of the Uchiha Clan. The achievements of the Uchiha were almost entirely omitted.
Disinterested, Naruto set the book aside and reluctantly turned to The Will of Fire. While he wasn't keen on reading it, he knew the Third Hokage had sent the books to ensure he read this one in particular. If he didn't, the old man might stop sending him books to pass the time.
---
Hokage's Office
After finishing his paperwork, the Third Hokage lit his pipe and pulled out his crystal ball. Switching the view to Naruto's room, he smiled when he saw the boy finally pick up The Will of Fire.
Monitoring Naruto was part of his daily routine. As the village's Jinchuriki, Naruto's stability was vital. The persistent rumors branding Naruto as the "demon fox" had caused significant harm, though the source of these rumors remained unclear.
At that moment, an Anbu operative appeared, kneeling before the Third Hokage.
"Have you discovered the source of the demon fox rumors?" the Hokage asked.
The Anbu hesitated before replying, "Lord Hokage, our investigation indicates that, aside from external spies, some individuals within the village are also spreading these rumors. Some of them are connected to high-ranking officials…"
The Hokage's expression darkened. He waved a hand, signaling the Anbu to stop.
He didn't need the name to know the culprit. His old friend Danzo was undoubtedly involved. Despite granting Danzo significant authority over the Root organization, the man still meddled with Naruto, attempting to manipulate him.
The Third Hokage sighed. It was time to rein Danzo in.
The Anbu hesitated again. "Should we clarify the rumors about the demon fox?"
The Hokage shook his head. "Not yet. Addressing the rumors now would only confirm Naruto's identity as a Jinchuriki."
"Understood, Lord Hokage."
As the Anbu left, the Hokage returned his gaze to the crystal ball. Watching Naruto read, he fell into deep thought. While he understood the need to dispel the rumors, he chose to maintain the status quo.
Naruto's hardships would ultimately shape him into someone who revered the Hokage role and the village. Yet, the boy couldn't remain isolated forever. Perhaps it was time to arrange for him to make some friends.
"Summon the Nara Clan's patriarch," the Hokage instructed an Anbu operative. "I have something to discuss."
---
Naruto's Room
After hours of reading, Naruto finally finished The Will of Fire.
To his surprise, he didn't harbor any strong feelings toward its content. The book's core message boiled down to a single idea: Wherever the flames and leaves dance, the fire will never go out. The fire will continue to illuminate the village, inspiring new leaves to sprout.
Essentially, the younger generation represents hope for the future, while the older generation sacrifices themselves to pave the way.
Naruto found the sentiment noble but hollow. While it served as a unifying slogan, its practical impact was negligible.
During the first and second Hokage's time, their actions embodied the Will of Fire. The Third Hokage, however, used it primarily to maintain the fragile unity of the Konoha Ninja Alliance.
Naruto suspected that more people exploited the slogan for personal gain than genuinely believed in its ideals. Still, he wasn't foolish enough to publicly oppose it. The slogan itself wasn't the problem—it was the hypocrites who abused it.
Satisfied with his conclusions, Naruto tossed the book aside and stretched out on the sofa for a nap.
His confinement had just begun, but with plenty of food and books, he was content to endure it.
As he drifted off to sleep, a faint wisp of fiery red chakra escaped from the Four Symbols Seal on his stomach.