Naruto: Linked to Kaguya, Corrupting the Ninja World

Inside the meeting chamber where Hiruzen Sarutobi and Jiraiya sat, a brief silence settled.

Though Hiruzen felt guilty, he was too proud to admit fault—he was the senior after all.

After letting out a little frustration, Jiraiya turned his thoughts serious.

With external enemies threatening, this was no time for internal conflict.

After a long pause, he spoke again. "Old man, reveal Naruto's true identity."

Hearing himself addressed as "old man" instead of "teacher," Hiruzen exhaled in quiet relief. He understood that Jiraiya had chosen to let go of his resentment over Naruto bearing false accusations. He began thinking along the same lines.

"…But then, Naruto would likely become a target for those with ill intentions."

Jiraiya shook his head. "Surely the words of a hero's son would carry more weight than the label of 'demon fox,' wouldn't they?"

Seeing that Hiruzen still hadn't fully grasped it, Jiraiya continued. "Kaguya now holds several countries as her strongholds—we must stop her expansion."

"Therefore, we need someone widely recognized. Through him, we'll reveal Kaguya-related information to the public, and eventually gather a group willing to follow…"

"Jiraiya, wouldn't you be unsuitable for that?" Hiruzen asked, at the same time thinking to himself: Or maybe I'm not fit either?

He understood Jiraiya's meaning—wasn't it just about building someone's public image?

Yet such methods were usually reserved for selecting a Kage.

Jiraiya explained, "My reputation is mixed at best right now. The Country of Hot Springs is clearly trying to smear me…"

As he spoke, a bitter smile flickered on his face.

Although he had spent much time recovering, he had never stopped following outside news.

The Countries of Hot Springs and Frost, along with various allied nations, kept spreading rumors painting him as a rebel who dared raise his blade against daimyos—a man intent on destabilizing the entire nation.

Yet his homeland, the Land of Fire, had never once publicly defended him.

"And as for you, teacher…"

Pausing briefly, Jiraiya reluctantly said something untrue. "You're essentially a political figure. Those who oppose your views might not be willing to listen to anything you say."

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"The people we aim to unite aren't only from Konoha, but also other countries."

If this had been decades ago, even enemies would have respected Hiruzen.

But speaking of the current version—better left unsaid.

The only one who could truly embody sincerity both inside and out, earning admiration from both allies and enemies alike, was Minato Namikaze—the disciple Jiraiya took the greatest pride in.

Minato was like a wisp of smoke from the past—dwelling on memories now would only accelerate Konoha's decline.

The nostalgic look in his eyes fading, Jiraiya continued, "Naruto doesn't carry such a complicated legacy. Minato died protecting everyone. Once Naruto's identity is revealed, the villagers will feel guilty toward him. Besides, this is simply the life Naruto should've had all along..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi remained silent for a moment before slowly nodding his head.

Soon, he ordered his men to fabricate a cover story and spread it across the village disguised as ordinary citizens.

An Anbu ninja transformed into a regular guy carrying a basket entered a shop while picking up items. He started chatting with other customers inside.

"Hey, haven't you noticed? We haven't seen that yellow-haired brat for quite some time."

"You mean... that Nine-Tails brat? That monster?"

"Yeah, we haven't seen him around lately."

"Isn't that great then? Running into him is just asking for trouble."

"You're exaggerating too much. Come to think of it, I passed Hokage Rock this morning. Wait, it just hit me—he kinda looks like the Fourth! After thinking about it more later, there really are so many coincidences..."

As soon as he said that, others in the store burst into laughter, interrupting him with chattering voices.

"What nonsense are you talking now..."

"The Fourth Hokage is universally recognized as the most handsome hero of Konoha. That raggedy brat? Where exactly does he look similar?"

"Your eyes must be getting old already!"

"No," insisted the Anbu agent who'd brought it up. "Don't you guys notice? The kid was born on the very same day the Fourth Hokage and his wife died."

A few people froze, then someone muttered, "Who cares about something like that?"

"Actually, I've always wondered—didn't the Fourth Hokage's wife have a child? Where did that child go anyway?" the Anbu continued.

"I once thought about that too..." Someone else spoke up within the crowd.

The Anbu carefully observed this person—he wasn't one of their planted agents.

Within Konoha, there were indeed those who had suspected Naruto's parentage before. Yet, everyone was preoccupied with their own matters. Public sentiment stayed indifferent, lost in anger and grief, so they eventually stopped dwelling on it and simply went with the flow.

"Does anyone remember attending the Fourth Hokage's wedding? My family still keeps the invitation. Kushina Uzumaki—if apart from the Fourth Hokage's wife, that little... boy is the only other person in the entire village with the Uzumaki name..."

Sudden understanding dawned on them. Somehow, they seemed to guess the answer. Their faces turned complex; hesitantly, they asked, "You mean..."

"Could it be that we were all wrong..."

"But I just followed what everyone else did..."

"Why didn't anyone speak up back then?"

Noticing the thoughtful looks on their faces—and the flashes of guilt in their eyes—the Anbu ninja quietly stepped away.

Meanwhile, similar conversations were unfolding all over town.

Naruto had just come back to Konoha, cleaned up his place, and now he was stepping out into the streets.

While walking down a busy street, suddenly all noise ceased. Everyone grew quiet and stared at him all together.

Naruto felt a chill in his heart. Was it happening again?

In his memories, whenever he appeared, the atmosphere would inexplicably turn heavy. Those who had been laughing and chatting would stare at him blankly, their eyes filled with looks that pierced his heart.

Worse yet, some people would throw things at him.

He could feel those strange gazes without even looking directly.

Lowering his head, Naruto braced himself for the expected pain, but it never came.

He lifted his gaze. The eyes upon him seemed completely different from what he remembered.

Not scorn, not disgust, definitely not hatred…

Naruto froze for a moment.

At that moment, a little girl holding flowers stepped forward from the crowd.

She approached Naruto and handed the bouquet to him.

"Naruto-niisan, these are for you."

"Huh?"

The girl stood on her tiptoes and whispered into Naruto's ear, "My parents asked me to apologize to you for them. They said they were wrong to throw things at you before."

Naruto stiffened briefly, then forced the widest smile he could manage.

"It's okay, really! I don't mind at all!"

So saying, he kept waving repeatedly at the people watching him.

Seeing his smile, the silent crowd simultaneously showed smiles themselves, as though relieved.

At this moment, everyone once again seemed kind and generous.

Maintaining the smile on his face, Naruto accepted the flowers the girl offered and waved goodbye before walking away.

A short while after he started walking, the smile on his face slowly faded. He couldn't help turning back for one more meaningful look at the street he had just left.

Everyone had resumed their busy routines, pedestrians coming and going, and the street returned to its usual liveliness.

Naruto felt oddly unsettled.

This was exactly what he'd always hoped for—being accepted at last. But why did he not feel as happy as he had imagined?

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