Chapter 324: Guilt and Hope
Facing Naruto's curious and anxious gaze.
"Let's sit over there and talk."
Kakashi pointed to the nearby stands and walked over with Naruto, grabbing two drinks from a vending machine along the way.
"Thank you."
Naruto accepted the drink Kakashi handed him and sat on the stands, listening to Kakashi recount the story of the Fourth Hokage.
"Where should I begin?"
Kakashi's face took on a nostalgic expression as his thoughts drifted back twenty years.
After organizing his thoughts, he cleared his throat and began to tell Naruto everything he knew about the Fourth Hokage.
From Minato Namikaze's rise as a genius among civilian ninjas in Konoha, ascending like a comet;
To him becoming a Jonin and taking Kakashi, Obito, and Rin as his disciples, their daily lives as a master and his three students;
Then to the Third Great Ninja War, where he used the Flying Thunder God Technique to dominate the battlefield, defeating strong enemies from Iwagakure and Kumogakure, earning the fearsome name "Yellow Flash";
Until the end of the war, when Minato succeeded as Hokage, beloved by the people, ultimately choosing to sacrifice himself for the village.
Of course, Kakashi didn't forget his sensei's wife—Kushina Uzumaki.
It was said she came to Konoha from the Uzushio Village as a child, met Minato in the Ninja Academy, and gradually fell in love, becoming an enviable couple.
Throughout the recounting, Kakashi's face was filled with nostalgia and respect, showing how highly he regarded the Fourth Hokage.
Naruto listened intently.
This was the first time, aside from history lessons at the academy, that he heard about his father's life from someone else.
For the legendary "Yellow Flash" of the ninja world, Naruto's heart was full of boundless admiration.
But at the same time, he grew more and more nervous, feeling like he was sitting on pins and needles.
Naruto was afraid, unable to face his soon-to-be-resurrected father.
Minato Namikaze was a hero who protected Konoha, dedicating his life to fighting enemies of the village for peace.
Such a person was the embodiment of light and justice, with no tolerance for any criminals, especially those who committed crimes against Konoha.
As the hero's son, Naruto betrayed Konoha and became the leader of a terrorist organization.
For such a disgraceful son, his father would likely only feel disappointment and anger.
Thinking about this.
Naruto's expression dimmed, and he felt like backing out.
He lacked the courage to meet his father, let alone confess his sins in front of him.
Kakashi, keenly observant, noticed Naruto's emotional changes.
So, he reached out and patted Naruto's shoulder:
"The Fourth Hokage was here just now, watching you and Sasuke spar from afar."
What?!
Naruto's eyes widened in shock.
He immediately stood up, looking around in disbelief.
"The Fourth has already left," Kakashi sighed and comforted Naruto.
"...Oh, I see."
Naruto's expression turned awkward, and he didn't ask why.
He thought his father didn't want to see him because he was utterly disappointed, and ashamed of having such a son.
He had tarnished his father's heroic legacy.
Crunch.
Naruto clenched his fists, lowered his head, and walked away with heavy steps.
He had taken only a few steps when Kakashi's voice suddenly rang out behind him:
"The Fourth Hokage said he was very pleased."
"!"
Naruto's body trembled, and he slowly turned around, asking in disbelief, "What did you say?"
Kakashi walked towards Naruto, looking at him sincerely, and relayed the Fourth's words:
"The Fourth Hokage said that despite all the hardships you've been through over the years, you've remained sincere and cheerful, your heart untouched by darkness.
Seeing this, he is very pleased.
At the same time, he feels very guilty. Because he decided to seal the Nine-Tails inside you, making you the hated fox demon child, enduring so much pain and hardship.
So, the Fourth Hokage said he doesn't have the face to see you."
After saying this, Kakashi also felt a pang of sadness.
Minato and Naruto, this father and son who had never met, were both filled with guilt towards each other, feeling that they were at fault and unworthy of meeting the other.
This was indeed a father-and-son pair, sharing the same inherent traits.
"My father... feels guilty?"
Naruto murmured, stunned, with a mix of emotions welling up in his heart.
At this moment.
"And there's something else the Fourth Hokage asked me to give you," Kakashi said, handing Naruto a scroll.
"This is..."
"An A-rank jutsu, the Rasengan. It was created by the Fourth Hokage after getting inspiration from the Tailed Beast Bomb, taking three years to develop."
As Kakashi explained, he extended his hand.
In Naruto's surprised gaze.
Sizzle.
Chakra gathered in Kakashi's palm, spinning rapidly, soon forming a blue chakra sphere emitting a dangerous aura.
"This is the Rasengan?" Naruto stared at the chakra sphere in Kakashi's palm, indeed seeing the resemblance to the Tailed Beast Bomb.
The chakra sphere gradually dissipated in Kakashi's hand.
"My Rasengan is nothing compared to the Fourth's.
The Fourth created this jutsu initially to help your mother—Kushina Uzumaki—utilize her vast chakra.
In other words, the more chakra a ninja has, the stronger this jutsu becomes.
So, this technique will suit you well, Naruto.
If you have any questions while practicing, feel free to ask me, and I will help you as much as I can."
Kakashi sincerely advised Naruto.
"Thank you, Lord Kakashi." Naruto put away the scroll and bowed deeply to Kakashi.
At this moment.
Looking at the sincere blond boy in front of him, Kakashi seemed to see the young, spirited Fourth Hokage.
He helped Naruto up and earnestly advised him again:
"Naruto, the Rasengan is the Fourth Hokage's signature jutsu, once known throughout the ninja world. Passing this jutsu to you means he wants you to carry on his legacy, do you understand?"
"Can I do that?"
Naruto murmured, lacking confidence.
"Of course you can."
Kakashi answered without hesitation, encouraging Naruto, "Naruto, you can be like your father, becoming a hero of Konoha, even the future Hokage. I believe this is the Fourth Hokage's greatest hope for you."
Naruto's body trembled again, his sky-blue pupils dilating.
Like many young boys in Konoha, being Hokage was once Naruto's biggest dream.
If he became Hokage, the villagers would no longer hate or ostracize him, and they wouldn't call him the fox demon child. Additionally, he wouldn't have to eat instant noodles and drink expired milk every day.
Young Naruto had such innocent and beautiful dreams.
Now, these dreams, long buried in his heart, were rekindled by Kakashi's words.
Could someone like him become Hokage?
Kakashi saw Naruto's insecurity, so he patted his shoulder and shared another good news:
"The Sixth Hokage has instructed me that if you decide to stay in Konoha, you don't need to return your ninja headband and can start from Genin. Also, your two teammates have been chosen, both familiar faces from Konoha."
Familiar faces?
"Who could it be...is it..." Naruto's eyes widened.
"That's right, it's Sasuke and Marisa.
The Sixth Hokage has also prepared many missions for you three to complete. As for whether you want to stay, think it over carefully."
After saying this, Kakashi turned and left without lingering.
Kakashi wanted to help Naruto find the right and bright path.
But he wouldn't force Naruto. He gave Naruto ample time and space to make his own decision.
After all,
The expectations of the Fourth Hokage and the appreciation from the Sixth Hokage—if even this couldn't keep Naruto, then there was no need to force it.
Naruto stood there in a daze, thinking for a long, long time.
Tenshukaku.
"Gosuke, long time no see. You still look as energetic as ever."
Minato Namikaze greeted the old gatekeeper with a smile as he walked over.
"Am I...seeing things?"
Gosuke Maruboshi rubbed his eyes in disbelief at the blond man before him and asked, "Are you...the Fourth Hokage?"
Years ago, he had fought alongside the Fourth Hokage, who had even personally bandaged his wounds.
"Yes, the current Hokage resurrected me using Edo Tensei at the Naka Shrine."
Minato pointed to the cracks on his face, the unique mark of Edo Tensei.
"It is you!"
Gosuke's voice trembled, tears streaming down his face.
"Alright, enough crying. Can you take me to see the Sixth Hokage? He brought me back but then left. I'm not sure what he's thinking."
Minato patted Gosuke on the shoulder.
"Of course, please follow me."
Gosuke nodded quickly and led the way for Minato.
The Konoha ninjas they passed along the way looked at them in surprise.
"Who is that man with Gosuke-senpai? The back of his cloak says 'Fourth Hokage.' Am I seeing things?"
A young ninja pointed at Minato's back, curious.
"Kids these days don't even recognize the Yellow Flash? Yes, that's the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze. I didn't expect him to be resurrected too."
The older Konoha ninjas explained to the younger ones while bowing to the Fourth Hokage.
"I didn't expect so many people to remember me."
Minato waved in response to the people, smiling as he joked.
The Konoha he saw after his resurrection had changed drastically, even the Hokage Rock was gone.
According to what he heard from Kakashi, all the previous Hokage, including the Second, Third, and Fifth, had been scrutinized, and their reputations tarnished.
Minato thought he wouldn't escape the same fate, but it seemed he was mistaken.
"You're joking, right? How could people forget a hero like you, Lord Fourth?"
Gosuke's expression turned serious, showing great respect for Minato.
Ding.
The elevator door slowly opened, and the two entered.
"Ha ha, enough about me. How are you doing? Do you like being a gatekeeper here?"
Minato asked with a smile after Gosuke pressed the elevator button.
"For an old guy like me to still have a job is great. And this job is not only easy but also comes with a good salary and pension. I owe it all to the Sixth Hokage."
Gosuke spoke with gratitude, recounting how he almost ended up on the streets in his old age but was saved by the Sixth Hokage.
The old man's words were full of appreciation for the Sixth Hokage.
I see.
Minato listened thoughtfully.
To be honest, his first impression of the Sixth Hokage wasn't good, given his association with someone like Orochimaru. And his purpose for resurrecting Minato seemed to be for the Nine-Tails inside him.
But to Minato's surprise, the Sixth Hokage didn't resort to force but instead had Kakashi take him to see Naruto.
Through Kakashi's story and witnessing the Sixth Hokage's attitude towards Naruto and Gosuke, Minato's thoughts began to change.
Maybe he had misunderstood the Sixth Hokage. Perhaps he was a good person.
As he pondered this,
The elevator door slowly opened, and they arrived at the Hokage's office floor.
"Lord Fourth, please."
Gosuke bowed and made a welcoming gesture, saying, "I will wait for you by the elevator."
"No need, go about your business. Thank you, Gosuke."
Minato said, walking up to the office door and knocking.
Knock, knock, knock.
"Sixth Hokage, I am Minato Namikaze. If you have time, I'd like to talk to you." Minato said through the door.
There was no response from inside for a while.
Huh, is he not here?
Minato hadn't expected to come for nothing. He was puzzled. If the Sixth Hokage wasn't in the office, where could he be?
Looks like I need to ask Kakashi for help.
"P-please, come in." A weak voice finally responded from inside the office.
So there is someone here.
With a creak, Minato gently pushed the door open and walked in.
As soon as he entered, he saw a black-haired girl hastily standing up from the Hokage's chair, looking very nervous.
"I-I'm the Hokage's secretary, Hinata Hyuga. Pleased to meet you!"
Hinata introduced herself with a stutter, blushing as she bowed to Minato.
A member of the Hyuga Clan.
The girl looked to be in her teens, already serving as the Hokage's secretary. She must have some exceptional qualities.
Minato thought as he smiled warmly and asked Hinata,
"Hello, may I ask if the Sixth Hokage is in?"
"H-he's not here." Hinata tensed up, carefully answering Minato's question, afraid of making a mistake.
"Don't be nervous, young lady. I can't be that scary, can I?"
Minato joked, thinking his Edo Tensei appearance had frightened Hinata.
Then,
He engaged in a conversation with Hinata, during which his expression became more and more surprised.
The Sixth Hokage had left his first-day-on-the-job secretary in charge of handling Konoha's affairs while he was away, apparently slacking off.
This was... too outrageous.
Minato, in utter shock, gained a new understanding of the Sixth Hokage's character.
(End of chapter)