"What... what is this for?"
After Uchiha Itachi infiltrated the village, his initial plan was to check on Sasuke and locate the two women Kisame had mentioned.
However, the moment he arrived, he was met with an unexpected sight.
Pausing momentarily, he decided to follow in the shadows.
Just as Itachi disappeared in a flicker, a tree root burst from the ground where he had stood.
Had he lingered even a moment longer, he might have met the same fate as Jiraiya.
"Lord Jiraiya is awake!"
"Quick!"
Jiraiya slowly regained consciousness, blinking in confusion at the crowd of villagers and shinobi surrounding him.
Someone in the group spoke up, frustration evident in their voice.
"Damn it! Look at what they've done to Lord Jiraiya!"
"If you ask me, we should unite against them. If they could stage a coup, why can't we?!"
"Come on, haven't you seen the state of the Third Hokage and Danzo?"
"We're barely better off than they are... Damn it, it's all that fox demon's fault! The Third was too soft... This is his failure!"
Fear and resentment simmered within the crowd, but there was little they could do.
"Lord Jiraiya, you're our only hope. Tsunade isn't fit to be Hokage. We support you as the Fifth Hokage!"
"Yes! Jiraiya-sama is far more qualified than Tsunade or that damned fox!"
A cacophony of voices erupted, and before Jiraiya could react, someone draped the Hokage's ceremonial robe over his shoulders.
Jiraiya hadn't expected this turn of events.
He looked around at the desperate faces before him, words catching in his throat.
Finally, he sighed.
"Tsunade isn't keeping anyone here against their will. If you truly don't wish to stay in Konoha, you are free to leave."
"Jiraiya-sama!"
"Are you telling us to go out there and die?!"
"The roads outside are filled with rogue shinobi and bandits! Where would we sleep? What would we eat? We'd have to be on guard at all times!"
Jiraiya shook his head, removing the Hokage's robe.
"I'm just a sinner. Until I've atoned for my mistakes, I won't get involved."
With those words, he turned and left the building, heading back to the village square.
In the shadows, Uchiha Itachi narrowed his eyes, contemplating the situation.
For a fleeting moment, he envisioned himself in Jiraiya's position.
But just as quickly, he dismissed the thought.
"This will only lead to internal strife, weakening Konoha and giving other villages an opportunity to strike."
His decision was firm. Nothing would change his mind.
A sudden bang shattered the tension as the door was kicked open.
Nara Shikaku was the first to step inside.
Behind him, a sea of shinobi and villagers poured in, all eyes filled with disdain.
"Beat them."
Shikaku uttered only those two words before the first fists flew.
There would always be those unwilling to leave the village.
And when the first person left, others would surely follow.
This way, history would record that they had abandoned Konoha of their own accord.
Uchiha Itachi watched for a moment before vanishing into the night.
No matter what unfolded, it would not change his resolve.
Meanwhile, Minato and Kushina had moved back into their old home with Naruto.
It was spacious and well-located.
Finally, they wouldn't have to cram into a small room for dinner.
Tonight, they could have an open-air barbecue.
Laughter filled the air.
An uncle worked tirelessly at the grill, his hands a blur as he flipped and seasoned the food.
But this was just a warm-up—the real celebration would come with the village-wide banquet tomorrow.
"Naruto... I..."
Naruto was tending to a sapling when Sasuke approached from behind, head lowered, hesitating to speak.
"Did you find him?"
"Yeah."
"Life is unpredictable. If you've truly accepted—"
Before Naruto could finish, Sasuke cut in like a child admitting to a mistake.
"Naruto, I couldn't stop that bastard Itachi... I'm sorry... I failed you."
Naruto blinked, glancing at Sasuke in surprise.
He accepted it this quickly?
"You're still too impatient. More haste, less speed. With your strength, you shouldn't have lost so easily."
"But don't be too discouraged. Itachi is still in the village—he's heading to the Uchiha district."
Sasuke's eyes widened, then darkened.
"A murderer returning to the scene of his crime?"
"I won't let him escape again!"
His chest rose and fell sharply, but under Naruto's steady gaze, his rage slowly simmered down.
"Sorry... I lost my cool again."
The transformation of Sasuke was too fast. To be honest, Naruto was a little overwhelmed.
"Go ahead, don't worry this time, he won't leave so soon."
"I understand, thank you, Father... Naruto!"
After responding, Sasuke respectfully left the room, turning towards the Uchiha clan's territory.
"Master, they are all calling you~"
Karin ran into the room, her pretty face flushed.
"There will be frequent visitors to our home in the future. Can you adapt?" Naruto patted her head.
Karin nodded repeatedly. "I really like this lively feeling, Master. Sister Tenten and the others are very nice."
"By the way, Lady Tsunade is here too. I'll be leaving first."
With that, Karin ran out again.
"My dear disciple, hasn't Uchiha Itachi left yet?"
As soon as she entered, Tsunade, who had been maintaining the image of a Hokage, immediately dropped her serious demeanor and pulled Naruto over.
"I'm so busy every day, and you don't come to help me."
"Didn't Dad and Mom help you?"
"Tsk, how can they be as effective as having you around?"
After washing up, Naruto and Tsunade stepped outside.
Standing at the door was Senju Tobirama.
"Second Grandpa... my barbecue is almost ready!"
Tsunade blushed and trotted away.
"Naruto, that guy is in Uchiha territory. Can we just leave Sasuke alone?"
Naruto smiled. "Can't Nidaime see that?"
Senju Tobirama was momentarily stunned before he smirked. "As expected, nothing escapes you. Since you already have a plan, I won't worry."
Then, Tobirama narrowed his eyes and smirked. "Naruto, I'll leave Tsuna in your care."
He sighed, gazing up at the starry sky.
"My elder brother and I will eventually return. As for that child... he has suffered much over the years. It's my fault for dying too early and too hastily, leaving the village in this state."
There were few things that could make Senju Tobirama admit his mistakes.
"You don't have to think that way, Nidaime."
"Actually, I think it's fine for you and the Shodaime to be resurrected."
"Uh... well, actually, I think it's fine for the Second Grandpa and the First Grandpa to be resurrected."
Hearing this, Senju Tobirama smiled.
Hmm... why does this feel a bit messy?
"The ninja world requires new blood, and—"
Before he could finish, Naruto interrupted him.
"So, Second Grandpa, how many people in the ninja world do you think can surpass you and Orochimaru in developing ninjutsu and scientific research?"
Senju Tobirama was silent.
"My great-grandfather was the previous generation's Asura... I'll explain all of this when the time is right. There's too much information to unpack, and I need to find a proper occasion."
"Let this be the main agenda of the first conference of New Konoha. This conference is of great significance."
"Besides, the limitations of Impure World Reincarnation are too many."
"Once resurrected, your strength will quickly return to its peak state. And with Kurama's assistance, your experiments will face fewer restrictions. In short, the ninja world is undergoing a transition."
"By combining the power of science with the power of ninjutsu, the world will change significantly."
"Take Sunagakure, for instance. The land is barren, but there are ways to change that."
"Greening the Land of Wind isn't as difficult as people think. Second Grandpa, you specialize in Water Release. Combined with Grandfather's Wood Release, you can use a fusion of science and ninjutsu to channel rainwater from the Land of Rain to the Land of Wind. It's entirely achievable."
"Not to mention, the tailed beasts are already working on infrastructure."
"After all these years of war, wasn't it all for the sake of a few scarce resources?"
"..."
"Things must happen step by step."
Naruto talked at length with Senju Tobirama.
Meanwhile, Hashirama had effortlessly taken over Naruto's position as the barbecue master.
After a while, Senju Tobirama took a deep breath and patted Naruto's shoulder.
"In short... what you mean is that there's a shortage of laborers..."
"Alright, kid, you've convinced me."
"Now that the plan is set, let's move the resurrection date forward."
"Although Big Brother is happy now, he can't eat... ahem, the worst part is smelling food and not being able to eat it."
"You really know everything, kid. I thought I wouldn't crave food anymore... Never mind. I won't take up any more of your time."
After Senju Tobirama left, Uchiha Mikoto and Uchiha Izumi approached.
They looked like they had done something wrong.
After Naruto explained Sasuke's reaction, both of them were shocked.
Then their cheeks turned red.
They felt embarrassed, yet also puzzled at how quickly Sasuke had accepted it.
"No... I need to check on that boy."
"Naruto, Izumi and I will return to the clan compound first."
"No, leave this to Sasuke."
With that, Naruto pulled the two of them back.
"It won't be too late for you to appear once Sasuke is strong enough to face him."
"Naruto-sama... you're so bad~"
After spending time with everyone, Naruto glanced outside the yard.
In the dim light, he saw Konohamaru standing there with Moegi and Udon.
Whoosh—
"Naruto... Brother..."
The usually energetic Konohamaru looked hesitant, his voice weak.
"Are you hungry?"
Konohamaru flinched slightly at Naruto's gentle tone.
"Moegi, Udon, you two go inside first," Naruto said.
Moegi hesitated for a moment, exchanging a glance with Udon. Seeing the kindness in Naruto's expression, she finally nodded and led Udon inside.
Now alone with Naruto, Konohamaru took a deep breath before speaking.
"Uzumaki Naruto… Grandpa… Did he really do so many terrible things over the years?"
The proud, noble air that once surrounded Konohamaru as the Hokage's grandson was completely gone. He lowered his head, shoulders trembling.
For days now, he had noticed the change in how the villagers treated him. While no one lashed out at him directly, he could still sense the weight of their resentment.
For the first time, he understood—even if only a fraction—what Naruto had endured all those years.
But he also knew the difference.
The villagers now were not the same ones who had once mistreated Naruto. The burden Konohamaru carried was lighter, his suffering far less than what Naruto had faced growing up.
Still, standing before Naruto now, he felt ashamed. He couldn't bring himself to meet his eyes.
Especially here—this place, where he had played as a child. Where all the toys inside had once been his.
"Come in with me."
Konohamaru's head snapped up in shock. He stared at Naruto, unable to believe what he had just heard.
"...You don't want to?"
"I do!"
He answered quickly, almost tripping over his words.
"Then let's go."
"Yes!"
As he followed Naruto inside, tears continued to spill down his face. Yet, despite them, a small smile tugged at his lips.
Was Naruto really that kind? Or was he just that cruel?
Konohamaru didn't know.
But at this moment, he felt safe.
At first, his plan had been simple—
If the Hokage, his once-proud grandfather, saw his beloved grandson being treated with the same hatred and contempt as he had inflicted upon others…
If he watched Konohamaru be cursed, spat on, or even ignored, then maybe…
Maybe that alone would be enough to break him.
That would be the perfect punishment. A slow, inescapable torment.
If Konohamaru had not been in the picture, the former Hokage might have simply accepted his new reality. Adapted to the disgrace.
But with Konohamaru there?
Every glare, every whisper, every moment of shame Konohamaru endured would be a knife twisting deeper into the old man's heart.
Sometimes, mental anguish was far more unbearable than any physical suffering.
And Naruto knew that.
So, he had used Konohamaru as the key.
The only light in the former Hokage's crumbling world.
And as Konoha continued to prosper, the contrast would only deepen the wound.
Then, when the moment was right, Naruto would present a way forward.
Atonement. Redemption.
That was the final, crushing blow.
The former Hokage would have no choice but to grasp at the sliver of hope Naruto dangled before him.
To prove his worth.
To contribute to the village's future.
Otsutsuki Ichiraku: No one's going to talk about me? Wait… where's Ayame?!
"Uncle Teuchi, I'll have a bowl of pork rib ramen!"
Konohamaru's voice broke through Naruto's thoughts.
As he stepped inside, he noticed something.
No one reacted to his presence.
Not with hostility, nor with kindness.
They simply accepted it.
The tension in his shoulders slowly eased.
"I want one too!"
Moegi and Udon, having already settled in, excitedly ran over to place their orders.
At that moment, Hinata also approached.
Otsutsuki Ichiraku: ...
Meanwhile, in another part of the room—
"Kyuubi, what about settling the accounts?"
Kushina smirked as she pulled Mikoto and Izumi toward the giant fox.
"Hmph, what kind of vacation do you think this fox gets?"
"Hehe… All expenses tonight are covered by the Nine-Tails!"
Kyuubi glared at Kushina before glancing at the snickering Mikoto and Izumi.
Grumbling under his breath, he pulled out his small ledger.
Sasuke's chakra debt: 500,000 ryō → 1,000,000 ryō
Without another word, he scribbled the new amount into the book.
Nearby, Hanabi clung to Naruto's leg, looking up at him with wide, expectant eyes.
"Brother-in-law! I want pig's trotters!"
Naruto chuckled, bending down to ruffle her hair.
She was still so small.
So cute.
"Alright, I'll make some for you now."
Tonton: Huh?! Time to run!